Any comparison of still image quality with new Air 3S vs Air 2S vs Mavic 3 classic?

[AYKO HK]

Hi all, I am new to this forum and currently have an Air 2S. My interest of drones mainly lies on still photography more than filming, with the background of using APS-C and full frame camera, the quality offers from 1" sensor of Air 2S is hardly be satisfied with inferior dynamic range and sharpness especially around corners. So heavy post processing is needed in every DNGs. I accept this, after all it is a drone under 1kg rather a proper camera but I would like to know the new Air 3S or Mavic 3 Classic can provide much better still image output than the Air 2S? Any expert with experience on these drones? Thanks a lot and have nice flying day!

 

[skycam509]

I have a Mavic 3 Classic and love the camera. I do a lot of photography with cameras, as well, and a lot of editing. Of the drones you mentioned, the Mavic 3 Classic wins, hands-down. I've owned an Air 2s, which did a great job, but the Mavic 3's 20MP Hasselblad micro 4/3 camera with adjustable aperture is unbeatable as far as prosumer drones go, in my opinion. I also have a Mini 4 Pro, and have experimented with the 12MP vs 48MP quad-Bayer settings with mixed results. It appears that the Air 3s is using this same technology to achieve its claimed 50MP. If photo quality is your primary concern, I would recommend the Mavic 3.

That being said, I actually fly the Mini 4 Pro a lot more than the Mavic, for its stealthiness and vertical camera capabilities, but where max quality is needed, the Mavic 3.

 

[Filmarik]

I have a Mavic 3 Classic and love the camera. I do a lot of photography with cameras, as well, and a lot of editing. Of the drones you mentioned, the Mavic 3 Classic wins, hands-down. I've owned an Air 2s, which did a great job, but the Mavic 3's 20MP Hasselblad micro 4/3 camera with adjustable aperture is unbeatable as far as prosumer drones go, in my opinion. I also have a Mini 4 Pro, and have experimented with the 12MP vs 48MP quad-Bayer settings with mixed results. It appears that the Air 3s is using this same technology to achieve its claimed 50MP. If photo quality is your primary concern, I would recommend the Mavic 3.

That being said, I actually fly the Mini 4 Pro a lot more than the Mavic, for its stealthiness and vertical camera capabilities, but where max quality is needed, the Mavic 3.

I would like to add my 2cents worth. The M3Classic is no doubt great for what it is. The Mavic3Pro and its 2 addittional cameras expand significantly the possibilities though. Some might say that the IQ from the other two cameras is not that good but I would argue that if one is willing to devote time and effort to processing DNG files in pursuit of perfection, a lot can be achieved with all 3 cameras on this amazing drone.

 

[Wreckhunter]

I would like to add my 2cents worth. The M3Classic is no doubt great for what it is. The Mavic3Pro and its 2 addittional cameras expand significantly the possibilities though. Some might say that the IQ from the other two cameras is not that good but I would argue that if one is willing to devote time and effort to processing DNG files in pursuit of perfection, a lot can be achieved with all 3 cameras on this amazing drone.

Yup,and this is one reason why I am passing up the Air 3S and will not get it.And will instead wait for the Mavic 4 or may even look at the Mavic 3 pro yet.

 

[AYKO HK]

Sorry for making double posts as this thread was hidden few days ago when I tried to post.

Thanks for the above replies anyway. It seems some of us are not 100% optimistic about Air 3S still quality at this moment until better proof come out. Quad bayer sensor is believed better suited for video more than still and it might be the same on Air 3S.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Y'all considering a Mavic 3 purchase should wait at this point, unless you need it, the 4 is so close.

Top reason being O4, regardless of what other feature goodies they come up with.