DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro: which one to choose?

Introduction: navigating the world of DJI drones - which one is right for you?

The world of DJI drones is vast and constantly evolving, offering aerial shooting solutions for every type of user, from the image professional to the travel enthusiast, via the curious beginner. In 2025, three models in particular stand out, each with its own specific features and strengths: the super-powerful DJI Mavic 4 Prothe versatile DJI Air 3Sand the ultra-portable DJI Mini 4 Pro. Faced with such a tempting offer, a crucial question arises: which DJI drone is really right for you?

Choosing the right drone isn’t just a matter of opting for the most expensive or latest model. It’s about understanding your own needs, your creative ambitions, your budget, and the regulatory constraints of your flying environment. Do you want to capture cinematic images worthy of Hollywood? Do you need a lightweight, unobtrusive travel companion? Or are you simply looking for a safe, reliable way to discover the world from a new angle?

This comparison article aims to shed some light on the subject. We’ll dive deep into the technical specifications, performance, strengths and limitations of each of these three exceptional devices. We’ll analyze in detail their camera systems, battery life, range, smart features and portability. At the end of this reading, you’ll have all the keys you need to make an informed choice and invest in the DJI drone that will perfectly match your expectations and enable you to give a new dimension to your creations. Get ready to take off and make an informed decision!

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: absolute cinematic power

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the flagship of DJI’s consumer range, a true workhorse designed for professionals and content creators who won’t compromise on image quality and performance. If your ambition is to produce breathtaking aerial footage, with unrivalled richness of detail and post-production flexibility, the Mavic 4 Pro is unquestionably the drone to consider.

Key features of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro

The Mavic 4 Pro pushes back the boundaries of aerial photography with its revolutionary tri-camera system, at the heart of which sits a Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS 100 megapixel main sensor. This configuration not only captures stunningly high-resolution photos, but also videos up to 6K at 60 frames per second. An adjustable aperture from f/2.0 to f/11 on the main camera offers precise depth-of-field control and exceptional low-light performance, while Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) guarantees breathtakingly realistic and faithful colors. The two complementary telephoto lenses, a medium 70mm (48MP, 1/1.3-inch sensor) and a long 168mm (50MP, 1/1.5-inch sensor), open up an immense range of creative possibilities, allowing you to play with perspective and capture distant subjects with impressive clarity.

In terms of flight performance, the Mavic 4 Pro is no slouch. It boasts a record battery life of up to 51 minutes, giving you plenty of time to fine-tune your plans. Its OcuSync O4+ transmission system ensures a stable video link and a theoretical range of up to 30 km in HDR transmission and 41 km in global range, reducing the risk of disconnection even in complex environments. Safety is also a priority, with omnidirectional obstacle detection provided by six fisheye sensors and the advanced ActiveTrack 360° system for intelligent, reliable subject tracking. A major innovation is its Infinity Gimbal, capable of 360° rotation and upward tilt, multiplying the possible shooting angles tenfold.

Who is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro designed for?

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is clearly aimed at image professionals, filmmakers, advertising photographers and demanding content creators. Its price, although not officially communicated for all regions at the time of our analysis (around €2099 for the drone alone in Europe), positions it in the high-end segment. If your main activity is the production of top-quality aerial images, if you need maximum flexibility in terms of focal lengths and creative control, and if budget is not your main constraint, then the Mavic 4 Pro is an investment that will meet your highest expectations. It’s also an excellent choice for high-precision technical inspections, thanks to the resolution of its sensors.

Mavic 4 Pro strengths and weaknesses

Highlights: Outstanding Hasselblad 100MP image quality, versatile tri-camera system, 6K/60p video, 51-minute battery life, Infinity Gimbal 360°, robust O4+ transmission, advanced omnidirectional obstacle detection.
Weaknesses: Very high price, potentially heavier and bulkier (exact weight to be confirmed), not available in the USA at launch.

The Mavic 4 Pro is a technological demonstration of strength, offering capabilities that until recently were reserved for equipment that was far more expensive and complex to operate.

DJI Air 3S: the perfect balance between performance and versatility

The DJI Air 3S is an extremely attractive choice for content creators looking for a capable, versatile drone, without reaching the level of investment (and sometimes complexity) of the Mavic 4 Pro. It embodies a remarkable balance between image quality, advanced functionality and still-appreciable portability.

Key features of the DJI Air 3S

At the heart of the DJI Air 3S is a high-performance dual main camera system. The wide-angle camera features a 1-inch CMOS sensor offering 50 megapixels, while the medium telecamera embeds a 1/1.3-inch, 48-megapixel CMOS sensor with an equivalent focal length of 70mm. This combination captures images rich in detail and offers creative flexibility to vary shots, from wide landscapes to tighter portraits with a beautiful compression effect. Both cameras are capable of recording video up to 4K at 100 frames per second, and support D-Log M and HLG color profiles for greater latitude in post-production. The fixed aperture is f/2.8 for both lenses.

The Air 3S also shines in terms of in-flight performance. It offers a comfortable 45-minute autonomy, enabling extended flight sessions. The O4 video transmission system ensures a reliable connection up to 20 km (FCC standard) and 1080p/60ips video return. Safety is not overlooked, with omnidirectional obstacle detection, making flight more serene, even in environments with obstacles. Weighing in at 724 grams, it’s still relatively easy to transport, although it doesn’t fall into the category of drones weighing less than 250g. Its 42 GB of internal storage is an appreciable plus for getting started without an external memory card, although the latter will remain indispensable for larger shoots.

Who is the DJI Air 3S designed for?

The DJI Air 3S is the ideal drone for advanced content creators, semi-professionals and demanding enthusiasts who want a high-performance tool without blowing their budget. It’s perfect for videographers and travel photographers who need image quality superior to that of the Mini series, while retaining a certain ease of transport. If you’re looking to move upmarket after a more basic first drone, or if the Mini 4 Pro’s capabilities seem a little inadequate for your ambitions, the Air 3S represents an excellent stepping stone. Its dual lenses offer a versatility that single-camera drones can’t match, allowing you to vary your compositions without any loss of quality due to digital zoom.

Strengths and weaknesses of the DJI Air 3S

Highlights: Excellent price/performance ratio, versatile dual camera (1″ sensor), 4K/100ips video, good 45-minute battery life, omnidirectional obstacle detection, reliable O4 transmission, 42GB internal storage.
Weaknesses: Less flexibility and ultimate performance than the Mavic 4 Pro (two cameras instead of three, no adjustable aperture), smaller main sensor than the Mavic 4 Pro.

The DJI Air 3S is a champion of versatility, capable of adapting to a multitude of shooting scenarios while offering a user experience and image quality that will satisfy the vast majority of content creators.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: freedom and performance in a pocket-sized package

The DJI Mini 4 Pro proves that performance doesn’t always have to mean size. This ultra-compact drone, weighing less than 249 grams (with its standard battery), is a true technological feat that will appeal to beginners, travelers and nomadic content creators alike. It combines disconcerting ease of use, extreme portability and astonishing imaging capabilities for its category.

Key features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro

Despite its diminutive size, the Mini 4 Pro boasts a 1/1.3-inch, 48-megapixel CMOS sensor, capable of shooting in 4K at up to 100 frames per second, and capturing photos in RAW for maximum flexibility in post-processing. Its bright lens with f/1.7 aperture ensures good performance even when light is scarce. One of its key features is its ability to take native vertical shots, ideal for content destined for social networks. It also supports D-Log M 10-bit and HLG color profiles, offering extended dynamic range and rich colors.

Where the Mini 4 Pro is particularly impressive for its class is in terms of safety. It is equipped with omnidirectional obstacle detection, a feature usually reserved for larger, more expensive drones. This makes flying much safer, especially for less experienced pilots. Autonomy is also very good, reaching 34 minutes with the standard battery. A « Plus » battery is available in certain regions (not available in Europe at the time of writing and pushing the drone over the 249g mark), pushing autonomy up to 45 minutes. The O4 video transmission system guarantees a stable connection and a range of up to 20 km (FCC standard). Internal storage is limited to 2 GB, so a microSD card is essential.

Who is the DJI Mini 4 Pro designed for?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the ideal companion for beginners who want a safe, easy-to-handle drone, but also for travelers and vloggers who need a discreet, lightweight device that slips easily into a backpack. Its compliance with regulations for drones weighing less than 249g in many countries is a major advantage, often avoiding complex administrative procedures. If you’re looking to capture high-quality vacation memories, feed your social networks with original aerial images, or simply explore the world from a new angle without taking up too much space, the Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice. Its price, generally the most affordable of the three models compared, also makes it very attractive.

Strengths and weaknesses of the DJI Mini 4 Pro

Strengths: Ultra-light (<249g with standard battery), excellent image quality for its size (4K/100ips, 10-bit D-Log M), omnidirectional obstacle detection, native vertical shooting, good battery life, O4 transmission, the most affordable.
Weaknesses: image quality and performance in difficult conditions inferior to Air and Mavic models, less wind-resistant, very limited internal storage (2 GB), Plus battery (if available) loses regulatory weight advantage.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro democratizes access to high-quality, secure aerial photography, all in an incredibly compact and practical format.

Synthetic comparison: Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mini 4 Pro - which one to choose?

To help you quickly visualize the key differences and guide your choice, here’s a summary of each model’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their ideal user profile.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro: uncompromising excellence.
- For whom? Image professionals, filmmakers, photographers requiring the best quality and versatility (with a substantial budget).
- Key features: Hasselblad 100MP image quality (4/3 sensor), tri-camera system (28mm, 70mm, 168mm), 6K/60p video, 51 min battery life, Infinity Gimbal 360°.
- Points to consider: Highest price, most bulky.
DJI Air 3S: the perfect balance between power and portability.
- For whom? Advanced content creators, semi-professionals, travelers wanting superior quality without the investment of the Mavic 4 Pro.
- Key benefits: Dual camera (1″ sensor + telephoto lens), 4K/100ips video, 45 min battery life, omnidirectional detection, good value for money.
- Points to consider: Less flexibility than the Mavic 4 Pro, no adjustable aperture on the main camera.
DJI Mini 4 Pro: performance and safety in pocket format.
- Who’s it for? Beginners, travelers, vloggers, users seeking discretion and regulatory compliance (<249g).
- Key features: Ultra-light (<249g), 4K/100ips, 10-bit D-Log M, omnidirectional detection (rare for this size), native vertical shooting, most affordable.
- Points to consider: Reduced performance in difficult conditions compared with superior models, less wind-resistant.

Tips for choosing the right DJI drone for your needs

The « best » drone doesn’t exist in absolute terms; the best drone is the one that best suits your specific needs. Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your decision:

Evaluate your budget: This is often the first criterion. The Mini 4 Pro is the most affordable, followed by the Air 3S, then the Mavic 4 Pro, which represents a substantial investment.
Define your main use:
- Professional use (film, advertising, high-end photography): The Mavic 4 Pro is the logical choice for its unrivalled image quality and flexibility.
- Versatile content creation (YouTube, travel, semi-pro): TheAir 3S offers an excellent compromise with its dual-camera setup and solid performance.
- Light travel, vlogging, social networking, beginners: The Mini 4 Pro is unbeatable for its portability, discretion and ease of use, while offering amazing image quality and vertical shooting.
Consider the importance of portability and regulations: If you travel frequently, or want to avoid regulatory weight constraints, the Mini 4 Pro (<249g) is an undeniable advantage.
Analyze your image quality requirements: do you need 6K resolution, a 4/3 sensor and an adjustable aperture (Mavic 4 Pro)? Or is excellent 4K with a 1-inch (Air 3S) or 1/1.3-inch (Mini 4 Pro) sensor enough?
Think about specific features: is the Mavic 4 Pro’s 360° gondola a decisive criterion? Is the Mini 4 Pro’s native vertical shooting essential for your publications?

Don’t hesitate to list your priorities and compare them with the features of each model. Watching video tests and comparisons can also help you visualize the differences in rendering and handling.

Conclusion: take to the skies with the perfect DJI drone!

The choice between the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Air 3S and Mini 4 Pro will depend intimately on your user profile, your creative ambitions and your budget. Each of these drones represents the pinnacle of technology in its respective category, offering an exceptional flying and image-capturing experience.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the Rolls-Royce of consumer drones, offering power and image quality that will satisfy the most demanding professionals. Its tri-camera system and innovative nacelle open up unprecedented creative horizons.

The DJI Air 3S presents itself as the champion of versatility, a remarkably well-balanced drone that combines excellent image quality thanks to its dual-camera setup, advanced functionality and portability that’s still very manageable. It’s a wise choice for the vast majority of content creators.

Finally, the DJI Mini 4 Pro continues to impress with its ability to pack so much technology and performance into such a compact, lightweight format. It’s the perfect solution for those who value discretion, ease of transport and regulatory compliance, without sacrificing quality and safety.

We hope this detailed comparison has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed choice. Whichever model you choose, a DJI drone is a promise to explore the world from new perspectives and give free rein to your creativity. Feel free to visit our store to discover these models in more detail, and contact our experts for personalized advice.

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