Even 10 years ago, it was hard to imagine that an ordinary person could go to a store and buy a flying camera at any time. And not just a camera, but a camera that will shoot long videos in 4K resolution and will not cost a fortune.
DJI has made what used to be a fantasy come true. Now everyone has the opportunity to purchase a drone that can fly to any height and capture amazing views.
Below is a selection of DJI drones that are best suited for shooting. Therefore, special emphasis in the description of each model is on the characteristics of the camera.
DJI Mavic 3
Characteristics:
- camera – 20 MP, matrix size 4/3 + telephoto lens 12 MP, ½ “
- flight time – 46 min
- Max. speed — 68 km/h
- weight – 895 g
Mavic 3 is DJI’s flagship drone. The model has an optimal set of features and is likely to convince a number of buyers to make a choice in its favor.
On board the drone is a Hasselblad wide-angle camera with a 4/3 format CMOS sensor and a field of view of 84 °, as well as an additional 12 MP telephoto lens with a ½” CMOS sensor. The combination of two high-quality cameras provides users with a wide range of shooting options – in resolutions up to 5.1K. And support for the Apple ProRes 422 family of codecs enables professional editing and cinematic-quality video production.
Unlike its predecessors in the same series, Mavic 3 has a powerful battery (the drone can stay in the air for up to 46 minutes) and is capable of accelerating up to 68 km/h. Advanced technologies are built into the drone: obstacle detection in all directions, the O3 + transmission system and the Advanced RTH return to base algorithm.
| pros: | Minuses: |
| great dual camera | not a compact drone |
| strength (head wind up to 12 m/s) | high cost (especially if you buy a new remote control) |
| powerful battery |
DJI Mini 3
Characteristics:
- camera – 12 MP, matrix size 1 / 1.3 “
- flight time – 38 min
- Max. speed — 57 km/h
- weight – 248 g
The recently introduced Mini 3 impresses not only with its size (it will fit in the palm of your hand), but also with quite decent image quality.
The drone has a built-in camera of 12 megapixels with a matrix size of 1/1.3” and a viewing angle of 82°. You can shoot 4K videos, HDR RAW photos, and 180 or 360-degree panoramas on it.
Working with the drone camera is quite simple. The drone has automatic QuickShots modes (with Dronie, Helix, Rocket and Circle trajectories) that make it easy to fly – and shoot – for beginners. Some features of the Mini 3 are designed specifically for bloggers, such as the True Vertical Shooting algorithm, which quickly rotates the camera 90° to shoot in a vertical format.
At the same time, it must be remembered that the compact size can impose certain limitations on flight characteristics: it is better not to use the drone in strong winds. In addition, the Mini 3 does not have a full-fledged obstacle detection system – there are only sensors pointing down. However, only professionals will consider this as a serious drawback.
| Pros: | Minuses: |
| small and light | less wind resistance |
| good 12 megapixel camera | no obstacle detection system |
| simple control |
DJI Air 2S
Characteristics:
- camera – 20 MP, matrix size 1″
- flight time – 31 min
- Max. speed – 68 km / h (in sport mode)
- weight – 595 g
The Air 2S is ideal for those who lack the performance of the Mini 3, but are not ready to buy the flagship Mavic 3.
The drone camera has an impressive 88° field of view. It can shoot video at a resolution of 5.4K and photos up to 20 megapixels. Supported and HDR RAW, and spherical panoramas, and burst shooting.
The drone has good flight characteristics, but does not have side obstacle detection sensors. However, with careful piloting, this will not become a problem.
| Pros: | Minuses: |
| front and rear obstacle detection sensors | no side obstacle detection sensors |
| good 20 megapixel camera | fairly large dimensions |
DJI Mini 3 Pro
Characteristics:
- camera – 48 MP, matrix size 1 / 1.3 “
- flight time – 34 min
- Max. speed – 57 km / h (in sport mode)
- weight – 249 g
The Mini 3 Pro basically has the same benefits as the Mini 3. It’s a super-compact drone with simple controls that’s easy to transport and launch whenever you want.
Moreover, on board the Mini 3 Pro is an advanced 48 MP camera with a matrix size of 1 / 1.3 ”, a viewing angle of 82.1 °, an ISO range of 100-6400 and support for the D-Cinelike color profile. The drone is also equipped with an advanced APAS 4.0 obstacle detection system (sensors are directed forward, backward and down) and an O3 data transmission system with four antennas.
The buyer, tempted by such characteristics, nevertheless, will have to take into account that, of course, you will have to pay extra for all the advantages of the Mini 3 Pro over the younger Mini 3 model.
| Pros: | Minuses: |
| small and light | more expensive than Mini 3 |
| great 4K camera | no side obstacle detection sensors |
| simple control |
conclusions
In our opinion, it is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question “Which drone shoots the best video?” Any choice will require mandatory reservations:
— Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro? Yes, but not in all weather conditions.
— Mavic 3? Yes, but not everyone can afford it.
— Air 2S? Yes, but the size may not fit.
Only the buyer can compare drones with each other and make a decision in favor of a particular model. Perhaps there can be no wrong decision: any DJI product is a fusion of advanced technologies. Fortunately, today everyone can verify this on their own.
The post Flying Cameras: Which Drone Makes the Best Video appeared first on DJI Buyer’s Guide.