So having previously had the Mini 2 and having parted with it some time ago, I’m now considering getting back into the hobby again.
The DJI Air 3S has caught my eye (along with everyone else’s!) and I was just looking to get some opinions from people on what it’s like owning and operating a drone this size when you’ve previously experienced the sub-250g variants.
I got the A2 CofC a few years ago and still have some time left on the ticket, so that gives me a bit more freedom than just flying in the A3 category. I’m just wondering if people feel like I’d ultimately end up feeling restricted moving up a weight class from the drone I’d previously been used to.
Open to any and all opinions (and yes I would like to get an Air 3S and a Mini 4 Pro but I don’t think I’ve built up that much goodwill at home!)
You’ll be pleased to know I’d already checked Good 2 Go and then completely neglected to mention it
I’m aware of the greater separation distance needed etc but was more after some anecdotal experience from people who had made a similar switch, and whether they ultimately felt it was worth the upgrade or if they then felt hamstrung by the restrictions?
I’m in Norfolk and used to do a lot of coastal and countryside flying, so sticking to 50m+ from uninvolved people shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
I have a mini 4 pro and an Air 3. They are both great. Horses for courses. The air 3 is super stable esp in high winds and much quicker than the 4 pro. The battery life is very good over 30 minutes. And the zoom lens is great. The mini 4 pro still very capable and the better choice for built up areas. I also love the verticle shooting mode on this drone.
I’ve had the mini , mini 2 and now the mini4pro and although they do give a bit more freedom I found the wind stopped me flying , where as the the Mavic 2 pro and the air3 didn’t really bother about the wind and where always rock solid, also being in Norfolk so mainly flying in rural locations meant they where my go to drones .
Sadly having a few health issues had mostly stopped me flying and now broken my leg at the hip has put a end to it but if you fly mostly rural you won’t regret the air 3s as you get so many more chances to fly
Thanks @scottydog - that was sort of how I was thinking but wanted to hear from someone who’d experienced both! Appreciate it and hope you’re back to good health soon
Hey Andy @rustybarnet I started my drone ownership with a Mini 2 and purchased a Mini 3 as soon as they became available. I’ve flown the Mini 3 in many places both here ( UK ) and abroad including Norway and the Caribbean ( Cancun, Mexico ). The single issue that I experienced often was the effect the wind had on flying the Mini 3 smoothly. I live right on the coast just a few hundred feet from the sea and even in ideal conditions ( other than the wind gusts ) I just couldn’t capture the results I was hoping for.
Then, after several hints, my wife bought me an Air 3 for my birthday. A2CoC acquired, I started flying my new drone…and it’s been fantastic! ( Just don’t mention my crash at The Big Meet earlier this year ).
The Air 3 has proven itself in many conditions that the smaller drone wouldn’t and the flying restrictions have not impacted me at all…in fact, that new Air 3S with the 1” sensor is looking more and more irresistible!
I think you will be suitably impressed with the Air 3’s capabilities and, therefore, my own personal opinion would be just go for it…you only live once!
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