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?

 

[LandWaterSky]

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.

This is an excellent assessment. Well done!

 

[LandWaterSky]

Honestly,

@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?

Honestly, for your use case, I think you should save some money and buy the Air 3S. They're an incredible bargain with very high value. You'll be well served with it for some time. If you you need higher video or camera performance...every year or so there are nicely upgraded models coming out. Personally, I'll be skipping the Mavic 4. The next round will likely offer some major advancements.

 

[DarR-T]

Looking at your situation from a different perspective I would suggest the Air 3S as well.
You're most likely only going to get realtor jobs in the near term. The Air 3S is more than you would ever need for those. In fact, a Mini 4 Pro is what most are using because of the restricted airspaces in urban areas. Once you gain a reputation to qualify for those other jobs, you'll know what you will need then.

 

[slozukimc]

Looking at your situation from a different perspective I would suggest the Air 3S as well.
You're most likely only going to get realtor jobs in the near term. The Air 3S is more than you would ever need for those. In fact, a Mini 4 Pro is what most are using because of the restricted airspaces in urban areas. Once you gain a reputation to qualify for those other jobs, you'll know what you will need then.

I picked up a used Mini 3 Pro recently and I am amazed with the quality of the shots it can get.

Mike