Get in touch
502-377-9657
nathan@thedronerangerky.com
The Droning Company publishes Drone Comparison Article by The Drone Ranger
Nathan Sheets • December 5, 2022
DJI Air 2S vs DJI Mavic 3: Which one is right for you?
By Nathan Sheets, The Drone Ranger
In the world of unmanned systems, there are many decisions an operator must make.
What’s the best angle for a certain shot? How many batteries do I need, or how long will they last? What kind of safety equipment should I use?
I believe the most important decision an operator makes is one that happens before the rotors start spinning: Choosing the right aerial platform to work with will have an enormous impact on efficiency, safety, and quality of work.
So, let's zoom right in and launch a comparison of the DJI Air 2S and DJI Mavic 3.
Air 2S
Think of the Air 2S drone as the “Jack of all Trades.” This is a phenomenal drone with capabilities far beyond its price point. However, like the nickname implies, this drone is not geared toward any one specific industry. Instead, it focuses on diversity and breadth of ability without compromising quality.
The full, one-inch sensor enables it to perform adeptly in low-light scenarios. The Active Track modes perform second only to the Mavic 3. The 20 MP photos and 5.4k video are top of the line when compared to the competition of similar size and shape. Finally, the price can’t be beaten for what you get.
The DJI Air 2S is also smaller than most of the competition. Normally, this would be a disadvantage when talking about power output or performance. However, the size is one of the things that set this drone apart. The Air 2S is smaller when compared to the Mavic 3, Phantom 4 Pro, and even the Mavic 2 Pro. This allows the drone to perform much better in windy conditions. The aforementioned drones all snag a bit more wind than the Air 2S, and this allows the smaller counterpart to shoot and record in windy conditions without needing heavy editing around the gusts. This is especially true in the cell-tower industry where many operations are at altitude. It is absolutely vital that these operators capture quality images for their clients without wasting their time and equipment on reshoots due to blurry or bumpy footage.
Another top quality of this little drone is the ADSB-In that DJI implemented. For those who don’t know, ADSB, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, is how Air Traffic Control keeps track of manned aircraft in controlled airspace. This broadcast transmits vital information such as altitude, heading, type of aircraft, groundspeed, and identification number. In the drone world, it is used by operators to determine the proximity of another manned aircraft flying nearby. Now, if each operator is following the regulations and are operating safely, this technology would be redundant. But if there’s anything I’ve learned in my seven years in the aviation industry, it’s that redundancy means “saving your bacon." This technology onboard the Air 2S will warn the operator when a manned aircraft is nearby and give them the location that aircraft is from the drone itself.
The keyword I want you to think about when you’re considering buying the Air 2S is “value." This drone is the ultimate value in the mid-tier, professional drone market. This is the perfect drone for:
• New entrepreneurs just starting into the drone world who aren’t sure what industry to dive into.
• Professionals who need a high quality backup drone that will cover all the bases needed in a backup.
• Hobbyists who don’t want to splurge on something more expensive but enjoy quality photos and video.
• Drone service providers who need a drone that can perform in windy conditions.
Mavic 3
Released in winter 2021, the Mavic 3 is the flagship drone model from DJI, and the company has already released three or four variants on the Mavic 3 body. The design is sleek and clean with very solid performance in windy conditions.
Unlike the Air 2S, the Mavic 3 was built with a purpose. The Mavic 3 is geared toward providing the highest-quality videography in the market, and it absolutely knocks the competition out of the park. This drone offers D-LOG and normal color profiles in multiple video-recording formats—including the unique Cinematic 4K. Footage from the drone, even in the normal profile looks incredible. The 4/3 inch sensor on the Mavic 3 is 33 percent bigger than the Air 2S, but the performance is comparable from my experience. This is the drone for anyone needing the highest-quality video-recording capable while staying in the mid-tier drone market.
The biggest upgrade in the Mavic 3 was the addition of a second lens. The telephoto lens has a native 7x zoom that creates the most incredible parallax of any drone on the market. This is the tool that videographers needed to take the next step in their creative journey and unlock new sites and views for their viewers and clients. This lens has a fixed aperture of f2.8 and is much smaller than the main one. This means if you are shooting in bright sunlight, ND filters are a must.
All in all, the Mavic 3 is an incredibly capable drone that is well worth the high price. This drone unlocks so much creative potential while refusing to compromise anywhere else. This drone is perfect for:
• High-level professionals looking to add a dependable drone.
• Drone service providers looking to branch into the videography realm.
• A professional drone operation that wants to focus on their videography clients.
Shot on the Mavic 3
The Big Differences Between the Air 2S and Mavic 3
Still not sure which one is right for you? Let me give you some quick pros and cons for each.
Cost: At $2,849 for the Fly More Combo, the Mavic 3 comes in about twice as expensive as the Air 2S.
Adjustments: The Air 2S does not have an adjustable aperture. The Mavic 3 does.
Obstacle Avoidance: The Mavic 3 has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, while the Air 2S doesn’t have sensors facing to the sides.
Battery Life: The Mavic 3 batteries last about 12 to 15 minutes longer than those of the Air 2S, which equates to about a 30-percent increase in flight time for the Mavic 3 over the Air 2S.
Telephoto Shots: The Mavic 3 telephoto lens gives the ability to enhance a viewer's interest by creating an incredible parallax in a shot that would normally be nice and wide.
The Final Verdict?
Which drone wins? The real winner will be you—after you’ve read this review and purchased the drone that best fits your needs. You’ll enjoy taking it flying and not feel like you wasted any money or invested in the wrong asset. Of course, you must always take into account your own business model, needs and wants, competition, and clientele before making the decision that's right for you.
About The Drone Ranger
Nathan Sheets owns and operates The Drone Ranger—a drone service provider in Louisville, Kentucky that operates in multiple UAS realms, including cell-tower inspections, videography, and construction management. Sheets has a Bachelor’s of Science in Professional Flight from Eastern Kentucky University, and has amassed more than 400 fixed-wing flight hours. Sheets has been flying drones professionally for two-and-a-half years. Find out more about us at thedronerangerky.com, instagram.com/thedronerangerky, facebook.com/DroneRangerKY, and youtube.com/@thedronerangerky.
✈️ With over 10 years in aviation, including 400+ fixed wing flight hours and professional flight degrees, I'm sharing insights on reducing pilot mental workload in drone operations. From automated flight paths to leveraging visual observers, learn how to optimize focus and efficiency in complex environments. Perfect for peers, new drone pilots, and companies looking to optimize aerial missions and training. Let me know some of your tips and best practices!
In the ever-evolving world of aviation, the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones has become a prominent topic of discussion. One crucial aspect of this integration is the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) initiative regarding Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones. Remote ID is a system designed to enhance safety and security by providing identification and location information for drones while they are in flight. Some see it as a neccessary step to implementation of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). Others see it as a massive step backwards for drone flying across the country. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of the FAA's Remote ID program, the reasons behind its delay, and the potential consequences for contractors who are unaware of the current landscape. What is Remote ID and Its Importance? Remote ID is a system that allows the real-time tracking and identification of drones while they're in operation. Its primary purpose is to address safety and security concerns associated with the increasing use of drones in various airspace. By providing essential information such as the drone's location, altitude, speed, and the location of its operator, authorities can ensure responsible drone operation and mitigate potential risks to other airspace users and the public. The Delay of Remote ID Implementation Originally, the FAA aimed to implement the Remote ID rule by late 2020, envisioning a step towards safer drone integration into the national airspace. However, the implementation was delayed, primarily due to the complexity of establishing a robust, efficient, and comprehensive Remote ID system. The most recent delay happened in September of 2023 when the FAA received thousands of notifications citing Remote ID module backlog and supply chain issues as the reason for not being in compliance. In response to these requests, the FAA pushed the enforcement of RID until March 16, 2023. At that time, all operators who are required to be broadcasting their RID information will be required to do so or face penalties. Fines and Legal Implications for Contractors As part of the FAA's efforts to promote safe and responsible drone operations, penalties and fines are imposed on individuals and entities violating regulatory requirements. This includes fines for flying without proper authorization or licensing. Moreover, contractors who hire unlicensed drone pilots may also face significant fines for non-compliance with FAA regulations. This is important for entities scaling UAS operations within their companies. If those companies are not aware or don’t know what they are doing, they can find themselves in very hot water. The fines can vary in severity based on the nature and frequency of the violation, emphasizing the importance of adhering to licensing and operational guidelines set forth by the FAA. Conclusion Remote ID is a crucial tool for enhancing safety and security in the rapidly evolving world of drone technology. While its implementation faced delays, the FAA's commitment to refining the system is a testament to its dedication to safe and responsible drone integration. For contractors and operators in the drone industry, compliance with FAA regulations and the proper licensing of pilots is essential to avoid legal repercussions and contribute to a safe and responsible drone ecosystem. For the latest updates on the FAA's Remote ID and other drone-related regulations, stay tuned to our blog and the FAA’s website. We're dedicated to keeping you informed about the ever-changing landscape of drone technology and its impact on aviation.