Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Woman” sequence is about going for Autel vs. DJI. If in case you have a query for Drone Woman, contact her right here.
I’m knowledgeable photographer leaning in the direction of the DJI Air 3S or perhaps 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 am going with a DJI drone or keep away from it due to the potential ban? Are Autel’s drones even in the identical ballpark?
Knowledgeable 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 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 choose the perfect drone for you, let me deal with your issues concerning the drone ban:
Is DJI vulnerable to being banned?
Let’s begin off with an vital 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 probably apply to Autel too, not simply DJI.
What’s the most recent 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 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 might be mechanically 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 as a consequence of nationwide safety and supply-chain issues. That features each DJI and Autel. This might end in tariffs or additional restrictions.
- Government Orders (June 2025): President Trump issued directives aimed 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 concentrated 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 — a minimum of, not right now. 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 finest. And hey, now could be the perfect time to purchase a DJI drone. In any case, we’d see costs go up as a consequence 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 way to choose the perfect drone to your pictures profession
With that out of the best way, let’s speak about the perfect drone to your pictures enterprise.
DJI Air 3S vs. Mavic 3 Professional: Each are winners (however the Air 3S is a greater worth)
You’ve clearly completed 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 wonderful picture high quality, impediment avoidance and clever flight options, all at a cheaper price level. And due to its barely smaller dimension, I contemplate 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 presents a triple-camera system and a bump in digicam high quality that seasoned execs would possibly admire, particularly for high-end business work or documentary filmmaking. In case your shoppers demand the very best in decision and adaptability, it could be well 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:
| Function | 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 (vast), 4 Ok excessive‑fps help |
| Flight Time | ~40 minutes | ~45 minutes | ~43 minutes |
| Impediment Avoidance | 360° with 19 sensors | Omnidirectional, sooner 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‑dimension, foldable |
DJI’s drones are stronger total, particularly for the value. I do assume the Autel EVO II Professional V3 is a formidable DJI different, 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 few ban for now. If something, getting a DJI drone now’s higher within the occasion a ban on importing new drones does kick in (although I believe that might be unlikely anyway).
Do you’ve gotten a query I ought to reply? You possibly can contact me right here!
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