DJI Mini 5 Pro vs DJI Air 3S

The Mini 5 Pro is the better pick for most people deciding between these two. It weighs under 250 g, so in the US it flies under the recreational and Part 107 rules that apply to heavier drones, and it still has a 1-inch sensor, 4K/120fps slow motion, LiDAR-backed night obstacle sensing and a 225° gimbal for vertical shots. The Air 3S is the stronger camera tool: two cameras, a 1-inch wide plus a 70mm medium tele, both with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, and it handles wind better because it is bigger and heavier. Owners of both lines praise the image quality and reliability; the Mini's main trade-off is wind resistance and its single lens, and the Air 3S's is its weight and stricter flight rules.

• Choose the DJI Mini 5 Pro if you want a sub-250 g drone you can fly with fewer regulatory hoops, pack for travel, and shoot vertical video with.
• Choose the DJI Air 3S if a second 70mm tele camera and steadier performance in wind matter more to you than staying under 250 g.