DJI Mini 3 Pro versus the DJI Air 2S in size. Which is the best camera drone for 2022?
Skyrover X1 Fly More Combo Now $682.48 (25%) Off On Amazon With DRONEXL2025 Discount Code
Check out this photo with the DJI Mini 3 Pro parked on top of the DJI Air 2S! While significantly lighter, there really isn’t much difference in size at all. Which is the best camera drone for 2022? Let’s take a closer look.
Update 5/8/22: DJI Mini 3 Pro low-light performance during a nighttime flight.
The photo was shared on Twitter just now by Joeri Herremans. And while we have no information as to who took the photo, the location, or the time and date of the image, it is very interesting to see how ‘large’ the new DJI Mini 3 Pro actually is.
The DJI Air 2S was the first DJI drone with four forward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors so that the drone would still be able to spot obstacles when tilting forward during a fast flight.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro seemingly has forward-facing obstacle avoidance sensors with a wider field of view. The DJI mini drone also features backward obstacle avoidance sensors.
Apart from the weight, a major difference between the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the DJI Air 2S is the sensor size. The DJI Mini 3 Pro ‘only’ has a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor versus the 1″ CMOS sensor of the DJI Air 2S. It will be interesting to compare both the photo and video quality in low-light conditions between these two DJI drones.
DJI Mini 3 Pro best camera drone in 2022?
Will the DJI Mini 3 Pro drone really offer competition to the DJI Air 2S when it comes to photo and video quality? If so, it might make the DJI Mini 3 Pro the best camera drone for most people in 2022.
| DJI Mini 3 Pro | DJI Air 2S | DJI Mavic Air 2 | DJI Mini 2 | |
| Weight | 249 grams | 595 grams | 570 grams | 249 grams |
| Sensor size | 1/1.3″ CMOS | 1″ CMOS | 1/2″ CMOS | 1/2.3″ CMOS |
| Aperture | f/1.7 | f2/8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Flight-time | 34/47 minutes | 31 minutes | 34 minutes | 31 minutes |
| Video | 4K/60 | 4k/60, 5K/30 | 4K/60 | 4K/30 |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Forward, backward, down | Forward, backward, downward | Forward, backward, downward | No |
| APAS | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | No |
| Tracking | ActiveTrack 4, Spotlight, POI | ActiveTrack 4, Spotlight, POI | ActiveTrack 3, Spotlight, POI | No |
| Range | 7.5 miles | 7.5 miles | 6 miles | 6 miles |
| Transmission | O3 | O3 | O2 | O2 |
| HDR photos | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Correction: the table erroneously stated that the DJI Air 2 and Air 2S had side sensors. They don’t.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Stay in touch!
If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, or… Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*
Discover more from DroneXL.co
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Check out our Classic Line of T-Shirts, Polos, Hoodies and more in our new store today!
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.
Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.
FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.
Haye Kesteloo
Articles: 55063 Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I’d think the heavier Air 2S would be more stable in wind. Another 2S advantage is the bigger sensor with higher resolution and more video modes . It’ll be interesting to see how the Mini 3 Pro performs in low light with its f/1.8 aperture because that’s the only real advantage I see — extended battery life is nice, but the priority for most serious users is the camera. Also, a lot more people would buy the Mini 3 Pro if it could be classified as Category 1. DJI they really missed the mark there.
Air 2 does indeed have HDR photos, and video
Air 2s also has upwards obstacle avoidance sensors.
I’m curious if the new controller will work with the air 2S. I’m sick of tethering my phone. It’s awful…