DJI Mavic 3 vs Classic: Unveiling the Strength of Each
By Elisabeth Christ
Published April 2024
DJI continues to dominate the drone market, and two of their top models, the Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 Classic, cater to a broad audience with their sophisticated designs and powerful capabilities. Both drones boast impressive features tailored to enhance aerial photography and videography, but they differ in price, specifications, and intended user base. This article compares these two models to help potential buyers decide which drone best fits their needs, whether for professional filmmaking or hobbyist exploration. By dissecting their features, image quality, and performance, we aim to highlight essential differences and similarities that could influence your purchasing decision.
Key Takeaways
The main differences between the DJI Mavic 3 and the DJI Mavic 3 Classic lie in their pricing, camera technology, and certain performance features. While both models share many of the same advanced capabilities, the Mavic 3 Classic offers a more cost-effective solution with slightly enhanced video transfer speeds and simpler camera setup geared towards professionals who don't need dual-camera versatility. The Mavic 3, meanwhile, provides more robust package options for those who require top-tier video quality and storage solutions.
DJI Mavic 3
Better Choice for for Budget-minded Professionals
✓ 8GB of internal storage
✓ All-around obstacles-avoidance sensors
✓ 47mph / 21m/s maximum speed
✓ 5,000mAh battery capacity
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
Better Choice for Simple Setup
✓ High-Speed QuickTransfer
✓ GEO 2.0 geofencing system
✓ Hasselblad 20MP Four Thirds camera
✓ 5,000mAh battery capacity
#1 Price & Design
DJI Mavic 3
DJI Mavic 3 offers a range of pricing options, starting from $2,199 for the standard package up to $4,999 for the Cine Premium Combo, which includes additional high-end accessories like a built-in 1TB SSD for Apple ProRes 422 HQ video recording. Its design is highly portable with inward-folded propeller arms, making it easy to carry in a backpack. The drone is relatively lightweight across its versions, with a subtle weight difference between the standard and cine versions, and can reach a top speed of 47 mph in sport mode.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic, on the other hand, starts at a more accessible price point of $1,469 for the drone only, with package options that extend up to $1,749 if paired with the DJI RC smart controller. Despite its lower price, the Classic retains the same compact, foldable design and weight as the standard Mavic 3, ensuring it remains just as portable. It also matches the Mavic 3’s maximum speed but differentiates itself with the European C1 certification, adding an extra layer of compliance for users in European countries.
#2 Features & Performances
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
DJI Mavic 3 is equipped with a robust set of features including Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 5.0, upgraded ActiveTrack 5.0, and comprehensive obstacle detection capabilities. These features are designed to enhance the flying experience, making it safer and more reliable under various conditions. The drone also offers a range of creative flight modes like QuickShots and panoramic shooting, appealing to professional users who require advanced capabilities in their shoots.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic maintains many of the advanced safety and tracking features seen in the Mavic 3, such as APAS 5.0 and ActiveTrack 5.0. However, it introduces distinctions in its flight modes, offering settings like Nifty for smoother flights near obstacles. It shares the Mavic 3’s high-speed QuickTransfer feature, but with improved speeds up to 80MB/s, making it faster at transferring large video files directly to a user's device.
#3 Image & Video Quality
DJI Mavic 3
DJI Mavic 3 boasts a dual Hasselblad camera setup that includes a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and a secondary camera with a 28x hybrid zoom. This setup allows for great flexibility in shooting, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. However, the Mavic 3 limits image capture to JPEG format only and offers standard video recording at 4K 30fps, which might not suffice for users needing high-resolution raw video output.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic simplifies the imaging technology by focusing on a single 20MP Four Thirds Hasselblad camera, eliminating the secondary camera but enhancing video capabilities significantly. It supports a broader range of video resolutions and frame rates, including 5.1K at 50fps and up to 120fps in 4K, and utilizes both H.264 and H.265 codecs. This makes the Classic a more versatile option for professionals looking for high-quality video output at a lower price point.
#4 Battery Life
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
Both DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mavic 3 Classic share the same 5000 mAh battery capacity, which generally offers up to 46 minutes of flight time, depending on conditions. This extended battery life is ideal for longer shooting sessions without the need for frequent landings to recharge.
However, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic notes that typical flight times will vary more significantly, with a lower end at 30 minutes depending on usage patterns and flight conditions. This variance suggests that while the battery capacity is the same, the efficiency and power management may differ slightly between models.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Classic
Final Thoughts
DJI Mavic 3 vs Classic
When deciding between the DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mavic 3 Classic, consider your specific needs in terms of budget, camera performance, and feature set. If high-end video production with versatile shooting options is a priority, the Mavic 3’s Cine Premium Combo is unmatched. However, for those seeking excellent video quality without the need for dual cameras or the highest storage capacity, the Mavic 3 Classic offers substantial value with its lower price point and robust video capabilities. Both drones guarantee top-notch performance and reliability, making them leaders in their field and excellent choices for both hobbyists and professional filmmakers.
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