After what seems like the longest drumroll…the DJI Mavic 3 is now available. We’ve played with the basic Fly More Combo and have been able to take some time – though very limited – to test the drone’s capabilities. It’s got a lot to offer it…so let’s get into our top 10 reasons to think about buying this drone. DJI Mavic 3 drone.
What we knew as”the” Mavic Pro line was definitely in need of a revamp. In fact, it’s been over three years now since Mavic 2 Pro was released. Mavic 2 Pro line was first released in August of this year. This means that DJI has had plenty of time to think about the drone and it’s showing. The latest Mavic 3 Standard is a substantial redesign of the Mavic Pro line, offering major advantages over the old Mavic series. In a nutshell I’m awestruck.
What do you think? I’m thinking of trading in the Inspire 2 and going for the Cine model. Why? Let’s dive into our list of things that are looking great with the DJI Mavic 3.
The DJI Mavic 3 Top 10 list
1. This is a complete redesign
As mentioned above it’s not like DJI’s prior upgrades of its the Mavic Pro line of products. This is a vastly different drone from the Mavic Pro lineup, and was developed from the beginning. We’ll go over the majority of the major characteristics that are notable however this is an important overall aspect. Remember how each new version of the Phantom line was more of an evolution than an innovation? (Yes you could argue that it was a revolution, but the Phantom 4 Pro and Inspire 2 were quite significant leaps in terms of technology – as they did.) However, the Mavic 3 really pushes this boundaries. There’s plenty of technology packed into this latest drone.
2. New Hasselblad camera
Many consumers and prosumers who purchase DJI drones are buying it because of their image quality. So, DJI has spent a lot of time into the camera system (which also has an option to zoom).
The camera’s new main model comes with professional 4/3 CMOS sensor and 24mm prime lens and an 84deg field of view. Yes, it offers you a range of shooting options. You can shoot in 12-bit RAW format as well as many other formats.
The standard version allows users to record videos at 5.1K in fifty frames per second as well as 4K with 120 frames per second. The Cine version is able to record Apple ProRes 422 HQ – the preferred format of many professional users. It also has an SSD with 1TB capacity, as well as the 10-Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable for really rapid downloads. It’s not a good idea to mess with MicroSD cards at least not with Cine. Cine model.
The brand new camera from Hasselblad (here with an ND4 filter in place) is one of the key features that is part of Mavic 3. Scott Simmie photo
Camera (which is the same for versions, the Standard as well as Cine models) comes with a crucial feature that professionals require: a variable aperture. You can adjust it manually between f/2.8 up to F/11. It’s got a native dynamic range that is 12.8 stops, meaning that you’ll be able to capture more detail throughout the spectrum of dark blacks and shadows to extremely bright areas. (Plus it comes with 4 ND filters.)
The camera is an important improvement
The camera also has what’s known as”the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, also known as HNCS. This means, according to DJI that the colors in the processed image are closest to the actual image as it is possible to get. We were only able to test this camera (our normal model review unit was delivered on Tuesday) However, in our tests over five flights we noticed that the color straight from the camera was excellent.
3. Extended flight time
DJI’s newest Mavic 3, both the Standard and Cine features a substantial improvement in flight speed. It’s not an improvement in speed. If you’re in the right conditions you’ll be able to remain with the Mavic 3 in the air for up to 44 minutes.
Yes, 44 minutes.
It wasn’t an easy task as per DJI. DJI redesigned the motors to increase effectiveness. It also made the drone’s body lighter. It revamped the propellers. It added more power to the batteries that are energy dense and rear-loading.
These new batteries will be a part in the magic. Scott Simmie photo`
It also – which is quite impressive and not a small feat of engineering – performed extensive wind tunnel testing (and likely, Computer Fluid Dynamics testing) in order to enhance the arms, body and even the camera module more aerodynamic. DJI states that “Wind tunnel tests show that Mavic 3 produces 35% less drag than the previous generation which allows higher maximum speeds.”
Do you want to expand your flexibility? This drone can provide it…
I’ve been to international air shows where the companies that make passenger jets proclaim efficiency gains of around 1.5 percent (which could make a significant impact on the cost of fuel to a fleet’s annual). However, to experience a decrease of 35 percent in drag is a remarkable feat. My own experience has shown that this model just doesn’t end. It’s like you continue flying…and that’s an enormous benefit.
4. The DJI Mavic 3 has insane Zoom capabilities.
If you’ve been keeping track of the leaks, you’ll have noticed it’s the DJI Mavic 3 has a 28x zoom. This is a hybrid zoom that which combines 7x optical and 4x digital. In terms of practicality? It’s amazing. We’ve all lived with only one lens that was wide-angle. Today, you can zoom in to a stunning degree. What’s that? Take a look at these photosthat showcase the various zoom settings from a minimum of 28x.
It’s true that the electronic will cause problems when you press it to the max. However, it’s amazing. You can’t even glimpse me in the very first two photos.
Original size
Moving close…
and further..
and even closer..
Until 28x
Once you reach the 28x threshold the digital zoom begins to appear. It’s still amazing and the majority of people aren’t trying to capture the best quality images at 28x. However, if you’re trying to find a particular feature or continue to investigate something interesting you’ve found – or like I did this morning look at some wildlife, but not too close to disturb it, this drone can help.
5. Yaw rate is related to Zoom
Have you ever utilized a telescope to locate something fast out in the night sky? It’s difficult, right? The same is true for binoculars.
The good news is that DJI have added a function that allows the yaw inputs to be reduced when you are in zoom mode. The greater the distance you zoom into, the less the yaw’s response. The idea behind this is to keep you focused in the present moment and focus on what you are interested in or explore the areas around you, while keeping a perception of the location you’re in. It’s a useful feature when you’re zoomed in but need to nudge the camera in any direction without losing track of where you are and starting all over again (meaning you can zoom out and then centre the subject, then zoom back into).
6. Ocusync 3+
O3+, or “O3+,” as DJI refers to it as, is the brand new and enhanced version of the system of communication between the drone and controller. The latest version of O3+ that’s onboard this system allows you to control your drone from up to 15 km away. DJI states that it’s less susceptible to interference. It’s not just more stable, according to DJI, but it also has less time.
You can also enjoy 1080p with 60 frames per second on your tablet’s or phone’s display. As we’ve experienced, the image was clear and crisp in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, even when we were racing around two meters over the water in maximum speed in sport mode.
7. Advanced Home Return
Mavic 3 Mavic 3 has a more sophisticated RTH procedure that its previous models. In the past, prior to Mavic 3, Mavic 3, recent DJI drones could simply climb over obstacles before on straight lines. The Mavic 3 drone is completely different. Here’s the way DJI describes the improvements and does appear to be significant in its press release:
Mavic 3 updates and improves this system by allowing drone to determine automatically the most efficient, safest and most energy efficient route for landing back at the point of origin. In addition it measures the speed of the wind in the current conditions and calculates the amount of power needed to return home based upon the speed of the wind and the return route in real time. This allows users to spend the chance to fly more safely prior to activating RTH. RTH action.
8. Omnidirectional sensor for objects
DJI have added sensor to the drone and has also altered the positioning of the sensors. The two sensors on top of the camera aren’t in a straight line like the previous versions. Instead, they’re at an angle of 45 degrees to give an additional view of objects to the sides.
Similar to the two sensors at the back; they’re wide-angle , and are placed on the 45deg angle for maximum coverage.
Sensors added, as well as changes in sensor position…
Furthermore you will find two sensor at the top of the back of the drone and upward-facing sensors.
In conjunction, these sensors aid in helping the Mavic 3 drone start sensing objects as far as 200 meters away. They also at a minimum they will provide a 360deg intelligent protective bubble. It’s an incredible upgrade and will offer much greater protection against obstacles than it did before (unless it’s operating in Sports mode).
We’ve seen footage from an interview with DJI which was truly amazing on the obstacles tracker and avoidance fronts and we’re excited to explore the capabilities further during testing.
9. AirSense
DJI launched this function in the Air 2s and then followed it up with it’s DJI FPV drone. It’s a detection system that will alert you if a crewed aircraft is approaching – providing it’s equipped with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (or ADS-B) transponder. It’s an incredible security feature that hit me multiple times this morning in the moments before tiny Cessnas came close to where I flew.
The Cessnas were over 400′ AGL and I was below however this extra advanced warning period is an option that should be included on every drone that is sold. This is the one that has it.
10. It’s quiet
The engines and props of this vehicle are astonishingly silent. I was actually quite shocked. It’s not as in whisper-quiet, however, it’s much quieter than I had thought it to be. I was on in a NAV Canada approved flight in an area that had several other people taking in the scenery. There was no one around to hear the drone when I flew over 20-30 meters.
I’ll be sure to take the decibel gauge next time I’m out , however, my brain is telling me that this drone is much quieter than what I remember of the Air 2S.
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