Low budget...Air 3S or save for the Mavic 3 Pro?

[bamboozled]

I haven't stayed up to date on DJI drones since pre-covid. If I'm somewhat restricted on budget right now but need to get up and running because my realtor friend has work for me, will a Air 3S suffice or should I go for the Mavic 3 for better videography? (There's an active film industry where I live + lots of indie work, surveying, construction, rescue, etc.) I know the differences aren't dealbreakers but I would like to lean more into videography if I get the opportunity between other jobs.

 

[GadgetGuy]

The primary difference is in the telephoto cameras. Both offer a 24mm equivalent, while the Air 3S offers a supplemental 70mm 3x and the original Mavic 3 offers a supplemental 162mm 7x. You have to decide which telephoto camera field of view is more important to your intended use.

If you need both a 3x and 7x in addition to the 24mm, get the Mavic 3 Pro.

Air 3S is the newest and offers the most features, if you can live without a 7x.

 

[bamboozled]

@GadgetGuy Let's say I wanted to start out doing drone photography and video for realtors, indie films, weddings, whatever. Would I regret not getting the Mavic if some higher budget film was looking for videographers but expected something with good field of view, zoom, etc. or if I hustle enough with the Air, will it just be like, "Ah ok, now this is my backup and I'll get a Mavic." Also, I hear people saying the Mavic 4 will be out soon. Do they reduce the price of the previous model once a new model is out? I'm guessing the Mavic 4 will be $2-3k either way?