Subsequent up in our “Ask Drone Woman” collection is about going for Autel vs. DJI. When 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’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 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 handle your considerations concerning the drone ban:
Is DJI vulnerable 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 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 below are a few of the main ones:
- NDAA & FCC “Lined Listing”: The FY2025 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act mandates a one-year nationwide safety assessment of Chinese language-made drone corporations like DJI and Autel. If no company completes the assessment by December 23, 2025, their drones could possibly be robotically added to the FCC’s “Lined Listing,” 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 resulting from nationwide safety and supply-chain considerations. That features each DJI and Autel. This might end in tariffs or additional restrictions.
- Government 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 shopper drones within the U.S.
It’s not about grounding drones you already personal — a minimum of, not presently. In fact, coverage may evolve, however a full ban on flying shopper drones you already bought appears unlikely, and would probably face important authorized pushback.
So my recommendation? Go forward and get the drone that fits your wants finest. And hey, now may be the perfect time to purchase a DJI drone. In spite of everything, we’d see costs go up resulting from tariffs. Or, outright bans on new drones for import into the U.S. may even make a DJI drone an ultra-hot commodity.
Methods to choose the perfect drone to your pictures profession
With that out of the best way, let’s discuss 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 finished your homework, as a result of the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Professional are each a few of 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 lower cost level. And due to its barely smaller dimension, I contemplate it the finest drone for journey photographers.
If funds issues (and for many of us, it does), the Air 3S wins.
That mentioned, the Mavic 3 Professional provides a triple-camera system and a bump in digital camera high quality that seasoned execs may admire, particularly for high-end industrial work or documentary filmmaking. In case your purchasers demand the very best in decision and suppleness, it may 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 examine, side-by-side:
| Function | Autel EVO II Professional V3 | DJI Air 3S | DJI Mavic 3 Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor / Digicam | 1 “ CMOS, 20 MP, adjustable aperture | 50 MP 1 ” wide-angle (dual-camera physique) | Triple-camera: 4/3″ Hasselblad, telephoto(s) |
| Video | 6 Okay @ 30 fps, 4 Okay HDR | 4 Okay @ 60 fps, 4 Okay slow-mo 120 fps | As much as 5.1 Okay video (extensive), 4 Okay 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‑dimension, foldable |
DJI’s drones are stronger general, particularly for the value. I do suppose the Autel EVO II Professional V3 is a powerful DJI various, but when your rationale for needing an alternate 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 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 have got a query I ought to reply? You possibly can contact me right here!
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