With the introduction of the brand new Mavic 3 Classic, DJI finally has a lower-cost prosumer model that offers modern features to more users. It’s a stand-alone unit (without the remote controller) It’s almost just half the cost of that of the Mavic 3 standard Fly More Combo that retails for $1,469. You can purchase it for $1,599 and get the DJI RC-N1 remote. Although you won’t have the dual camera system that helped make those Mavic 3 and 3 Cine make a splash, you do have a reliable drone that has plenty to offer.
If you’re not acquainted about Mavic 3 or the Mavic 3 series, we’ve gone over the premium Cine model in depth. The Classic comes with nearly identical specifications except for its camera, a smaller internal storage and no Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec. If you don’t want the capability to zoom in on objects that can zoom up to 28X digitally, then the Classic offers the majority of other features that come with Mavic 3. Mavic 3.
The review that follows will provide our initial impressions of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic plus our opinions on who the intended public is for DJI’s latest release, particularly as we approach the Christmas season.
Key Features
20MP 4 Thirds CMOS sensor
24mm (equiv.) lens that features F2.8-11 aperture as well as 12.8 Stops of Dynamic Range
Zooming in as much as 3X on video
Hasselblad HNCS
5.1K/50p DCI, UHD 4K/120p, and 1080/200p video
H.264 as well as H.265 recording at 140 and 200 respectively.
10-bit D-Log as well as HDR video capture
JPEG and JPEG image capture
OcuSync 3.0 (O3) image transmission – 15 km (9.3 mi) range
Omnidirectional obstacle to avoid
APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) and ActiveTrack 5.0
“Cruise Control” to maintain an unstoppable speed of flight
Time to fly 46 minutes
895g (1.97 lbs)
The camera’s design is similar to prior Mavic 3 models, but does not have the telephoto lens at the top. One new feature DJI has introduced in this model is called ‘Cruise Control.’ As the name implies it allows the drone to operate at the same speed to ensure remote pilots can concentrate on capturing the image and not be distracted by flying.
In comparison To…
Classic Classic is one step higher than the DJI Air 2S (which has a 20MP Type-1 CMOS sensor as well as a the shorter time to fly) and is a half-step lower than it’s Mavic 3 Standard and Cine models. People who want the option of a variable aperture as well as a longer flight duration might want to think about upgrading from the Air 2S, while others who aren’t a fan of zoom features or Apple’s ProRes 422 High Quality (High quality) codec may find more comfortable with the Classic is sufficient in many situations.
When it comes to remote controls Mavic 3 Classic is a good choice. Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with DJI’s RC remote that was launched along with the Mini 3 Pro, the DJI RC launched in the year 2000 and includes Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Cine, and the RC-N1. DJI offers this Classic as a standalone device based on the assumption that most users already have one of the remotes.
The DJI RC retails at $309, while the RC Pro costs $1,199 and the RC-N1 comes with a selection of DJI drone models like Mini 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 Pro Mini 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 Pro and the standard Mavic 3.
Initial thoughts
Mavic 3 Classic’s adjustable aperture camera lets you create unique effects such as this sunstar.
The drone DJI ought to have launched in the past year. It’s a big difference when you operate a drone using an camera that is completely operational, without the issues with teething that plagued the original Mavic 3 models. I also observed that colors appear vivid, precise and more pleasing to the eyes than when I first piloted my Cine test drone a few years ago. The ongoing development and firmware upgrades have certainly improved the experience.
The Mavic 3 Classic’s 20-megapixel Four Thirds camera and its equivalent wide-angle lens of 24mm is able to absorb more light and record the finest details. The images I captured at dusk are sharp and clear. With the aperture 4.5 and the sun’s rays will create the appearance of a starburst once it reaches the edge of the horizon. This effect typically requires a more advanced camera as well as a lens. When recording video, it’s feasible to zoom in 3x digitally.
Like most drones, it is smooth and performs well even in strong winds. When I tried using ActiveTrack on an inflatable boat, it didn’t be able to lock, and it would pop up a notice notifying me that only cars and individuals were allowed to track. When I took an image however, it was only displayed as an JPEG image onto my card when the option of JPEG + Raw set as my default settings.
Another small issue, which I believed would be fixed in the near future one of the issues is the that it can take the plane and remote to get connected during a cold flight. Cold flights mean that the aircraft’s first takeoff is within 24 hours or a day. The first two days that I used the Classic out and it took me about three minutes to connect to sufficient satellites (between 10-12) and obtain the GPS signal required to safely begin the flight. The two flights following with the battery swap were set to go nearly immediately.
I also noticed, I was flying in the night I had to calibrate my compass after each cold flight. It could be a bug that the unit I reviewed or at the very least, the compass calibrated swiftly. In terms of night flights, as Mavic 3 Classic Mavic 3 Classic has up to an 8 second shutter, I attempted to capture an image of Aurora Borealis. It wasn’t particularly visible for the uninitiated and there was winds however I was awestruck by the blurry image that captured colors.
A minor modification comes with the Gimbal clamp. In the past, DJI debuted a sturdier and more flexible design that was simple to slide onto the front and then attach to the top. The same design is still in use mostly however, the clamp is set up differently, which makes it less secure and it also felt more fragile.
This being said I thoroughly enjoyed flying and filming using Mavic 3 Classic. Mavic 3 Classic, using DJI’s simple to use Fly application. The colors that emerge from the camera, unaltered, are breathtaking and a true representation of what the Hasselblad Natural Color Solutions (HNCS) profile can create.
Who’s it meant for?
The Mavic 3 Classic fills a crucial gap between beginner drone photographers and professional. The Mavic 3’s predecessor, called the Mavic 2 Pro, debuted in September 2018 , it cost $1,449 and came with an accessory remote that could connect to a smartphone. The normal Mavic 3 starts at $2,049. When the Mavic 3 was first released it came as an uproar for those who wanted to upgrade, but who found the cost out of budget.
DJI’s Air 2S is solid budget-friendlier model, but it comes with an encroaching battery time of 31 minutes, and is a fixed aperture camera. The Classic is the next step for those wanting advantages of a larger sensor, a longer battery life, and a variable aperture to allow for more creative options.
The Mavic 3 Classic is a excellent companion drone and backup for one of the regular as well as Cine models. There isn’t the option of a telephoto lens choice, but if you have promised client imagery from a camera with the Four Thirds sensor and has that HNCS color profile you’re still able to provide.
Overall all, Overall, the Mavic 3 Classic is the ideal drone for both amateur and professional videographers and photographers. The colors are vibrant and precise while the images are sharp and clear. In spite of some minor issues, this edition is essential for those who want to take their aerial images to a higher dimension.
Copyright Reseau Actu.