Which 3-Inch Micro FPV Drone with DJI O4 Ought to I Purchase? Specs Comparability and Purchaser’s Information

I’m presently out there for a brand new 3-inch FPV drone that’s appropriate with DJI O4 or O4 Professional Air Models. I’ve rounded up the favored fashions and examine them carefully. I assumed this might be a wonderful alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others determine which mannequin may greatest swimsuit their flying model.

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For those who’re occupied with even smaller FPV drones with the DJI O4 Air Unit (2-inch and beneath), take a look at this comparability: https://oscarliang.com/micro-drone-dji-o4-lite-comparison-mar-2025/

Why 3-inch?

A 3-inch FPV drone hits the candy spot for park freestyle ripping— highly effective sufficient for acro tips, but small and quiet. Not like 5-inch FPV drones which can be intimidating and loud, and require extra open area, 3-inch quads are compact, extra discreet, and simpler to manage whereas nonetheless being extremely enjoyable to fly.

They usually weigh beneath 250g together with battery, protecting them regulation-friendly in lots of areas. Additionally they deal with wind much better than smaller drones like whoops and nonetheless supply round 4–6 minutes of flight time per battery. On prime of that, they’re highly effective sufficient to hold small motion cameras such because the DJI Osmo Nano or Insta360 GO 3.

This makes 3-inch drones extremely versatile — good for each easy cinematic flying in tighter areas and agile freestyle in parks, all with out the noise, threat, or problem of bigger drones.

Specs Comparability

Other than my previous expertise with these manufacturers and their drones, and suggestions on-line, we are able to get a fairly good thought the strengths and weaknesses of every drone from this specs comparability desk.

Let me clarify the specs and what to look out for.

With regards to FC, the particular processor (F4, F7, and so on.) doesn’t matter a lot as of late. You received’t discover any actual efficiency distinction so long as the drone is well-tuned from the manufacturing unit.

For the ESC, a better present ranking is usually higher, however something 30A or greater ought to be enough for a 3-inch construct. One other essential issue is the firmware. Ideally, select open-source firmware equivalent to AM32 or Bluejay (or BLHeli_S, which may simply be flashed to Bluejay for a efficiency increase). The explanation open-source firmware is most popular is long-term help — closed-source initiatives will be discontinued with out discover, as we noticed when BLHeli_32 was successfully shut down final 12 months. Whereas current BLHeli_32 ESCs will nonetheless work high-quality, you received’t be capable of replace them anymore. It’s not a deal-breaker, however value protecting in thoughts for future compatibility. Between AM32 (32-bit) and Bluejay (8-bit), there’s presently little to no noticeable efficiency distinction, so both will serve you nicely.

The enter voltage (battery cell rely) a drone helps will depend on each the FC/ESC and the motor KV. Some FC/ESC stack may take each 4S and 6S, however the motor KV are often designed for a particular voltage, as an example, 2500-3000KV for 6S, 4000-4500KV for 4S. Though we suggest 6S for 5inch builds, personally I discover 4S completely enough for 3-inch quads — it gives loads of punch with out the additional weight, price, and fragility of 6S batteries.

GPS is elective for micro drones of this measurement until you propose to fly lengthy vary. That stated, it’s good to have — you possibly can allow GPS Rescue mode, which may save your drone within the occasion of sign loss or disorientation. You’ll be able to at all times add a GPS module later, however when you’re not very technical, having it preinstalled is a handy bonus.

Lastly, arm thickness is an effective indicator of sturdiness and crash resistance. Thicker arms typically imply a more durable body that may deal with extra abuse. Concentrate not solely to the arm thickness but in addition to how broad the arms are formed in product images — skinny or slender arms are likely to snap extra simply on influence.

AstroRC Shuttle V2

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The AstroRC Shuttle V2 is essentially the most reasonably priced drone on this listing, however its body design raises some sensible issues. Personally, I’m not a fan of the inverted rear motors. Whereas the look is exclusive, it complicates repairs and configuration — significantly for learners. It additionally makes takeoffs and landings more difficult, because the inverted motors can simply get caught in grass or particles.

Due to this unconventional body format, the Shuttle V2 is barely heavier than many of the different drones right here. Mixed with its comparatively small 1404 motors, it lacks the identical stage of energy and responsiveness as the highest contenders.

Axisflying Manta30

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The Axisflying Manta30 is the costliest drone on the listing — and you’ll see the place the cash goes. It has a ravishing, well-engineered body, high-quality electronics, and beefy 2004 motors designed for 6S batteries. Nevertheless, it’s additionally extraordinarily heavy — greater than 40% heavier than the favored Seeker30! The sturdy body design contributes to that further weight.

Whereas the Manta30 is probably going a quick and highly effective machine, the added mass makes it much less environment friendly, noisier, and fewer nimble than lighter opponents. One other limitation is its restricted FPV compatibility — it solely helps analog and DJI O4 programs, making it one of many least versatile fashions on this listing.

Yet one more factor to notice: the digicam sits fairly far again behind the motors, which implies you’ll see propellers within the video when utilizing wide-angle mode (each within the goggles and HD recording) — one thing to remember when you favor clear, cinematic footage.

Fee S30 Professional

Product Pages: https://oscarliang.com/product-xgll

The S30 Professional from Fee is likely one of the most reasonably priced choices on this comparability. Whereas its specs might not stand out on paper, it provides glorious worth for cash when you’re on a finances.

It’s light-weight and outfitted with appropriately sized motors, giving it loads of energy and snappy responsiveness within the air. One widespread criticism I’ve seen on-line is its mediocre PID and filter tuning out of the field, however that’s not a dealbreaker. For those who take pleasure in tuning your personal quad (like I do) or don’t thoughts copying another person’s tune, you possibly can simply get it flying the way in which you want.

Observe that the S30 Professional are bought with out an FPV system preinstalled, so that you’ll must buy and set up your personal digicam and VTX. Nonetheless, for pilots who prefer to customise their builds or have already got spare gear, it is a nice entry-level 3-inch choice at a really affordable value.

DeepSpace Seeker3

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The DeepSpace Seeker3 sits on the premium finish of the market — and it exhibits. The construct high quality and {hardware} choice are top-notch, and the general design feels considerate and well-executed. You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for right here.

Regardless of together with a GPS module, the Seeker3 stays one of many lightest drones on the listing — a uncommon mixture that provides it an edge for each freestyle and long-range flying.

In comparison with the opposite high-end choice, the Manta30, I personally favor the Seeker3’s open building. True, you get much less safety from particles or water splashes, however in trade, it’s a lot simpler to entry the electronics, and so they get significantly better airflow for cooling. Most significantly, it’s considerably lighter, which interprets to higher effectivity, flight time, and general agility within the air.

Sub250 Oasis30

Product Pages: https://oscarliang.com/product-bahp

The Oasis30 is basically a 3-inch model of the Oasis25 — Sub250 merely prolonged the arms and fitted it with bigger 3-inch propellers. Nevertheless, it nonetheless makes use of the identical 1404 motors as the two.5-inch mannequin, which struggles on this bigger setup and feels underpowered.

Whereas the 1404 motors can deal with 3-inch props, they’re greatest fitted to effectivity and endurance flights, not for freestyle or racing the place quick throttle response and torque are essential. Don’t get me fallacious, the Oasis30 will cruise easily and ship first rate flight instances, nevertheless it merely can’t match the ability and agility of opponents utilizing bigger 1505 or 2004 motors.

One other concern is its 3mm thick arms — the thinnest on this listing. This raises questions on sturdiness and crash resistance, particularly when you fly aggressively or apply acro.

For those who’re a fan of the Oasis lineup, I’d truthfully suggest sticking with the Oasis25 as a substitute. It’s extra compact, extra responsive, and general flies higher because of the identical motor-to-prop ratio being extra balanced.

Conclusion – Which 3-inch FPV Drone Would I Select?

For me, the DeepSpace Seeker3 stands out as the most effective 3-inch FPV drone with DJI O4 on this comparability. It provides the right stability of energy, weight, and design, comes with a stable manufacturing unit tune, and even contains GPS straight out of the field. It’s light-weight, environment friendly, and versatile — every part I would like in a micro freestyle or cinematic park flyer.

Nevertheless, when you’re on a decent finances, the Fee S30 Professional can also be an excellent worth choose. It’s the most affordable choice, but nonetheless has first rate specs and stable efficiency. For learners or these searching for a easy, reasonably priced entry into 3-inch drones, it’s a really sensible alternative. However it appears you possibly can solely get it from Banggood in the mean time.