DJI just dropped a bombshell with last week’s launch of the Mini 5 Pro, and it’s forcing us to reconsider everything we thought we knew about the trade-offs between portability and performance. For the first time ever, a sub-250g drone is packing the same 1-inch sensor found in DJI’s flagship Air series. But does that mean the Mini 5 Pro can actually compete with the Air 3S?
The short answer: it’s complicated. The longer answer involves some fascinating trade-offs that could fundamentally change how we think about drone categories.
Now caveat: while I have tested the DJI Air 3S myself, I have not personally flown the DJI Mini 5 Pro due to DJI not shipping it to the U.S. This comparison is based on specifications and features, not hands-on testing. It’s something I prefer not to do, as there’s often so much more to a drone than what its spec sheet will tell you, but c’est la vie.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs. Air 3S: how to decide
The tale of two sensors (that are actually the same)
The standout spec on the new DJI Mini 5 Pro is its 50MP, 1-inch CMOS sensor. I’ve been covering the drone industry for about 12 years now, and this is unprecedented territory. Never before has a sub-250g drone had a sensor of this size.
But this is where I go back to the power of a drone beyond its specs. Guess what?! Having the same sensor doesn’t automatically mean identical image quality. I said it!
I absolutely love flying the DJI Air 3S and found its image quality wildly impressive. Sure, I haven’t flown the DJI Mini 5 Pro myself (yet), but I’m already thinking that the DJI Air 3S has several advantages that could translate to better real-world performance:
Air 3S advantages:
- Larger body = more stable platform, thus potentially reducing micro-vibrations
- Dual-camera system with telephoto lens offers more versatility
Mini 5 Pro potential advantages:
Then again, the DJI Mini 5 Pro has some key advantages that you won’t find on the DJI Air 3S
- Identical sensor technology in a revolutionary form factor means you can take it more places (thus more chances to take on-the-fly shots)
- 225° gimbal rotation (something the Air 3S doesn’t offer) is ideal for TikTok or Instagram Reels
- True vertical shooting capabilities
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs. Air 3S specs side-by-side
I know I said there is more to it than specs, but here are some other key specs, side-by-side
| DJI Mini 5 Pro | DJI Air 3S | |
| Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP | 1-inch CMOS, 50MP + telephoto |
| Flight time | 36min (52min extended) | 45min |
| Gimbal | 3-axis + 225° rotation | 3-axis standard |
| Obstacle sensing | Omnidirectional + LiDAR | Omnidirectional + LiDAR |
| Video | 4K/120fps HDR | 4K/120fps HDR |
| Price | ~$750 (though not available in U.S.) | $1,099 |
| U.S. availability | No | Yes |
Where the Mini 5 Pro wins
Portability: At 249.9g vs 724g, the Mini 5 Pro is nearly three times lighter than the DJI Air 3S. For travel photographers, this is key for convenience in reducing your luggage load. But the value goes far beyond that. It’s also about regulatory freedom.
The Mini 5 Pro doesn’t require FAA registration for recreational use and can be carried on international flights without many of the complications that heavier drones sometimes face. Other countries also tend to have licensing and registration rules, but often those also only apply to drones weighing 250 grams or more. (Of course, check with your airline and arrival country before flying with this or any drone.)
Creative gimbal design: The 225° gimbal rotation is genuinely unique. I’ve never seen this capability on any drone, let alone a mini drone (correct me if I’m wrong though!). Combined with true vertical shooting, the Mini 5 Pro offers creative possibilities that are especially useful for people who primarily post to TikTok or Instagram.
Value proposition: Prices vary by country, and again, you can’t buy it in the U.S. (yet). But at roughly a $350-USD equivalent less than the Air 3S, the Mini 5 Pro offers remarkable value — particularly if image quality proves comparable.
Where the Air 3S wins
Dual camera system: Here’s something the Air 3S has that the Mini 5 Pro does not: two cameras. The telephoto lens on the Air 3S provides genuine optical zoom capabilities that no amount of software can replicate on the Mini 5 Pro.
Flight time and stability: That extra weight isn’t just bulk — it provides stability in windy conditions (which is ideal for travel photographers flying in unpredictable environments, which might just be a breezier-than-normal beach day). It also houses a larger battery for 45-minute flights (though you could theoretically top that battery with the new Intelligent Flight Battery on the DJI Mini 5 Pro that would take you up to 52 minutes).
Built-in storage: 42GB of internal storage is a massive convenience factor, especially for travel photographers who frequently forget micro SD cards. Um, hello, that’s me.
U.S. availability: You can actually buy it in the U.S., which is perhaps the top winning point of all! No jumping through goofy hoops to get your hands on one. Plus, when buying it the direct route, you can get warranty support and receive software updates, which is critical to your long-term flying success.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from Amazon, starting at $1,099.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from B&H Photo, starting at $1,099.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from Drone Nerds, starting at $1,099.
DJI Mini 5 Pro vs. Air 3S: how to choose
In a perfect world where both drones were readily available, I suspect the choice would come down to specific use cases. The Mini 5 Pro is a remarkable piece of engineering, especially given its sub-250g package. The Air 3S remains a proven workhorse with features and reliability that justify its premium positioning.
Choose the Mini 5 Pro if:
- You travel internationally frequently and need the sub-250g regulatory advantages
- Portability is your top priority
- You can actually get your hands on one (ah ha!)
Choose the Air 3S if:
- You need proven, consistent performance for professional work
- Wind resistance and stability are important for your flying conditions
- You want the versatility of a dual-camera system
- You’re in the U.S. and want full support and warranty coverage
- Built-in storage and longer flight times matter to your workflow
Personally, I’m always traveling and value portability over anything. I also weigh price heavily, so if it were me, I’d buy the DJI Mini 5 Pro and save the remaining money for something else.
Given this world’s regulatory complexities and corporate decisions, the decision might have made for you. And hey, settling with the DJI Air 3S is definitely an a-okay way to go. I wouldn’t be mad if I “had” to buy the DJI Air 3S because I couldn’t find a Mini 5 Pro.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from Amazon, starting at $1,099.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from B&H Photo, starting at $1,099.
- Order the DJI Air 3S drone from Drone Nerds, starting at $1,099.
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