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.

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 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.

Avata 2! It’s super easy to learn the standard controller. Picture quality is excellent in the head set. I have no complaints about mine. I fly a Mavic 3 also and of course it’s a far more advanced drone, but the Avata can be more fun sometimes. If I just want to cruise around and try tricks- Avata 2. Pics and videos- Mavic 3. The neo is cute but I don’t see it as a good purchase.

Yea, I’m bummed out big time. I’ve had DJI drones since the phantom days. It does not look good. I’m getting ready to sell my Mavic 3 and Avata 2 while they’re still valuable. I fear DJI will drop support to the US entirely soon. The pulled geofencing in January 2025, which had been done to appease the FAA. They didn’t release the Mavic 4 here.. Canadians are about to have a whole bunch of drones available on eBay.

They’ll stop software updates, support/repairs will become difficult. I’m getting out sooner than later.

If the claim of nearly $3000 is accurate. We’ll see. It’s cool but realistically I don’t need this. My Mavic 3 is more than good enough for my use and I’ll get a Neo 2 eventually for travel. (If we can find any in the US once they start production 😢)