DJI - Mavic 3M

If you want accurate maps, you need the Mavic 3 enterprise with it's mechanical shutter. For basic mapping for fun, you can go as low as a Mini 3 pro, but the rolling shutter will reduce accuracy and resolution. I work with the Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK at work, and does incredibly accurate and detailed maps, but really no better than my old personal Phantom 4 Pro I have at home. With RTK and GCP's you can get accuracy within a cm or two. I'm trying trying to get our non-profit to get a Matrice 350 RTK with all the goodies to increase functionality as the Mavic 3E is great for maps, but not much else.

For commercial flight there is nothing comparable to the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Matrice 4 models. Once you get up to the larger Matrices then there are a couple of options that are closer but DJI has such a head start and lead on this type of flight that it will be a while until anyone can catch up. In my experience Autel makes a good drone and system but their support can be a pain if you experience issues which is more often than DJI. Skydio is in the same boat and neither have the famed mechanical shutter. For larger commercial use cases the Freefly, WISPR and Intelligent Flight offerings are getting much closer.

What I would recommend… DJI mini 4k for the cheapest entry. It will let you get a feel for things and find out if you want more. DJI mini 5. If you’re going to spend money, then just go with the newest option. It has a lot of the nice features and it’s portable. DJI Air 3s. If portability isn’t an issue, then the air 3s is a little better. - Although there a couple of drones between the 4k and 5 pro, but the quality up grades are minor and don’t have many better features. Mainly obstacle avoidance, which the mini 3 is missing. You could spend money on a mini 4, but for a little more just get the mini 5p. After the air 3s, you would want to make bigger upgrades to the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 enterprise series. Which is way more than you need IMO

I’ve used a mini pro and a mavic 3 but my favorite to shoot with is still my air3. The 3x zoom seem perfect fP those nice compressed shots while still shooting 4k 60 in all the tracking modes.

Hard to answer. Fpv I have seen good ones custom made. If you like brand consistency I would say DJI with avata 2 FOR FPV perhaps… but not excellent in camera if you want videography. If you want quality in video I would say mavic 3 or wait a bit I heard mavic 4 is coming. The choice maybe depends on what you want the most while bit of sacrifices on the secondary usage. Curious to hear what others advice tho

Go for the mini 4 pro. The sharpness can be reduced in the settings page and you can also use ND filters to decrease shutter speed to help make it look more natural. The convenience of having a drone weight <250g esp. when travelling overseas is unmatched. If the weight and needing a higher certification is not an issue, then go with the air 3/3s or Mavic 3 for better cameras.

incidental transit over people is not really encouraged but ~~technically within regs~~ also not really enforced. with a mavic 3 I would recommend staying far away and using the telephoto lens if you want to do everything by the books for OOP you need prop guards, approved chute (if >250g), RID, and possibly everyone in the venue needs to sign an acknowledgement disclaimer that a drone will be flying over them. kind of a PITA IMHO the best drone for OOP would be something like a DJI neo with RID module, hoverair X1 w RID module, or similar super light drone w guards already installed from factory

I shoot a lot of large scale panoramas. I have a Mavic 3 that produces excellent results. I use to travel with it but it's just a lot to carry in the already bulked up gear bag. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/52411846639/in/album-72177720295759984) Now I only use it when I'm staying local. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/51796938182/in/album-72177720295759984) For travel, I have a Mini 4 Pro. I have been consistently impressed with the footage and photos I can get with it. Amazing little piece of kit. [Example](https://www.flickr.com/photos/tattrat/54255392468/in/dateposted-public/) Unless you're really pixel peeping, I think the Mini 4 Pro really holds it's own.

I recently got a waiver for ops over people with a mavic 3. I got the ParaZero parachute designed for it along with the prop guards and anti collision lighting. I submitted a waiver request for my area to last 2 years with my equipment and some operational guidelines and it was approved after about 6 weeks.

Most capable drone would be probably Mavic 4 Pro but based on your budget, I would say look into used Mavic 3 Pro. Mini 4 Pro is another great option. I do have an extra Mavic 3 for sale if you are in the USA. Let me know.