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

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I’m at present available in the market for a brand new 3-inch FPV drone that’s suitable with DJI O4 or O4 Professional Air Items. I’ve rounded up the favored fashions and examine them intently. I assumed this might be a superb alternative to share my decision-making course of and assist others work out which mannequin may greatest swimsuit their flying type.

In case you’re excited by even smaller FPV drones with the DJI O4 Air Unit (2-inch and beneath), try 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 methods, but small and quiet. In contrast to 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 regulate whereas nonetheless being extremely enjoyable to fly.

They usually weigh beneath 250g together with battery, maintaining 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 high 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 — excellent 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 will 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.

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

For the ESC, the next present score is mostly higher, however something 30A or increased needs to be satisfactory for a 3-inch construct. One other essential issue is the firmware. Ideally, select open-source firmware resembling AM32 or Bluejay (or BLHeli_S, which might simply be flashed to Bluejay for a efficiency enhance). The explanation open-source firmware is most well-liked is long-term assist — closed-source initiatives may be discontinued with out discover, as we noticed when BLHeli_32 was successfully shut down final 12 months. Whereas present BLHeli_32 ESCs will nonetheless work positive, you received’t be capable of replace them anymore. It’s not a deal-breaker, however value maintaining in thoughts for future compatibility. Between AM32 (32-bit) and Bluejay (8-bit), there’s at present little to no noticeable efficiency distinction, so both will serve you properly.

The enter voltage (battery cell rely) a drone helps depends upon 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 advocate 6S for 5inch builds, personally I discover 4S completely satisfactory for 3-inch quads — it offers loads of punch with out the additional weight, price, and fragility of 6S batteries.

GPS is non-compulsory for micro drones of this dimension except you intend to fly lengthy vary. That mentioned, it’s good to have — you possibly can allow GPS Rescue mode, which might save your drone within the occasion of sign loss or disorientation. You’ll be able to all the time add a GPS module later, however if you happen to’re not very technical, having it preinstalled is a handy bonus.

Lastly, arm thickness is an efficient indicator of sturdiness and crash resistance. Thicker arms typically imply a harder body that may deal with extra abuse. Listen not solely to the arm thickness but in addition to how large the arms are formed in product photographs — skinny or slender arms are inclined to snap extra simply on affect.

AstroRC Shuttle V2

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The AstroRC Shuttle V2 is probably the most inexpensive drone on this checklist, however I’m not certain about how sensible that body design is. Personally, I’m not a fan of the inverted rear motors. Whereas it seems distinctive, it complicates repairs and configuration — significantly for novices. It additionally makes takeoffs and landings tougher, because the inverted motors can simply get caught in grass or particles.

Due to this unconventional body, the Shuttle V2 is barely heavier than a lot 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 most costly drone on the checklist — and you’ll see the place the cash goes. It has a phenomenal, 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 rivals. One other limitation is its restricted FPV compatibility — it solely helps analog and DJI O4 Lite air unit, making it one of many least versatile fashions on this checklist.

Yet another factor to notice: the digicam sits fairly far again behind the entrance 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 bear in mind if you happen to want clear, cinematic footage.

Fee S30 Professional

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

The S30 Professional from Fee is likely one of the most inexpensive choices on this comparability. Whereas its specs could not stand out on paper, it gives glorious worth for cash if you happen to’re on a price range.

It’s light-weight and outfitted with appropriately sized motors, giving it loads of energy and snappy responsiveness within the air. One frequent criticism I’ve seen is its mediocre PID and filter tuning out of the field, however that’s not a dealbreaker. In case you 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.

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

DeepSpace Seeker3

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

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

In comparison with the opposite high-end choice, the Manta30, I personally want the Seeker3’s open building. True, you get much less safety from particles or water splashes, however in change, it’s a lot simpler to entry the electronics, they usually get significantly better airflow for cooling. Most significantly, it’s considerably lighter, which interprets to raised effectivity, flight time, and total 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 improper, the Oasis30 will cruise easily and ship first rate flight occasions, but it surely merely can’t match the facility and agility of rivals utilizing bigger 1505 or 2004 motors.

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

In case you’re a fan of the Oasis lineup, I’d truthfully advocate sticking with the Oasis25 as an alternative. It’s extra compact, extra responsive, and total 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 gives the proper steadiness of energy, weight, and design, comes with a strong manufacturing unit tune, and even contains GPS straight out of the field. It’s light-weight, environment friendly, and versatile — every thing I would like in a micro freestyle or cinematic park flyer.

Nevertheless, if you happen to’re on a decent price range, the Fee S30 Professional can also be an awesome worth decide. It’s the most cost effective choice, but nonetheless has first rate specs and strong efficiency. For novices or these searching for a easy, inexpensive entry into 3-inch drones, it’s a really sensible alternative. However it appears you possibly can solely get it from Banggood in the intervening time.