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Introduction
In September, 2016, DJI launched the Mavic Professional – a compact, foldable drone with a professional-grade digicam that additionally detected obstacles. Two years later, they adopted up with the Mavic 2 sequence. Notably, on the time of its launch, the Mavic 2 Professional was the smallest drone to function a digicam with a 20MP 1″-type CMOS sensor and the primary to incorporate Hasselblad’s Pure Coloration Answer (HNCS) expertise. It was a powerful feat, however there have been some shortcomings.
The Mavic 2 Professional’s digicam did not use the complete sensor when capturing 4K video clips. Maybe this was to forestall overheating, given its small housing, however what resulted was line skipping and pixel binning that compromised the general high quality of the footage. Moreover, in case you needed to residence in on topics, you wanted a complete totally different drone just like the Mavic 2 Zoom.
Three years after the Mavic 2 sequence was launched, DJI returns with the highly-anticipated Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine. Weighing 7 grams lower than the previous fashions, they’re the primary prosumer and compact, foldable drones to function a dual-camera setup. On the backside is a digicam, co-produced with Hasselblad, with a 20MP 4 Thirds sensor, with a 12MP 1/2″ CMOS telephoto digicam positioned above.
The usual and Cine fashions share most of their {hardware}, however with the dearer ‘Cine’ model including 1TB of inner reminiscence and the power to seize utilizing the ProRes 422 HQ codec. The Cine mannequin additionally solely comes as a combo package deal, together with three batteries, two units of ND filters and the extra refined DJI RC Professional controller.
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Plane| Picture and Video| Flight Modes | What it is wish to fly | Conclusion | Samples
Key Options
20MP, 4 Thirds CMOS sensor + 12MP 1/2″ CMOS sensor
24mm (equiv.) lens with 84º FOV and a variable F2.8-11 aperture on major digicam with as much as 4X digital zoom
162mm (equiv.), F4.4 (mounted) telephoto digicam with as much as 28X digital zoom
Hasselblad HNCS
5.1K/50p, DCI or UHD 4K/120p and 1080/200p video
H.264 and H.265 recording at 200 and 140 Mbps respectively
Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec on Cine mannequin
10-bit D-Log and HDR video seize
Uncooked and JPEG picture seize
OcuSync 3.0 (O3) picture transmission (15 km vary)
Omnidirectional impediment avoidance
APAS (Superior Pilot Help System) and ActiveTrack 5.0
‘MasterShots’ cinematic seize mode
46-minute flight time
900g (1.98 kilos) whole weight
The Mavic 3 and Cine can fly as much as 46 minutes. This surpasses the Mavic 2 sequence, and the Air 2S, by quarter-hour. It even beats out the Autel EVO II, that boasts as much as 40 minutes flight time. The highest-of-the-line Mavic 3 Cine, which prices $4999 for the ‘Premium Combo’ (the usual mannequin is available in at $2999 for the Fly Extra combo), presents up 1TB of inner storage and Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ (Excessive High quality): a codec that applies the least quantity of compression to video recordsdata for the highest-quality imagery doable.
As spectacular as these new options are, they arrive at a considerably larger price in comparison with their predecessors. Does the general providing justify the steep value hike? Moreover, which mannequin – customary or Cine – provides most individuals the very best worth? Most significantly, is it an all-in-one answer match for {most professional} use instances? Let’s have a look.
In comparison with…
In the case of digicam sensor measurement, video decision, zooming capabilities, and flight time, the Mavic 3 and Cine excel in comparison with earlier Mavic fashions. We have priced these as Fly Extra Combos since solely the usual model is obtainable as a primary mannequin (with out two further batteries and equipment) and the Cine is just supplied as a Combo. The Commonplace Mavic 3 retails for $2199.
DJI Mavic 3 / Cine
Mavic 2 Professional
DJI Air 2S
Worth
$2999/$4999
$1999
$1299
Digicam
20MP, 4 Thirds CMOS sensor
24mm equiv. F2.8-11
20MP, 1″-type sensor
28mm equiv. F2.8-11
20MP, 1″-type sensor
22mm equiv. F2.8 (mounted)
Zoom
Hybrid: 1-4X digital zoom on major digicam, as much as 28X digital on telephoto
2X optical, 4X digital (Mavic 2 Zoom, bought individually)
1-4X digital zoom
Video transmission
OcuSync 3.0 (O3), 4 antennas, 15 km, 1080p/60p
OcuSync 2.0, twin antenna, 10 km, 1080p/30p
OcuSync 3.0 (O3), 4 antennas, 12 km, 1080p/30p
Video decision
5.1K/50p, DCI or UHD 4K/120p
4K/30p
5.4K/30p, 4K/60p
Video bit-rate
200 Mbps (H.264) / 140 Mbps (H.265)
100 Mbps
150 Mbps
Log video
10-bit D-Log, HDR video (10-bit)
10-bit D-Log-M, HDR video (10-bit)
10-bit D-Log-M, HDR video (10-bit)
APAS model (Superior Pilot Help System)
APAS 5.0
APAS 1.0
APAS 4.0
Impediment avoidance sensors
Ahead, Backward, Downward, Upward, Left, and Proper
Ahead, Backward, Downward, Upward, Left, and Proper
Ahead, Backward, Downward, Upward
Flight time
46 minutes
31 minutes
31 minutes
Dimensions
221x96x90 mm
214×91×84 mm
180×97×80 mm
Weight
895g/899g
907g
595g
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Plane and controller
At 221 x 96 x 90 mm (8.7 x 3.8 x 3.6″) folded down, the Mavic 3 has a body that’s barely bigger than the Mavic 2 sequence. It is both 8 or 12 grams lighter, for the usual and Cine, respectively, as a result of the truth that its legs are thinner and the physique is slimmer. The propellers are longer and have orange ideas. The 5000mAh batteries, which can be inserted into the again of the plane, versus the highest, are longer and slimmer. General, the design is extra aerodynamic.
DJI has created a extra sturdy impediment avoidance system for the Mavic 3. The Mavic 2 sequence featured impediment detection sensors on the perimeters of the drone however oftentimes they weren’t dependable and solely labored when the drone was working in Tripod mode. The Air 2S has impediment avoidance capabilities on the highest, backside, entrance, and again of the plane.
DJI has outfitted the Mavic 3 with six fish-eye imaginative and prescient sensors and two wide-angle sensors that give the drone 360º omnidirectional impediment avoidance, even when flying in Regular mode. This implies the drone can detect obstacles on the highest and backside together with each doable angle from the entrance, again, and sides. The underside of the plane homes two further sensors plus auxiliary lights that assist support take off and touchdown in low-light conditions.
DJI has positioned two fish-eye imaginative and prescient sensors strategically on the again so that they face each the again and aspect of the drone for enhanced protection. The drone has 360º impediment detection.
APAS 5.0 – the newest iteration of an autopilot system that mechanically detects obstacles – will keep away from them by making a path round them. Within the demo given to DPReview by DJI’s staff, the video proven to us demonstrating APAS 5.0 capabilities was recorded at a most decision of 4K/30p. That is per the Air 2S. When you went to 4K/60 or 120p, the function will now not work. DJI says it has up to date APAS 5.0 to work correctly in additional difficult environments, together with a congested metropolis. This function was not but out there for us to check within the beta model of the DJI Fly app.
The usual Mavic 3 makes use of the identical distant because the Air 2S and Mini 2.
For the Mavic 3 mannequin, DJI has opted to make use of the identical RC-N1 Distant Controller that powers the Mavic Air 2, Air 2S, and Mini 2. It does not have exterior antennas, and it will possibly nonetheless be a problem to connect a smartphone to the highest. Nevertheless, it is snug to carry and consists of every thing you have to function, together with a gimbal wheel plus buttons to immediately begin and cease taking images and video. It’s straightforward to modify between Cine, Regular, and Sport Modes whereas the Return to Dwelling function is immediately accessible. For these not wanting to make use of their gadgets, DJI’s Sensible Controller may be bought individually for the Mavic 3.
The Mavic 3 Cine is powered by a brand new distant referred to as the DJI RC Professional. It mainly appears and behaves like an up to date model of DJI’s Sensible Controller. The RC Professional includes a 1,000-nit, 5.5″ excessive vibrant display and a variety of 15km (9.3 miles) because of O3+ (OcuSync 3) transmission. DJI says it takes 90 minutes to cost totally and may function the drone as much as 3 hours.
The Mavic 3 Cine’s distant, the RC Professional (pictured above), is much like DJI’s SmartController.
One new and noteworthy improvement comes within the type of a brand new gimbal protector. DJI has finished away with the plastic gimbal clamp and created one thing that wraps across the drone and secures the battery, which now will get inserted behind the plane. Versatile straps maintain the propellers in as nicely. The entrance of the drone matches right into a molded cup that covers the highest entrance part of the drone and protects the digicam. A thick elastic band wraps across the backside of the drone, the place one other molded buckle snaps in, and up the again. A small clip snaps every thing into place on the top-center a part of the drone.
DJI has created a brand new option to shield your drone’s digicam and gimbal.
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Photographs and video
DJI labored with Swedish digicam maker Hasselblad to create a customized L2D-20c digicam for the Mavic 3 sequence. Positioned on the underside, the primary digicam includes a 20MP, 4 Thirds CMOS sensor that has a 24mm (equiv.) lens with 84º FOV and variable F2.8-11 aperture. It may shoot nonetheless pictures in 12-bit Uncooked format. Your entire dual-camera system is positioned on a 3-axis mechanical gimbal.
With the Mavic 3 sequence, you’ll be able to level the digicam towards the solar and it’ll create a sunburst as a substitute of blowing out and full space.
Instantly above is a digicam that includes a 12MP, 1/2″ CMOS sensor. Getting into Discover mode, by clicking the binocular icon in Picture mode permits you’ll be able to activate this function. The principle digicam presents up 1-4X digital zoom. The hybrid zoom switches to the tele lens which is able to 7-28X digital zoom. A 162mm Hybrid Zoom (digital + optical) telephoto lens, 15º FOV, and glued aperture of f/4.4 can hone in on a topic as much as 28X. Just like how Apple’s iPhone operates, as you zoom in on a topic, it’s going to swap cameras – creating an optical zoom impact.
Till the Mavic 3 sequence, having a digicam with a 4 Thirds CMOS sensor positioned on a drone meant buying a dearer, and considerably bulkier, DJI Encourage and individually buying a Zenmuse X5 digicam to mount on the drone’s gimbal. The digicam on the Mavic 3 additionally consists of Hasselblad’s HCNS expertise which presents up enhanced coloration accuracy.
The Mavic 3 sequence includes a dual-camera system with Hasselblad’s HNCS expertise. On the underside is a 20MP, 4 Thirds CMOS sensor whereas the highest has a 12MP, 1/2″ sensor with as much as 28X zoom.
The usual Mavic 3 permits you to report video at resolutions as much as 5.1K/50p, DCI or UHD 4K/120p and 1080/200p at 140 Mbps with H.265 and 200 Mbps with the H.264 codec. The Cine model, which we examined, consists of Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ codec. In addition to the specs beforehand talked about, it will possibly report 4K/120p at 3772 Mbps (the latter decision was not out there but to check). These video specs are a big improve from the Mavic 2 Professional’s 4K/30p at 100 Mbps and the Air 2S’ 5.4K/30p at 150 Mbps.
The essential Mavic 3 provides you 8GB of inner storage and may seize as much as 1 billion colours when recording in a 10-bit D-Log coloration profile. The Cine model includes a 1TB SSD because it additionally presents up the bigger recordsdata utilizing Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ codec. Each variations of the drone can use the complete width of their 5.1K sensors. The housing on this twin digicam system is light-weight and extra suited to its total measurement. As talked about within the introduction, the Mavic 2 Professional had points with pixel binning and line skipping, and there’s no indication of this drawback with the Mavic 3 drones.
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The DJI Fly app and flight modes
The Mavic 3 sequence makes use of the DJI Fly app, which additionally powers the Mavic Mini, Mini 2, Mavic Air 2, and Air 2S. First launched in November 2019 with the Mavic Mini, the pared down, intuitive interface showcases all of the picture modes on the identical display. When switching out of Auto mode and into Handbook, or Professional mode, the bottom-right-hand nook provides you sliders that will let you regulate white steadiness, ISO, shutter velocity, aperture and select JPEG or Uncooked+JPEG imagery. Decision may be adjusted as soon as the ‘Video’ choice is activated.
Proven on the Cine distant, you’ll be able to regulate all of your primary video settings on the backside right-hand-side of the display. You may should entry the three-dot menu on the high proper, and go into settings whereas in Video mode, to selected a codec – together with ProRes.
Three dots within the high nook offer you extra detailed choices together with choosing D-Log, video format, picture measurement and format, and if you wish to brake in entrance of or bypass obstacles. It permits you to set peak and distance limits and select Metric or Imperial models. You may also activate AirSense, a function that warns distant pilots of manned plane close by.
MasterShots, which was launched with the Air 2S, can be included on the Mavic 3. It mechanically creates ‘professional-grade’ footage that is able to share on social media channels by merely choosing a number of parameters, corresponding to proximity and portrait or panorama orientation. It then flies autonomously and captures quite a lot of photographs which can be then stitched collectively, in app. You possibly can then decide a soundtrack so as to add immediately. MasterShots was not but out there to check on the Mavic 3 Cine on the time of this writing, however we’ll be updating this evaluate as quickly as doable.
DJI has outfitted the Air 2S with ActiveTrack 5.0 for elevated accuracy in monitoring topics throughout automated flights. That is totally different in that it permits the drone to maneuver with the topic. So, you would set it up and go mountain biking, for instance, and the drone will comply with your actions. If the topic disappears from the body, DJI says the drone’s imaginative and prescient sensors will observe motion and intelligently relocate it. The standard QuickShots, together with Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket Asteroid and Boomerang are included. Not one of the options talked about on this paragraph can be found to check on the Mavic 3 however once more, we’ll replace this evaluate as quickly as we will.
The Fly app provides you the choice to both brake in entrance of or bypass obstacles.
MasterShots was made with the informal client and newbie pilot in thoughts. This isn’t more likely to be one thing an expert with entry to Adobe Premiere Professional, Remaining Reduce Professional, or related software program will likely be concerned with utilizing, which is why it is perplexing that that is included with the Mavic 3 sequence. DJI can be introducing a QuickTransfer function that enables customers to transmit content material from the distant to a cellular machine, by way of a Wi-Fi 6 protocol, for immediate enhancing. This looks as if one thing an influencer or informal client, as a substitute of an expert, would get pleasure from and use usually.
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What’s it wish to fly?
All of DJI’s design updates and efforts to make the plane slimmer and extra aerodynamic actually paid off. The drone holds up nicely within the wind, hovers properly, flies easily, and maneuvers flawlessly. It is quieter than the Mavic 2 sequence, with much less of a buzzing sound, although you’ll be able to nonetheless hear it in shut proximity. When you’re hoping to function your drone incognito, that is nonetheless probably not doable.
What I loved most was utilizing the DJI RC Professional controller which comes with the Mavic Cine Premium combo. All the colours and imagery displayed clearly and fantastically in close to real-time. There wasn’t any discernible latency. Maneuvering the joysticks felt easy and total, despite the fact that the controller appears massive and foreboding upon first impression, it is ergonomically pleasant.
The Mavic 3 sequence has 2 impediment avoidance sensors on the underside of the drone plus auxiliary lights to assist in touchdown throughout low-light conditions.
The drone takes off swiftly and easily with none jerky actions or pauses. It additionally descends steadily and lands softly. General, the Mavic 3 is a pleasure to fly – it virtually feels prefer it’s transferring effortlessly, floating across the sky even. What’s unlucky is that Hyperlapse mode, QuickShots, and APAS 5.0 weren’t out there for me to check out. I’m curious to see how these options carry out on the Mavic 3 sequence as soon as they turn out to be out there.
Odds and ends
Geared up with DJI’s OcuSync 3.0 (O3) transmission expertise, the Mavic 3 can fly at a distance as much as 30 km (18.6 miles) when freed from obstacles or interference. In fact you’d by no means need to fly this far however what this implies is that there will likely be a transparent transmission and the drone is much less more likely to lose its connection, particularly if it flies behind an impediment. Like its predecessor, it helps each 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands. In preferrred circumstances, it will possibly fly as much as 46 minutes: quarter-hour longer than the Mavic 2 sequence or Air 2S. The Mavic 3 can journey at as much as 75.6 km/h (47 mph) in Sport mode.
The usual Mavic 3 helps reminiscence playing cards as much as 2TB and comprises 8GB of onboard inner storage must you neglect a card or run out of house. The Mavic 3 Cine comprises 1TB of inner storage plus a reminiscence card slot. You a lot want to make use of the latter as a backup in case you’re capturing a great deal of ProRes footage. When you’ve ever panicked about operating out of house on a reminiscence card, skilled corruption, or misplaced one, you may particularly recognize this function on the Cine.
DJI has additionally fine-tuned the RTH (return-to-home) capabilities. As an alternative of the drone flying to a sure altitude that you simply predetermine, it’s going to establish the shortest and most effective path and bypass obstacles inside a 200m vary to get again to the house level. I stay up for testing this after launch once I know it’s going to be totally practical.
The Mavic 3 Cine comes with 2 units of ND filters in 4/8/16/32 and 64/128/256/512.
The Cine Premium combo comes with two units of ND filters. Even with a variable aperture, these offers you smoother video and hyperlapse footage in vibrant circumstances by permitting you to correctly regulate the shutter. It additionally features a sturdy 10Gbps Lightspeed Information Cable that transfers your recordsdata from the drone, particularly the ProRes clips, slightly shortly. The cable’s materials is interwoven and durable. It does not seem like one thing that may tear or come undone over time.
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Who’s it for?
A 20MP 4 Thirds CMOS digicam with a Hasselblad coloration profile, 1TB of inner storage, and Apple’s ProRes codec make the Cine match for an expert. Because of this I am perplexed that DJI is powering it with the Fly app. As acknowledged earlier, this app was debuted two years in the past with the Mavic Mini – a drone aimed toward novices. Despite the fact that the Air 2S may work for some skilled use instances, it is nonetheless priced in a variety that makes it a justifiable buy for customers.
The digicam on the Mavic 3 performs terribly nicely at night time. There’s no grain on this unedited picture.
The Mavic 3 sequence is clearly aimed toward skilled drone pilots, given its pricing. Because of this, for my part, DJI ought to have continued utilizing the GO 4 app. Perhaps Hasselblad’s HNCS expertise is so correct that there is not a must delve into the several types of White Steadiness settings together with Sunny, Cloudy, and Incandescent. However what if I made a decision I needed to shoot in Shutter or Aperture Precedence mode? Why does DJI’s Phantom 4, which was launched over 5 years in the past warrant these refined images settings in comparison with a drone that prices considerably extra?
I’ll have talked about the Autel EVO II has a messy app in a evaluate, however the firm had the suitable thought together with settings an expert photographer needs. Anybody who’s going to pay near $5,000 for a drone, or $3,000 for the subsequent mannequin down is severe about their imagery and desires to take a position severe time navigating all a drone has to supply. The Fly app was constructed with extra informal customers in thoughts. Why would it not be included right into a drone aimed toward professionals?
I am additionally having a troublesome time processing (no pun meant) the truth that DJI is providing up a digital zoom, versus an optical one, on such a dear drone. What’s much more perplexing is that the recordsdata can solely be saved as JPEGs. Some skilled photographers and videographers are inclined to delve into inspections and different industrial use instances. Why did the Mavic 2 Zoom supply up some optical capabilities whereas the Mavic 3 doesn’t? Then there is a pertinent difficulty with the distinctive form of the lens, although DJI could have already got an answer for what’s identified under.
Seems to be like a round polarizer goes to be onerous to implement for the Mavic 3. pic.twitter.com/mW35taYmMn
— Jamie Malcolm-Brown (@jamiemalcolmb) October 27, 2021
This is not to say that there aren’t points of the Mavic Cine 3 that may make it a great match for inventive professionals. For videographers, Apple’s ProRes 422 HQ is the very best HD format out there for cinematography. What most individuals must know is that this codec is not essential for his or her workflow. The recordsdata are gigantic and you will want a strong MacBook to course of them. Because of this together with 1TB of inner storage was essential on DJI’s half. When working with a number of dozen images already taken, I had the power to report about one hour of ProRes HQ footage.
To provide you some context, as quickly as I switched again to .MOV recordsdata at H.265, 17-18 hours of video recording time left appeared. After I uploaded a 30-second ProRes clip to my MacBook, it took over an hour. The opposite recordsdata took about one minute, tops. These recordsdata is probably not as finely detailed however a whole lot of that effort may get misplaced with ProRes clips in case you’re importing them to YouTube or social channels. Business movies and the like will profit from having materials filmed on Apple ProRes. Most individuals will likely be tremendous with what the essential Mavic 3 mannequin has to supply.
I’m a fan of the variable aperture, which was additionally out there on the Mavic 2 Professional. It does make customizing your settings for picture and video much less irritating in comparison with the Air 2S. The standard of the imagery, particularly at night time, can be excellent. I used to be delighted that there wasn’t any grain in my pictures captured at the hours of darkness. Lastly, it is good to have a drone that has correct impediment avoidance sensors overlaying all sides of the drone, a difficulty with the Mavic 2 sequence (in the event that they labored, it was often in Tripod mode).
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Conclusion
The discharge of the Mavic 3 sequence is long-awaited and for essentially the most half, it delivers. My disappointment comes from the truth that extra talents to customise your picture settings weren’t included. DJI periodically updates its firmware, so the corporate may shock us sooner or later. And since they by no means cannibalize their product line, I can not assist however marvel what’s subsequent? What’s but to come back may supply the Hasselblad coloration profile, an optical zoom, and probably even interchangeable lenses on an plane that may simply be carried round.
I obtained to check the Cine Premium combo. I’m actually impressed with the carrying case that converts to a again pack, the Clever flight batteries which can be straightforward to insert, now behind the drone, and the near 45 (real looking) minutes of flight time. It is good to exit and know you may have over two hours to get your required photographs with three fully-charged batteries. The drone is straightforward and gratifying to fly and maneuver. I additionally discovered the brand new gimbal guard a lot extra handy to connect and take away. The truth that omnidirectional impediment avoidance labored once I was flying in Regular mode is a bonus.
I stay up for making an attempt out the options that are not out there but, particularly APAS 5.0. APAS 4.0 labored nicely on the Air 2S so I am anticipating promising flights, weaving by way of bushes in a forest close to my home. A mobile transmission dongle can even turn out to be out there sooner or later (though we’re advised that it’s not anticipated to be out there in North America, the European Union, or the UK) and that is anticipated to assist the drone preserve its connection in congested areas, particularly if it is flying between buildings. All in all, the Mavic 3 sequence is probably not good, nevertheless it represents DJI’s potential to innovate and iterate with each new launch.
What we like
4 Thirds CMOS sensor
46-minute flight time
Hasselblad coloration profile
5.1K/50p video with 10-bit D-Log
1TB storage
What we do not
Digital zoom
No mechanical shutter on major digicam
Lack of refined picture settings
Hefty price ticket
Pattern gallery
Please don’t reproduce any of those pictures with out prior permission (see our copyright web page).
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