As a local drone enthusiast in the Philippines, I’ve always been fascinated with the possibilities that modern drones offer in terms of photography and videography. The landscape here is perfect for capturing diverse scenery. So, when the DJI Air 3S was released as the latest in the Air series as of October 2024, I had to compare it to the well-established DJI Mavic 3 Pro, which is considered the flagship in the Mavic line. One of the most critical aspects of any drone for me is the camera system because I use drones mainly for photography and video content creation.
This article will comprehensively compare the camera specifications of the DJI Air 3S and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, asking the key question: Does the Air 3S beat the Mavic 3 Pro in terms of camera specs?
Overview of the Air and Mavic Series
Both the Air and Mavic series of drones are incredibly popular, but they serve different purposes. The DJI Air series is often seen as a more affordable alternative, offering a mix of portability, ease of use, and solid performance. On the other hand, the Mavic series has been the choice for professionals, providing advanced camera systems and features that cater to high-end photography and filmmaking needs.
With the DJI Air 3S, DJI aims to bridge the gap between hobbyists and semi-professional users by packing advanced features into a more accessible price point. Meanwhile, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro remains a top-tier drone that boasts a triple-camera system, giving users maximum versatility and image quality.
But when we focus strictly on the camera, does the Air 3S manage to surpass or at least match the Mavic 3 Pro?
Camera Sensors and Imaging Power
DJI Air 3S:
- Primary Camera
1″ CMOS Primary Wide-Angle Camera
3.2μm Large Pixel Size
24mm Format Equivalent
50 MP
f/1.8 Aperture
The Air 3S comes with a 50MP primary camera using a 1-inch CMOS sensor. This is a significant improvement over previous Air models, giving users a higher megapixel count and the ability to capture detailed images. A 1-inch sensor in a drone at this price point is impressive, as it allows for better low-light performance and captures more detail compared to smaller sensors. - Secondary Camera
1/1.3″ CMOS Medium Tele Camera
2.4μm Large Pixel Size
70mm Format Equivalent
48 MP
f/2.8 Aperture
The Air 3S also features a 48MP telephoto lens with a 3x optical zoom. This medium telephoto lens provides additional creative options for framing shots from a distance, which is great for both urban and natural landscape photography.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro:
- Primary Camera (Hasselblad): The Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with a 20MP Hasselblad camera, but don’t let the lower megapixel count fool you. This camera uses a 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, which is much larger than the Air 3S’s 1-inch sensor. The larger sensor allows the Mavic 3 Pro to perform exceptionally well in low-light situations, and it also provides an outstanding dynamic range. The Hasselblad color science ensures accurate and vibrant color reproduction, making it ideal for professional photographers and videographers who value quality.
- Secondary Camera (Telephoto): The Mavic 3 Pro comes with a 12MP telephoto lens offering a 7x optical zoom and 28x hybrid zoom. This telephoto system is superior to the Air 3S in terms of zoom range, giving the Mavic 3 Pro a distinct advantage for capturing subjects at a distance with impressive clarity.
- Third Camera (Medium Telephoto): In addition to the primary and telephoto cameras, the Mavic 3 Pro features a 48MP medium telephoto camera with a 3x zoom, similar to the Air 3S, but with the added advantage of having a more complex and versatile triple-camera system.
My analysis when it comes to the size of the camera sensor, the Mavic 3 Pro outshines the Air 3S. The 4/3-inch CMOS sensor on the Mavic 3 Pro is not just larger but also provides superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. While the 50MP resolution of the Air 3S’s primary camera is impressive, it doesn’t fully make up for the difference in sensor size. The larger sensor of the Mavic 3 Pro also allows for better depth of field, which can be useful when creating more cinematic shots.
Moreover, the Hasselblad color science on the Mavic 3 Pro is highly regarded for its accurate and natural color reproduction, which would be crucial for professional projects. The Air 3S, while capable, lacks this professional-grade color processing.
In terms of telephoto capabilities, the Mavic 3 Pro is again the clear winner. Its 7x optical zoom offers far greater reach than the 3x zoom on the Air 3S, making it the better option for capturing distant subjects. Additionally, having a third medium telephoto lens gives the Mavic 3 Pro even more flexibility when framing shots.
How about Video Capabilities
DJI Air 3S:
- The Air 3S supports 4K video recording at up to 100fps and features 10-bit D-Log M color profile, which offers more flexibility for color grading in post-production. It’s a capable video machine for content creators looking to capture high-quality footage with good dynamic range.
- The 10-bit color depth allows for over a billion colors, which makes it easier to capture smooth gradients in skies and other scenes with subtle color variations.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro:
- The Mavic 3 Pro can record video in 5.1K at 50fps and 4K at up to 120fps. For filmmakers and videographers, the 5.1K resolution is a game-changer, offering much higher detail and allowing for cropping during editing without sacrificing quality.
- It also supports 10-bit D-Log M and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) color profiles. The inclusion of Apple ProRes video encoding in certain Mavic 3 Pro variants makes it an industry-standard option for high-end video production.
In terms of video, the Mavic 3 Pro pulls ahead with its ability to shoot in 5.1K resolution. This is a significant advantage for professionals who need that extra level of detail, especially when creating content for large screens or doing extensive post-production work. The ProRes encoding further cements the Mavic 3 Pro’s position as a professional tool.
While the Air 3S can capture beautiful 4K footage, which is more than adequate for most uses, it simply doesn’t offer the same level of detail or professional options like ProRes. However, for content creators on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, the Air 3S’s 4K/100fps video recording is likely more than sufficient.
Low-Light Performance
Low-light performance is often a critical factor for aerial photographers, especially for those who capture sunrises, sunsets, or even nighttime cityscapes.
DJI Air 3S:
- The Air 3S’s 1-inch sensor helps improve low-light performance compared to its predecessors in the Air series. It has a maximum ISO of 12,800, which is decent for low-light shooting. However, due to the smaller sensor size, noise can become more prominent in extreme low-light situations.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro:
- The 4/3-inch sensor of the Mavic 3 Pro allows it to gather more light, making it significantly better for low-light scenarios. The larger sensor helps to reduce noise, while the adjustable aperture (f/2.8 to f/11) provides additional control over exposure, allowing users to maintain better image quality across different lighting conditions.
The Mavic 3 Pro excels in low-light performance due to its larger sensor and adjustable aperture. This combination allows for cleaner images with less noise and more detail, even when shooting in challenging lighting environments. The Air 3S performs well for its class but can’t compete with the Mavic 3 Pro in this regard.
5. Flight Time and Usability for Photography
Though we’re focusing on the camera specs, it’s worth noting that flight time and usability are essential when out in the field, especially for those of us in the Philippines, where we often fly drones in remote locations like beaches, mountains, or even crowded urban areas.
DJI Air 3S:
- The Air 3S offers a flight time of up to 45 minutes, which is slightly shorter than the Mavic 3 Pro. However, this is still more than sufficient for most aerial photography sessions.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro:
- The Mavic 3 Pro has a maximum flight time of 46 minutes, giving it a slight edge in terms of staying in the air longer.
Both drones are equipped with excellent obstacle avoidance systems, which are especially helpful when flying in forested areas or urban environments in the Philippines.
So, Does the Air 3S Beat the Mavic 3 Pro?
The answer depends on your needs as a drone user. For someone like me, living in the Philippines and primarily using drones for both hobbyist-level photography and professional content creation, the DJI Air 3S offers…a great balance of affordability and high performance. It’s an ideal choice for hobbyists or semi-professional users who want impressive image quality and versatility in a compact, easy-to-use drone. Its dual-camera system, 50MP primary sensor, and 4K video recording make it more than capable of capturing stunning images of the Philippine landscapes.
However, if you’re a professional photographer or videographer who needs the best image quality, more flexible zoom options, and advanced video recording features like 5.1K resolution and Apple ProRes support, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is still the better choice. The Mavic 3 Pro’s 4/3 Hasselblad sensor, combined with a triple-camera system and 7x optical zoom, offers unparalleled versatility and image quality that the Air 3S simply can’t match.
In conclusion, while the Air 3S provides a lot of value for its price and is an excellent drone for most users, the Mavic 3 Pro remains the king when it comes to camera performance and is the best choice for professionals seeking top-tier aerial imagery in the Philippines’ stunning locations.
