When Adorama asked to partner with me to test out and review the much-anticipated DJI Mavic 3 Drone, I was more than a little excited. Southern California provides one of the most incredible backdrops an aerial photographer could ask for. I had the ideal proving ground to test out the newest innovation from DJI.
DJI’s latest offers upgraded camera performance, integrating a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and a lightweight 24mm equivalent tele-camera. Also, the Mavic 3 is capable of capturing 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps videos. In addition to the camera system, the Mavic 3 also delivers a comprehensively upgraded flight experience. The flight time has been extended to 46 minutes, and the new O3+ extends video transmission range to a maximum distance of 15 km. Obstacle sensing has been developed into a truly omnidirectional system, with a more powerful APAS 5.0 and Advanced RTH to give users greater peace of mind during flight.
Key Features of the DJI Mavic 3:
- 2 Cameras (Hasselblad and Tele)
- 4/3” CMOS Hasselblad Camera
- 20MP Photos
- 12.8 Stops of Dynamic Range
- f/2.8 – f/11 Adjustable Aperture
- 24mm Equivalent Focal Length
- Vision Detection Auto Focus
- Tele Camera
- 28x Hybrid Zoom
- 162mm, f/4.4
- 4/3” CMOS Hasselblad Camera
- Professional Video Specifications
- 5.1K Video Recording
- DCI 4K/120fps
- Apple ProRes 422 HQ
- 10-bit D-Log Color Profile
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- Advanced RTH
- APAS 5.0
- Upgraded Flight Time of 46 Minutes
- Video
- Transmission Range: 15km
- 5.1K/50fps
- 4K/120fps
- In-Flight Modes:
- Waypoints 3.0
- ActiveTrack 5.0
- MasterShots
- Wi-Fi 6 Quick Transfer
- 100MP Pano
The following features will be available in January of 2022 through firmware updates: Hyperlapse, master shot, ActiveTrack 5.0, DJI 4G Cellular Transmission Dongle, Quick Transfer
Drone pilots from all over have been anxiously awaiting the Mavic 3’s arrival. It’s easy to see why anyone would be excited about this new product after checking out the amazing technology the Mavic 3 has to offer. Let’s talk about a handful of the features that stood out.
Dual camera
On the previous Mavic 2 drone lineup, you had to choose between having a higher image quality by going with the Mavic 2 Pro or dynamic-looking lens compression effects of the Mavic 2 Zoom. Going that route resulted in footage getting that classic cinematic parallax effect thanks to the zooming capabilities. Now, we no longer need two different drones. We can achieve both results with just the DJI Mavic 3.
Tele camera
This may be one of my favorites. As a drone pilot, our points of interest will always look different from the sky. During flight, it’s common to see a subject that may not seem interesting from the ground but once you’re in the air, something may catch your eye. The tele camera is equipped with a 28x digital zoom that now allows you to scout distances further away in Explore Mode. This will save you the battery life it would normally take to fly closer to your desired point of interest.
New controller
In comparison to the standard Mavic 2 Pro controller, this new controller has a much better feel to it. Additionally, it allows for my phone to sit on the top of the controller instead of the bottom. This means my hands will no longer block the screen during flight. I also like that the volume and/or power buttons aren’t pressed against the mount on the Mavic 3 controller when attached.
Micro SD card slot
The placing of this slot is in a much better position, as we no longer have to unfold the arms in order to access the port.
Matte black color scheme
I really like the aesthetic of the new darker matte finish because it looks sleek and bold. Also, the darker color results in higher contrast which makes it pop when up against a lighter sky. This means I can more easily find and track it when it is up high and far away.
There have been tons of conversations around the three configurations that DJI will offer around the Mavic 3. The three packages available are the Standard DJI Mavic 3, the Fly More Combo, and the Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo. See below for more information on each.
Firmware Update as of 1/26/2022
As of 1/26/2022, DJI has now also introduced firmware updates to the DJI Mavic 3 Drone model. The following functions will now be available:
- QuickShots – You can capture cinematic video clips automatically with QuickShots, along with the ability to add music, effects, and filters with story templates.
- Panorama – This is the most advanced panorama mode available on Mavic models, with a higher dynamic range and vivid colors.
- WiFi 6 QuickTransfer – The new Wi-Fi 6 protocol makes data transmission faster, with download speeds reaching up to 80MB/s.
- FocusTrack – This features allows an easy-to-use suite of intelligent tracking modes including Active Track 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0.
- MasterShots – MasterShots is an advanced intelligent feature which allows you to select a subject to film while executing ten different maneuvers in sequence. It will keep your subject center-frame and generate a short cinematic video afterward.
- Hyperlapse – This features allows you to warp time and space for stunning footage. Choose from Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint modes, select the shooting location, and the DJI Fly app will do the rest.
