Autel vs. DJI: how should I plan in the event of a Chinese drone ban?

Posted by Dronerator

Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about going for Autel vs. DJI. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.

I am a professional photographer leaning towards the DJI Air 3S or maybe the Mavic Pro 3 Pro. But, I have been reading more about the issues with the government and DJI.

I was looking at the Autel Robotics EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle. Should I go with a DJI drone or avoid it because of the potential ban? Are Autel’s drones even in the same ballpark?

A professional photographer in Southern California? I got my professional start in the drone world down in SoCal too! Whether you’re working as a wedding photography, on Hollywood films or documenting environmental change for a news outlet, there are so many opportunities in SoCal (and more!) for drone pilots.

Before I dive into helping pick the best drone for you, let me address your concerns about the drone ban:

Is DJI at risk of being banned?

Let’s start off with an important clarification. DJI is a Chinese drone company (perhaps no surprise to anyone). But — despite what many assume — Autel is also a Chinese drone company. If there were to be broad bans or restrictions, they’d likely apply to Autel too, not just DJI.

What’s the latest U.S. policy (and updates on potential bans) around DJI or other Chinese-made drones?

There are all sorts of proposed policies floating about. Here are some of the major ones:

  • NDAA & FCC “Covered List”: The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act mandates a one-year national security review of Chinese-made drone companies like DJI and Autel. If no agency completes the review by December 23, 2025, their drones could be automatically added to the FCC’s “Covered List,” blocking new imports and sales in the U.S.
  • Commerce Department Investigations: As of mid‑July 2025, a formal “Section 232” investigation is underway into the import of drones and components from China due to national security and supply-chain concerns. That includes both DJI and Autel. This could result in tariffs or further restrictions.
  • Executive Orders (June 2025): President Trump issued directives aimed at encouraging U.S. drone manufacturing, easing rules for drone operations and restricting foreign-made drones. U.S. agencies are being pushed to favor domestic products and secure supply chains.

For now, no active ban on drones you already own exists.

Much of this proposed legislation is focused on banning the sale, import, or use of Chinese drones by government agencies, or restricting new sales of consumer drones in the U.S.

It’s not about grounding drones you already own — at least, not at this time. Of course, policy could evolve, but a full ban on flying consumer drones you already purchased seems unlikely, and would likely face significant legal pushback.

So my advice? Go ahead and get the drone that suits your needs best. And hey, now might be the best time to buy a DJI drone. After all, we might see prices go up due to tariffs. Or, outright bans on new drones for import into the U.S. could even make a DJI drone an ultra-hot commodity.

How to pick the best drone for your photography career

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the best drone for your photography business.

DJI Air 3S vs. Mavic 3 Pro: Both are winners (but the Air 3S is a better value)

You’ve clearly done your homework, because the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro are both some of the best drones for professional photographers. The Air 3S stands out for its value. It has excellent image quality, obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight features, all at a lower price point. And because of its slightly smaller size, I consider it the best drone for travel photographers.

If budget matters (and for most of us, it does), the Air 3S wins.

That said, the Mavic 3 Pro offers a triple-camera system and a bump in camera quality that seasoned pros might appreciate, especially for high-end commercial work or documentary filmmaking. If your clients demand the absolute best in resolution and flexibility, it might be worth the upgrade.

Autel EVO II Pro vs. DJI Air 3S vs. DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Since you also brought up the Autel EVO II Prov V3, here’s how all three drones compare, side-by-side:

Feature Autel EVO II Pro V3 DJI Air 3S DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Sensor / Camera 1 “ CMOS, 20 MP, adjustable aperture 50 MP 1 ” wide-angle (dual-camera body) Triple-camera: 4/3″ Hasselblad, telephoto(s)
Video 6 K @ 30 fps, 4 K HDR 4 K @ 60 fps, 4 K slow-mo 120 fps Up to 5.1 K video (wide), 4 K high‑fps support
Flight Time ~40 minutes ~45 minutes ~43 minutes
Obstacle Avoidance 360° with 19 sensors Omnidirectional, faster in dynamic scenes Advanced—dual/omni sensors
Transmission Range ~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 build Compact, foldable, lightweight Mid‑size, foldable

DJI’s drones are stronger overall, especially for the price. I do think the Autel EVO II Pro V3 is an impressive DJI alternative, but if your rationale for needing an alternative is seeking a non-Chinese drone, then the Autel EVO II Pro does not fit that bill.

My advice? Don’t worry about a ban for now. If anything, getting a DJI drone now is better in the event a ban on importing new drones does kick in (though I think that would be unlikely anyway).

Do you have a question I should answer? You can contact me here!

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Ukraine’s AI-Powered ‘Pavuk Dopkhina’ Drone has 50 km Deep-Strike Capability

Posted by Dronerator
The ‘Pavuk Dopkhina’ (Dophin Spider) drone, is cutting-edge technology developed by the 3rd Assault Brigade and Omnitech, with support from Brave1, according to a post on the official Telegram channel of Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation. The name “Dophin” honours a fallen Ukrainian soldier. It now serves as a […]

China’s VTOL Jet Drone Makes Every Warship an Aircraft Carrier

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In an aviation tech breakthrough that could change naval warfare, Chinese aerospace engineers have unveiled what could be the world’s first high-speed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone powered by a jet engine. The sleek, runway-independent uncrewed aircraft can be launched from the decks of ordinary warships – even in rough seas – and transition seamlessly into a fast, long-range cruise flight. […]

Germany Boosts C-UAS Capabilities with Massive $9 Billion Skyranger 30 Order

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German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall is poised to secure up to $9 billion in a massive contract from the German Armed Forces for its Skyranger 30 anti-aircraft gun system, with deliveries expected by 2035. The announcement, made by Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger during a recent earnings call, signals a significant investment in short-range air defense (SHORAD) […]

Stop Saying ‘Uncrewed’ Vehicles

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Following a November 2022 Pentagon report on China’s military build-up that used the term “uncrewed aerial systems,” the “uncrewed” adjective has become an increasingly fashionable alternative to the previously dominant “unmanned” descriptor. The term has been used in DoD, NATO, and congressional defense publications, by defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, and among popular defense intellectual authors—one well-respected analyst declaring, “Its official—now its ‘uncrewed,’ not ‘unmanned’ vehicles.” The […]

Oregon Department of Aviation and Yamaha Partner to Explore Uncrewed Helicopter for Wildfire Mitigation

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Agreement will assess the Yamaha FAZER SAR’s potential for early wildfire suppression under proposed BVLOS rules The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. to evaluate the use of Yamaha’s FAZER SAR unmanned helicopter in wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts. As wildfire seasons become more […]

The post Oregon Department of Aviation and Yamaha Partner to Explore Uncrewed Helicopter for Wildfire Mitigation appeared first on DRONELIFE.

Proposed Massachusetts Drone Laws Spark Industry Pushback

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Massachusetts lawmakers propose package of new drone rules  By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill  A package of six bills making their way through the Massachusetts legislature could have profound negative impacts on future drone operations in the Commonwealth, representatives of the commercial UAV industry say.  Advocates and opponents of the proposed legislation made their opinions […]

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Turn your phone and laptop into a shrine of drone cuteness

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There’s something sacred about setting the vibe before a drone flight. Battery charged? Props tightened? Weather check complete?

And yet, one thing that always sets the tone before I ever power on the controller: the perfect desktop and smartphone background.

Whether I’m editing footage from a sunrise flight, prepping for a podcast or just pretending to organize my microSDs instead of watching drone fails on YouTube (we’ve all been there), I want my screen to reflect the same energy I bring to the field: bold, creative and unapologetically drone-obsessed.

So I have something for you.

FREE drone-themed desktop backgrounds and printables!

These aren’t just any designs — they’re vibrant, empowering, and packed with personality, thanks to the incredible illustrator Carli Krueger, who brought my wildest flying-daydreams to life in art form. Download them here.

Here’s the lineup:

“I Fly Like A Girl”
A rallying cry for every femme drone pilot out there, featuring the iconic Phantom drone in all its nostalgic glory. It’s a tribute to where so many of us started — and how far we’ve flown since.

“Fly Me To The Moon”
Drones as a gateway to aerospace, physics, and mathematics curiosity? Yes please. And it’s true: drones are increasingly popular as a tool in STEM programs.

With that in mind, this particular desktop background is cosmic and curious, reminding us that the sky isn’t the limit — it’s just the beginning.

“Quad Squad”
This one hits right in the industry heart. It’s about community, connection and the unspoken bond between friends who meet up before dawn to catch the perfect golden-hour shot or attend every drone event they can to catch up with those who don’t live nearby.

“We Can Fly It”
If Rosie the Riveter had a drone tucked under one arm and a LiPo charger in her back pocket — this would be her backdrop. A powerhouse design for every pilot who knows she belongs in the sky.

“Fly Away With Me”
My personal fave. It oozes retro travel poster charm and makes me want to pack a Pelican case and take off somewhere cinematic. I even turned this design into a custom drone landing pad with Premium Drone Supplies — and yes, it looks as cool IRL as it does on screen.

Download all my Drone Desktop Backgrounds here.

These printables and wallpapers are made to spark joy, fuel inspiration and show the world that drones aren’t just tools — they’re art, they’re science, they’re you.

Use them on your phone. Turn them into your own custom coffee mug. Use them to make your own custom drone landing pad (and use coupon code SALLYFRENCH) to save $5 at checkout if you do).

Here’s to full batteries, clear skies and desktops that fly,
— Sally aka TheDroneGirl

The post Turn your phone and laptop into a shrine of drone cuteness appeared first on The Drone Girl.

Piasecki Aircraft Unveils KARGO II: Next-Generation Autonomous VTOL

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– Piasecki Aircraft Corporation has announced the next evolution in autonomous VTOL logistics: KARGO II, a new larger-capacity version of the KARGO UAV medium-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acquired from Kaman Air Vehicles in April 2025. Featuring substantial payload, drivetrain, and performance upgrades, KARGO II complements KARGO UAV to meet the varied demands of both […]