DJI - Mavic 3 Pro

Go for the mini 4 pro. The sharpness can be reduced in the settings page and you can also use ND filters to decrease shutter speed to help make it look more natural. The convenience of having a drone weight <250g esp. when travelling overseas is unmatched. If the weight and needing a higher certification is not an issue, then go with the air 3/3s or Mavic 3 for better cameras.

The camera quality is negligible as the 3S is now much newer tech but the mavic 3 is still considered the top flagship due to the three cameras. Id suggest getting a 3S over the mavic now because of the price but id assume when the mavic 4 comes out this year it will shit on the 3s. (as it should being the high end flagship) I have a Mavic 3 pro and a mini 3 pro and have taken decent pictures with both. A ton of people are still taking amazing photos with the air 2s and its the same as normal photography, a lot of people are all gear no idea and think getting a shiny new drone will make them a better photographer but that simply isn't the case.

Avata 2! It's super easy to learn the standard controller. Picture quality is excellent in the head set. I have no complaints about mine. I fly a Mavic 3 also and of course it's a far more advanced drone, but the Avata can be more fun sometimes. If I just want to cruise around and try tricks- Avata 2. Pics and videos- Mavic 3. The neo is cute but I don't see it as a good purchase.

Thats for sure just a normal dji drone. They can transmit easily up to 10km with flighttimes around 20-30minutes. The camera angle are typical for a "non professional" pilot. For example: DJI Mini 3 DJI Mavic Air 2s , 3 pro, 4 pro etc... A custom built fpv drones like i fly them, could reach even more distance. some people are using fpv videotransmitting systems on fixed wings. (basically a littel airplane) with an analog ground station its easily possible to reach distances of 40km+ Always funny to see the "drone over the airports" news XD they are having normal signal lights. Guess what. you could start your dji drone 5-10km away from the airport and fly to it. Yes they normally have geofencing, but even for dji drones their are "hacked" firmwares out there. The ukraine and russia are using modified firmwares. They use normal dji drones as mavic 3-4 pro for scouting and custom built fpv drones for throwing the bombs or kamize drones. And someone in the comments mentioned already, there are aswell LTE modules nowadays. In theory with that you can fly unlimited distances as long as you stay close to modern civilsation with LTE antennas. There is a fixed wing video on youtube doing a 100km round trip with LTE from one island to another. Not going to post it, due i don't want to "expose" the other pilot, because this kind of flights from private persons are not permitted at all most of the times. And here is an example from DJI LTE-module: [https://store.dji.com/hu/product/dji-cellular-dongle-lte-usb-modem?vid=112071&set\_region=HU&from=site-nav&\_gl=1%2A1e4l7b6%2A\_up%2AMQ..%2A\_ga%2AMTMyNTYxOTI1Mi4xNzYwNzgzMDQ0%2A\_ga\_HXRDE344GS%2AczE3NjA3ODMwNDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjA3ODMwNDMkajYwJGwwJGgw](https://store.dji.com/hu/product/dji-cellular-dongle-lte-usb-modem?vid=112071&set_region=HU&from=site-nav&_gl=1%2A1e4l7b6%2A_up%2AMQ..%2A_ga%2AMTMyNTYxOTI1Mi4xNzYwNzgzMDQ0%2A_ga_HXRDE344GS%2AczE3NjA3ODMwNDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NjA3ODMwNDMkajYwJGwwJGgw) # GEO-Fencing dji since 2025: DJI has removed its geofencing software that automatically prevented drone flights in restricted areas, such as near airports and prisons. As of early 2025, the DJI app will now only display warnings for these zones, which pilots can bypass. Therefore, to avoid geofencing, no action is needed because the system is no longer a restriction; however, users are solely responsible for knowing and following all airspace rules and regulations. How to fly now * **Be aware of restrictions:** Understand that even though the drone will not be blocked, you are responsible for knowing and following all airspace restrictions, such as those around airports, military bases, and government buildings. * **Follow the warnings:** The app will still provide warnings when you are near a restricted area, but these warnings can be dismissed, and the drone will be able to take off. * **Prioritize safety and legality:** It is crucial to avoid flying in restricted areas to comply with local laws and ensure safety, even if the geofencing system has been removed.

An Air 3s is heavy enough to shrug off a lot of wind, and has sensors in every direction plus lidar for obstacle avoidance. You can also take off inside and fly it out through a doorway to do it's thing then it will RTH by itself through the doorway back to where it took off. The mavic 2/3s would also handle the wind but won't have such good obstacle avoidance. None of them are mini series quiet, my mini 4 pro is like a stealth drone, but they're also not avata noisy and don't get me started on the neo - damn thing is like a chihuahua when it comes to noise per pound. Doesn't sound like quiet is one of your big things though, more OA and wind handling.

I shoot a lot of large scale panoramas. I have a Mavic 3 that produces excellent results. I use to travel with it but it's just a lot to carry in the already bulked up gear bag. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/52411846639/in/album-72177720295759984) Now I only use it when I'm staying local. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/51796938182/in/album-72177720295759984) For travel, I have a Mini 4 Pro. I have been consistently impressed with the footage and photos I can get with it. Amazing little piece of kit. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/54255392468/in/dateposted-public/) Unless you're really pixel peeping, I think the Mini 4 Pro really holds it's own.

It really depends on your **rates** and **specialties**, since cinematic FPV fly-throughs and aerial videography/photography give very different looks. Either way, it's going to be a bit pricey, especially in the U.S. now with the new tariffs in effect (as of May 1st). The **Avata 2** is solid but honestly a bit too big for tight fly-throughs. The **Avata 1** is a better size, but if you're serious about fly-throughs, I'd suggest looking into a **Cinewhoop** - something like a 2", 3.5", micro, or tiny whoop with an O3 or O4 unit. You can pull off cool, unique shots that ground cameras just can't match. Just a heads-up though: it's an expensive hobby. You'll need the right gear, and I really recommend practicing acro mode on a simulator before flying a real Cinewhoop. Crashes happen, and repairs can add up fast. For aerial photography, the **Mini series** is a good place to start - I started with the first-gen Mini myself and later moved up to the **Mavic 3** when my work picked up. And of course, make sure you're following the local rules and regs if you're planning to do any commercial projects!

✅ **Mavic 3 series** (Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Pro) → D-Log & D-Log M ✅ **Air 3** → D-Log M ✅ **Mini 4 Pro** → D-Log M ✅ **Avata 2** → D-Log M ✅ **Inspire 2** (with X5S or X7 camera) → D-Log ✅ **Inspire 3** → D-Log ✅ **Phantom 4 Pro / Pro V2.0** → D-Log ✅ **Phantom 4 RTK** → D-Log ✅ **Matrice 30 series** → D-Log ✅ **Matrice 300 RTK** (with Zenmuse H20N, P1, or L1 payloads) → D-Log ✅ **Matrice 350 RTK** → D-Log ✅ **Zenmuse X7, X5S** cameras → D-Log Thank God for Chatgpt and here you go!

They'll stop software updates, support/repairs will become difficult. I'm getting out sooner than later.

I still run the first Mavic. It's still a great drone. So 3? Amazing. Don't fall for marketing bullshit of needing the new thing.

incidental transit over people is not really encouraged but ~~technically within regs~~ also not really enforced. with a mavic 3 I would recommend staying far away and using the telephoto lens if you want to do everything by the books for OOP you need prop guards, approved chute (if >250g), RID, and possibly everyone in the venue needs to sign an acknowledgement disclaimer that a drone will be flying over them. kind of a PITA IMHO the best drone for OOP would be something like a DJI neo with RID module, hoverair X1 w RID module, or similar super light drone w guards already installed from factory

Sincerely I don't have that opinion. I have friends using the Mavic 2 still and also a very good drone! About the Mavic 3 Pro, I love this drone and despite the Mavic 4 having sharper telecameras, and rotational camera, I still Believe this drone will be very worthy through many years

Totally agree! I use the Mavic 3 pro on all my professional projects!! I still use my mini 2 also and the mini 4 Pro. But still very curious about the Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 🤔

As somebody who has years of experience doing 'actual proper work' with drones, I can tell you that you're missing a fundamental aspect of aerial cinematography. The quality of the camera on a drone is only one aspect of getting good results. The ability to effectively *control* that camera is of equal, or perhaps even greater, importance. What makes consumer DJI drones so good is that they totally integrate the camera with both the drone & the controls. You can start/stop recording, pick the focus point, change the aperture, shutter speed, FPS, white balance, dial in exposure comp, change the metering, *absolutely everything*, all while the drone is flying. They also have a lot of CV based automated/assisted flight modes these days, that will assist your work by tracking subjects etc. while you focus on piloting. Or by flying predetermined patterns while you focus on camera work. Before this sort of thing was introduced, a lot of drone shots were simply impossible if you weren't working as a two person team - one person piloting, while a second person controlled the camera. If you attach a GoPro to a F550 you have a 'fire & forget' setup. You press record before you take off, then that's it. You can't change *anything* while the drone is flying. You can't see histograms/zebras. All you'll be able to do is try to manually move the gimbal... while simultaneously trying to fly the drone... which I can tell you from experience is essentially impossible. If you want to put a full frame camera on a drone, you're easily looking at a €10,000 outlay. Even just a suitable follow focus & HD downlink might set you back €5000 & that would only give you a fraction of the creative control that something like a Mavic 3 Pro Cine would... for under €4000.

Totally agree! I have [Mavic 3 Pro and Bwine F7GB2 Drone](https://homeinspectiontrends.com/best-drones-for-roof-inspection/). Both comes with 4K camera and is so much easy to work with.

I agree. Unless they just think that they won't ever be able to buy one again or something but yeah that's not nearly enough upgrade to justify the price tag whatsoever. I definitely wouldn't. I have other things I can spend that kind of money on if I already have a 3 Pro

3 Pro or 4 Pro. Any of the mini / air line will be a downgrade from M2P.

I got a drone DJI pro 3 and it's good to have but makes your super vulnerable while piloting. Then you got all the rules to be a licensed drone pilot and you think FAA doesn't know where you fly because they know each time. Police departments also have a system to detect unauthorized drones so you're just pinging your location racking up potential fines in the mail. Just wait for drone tech to get better and buy one that can be deployed when thrown. You got to carry a lot of batteries and most of all small compact hard shell to carry the drone most pilots make their own.

Yea, I'm bummed out big time. I've had DJI drones since the phantom days. It does not look good. I'm getting ready to sell my Mavic 3 and Avata 2 while they're still valuable. I fear DJI will drop support to the US entirely soon. The pulled geofencing in January 2025, which had been done to appease the FAA. They didn't release the Mavic 4 here.. Canadians are about to have a whole bunch of drones available on eBay.

I think of it as a more wind-capable Neo with a better camera Do a lot of industrial real estate and this would be quicker to throw up in the air and catch some shots than my mavic 3....unfortunately it doesn't support RC Pro

I have the mini 3 pro as my main go to right now (so maybe the 4 might be better, but the 4 is still great). I also have the bigger Mavic 3, but the mini is just easy to on carry all the time and get more us out of it.

Hard to answer. Fpv I have seen good ones custom made. If you like brand consistency I would say DJI with avata 2 FOR FPV perhaps... but not excellent in camera if you want videography. If you want quality in video I would say mavic 3 or wait a bit I heard mavic 4 is coming. The choice maybe depends on what you want the most while bit of sacrifices on the secondary usage. Curious to hear what others advice tho

The Air 3S can do plenty of pro work, who is saying otherwise? I'm a full time pro photographer and my upgrade path has been: Inspire 1->Air 2->Air 3->Air 3S Air 3S has been my favorite drone by far, and would still be overkill for your use-case. Honestly only go Mavic if you need true D-log shooting, which you don't. Basically the M3P is for people who want most dynamic range without going full Inspire 3, dynamic range 99.99% of the audience will not notice in the end product.

If you want something good and not care about price get the mavic but if you do care about price then get the dji mini 3 or 4 pro remember to ALWAYS do the training flight simulater when you buy a new drone you will need to

I have one and the photos are amazing