With the launch of the brand new Mavic 3 Classic, DJI finally has a lower-cost prosumer model that offers new features to a wider audience. As a stand-alone device (without any remote controller) It’s almost just half the cost of Mavic 3 Classic. Mavic 3 standard Fly More Combo priced at $1,469. For $1,599 , you can purchase the DJI RC-N1 remote. While you’re not getting the dual camera system that helped make Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 and 3 Cine make a splash, you do have a reliable drone that has plenty to offer.
If you’re unfamiliar of Mavic 3 or the Mavic 3 series, we’ve gone over the premium Cine model in depth. The Classic has nearly identical specs but with the exception of its camera, smaller internal storage capacity and the absence of an Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec. If you don’t want the ability to zoom into objects as high as 28x digitally, the Classic includes nearly everything else included with Mavic 3. Mavic 3.
The review that follows will provide our initial impressions of the Mavic 3 Classic plus our opinions on who the intended users are for DJI’s newest release, especially as it approaches the Christmas season.
Key Features
20MP 40MP Thirds CMOS sensor
24mm (equiv.) lens that has F2.8-11 aperture as well as 12.8 Stops of Dynamic Range
The ability to zoom up to 3X in 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 Mbps , respectively
10-bit DLog and HDR video capture
JPEG and JPEG image capture
OcuSync 3.0 (O3) image transmission – 15 km (9.3 mi) range
Omnidirectional obstacle elimination
APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) and ActiveTrack 5.0
“Cruise Control” for continuous speed of flight
Time to fly 46 minutes
895g (1.97 lbs)
The camera’s design is similar to earlier Mavic 3 models, but it doesn’t feature the telephoto lens at the top. The new feature DJI added with this version is called Cruise Control.’ It is a reference to cruise control it will set the drone to the same speed to ensure remote pilots can concentrate on capturing the image rather than flying.
Comparatively To…
Classic Classic is one level 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 an aperture that is adjustable and a longer flight duration might want to think about upgrading from the Air 2S, while others who don’t care about zoom capabilities or Apple’s ProRes422 HQ (High quality) codec may find it’s the Classic is adequate for a variety of scenarios.
For remote controllers 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-1 is available with a selection of DJI drone models, including Mini 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 Pro Mini 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 Pro and Mavic 3. Mavic 3.
Initial thoughts
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic‘s adjustable aperture camera allows for creative effects such as this sunstar.
The drone DJI should have introduced in the past year. It’s a big difference to fly a drone that has cameras that are fully operational, without the issues of teething like the original Mavic 3 models. I also observed how the colours are 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 definitely made a difference.
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 produce more fine details. Photographs I took at dusk look crisp and clear. Beginning at an aperture around 4.5 The sun’s rays will create the appearance of a starburst once it reaches the edge of the horizon. This effect generally requires a higher-end camera as well as a lens. When you record video, it’s feasible to zoom in as much as 3x digitally.
Like most drones, it glides smoothly and holds very well in the midst of high winds. When I tried using ActiveTrack on the boat, it would not be able to lock, and it would pop up a notice notifying me that only vehicles and people were allowed to track. When I took an image and uploaded it to my computer, it showed up as an JPEG image in my camera, even although it was JPEG + Raw set within my preferences.
Another small issue, which I was hoping would be solved at this point and is the length of that it can take the plane and remote to get connected during a cold flight. Cold flights mean that the first flight takes place within an hour or so. The first two times I used the Classic out for a flight, it took around three minutes to connect with sufficient satellites (between 10-12) and receive 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, traveling at night I had to calibrate the compass after each cold flight. It could be a bug that the unit I reviewed or at least the compass calibrated swiftly. In terms of night flights, considering that it’s the Mavic 3 Classic has up to an 8 second shutter, I attempted to capture an image of Aurora Borealis. It was not very apparent by the naked eye and there was a bit of breeze however I was awestruck by the blurry image which picked up the hue.
A small change is coming with the clamp for the gimbal. The year before, DJI debuted a sturdier and more flexible design that was simple to slide over the front of the camera and secure to the top. The same design is still in use mostly but the clamp is positioned differently, which makes it more difficult to secure and also it felt more fragile.
In conclusion I thoroughly enjoyed flying and shooting with Mavic 3 Classic. Mavic 3 Classic, using DJI’s simple to use Fly application. The colors coming out of the camera not edited, are amazing and a true representation of what the Hasselblad Natural Color Solutions (HNCS) profile could produce.
Who’s it meant for?
The Mavic 3 Classic fills a important gap between drone photographers and professional. The Mavic 3’s predecessor was the Mavic 2 Pro, debuted in September 2018 , it was priced at $1,449 and had an accessory remote that could connect an iPhone. The normal Mavic 3 starts at $2,049. When it was announced 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 product, however it comes with the shortest battery life of 31 minutes, and is a fixed aperture camera. The Classic is the next step for those looking to enjoy the advantages of a bigger sensor, more battery life, and a variable aperture to give you 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 an telephoto lens at your option, but if promised to deliver client images from a camera with four Thirds sensor that has the HNCS color profile you’ll still be able to deliver.
Overall overall, Overall, the Mavic 3 Classic is the ideal drone for both amateur and professional videographers and photographers. The colors are stunning and precise while the images are sharp and clear. In spite of some minor issues, this edition is a must for anyone seeking to elevate their aerial photography to a higher height.
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