DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone: What to Expect

Written by Sal D'Alia
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Published on November 2, 2022
Sal D'Alia
Adorama ALC

DJI has just announced a new addition to the Mavic 3 series, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone. The Mavic 3 Classic is capable of capturing 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps videos by integrating a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and a lightweight 24mm equivalent camera. With powerful flight performance and a Hasselblad camera, the Mavic 3 Classic delivers the absolute essence of flagship imaging. Take it on any adventure to create unforgettable work.

Photo from DJI

Key Features of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone

  • 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera with Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS)
  • 5.1K HD Video
  • 4K/ 120 fps video recording
  • 10-bit D-Log
  • 46-Min flight time
  • Omnidirectional obstacle sensing
  • 15km HD Video transmission
  • Advanced Return To Home (RTH)
  • 20 MP sensor
  • 12-bit RAW image capture
  • 24mm equivalent focal length with f/2.8 – f/11 adjustable aperture
  • Vision detection auto focus (VDAF) technology
  • Intuitive, creative features such as ActiveTrack 5.0 and QuickShots

Hasselblad Camera and Color Science

The legendary Swedish brand Hasselblad designed and built the L2D-20c aerial camera just for the Mavic 3 Series. It embeds a professional-grade 4/3 CMOS in an unbelievably compact space. Rigorous Hasselblad standards are applied to both hardware performance and software algorithms, bringing imaging quality to an entirely new level. To ensure Mavic 3 Classic captures natural colors, the L2D-20c lens adopts the same rigorous standards as other Hasselblad cameras. Every pixel of the sensor is calibrated with the HNCS embedded. 

The culmination of decades of photographic experience delivers vivid, natural colors with the simple press of the shutter. This allows you to capture breathtaking landscapes or an evening glow without the need for complicated editing or color presets.

Photo from DJI

Professional Video and Still Photography

Because the Mavic 3 Classic is capable of recording at 5.1K/50 fps and 4K/120fps, you capture sharper details and high frame rate for effortless slow-motion videos. The drone supports 10-bit D-Log recording with natural color gradations. More highlight and shadow details are retained for greater flexibility when editing.  

HLG is also available for times when you can’t spend a lot of time color tuning in post-processing but still need the benefits of higher dynamic range. The video mode optimizes footage in low-light scenarios such as sunsets, sunrises, and nighttime to provide noise-free shots.

Simplified Flight

Omnidirectional obstacle sensing is provided with APAS 5.0. The Mavic 3 Classic continually senses objects in all directions and avoids them quickly and smoothly. Even the novice pilot can feel safe and confident when flying in complicated scenarios. The APAS 5.0 incorporates horizontal, downward, and upward vision system.

Decimeter-level, high-precision positioning makes Mavic 3 Classic extremely stable when hovering. This not only ensures clearer long-exposure shots, but also helps record smoother timelapse videos. With cruise control, the Mavic 3 Classic can fly in any direction without having to continually press the control sticks. This not only makes long-distance flight more effortless, but also helps reduce shakes during manual control for smoother camera movement.

Photo from DJI

Advanced Return to Home

Always end on a high note with Advanced RTH. This updated auto-return function enables Mavic 3 Classic to automatically determine the optimal route back to its home point and execute it quickly. Mavic 3 Classic can fly to a designated altitude and then find a safe and efficient route back to its home point. Users can also choose between Advanced RTH and traditional RTH according to their environment.

Intuitive Creation

The Mavic 3 Classic comes with a variety of features to spark your creative spirit and execute it seamlessly. ActiveTrack 5.0 allows you to track your subject from different directions for varied camera angles. MasterShots is an automated shooting and editing feature to create cinematic footage. In a hurry? Use QuickShots to automatically perform professional camera movements like Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix. It couldn’t be easier to make stunning footage that captures and accelerates the passage of time using Hyperlapse. Last but not least, use Panorama to create larger, more detailed shots of your surroundings.

Who Should Use the DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone?

Anyone looking for a professional, high-quality drone should definitely consider this new DJI drone. It will be especially useful for the creative who captures a lot of content in low or difficult lighting conditions. Because the Mavic 3 Classic uses a 4/3 CMOS sensor, it is much larger than those found in most drones. A larger sensor means higher dynamic range (up to 12.8 stops), a lower noise profile, and much cleaner looking images and video. 

In addition, the adjustable aperture will ensure greater creative freedom by allowing the pilot to control depth of field and capture content under less-than-ideal lighting conditions without always having to resort to ND filters. Because it utilizes the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, your content will have vivid yet natural colors.  

A plethora of features are also there for the demanding videographer. The 5.1K/50 fps and 4K/120 fps will allow for sharp detail and amazing slow-motion footage. The 10-bit D-Log means amazing malleability in video editing. Meanwhile, HLG will provide higher dynamic range for a variety of devices.

If you’re an adventure photographer or videographer, find the flight features invaluable. The Mavic 3 Classic’s omnidirectional obstacle sensing system will allow you to maneuver in complicated scenarios and come away with smooth footage safely and confidently. When you need that extra buttery smooth footage, use the Cruise Control without having to continually press the control sticks. And when you’re finished capturing your masterpiece, rest assured your drone will return home quickly using the most efficient and safe method.

Finally, the Mavic 3 Classic has a remarkable long flight time. If you frequently need to fly for long periods of time, you should consider this drone. The Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with all Mavic 3 series batteries, which will allow you to hover for 30 minutes and fly for 46 minutes.

Photo from DJI

Comparable DJI Drones

Compared with Mavic 2, Mavic 3 Classic has substantially upgraded camera performance, integrating a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and a lightweight 24mm equivalent tele camera. Mavic 3 Classic is capable of capturing 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps videos.  The flight time has been extended to 46 minutes,and O3+ extends video transmission distance up to 15 km. The obstacle sensing is also more powerful with APAS 5.0.

The DJI Mavic 3 Series comes in three versions: Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3, and Mavic 3 Cine.

Mavic 3 Classic has one 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera, and the gimbal does not support gimbal lock. Mavic 3 has two cameras: in addition to a Hasselblad camera, it has a 162mm tele camera and supports gimbal lock. On top of these Mavic 3 functions, Mavic 3 Cine supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, and Apple ProRes 422 LT codecs and comes with a built-in 1TB SSD for high-speed data storage.

Conclusion

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is a compelling new drone with many of the essential features found in the original Mavic 3, but at a more affordable price. It retains the large 4/3 CMOS sensor along with the Hasselblad camera and 24mm equivalent lens which provide gorgeous, natural colors and amazing dynamic range. Fly longer with batteries that last 46 minutes and return home safely using the advanced RTH. Overall, the Mavic 3 Classic is a great addition to the Mavic 3 family.

Salvatore D'Alia is a filmmaker, photographer and content creator. He is a pioneer of the original content for web, his work can be quantified with more than one billion views on YouTube spreading from music to sports and art. Sal is a Sony Alpha ambassador and one of the founding members of the Sony Alpha Collective.