Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Lady” sequence is about going for Autel vs. DJI. When you’ve got a query for Drone Lady, contact her right here.
I’m an expert photographer leaning in the direction of the DJI Air 3S or possibly the Mavic Professional 3 Professional. However, I’ve been studying extra concerning the points with the federal government and DJI.
I used to be trying 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 acquired my skilled begin within the drone world down in SoCal too! Whether or not you’re working as a marriage pictures, 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 decide one of the best drone for you, let me handle your issues concerning the drone ban:
Is DJI liable to being banned?
Let’s begin off with an necessary clarification. DJI is a Chinese language drone firm (maybe no shock to anybody). However — regardless of what many assume — Autel can also be a Chinese language drone firm. If there have been to be broad bans or restrictions, they’d possible 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 kinds of proposed insurance policies floating about. Listed below are among the main ones:
- NDAA & FCC “Lined Record”: The FY2025 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act mandates a one-year nationwide safety overview of Chinese language-made drone corporations like DJI and Autel. If no company completes the overview by December 23, 2025, their drones may very well be routinely added to the FCC’s “Lined 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 parts from China attributable to nationwide safety and supply-chain issues. That features each DJI and Autel. This might lead to 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. businesses 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 concentrated on banning the sale, import, or use of Chinese language drones by authorities businesses, or limiting new gross sales of shopper drones within the U.S.
It’s not about grounding drones you already personal — at the very least, not right now. In fact, coverage may evolve, however a full ban on flying shopper drones you already bought appears unlikely, and would possible face vital authorized pushback.
So my recommendation? Go forward and get the drone that fits your wants finest. And hey, now may be one of the best time to purchase a DJI drone. In any case, we’d see costs go up attributable to tariffs. Or, outright bans on new drones for import into the U.S. may even make a DJI drone an ultra-hot commodity.
The way to decide one of the best drone in your pictures profession
With that out of the way in which, let’s discuss one of the best drone in your pictures enterprise.
DJI Air 3S vs. Mavic 3 Professional: Each are winners (however the Air 3S is a greater worth)
You’ve clearly carried out your homework, as a result of the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Professional are each among the finest 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 take into account it the finest drone for journey photographers.
If finances issues (and for many of us, it does), the Air 3S wins.
That stated, the Mavic 3 Professional provides a triple-camera system and a bump in digicam high quality that seasoned execs may recognize, particularly for high-end industrial work or documentary filmmaking. In case your purchasers demand the very best in decision and suppleness, it may be definitely worth the improve.
Autel EVO II Professional vs. 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:
| Characteristic | Autel EVO II Professional 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 (broad), 4 Ok excessive‑fps assist |
| 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 powerful DJI various, but when your rationale for needing an alternate is looking for a non-Chinese language drone, then the Autel EVO II Professional doesn’t match that invoice.
My recommendation? Don’t fear a couple of 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 believe that might be unlikely anyway).
Do you’ve got a query I ought to reply? You may contact me right here!
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