Specs are from manufacturers; prices are store list prices as of November 2026 (rechecked November 2, 2026) and stock changes daily.
How we researched this
We compared official specifications and US listings from the DJI Store, a third-party DJI reseller, Potensic and HOVERAir between October 23 and 27, 2026, rechecked prices, stock and FCC developments on November 2, 2026, and checked FCC guidance on which models can be sold in the US. We have not flown or shot with these drones, so we don’t score image quality; sensor size and video specs are used as a guide. See our disclosure.
What matters most for photos and video
- Sensor size: bigger sensors (1/1.3-inch, 1-inch, 4/3) generally handle low light and high-contrast scenes better than small 1/2.3-inch sensors.
- A 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth video.
- 10-bit color profiles (D-Log M, HLG) if you plan to color-grade.
- Extra focal lengths (telephoto cameras) for compressed, cinematic shots.
- Weight: under 249 g avoids registration for recreational flyers; heavier drones must be registered and broadcast Remote ID.
Comparison table
| Drone | Main sensor | Video (max) | Extra cameras | Weight | Rated flight time | Price (as of Nov 2026) / US status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 3 | 1/1.3″, 48 MP | 4K/30 HDR | None | <249 g | 38 min | $419, DJI Store (out of stock Nov 2) |
| DJI Flip | 1/1.3″, 48 MP | 4K/60 HDR, 10-bit D-Log M | None | <249 g | 31 min | $439, DJI Store (out of stock Nov 2) |
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | 1/1.3″, 48 MP | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/100 slow-mo, 10-bit | None | <249 g | 34 min (45 with Plus battery) | $759, DJI Store (out of stock Nov 2) |
| DJI Mini 5 Pro | 1″, 50 MP | 4K, 10-bit | None | Sub-250 g class with standard battery | 36 min (52 with Plus battery) | $759 at third-party reseller; not officially launched in the US |
| DJI Air 3S | 1″, 50 MP | 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow-mo, 10-bit | 70 mm 1/1.3″ tele | About 724 g | 45 min | $1,099, DJI Store (out of stock Nov 2) |
| DJI Mavic 3 Pro | 4/3 Hasselblad | 5.1K/50, 4K/120 | 70 mm and 166 mm tele | About 958 g | 43 min | $2,199, DJI Store (out of stock Nov 2) |
Picks by budget
Under $500: DJI Mini 3 or DJI Flip
Both use a 1/1.3-inch sensor. The Mini 3 offers the longest rated flight (38 min) and true vertical shooting (DJI). The Flip adds 4K/60 HDR, 10-bit D-Log M and full propeller guards (DJI). If neither is in stock, the Potensic Atom 2 (1/2-inch sensor, 4K/30 HDR, $319.99) is the main non-DJI alternative (Potensic).
Around $760: DJI Mini 4 Pro or Mini 5 Pro
The Mini 4 Pro adds omnidirectional obstacle sensing, 4K/60 HDR, 10-bit D-Log M/HLG and ActiveTrack 360°; with the Plus battery it weighs more than 249 g (DJI). The Mini 5 Pro moves to a 1-inch 50 MP sensor with LiDAR-assisted obstacle sensing (reseller listing), but DJI has not officially launched it in the US; units come through third-party sellers, so check warranty and repair terms before buying (DroneDJ).
About $1,100: DJI Air 3S
A 1-inch 50 MP main camera plus a 70 mm 3x telephoto, 4K/60 HDR, 10-bit D-Log M, LiDAR-assisted obstacle sensing and up to 45 minutes of flight (DJI). It must be registered and broadcast Remote ID.
Professional: DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Three cameras (4/3 Hasselblad, 70 mm and 166 mm), 5.1K video and 43 minutes of flight (DJI). Overkill for most beginners.
Availability in 2026
Since December 22, 2025, new foreign-made drone models can’t get FCC authorization; previously authorized models can still be sold and flown, and an FCC waiver lets those drones keep receiving firmware updates until at least January 1, 2029 (FCC DA 26-454) (FCC). Expect no new DJI camera drones in US stores, limited stock of current ones, and wider price swings. Buy from authorized sellers, and consider spare batteries and propellers while they’re available.
What changed since October (November 2026 update)
- Pending FCC proposal on LiDAR and thermal drones. In Public Notice DA 26-758 (PS Docket 26-189), the FCC proposed stopping the continued import and marketing of previously authorized foreign-made drones it calls “military-grade,” a definition that includes any drone with a LiDAR or thermal sensor. If adopted as proposed, sales would stop 180 days after publication; drones you already own would not be affected (Federal Register). Comments closed September 2, 2026, and we found no final decision as of November 2, 2026. DJI lists forward-facing LiDAR on the Air 3S (DJI) and the Mini 5 Pro (reseller listing); the Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 and Flip don’t list LiDAR.
- Still out of stock at DJI. Every DJI model in our table showed “Out of Stock” on the US DJI Store on November 2, 2026, at unchanged list prices. The Air 3S page now also warns that orders may ship from overseas and need customs clearance.
- What this means for buyers: if you want a LiDAR-equipped model, buy from an authorized seller with a clear US warranty and return policy, and don’t pay a big premium on the assumption it will disappear. Nothing is final yet.
Photo tips for new pilots
- Shoot in the first and last hour of daylight for softer light.
- Use RAW (DNG) for stills and a log profile only if you’ll edit.
- Use ND filters to keep shutter speeds natural for video.
- Always check airspace first. See Drone Rules.
Related: Best Drones for Beginners · How Much Does a Drone Cost?
Sources
- DJI Store: Mini 3 · Flip · Mini 4 Pro · Air 3S · Mavic 3 Pro
- DJI USA Store (third-party reseller): Mini 5 Pro
- Potensic: ATOM 2
- FCC: Covered List FAQs for UAS
- Federal Register: FCC DA 26-758 proposal on “military-grade” foreign drones (Aug 3, 2026)
- DroneDJ: third-party availability of Mini 5 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro
