DJI Mavic 4 vs Air 3S: Which Camera Drone is Best in 2026?

As we settle into 2026, the drone landscape has split into two distinct paths: ultra-portable prosumer powerhouses and uncompromising cinematic tools. If you're reading this drone camera comparison, you're likely standing at a crossroads, torn between the accessible brilliance of the DJI Air 3S and the flagship prowess of the DJI Mavic 4.

"The Air 3S produces beautiful images straight out of the camera. The Mavic 4 produces data-rich files that allow you to create beautiful images in the edit bay."

The 2026 Hardware Showdown: Specs at a Glance

Before we dive into pixel-peeping results, let's establish the baseline. In 2026, DJI has pushed the envelope on battery chemistry and transmission stability, but the optical differences remain the primary differentiator between these two drones.

Feature	DJI Air 3S	DJI Mavic 4
Main Camera	1-inch CMOS (24mm eq.)	4/3 CMOS Hasselblad (24mm eq.)
Telephoto System	1/1.3-inch CMOS (70mm eq.)	1/1.3-inch (70mm) & 1/2-inch (166mm)
Video Resolution	4K/120fps (All Cams)	5.4K/60fps (Main), 4K/120fps (Tele)
Variable Aperture	No (Fixed f/1.8)	Yes (f/2.8–f/11 on Main)
Color Depth	10-bit D-Log M	10-bit D-Log M & 12-bit ProRes RAW
Flight Time	46 Minutes	48 Minutes
Transmission	O5 (20km range)	O5 Pro (25km range + 4G Dongle)
Takeoff Weight	724g	985g

Camera Systems: The Battle for Image Quality

The heart of the best DJI drone 2026 debate lies in the gimbal housing. The Mavic 4 continues the legacy of the Mavic 3 Pro but refines color science and dynamic range to levels previously reserved for the Inspire series.

The Main Sensor: Size Matters

The Mavic 4 utilizes a Four Thirds sensor for its main 24mm lens. In my testing, the dynamic range proved staggering—retaining highlight detail in clouds while simultaneously resolving shadow textures in dense forestry. The variable aperture (f/2.8 to f/11) allows cinematographers to maintain the 180-degree shutter rule without frantically swapping ND filters as lighting conditions shift.

The Air 3S's 1-inch sensor is no slouch, but there's a noticeable gap when pushing files in post-production. Shadows reveal more noise, and highlights clip sooner when shooting into the sun.

The Telephoto Argument

The Air 3S features a dual-camera setup with a 70mm medium telephoto. It excels at parallax shots and compressing backgrounds to make subjects appear grander. However, the Mavic 4 boasts a tri-camera system: the main 24mm, a 70mm medium telephoto, and a 166mm super-telephoto.

That 166mm lens is a game-changer for wildlife, inspections, and creative compression effects that simply aren't possible with shorter focal lengths.

Low-Light Performance and ISO Capabilities

When the sun dips below the horizon, the Mavic 4 image quality truly separates itself from the competition. The Four Thirds sensor's larger pixel pitch gathers significantly more light than the Air 3S sensors, resulting in cleaner footage at ISO 3200 and beyond.

The Air 3S remains usable up to ISO 1600 in controlled conditions, but noise becomes problematic in the shadows. For golden hour and blue hour work, both drones perform admirably. For true night work, the Mavic 4 is the clear winner.

Video Codecs and Professional Workflows

This section is where the "Pro" designation earns its keep. The Mavic 4 supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes RAW internally on its built-in 2TB SSD (Cine version). This codec remains the industry standard for television and film production because it compresses frames individually (intra-frame) rather than as groups of pictures (inter-frame), making editing significantly smoother on your CPU.

The Air 3S records in H.265 and H.264 codecs, which are efficient for storage but require more processing power to edit smoothly. For social media and YouTube creators, this is rarely an issue. For broadcast delivery, the transcoding step adds time to your workflow.

Flight Dynamics and Autonomy

Both drones feature DJI's O5 transmission system, providing rock-solid video feeds even in urban environments saturated with Wi-Fi interference. However, the autonomy engines differ slightly.

The Mavic 4's ActiveTrack 6.0 handles complex tracking scenarios with improved subject recognition, while the Air 3S uses the previous-generation ActiveTrack 5.0. In practice, both track subjects reliably, but the Mavic 4 recovers faster when obstacles temporarily block the subject.

Travel and Logistics

Physics doesn't care about flagship status. The Mavic 4 is a substantial piece of equipment—the Fly More Combo with three batteries, the RC Pro controller, and the drone itself fills a dedicated camera backpack. The Air 3S, by comparison, fits snugly into the side pouch of a standard daypack.

For travel photographers who count every gram, the 261g weight difference adds up quickly when combined with batteries and accessories.

Price vs. Value: The Verdict

As of early 2026, the price delta is significant. The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo hovers around the $1,500 mark, while the Mavic 4 Cine Premium Combo pushes past $4,500.

Who Should Buy the Air 3S?

• Travel Vloggers: The weight savings prove invaluable, and the image quality exceeds what 99% of viewers can distinguish on a phone screen.
• Real Estate Photographers: The 1-inch sensor handles HDR bracketing beautifully, and the 70mm lens creates flattering exterior shots.
• Social Media Managers: Vertical shooting modes and QuickShots make content generation rapid and effective.

Who Should Buy the Mavic 4?

• Commercial Cinematographers: If you're delivering to Netflix or broadcast TV, the ProRes codec and Four Thirds sensor are non-negotiable.
• Inspection Services: The 166mm zoom allows you to inspect cell towers or bridges while maintaining a safe standoff distance.
• Fine Art Photographers: If you plan to print images large (24×36 inches or bigger), you need the resolution and dynamic range only the Mavic 4 provides.

For current pricing and bundle options, check reputable retailers like B&H Photo.

Final Thoughts

In the contest of DJI Mavic 4 vs Air 3S, there's no loser—only different tools for different creators. The Air 3S stands as the "value king," offering incredible performance that punches well above its weight class. It represents the rational choice for the majority of pilots.

The Mavic 4, however, remains the aspirational pinnacle. It's a tool that removes technical limitations, leaving pilots with only one constraint: their own creativity. If your budget allows and your back can handle the weight, the Mavic 4 is the best camera drone available in 2026.