DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs Air 3S vs Mavic 3 Pro: Prosumer Drone Comparison (2026)
Above the Mini class, DJI gives you three serious options. The Mavic 4 Pro is the new flagship, the Air 3S is the low-light specialist at a mid-range price, and the Mavic 3 Pro is now the discounted previous flagship. Here is how they compare and who should buy which.
Specs at a glance
| Mavic 4 Pro | Air 3S | Mavic 3 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 4/3 CMOS 100 MP Hasselblad, f/2.0–f/11 | 1-inch CMOS 50 MP, f/1.8 | 4/3 CMOS 20 MP Hasselblad, f/2.8–f/11 |
| Telephoto | 70 mm 1/1.3" 48 MP + 168 mm 1/1.5" 50 MP | 70 mm 1/1.3" 48 MP | 70 mm 1/1.3" 48 MP + 166 mm 1/2" 12 MP |
| Max video | 6K/60 fps, 4K/120 fps, 10-bit D-Log/HLG | 4K/120 fps, 10-bit D-Log M | 5.1K/50 fps, 4K/120 fps; ProRes on Cine |
| Gimbal | Infinity Gimbal, 360° rotation, 70° upward tilt | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional, low-light capable (0.1 lux) | Omnidirectional + forward LiDAR | Omnidirectional |
| Flight time | Up to 51 min | Up to 45 min | Up to 43 min |
| Transmission | O4+, 30 km (FCC) | O4, 20 km (FCC) | O3+, 15 km (FCC) |
| Weight | ~1,063 g | ~724 g | ~958 g |
| Dealer price from | $1,680.18 | $759.32 | $1,232.13 |
Mavic 4 Pro: the flagship
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro rethinks the camera module. The Infinity Gimbal rotates the whole triple-camera assembly so you can shoot true vertical, tilt 70° upward and rotate the horizon for creative framing. The 100 MP 4/3 sensor is the largest and highest-resolution in a DJI folding drone, and 6K/60 fps gives editors room to crop and stabilise. Fifty-one minutes of flight and O4+ transmission round out the specs.
The 512GB Creator Combo pairs the aircraft with the DJI RC Pro 2, whose 7-inch 1200-nit screen rotates for vertical shooting. For a working photographer this is the combination to buy.
Air 3S: low light for less
The DJI Air 3S costs roughly half as much yet keeps the 1-inch 50 MP main sensor and a genuinely useful 70 mm medium tele. Its forward LiDAR enables nightscape return-to-home and obstacle sensing after dark — one reason the FCC's August 2026 notice singled out LiDAR-equipped consumer drones, so keep an eye on our FCC status guide. Forty-five minutes of flight and 42 GB of internal storage make it an easy travel companion.
If you do not need 6K, a 168 mm tele or the rotating gimbal, the Air 3S is the best camera-per-dollar in DJI's lineup.
Mavic 3 Pro: the discounted former flagship
Now 33% off MSRP at ASI Computer, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro still offers three focal lengths, a Hasselblad 4/3 main camera and — on the Cine Premium Combo — Apple ProRes recording to a 1TB internal SSD. Production houses that already run a Mavic 3 workflow can add airframes at a significant saving. Its 20 MP resolution and O3+ link show its age against the Mavic 4 Pro, but for video the difference is smaller than the spec sheet suggests.
Which one should you buy?
- Professional photography / mapping-quality stills: Mavic 4 Pro. The 100 MP sensor and 6K video will stay competitive for years.
- Travel, real estate, YouTube: Air 3S Fly More Combo (RC 2). Excellent image, lighter, $759.32 to start.
- Production companies adding aircraft: Mavic 3 Pro Cine Premium Combo for ProRes, or Mavic 3 Pro (DJI RC) as a B-camera.
- Budget-conscious all-rounder: the original DJI Air 3 at $479.25 still does 4K/60 with 46 minutes of flight.
Buying from an authorized dealer
All Mavic and Air aircraft sold by ASI Computer are new, sealed North American units with full DJI warranty and DJI Care Refresh eligibility. Business customers can request net terms and volume pricing on our reseller page; verify our authorization on DJI.com.
Products in this guide
18% off MSRP
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
4/3 Main Cam+Long Tele · 6K/60fps · 4K/120fps · 45Min · O3 · ~960g
.webp)
18% off MSRP
DJI Air 3S
1" Main+1/1.3" Tele · LiDAR · 4K/120fps Night · 45Min · O4 · 780g
.webp)
33% off MSRP
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Hasselblad Triple (4/3+Dual Tele) · 5.1K/50fps · Apple ProRes · 43Min · O3+ · 958g
.webp)
25% off MSRP
DJI Air 3
Dual Camera (Wide+Tele) · 4K/60fps · 46Min · O4 · 720g
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mavic 4 Pro worth it over the Air 3S?
For paid photography and video, yes: the 100 MP 4/3 Hasselblad sensor, 6K/60 fps, the 360° Infinity Gimbal and the 168 mm tele give it a clear edge. For travel and hobby use, the Air 3S at roughly half the price is the smarter buy.
Should I buy the Mavic 3 Pro now that the Mavic 4 Pro is out?
The Mavic 3 Pro at 33% off MSRP is attractive if you want three focal lengths (24/70/166 mm) and Apple ProRes on the Cine model. If you do not need the medium tele, the Mavic 4 Pro's newer sensor and gimbal are worth the difference for most buyers.
Do these drones need FAA registration?
Yes. All three weigh well over 250 g, so they must be registered with the FAA (US) or Transport Canada (Canada). Commercial use requires Part 107 (US) or an RPAS Basic/Advanced certificate (Canada).
Are the Mavic 4 Pro and Air 3S available in the United States?
Yes as of September 2026; both were FCC-authorized before the December 2025 Covered List action. See our FCC status guide for details and updates.
Sources & Further Reading
Talk to a DJI specialist at ASI Computer
Authorized dealer pricing, volume discounts and honest lead times — reply within one business day.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
