Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Lady” collection is about going for Autel vs. DJI. You probably have a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here.
I’m an expert photographer leaning in the direction of the DJI Air 3S or perhaps the Mavic Professional 3 Professional. However, I’ve been studying extra in regards to the points with the federal government and DJI.
I used to be wanting on the Autel Robotics EVO II Professional 6K Rugged Bundle. Ought to I’m going with a DJI drone or keep away from it due to the potential ban? Are Autel’s drones even in the identical ballpark?
An expert photographer in Southern California? I bought my skilled begin within the drone world down in SoCal too! Whether or not you’re working as a marriage images, on Hollywood movies or documenting environmental change for a information outlet, there are such a lot of alternatives in SoCal (and extra!) for drone pilots.
Earlier than I dive into serving to choose the very best drone for you, let me tackle your issues in regards to the drone ban:
Is DJI susceptible to being banned?
Let’s begin off with an essential clarification. DJI is a Chinese language drone firm (maybe no shock to anybody). However — regardless of what many assume — Autel can be a Chinese language drone firm. If there have been to be broad bans or restrictions, they’d probably apply to Autel too, not simply DJI.
What’s the newest U.S. coverage (and updates on potential bans) round DJI or different Chinese language-made drones?
There are all types of proposed insurance policies floating about. Listed here are a number of the main ones:
- NDAA & FCC “Coated Record”: The FY2025 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act mandates a one-year nationwide safety evaluate of Chinese language-made drone corporations like DJI and Autel. If no company completes the evaluate by December 23, 2025, their drones might be robotically added to the FCC’s “Coated Record,” blocking new imports and gross sales within the U.S.
- Commerce Division Investigations: As of mid‑July 2025, a proper “Part 232” investigation is underway into the import of drones and elements from China as a result of nationwide safety and supply-chain issues. That features each DJI and Autel. This might end in tariffs or additional restrictions.
- Govt Orders (June 2025): President Trump issued directives geared toward encouraging U.S. drone manufacturing, easing guidelines for drone operations and limiting foreign-made drones. U.S. companies are being pushed to favor home merchandise and safe provide chains.
For now, no lively ban on drones you already personal exists.
A lot of this proposed laws is targeted on banning the sale, import, or use of Chinese language drones by authorities companies, or limiting new gross sales of client drones within the U.S.
It’s not about grounding drones you already personal — at the very least, not at the moment. After all, coverage may evolve, however a full ban on flying client drones you already bought appears unlikely, and would probably face vital authorized pushback.
So my recommendation? Go forward and get the drone that fits your wants greatest. And hey, now could be the very best time to purchase a DJI drone. In any case, we would see costs go up as a result of tariffs. Or, outright bans on new drones for import into the U.S. may even make a DJI drone an ultra-hot commodity.
The best way to choose the very best drone in your images profession
With that out of the best way, let’s discuss the very best drone in your images enterprise.
DJI Air 3S vs. Mavic 3 Professional: Each are winners (however the Air 3S is a greater worth)
You’ve clearly performed your homework, as a result of the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Professional are each a number of the greatest drones for skilled photographers. The Air 3S stands out for its worth. It has glorious picture high quality, impediment avoidance and clever flight options, all at a cheaper price level. And due to its barely smaller measurement, I contemplate it the very best drone for journey photographers.
If price range issues (and for many of us, it does), the Air 3S wins.
That stated, the Mavic 3 Professional affords a triple-camera system and a bump in digicam high quality that seasoned execs would possibly respect, particularly for high-end industrial work or documentary filmmaking. In case your purchasers demand the best possible in decision and suppleness, it could be definitely worth the improve.
Evo II Professional vs. altar. Dji Air 3s vs. Dji Mavic 3 Professional
Because you additionally introduced up the Autel EVO II Prov V3, right here’s how all three drones evaluate, side-by-side:
| Function | AUTEL EVO II PRO V3 | Dji Air 3s | Dji Mavic 3 Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor / Digital camera | 1 “ CMOS, 20 MP, adjustable aperture | 50 MP 1 ” wide-angle (dual-camera physique) | Triple-camera: 4/3″ Hasselblad, telephoto(s) |
| Video | 6 Ok @ 30 fps, 4 Ok HDR | 4 Ok @ 60 fps, 4 Ok slow-mo 120 fps | As much as 5.1 Ok video (extensive), 4 Ok excessive‑fps help |
| Flight Time | ~40 minutes | ~45 minutes | ~43 minutes |
| Impediment Avoidance | 360° with 19 sensors | Omnidirectional, quicker in dynamic scenes | Superior—twin/omni sensors |
| Transmission Vary | ~ 15 km (Skylink 3.0) | ~20 km (OcuSync 4.0) | ~ 15 km (O3+) |
| Weight | ~1.19 kg | ~0.72 kg | ~0.96 kg |
| Portability | Bulkier, rugged construct | Compact, foldable, light-weight | Mid‑measurement, foldable |
DJI’s drones are stronger total, particularly for the worth. I do assume the Autel EVO II Professional V3 is a formidable DJI different, but when your rationale for needing another is in search of a non-Chinese language drone, then the Autel EVO II Professional doesn’t match that invoice.
My recommendation? Don’t fear a few ban for now. If something, getting a DJI drone now could be higher within the occasion a ban on importing new drones does kick in (although I feel that will be unlikely anyway).
Do you’ve got a query I ought to reply? You may contact me right here!
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e-mail.
