After what seems as the world’s longest drumroll…the DJI Mavic 3 is available. We’ve been able to test the basic Fly More Combo and have been able to take some time – though very limited – to test the capabilities of this drone. It’s got a lot to offer it…so let’s get into our top 10 reasons why you should look into purchasing this drone. DJI Mavic 3 drone.
The Mavic Pro line we used to call”the” Mavic Pro line was definitely needed to be updated. In fact, it’s been over 3 years 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 evident. The brand new Mavic 3 Standard is a substantial redesign of the Mavic Pro line, offering substantial advantages over the previous Mavic series. In a nutshell I’m awestruck.
Are you impressed? I’m contemplating trading in the Inspire 2 and going for the Cine model. Why? Let’s look at our list of things that look good in the DJI Mavic 3.
The DJI Mavic 3 Top 10 list
1. This is a complete redesign
As we’ve mentioned the drone isn’t similar to DJI’s prior upgrades of its products. It’s a completely different drone from the Mavic Pro lineup, and was developed from scratch. We’ll go over the majority of the major characteristics that are notable but this is a major overall aspect. Remember how each new version of the Phantom line was more of an evolution, not 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 – in fact, they both were.) The Mavic 3 really pushes this limit. There’s a lot of features packed into this drone.
2. New Hasselblad camera
The majority of people who purchase DJI drones are buying it to enjoy their high-quality images. This is why DJI has invested a lot of effort into its new camera system (which also comes with 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 Vision. 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 you to shoot videos with 5.1K with fifty frames per second or 4K, at 120 frames per second. The Cine version will, naturally, record Apple ProRes 422 HQ – an option sought-after by many professional users. It also comes with 1TB of SSD storage, and the 10-Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable for really quick downloads. There’s no more fumbling with MicroSD cards at least not with this Cine model.
The Hasselblad camera that is new (here with an ND4 filter on it) is one of the key features that is part of Mavic 3. Scott Simmie photo
Camera (which is the same for Standard and Cine models) Standard as well as Cine models) has a vital feature that professionals require: a variable aperture. You can adjust it manually between f/2.8 to F/11. It’s got a native dynamic range that is 12.8 stops, which means you’ll get more clarity across the spectrum of dark blacks and shadows to bright areas. (Plus it comes with 4 ND filters.)
The camera is a major improvement
It also comes with what’s known as”the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, also known as HNCS. This means, according to DJI that the colors that are processed in the image are as close to the original image as it is possible to get. We were only able to test this model (our standard review unit was delivered on Tuesday) However, in our tests over five flights we saw that the color straight from the camera to be excellent.
3. Extended flight time
DJI’s latest Mavic 3, both the Standard and Cine is a major increase in flight time. It’s not only a slight improvement. If you’re in the right conditions you’ll be able to remain with you Mavic 3 in the air for up to 44 minutes.
Yes, 44 minutes.
It wasn’t an easy job as per DJI. DJI redesigned the motors to improve effectiveness. It also made the drone’s body lighter. It also redesigned the propellers. It included more power in the powerful, rear-loading batteries.
These new batteries will be a part in the magic. Scott Simmie photo`
However, it also – which is quite impressive and not a small feat of engineering – conducted extensive wind tunnel testing (and likely, Computer Fluid Dynamics testing) in order to improve the arms, body and even the camera module aerodynamic. DJI states that “Wind tunnel testing has shown that Mavic 3 produces 35% less drag than the previous generation and allows for higher maximum speeds.”
Are you looking for a flexibility? This drone can provide it…
I’ve been to air shows around the world where the companies that make passenger aircrafts boast efficiency gains of about 1.5 percent (which could make a significant impact on the cost of fuel to a fleet’s annual). But to witness a reduction of 35 percent in drag is a remarkable feat. Based on my own tests, this model just doesn’t end. It’s as if you could simply keep flying…and this is a major benefit.
4. The DJI Mavic 3 has insane Zoom capabilities.
If you’ve been following leaks, you’ll have noticed of the fact that DJI Mavic 3 has a 28x zoom. It’s a hybrid zoom, which combines 7x optical and 4x digital. Practically speaking? It’s amazing. We’ve all lived with just one lens that was wide-angle. You can now zoom in to a stunning degree. Wow! Take a look at these photosthat showcase the various zoom settings all the way to 28x.
The digital will cause problems when you go all the way. However, it’s amazing. It’s like, you don’t even glimpse me in the very first two pictures.
Original size
Moving close…
and further..
and further..
Until 28x
If you get to the 28x limit the digital zoom begins to appear. However, it’s still awe-inspiring but most people won’t be trying to capture the best quality images at 28x. If you’re trying for a specific feature to continue to investigate something interesting you’ve seen – or, like I did this morning take a look at wildlife without being too close to disturb it, this drone is able to do it.
5. Yaw rate is linked to Zoom
Have you ever employed a telescope and attempted 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 diminished when zoomed in. The greater the distance you zoom into, the less the yaw’s response. The goal is to allow you to stay in the present moment and focus on what you are interested in or explore the areas around you, while keeping a awareness of the location you’re in. It’s a useful feature when you’re zoomed in but need to nudge the camera to the left or right without losing track of where you are and needing to start at the beginning (meaning you can zoom out and then centre the subject, then zoom back into).
6. Ocusync 3+
O3+, or “O3+,” as DJI describes it, is brand new and enhanced version of the communication system that connects the drone and controller. The brand new O3+ that’s onboard this system lets you control your drone from up to 15 kilometers away. DJI claims it’s less susceptible to interference. It’s not just more stable, says DJI, but it has less delay.
You can also enjoy 1080p with 60 frames per second on your tablet’s or phone’s display. Our experience was that the image was clear and crisp in the iPhone 12 Pro Max, even while we were whirling approximately two meters above the water in the top speed in sport mode.
7. Advance Return Home
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 distinct. Here’s the way DJI describes the enhancement that appears to be significant in the news release it issued:
Mavic 3 updates and improves the system by allowing the drone to determine automatically the most convenient, secure path for landing back at the point of origin. In addition the drone is able to measure the speed of the wind in the current conditions and calculates the amount of power needed to return home based upon the speed of wind and return route in real time. This gives users the chance to fly more safely prior to activating an RTH action.
8. Omnidirectional sensor for objects
DJI is adding sensors on the drone, and has also changed the position 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 more coverage of objects to the sides.
The same is true for the two sensors at the back; they’re large-angle and are positioned at that 45deg angle , which will maximize coverage.
Sensors added, as well as an adjustment in the sensor’s position…
Additionally the drone has two sensors at the top of the rear of the drone and upward-facing sensors.
In conjunction, these sensors aid to make the Mavic 3 drone start sensing objects up to 200 metres away . It will also in theory they will provide a 360deg intelligent protective bubble. It’s an incredible upgrade and will offer much greater protection against obstacles than it did previously (unless the drone is using Sports mode).
We’ve seen a few clips during an interview with DJI which was truly amazing on the obstacles tracker and avoidance fronts and we’re looking forward to further exploring the capabilities further during testing.
9. AirSense
DJI launched this function in the Air 2s and then added it to DJI’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 a great security feature that has repeatedly contacted me today in the moments before tiny Cessnas were seen near the area I flew.
The Cessnas were at or above 400′ AGL and I was just below that the limit, however, this extra pre-warning time 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 quite awestruck. It’s not as in whisper-quiet, however, it’s much quieter than I thought it to be. I was on an NAV Canada approved flight in an area with some other people taking in the scenery. The drone was not heard by anyone. the drone when I flew above 20-30 meters.
I’ll need to carry the decibel gauge next time I’m on the road – however, my brain is telling me that this drone is much quieter than what I remember of the Air 2S.