DJI Mavic 3: The Best Consumer Drone - Review

DJI Mavic 3: Initial Impressions

To address this upfront: The DJI Mavic 3, priced at $2,199, demonstrates exceptional performance. A complete evaluation of all its novel capabilities is still pending.

The Mavic 3 represents DJI’s most recent flagship consumer drone. Its foldable design, coupled with a substantial cost, belies the inclusion of a remarkable dual-lens camera system and a significantly enhanced communication link between the drone and its controller. Currently, the Mavic 3 stands as DJI’s premier consumer drone offering.

Key Innovations

• A dual-camera configuration is featured, incorporating a bespoke Hasselblad L2D-20c aerial camera. This system comprises two lenses: a 4/3 CMOS sensor paired with a 24mm prime lens, and a 28x hybrid zoom telephoto lens.
• This is the first DJI drone capable of transmitting live video at 1080p/60 fps from the drone to the controller.
• Support is included for Apple ProRes 422 HQ and H.264/H.265, with video recording options extending up to 5.1K at 50 fps, DCI 4K at 120 fps, and standard 4K at 120 fps.
• The vision sensing system has been refined, now capable of detecting objects within a range of 0.5 to 200 meters, thanks to upgraded sensors.
• A flight time of 46 minutes is achievable with the 5,000 mAh battery.

I received a Mavic 3 unit from DJI last week and have been extensively testing it. However, several crucial features were inaccessible prior to the official product launch. Until recently, I was unable to assess the drone’s new ActiveTrack 5.0 system and APAS 5.0 object detection – both are touted as substantial improvements over previous iterations.

Consequently, I cannot yet validate DJI’s assertions regarding these features. I am particularly keen to evaluate the updated ActiveTrack system, as prior DJI implementations have not consistently met expectations.

DJI Mavic 3 Camera System

The DJI Mavic 3 incorporates a redesigned camera system, utilizing a dual-lens configuration. A primary 20 MP 4/3 CMOS sensor is paired with a 24 mm prime lens, offering an 84° field of view.

Complementing this is a secondary camera equipped with a 162 mm telephoto lens, capable of a 28x hybrid zoom. This dual-camera approach allows the Mavic 3 to deliver exceptional image quality while dedicating a separate lens for zoom functionality.

Video Capabilities

The Mavic 3 introduces support for advanced video encoding formats. These include Apple ProRes 422 HQ, alongside DCI 4K and 5.1K resolutions.

However, Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding is exclusive to the higher-priced Mavic 3 Cine edition, which retails for $4,999. This version also includes a built-in 1 TB solid-state drive (SSD).

Image Quality Assessment

Initial image results from the camera are remarkably impressive. A direct comparison with images captured by the DJI Air 2S reveals significant improvements.

Specifically, the Mavic 3 exhibits richer tonal depth and enhanced detail within shadow areas. Image clarity and sharpness are noticeably superior.

A comprehensive review is forthcoming. Certain crucial video features were inaccessible until the official Mavic 3 announcement by DJI.

Thorough testing with the latest firmware is required to fully evaluate the drone’s capabilities.

Drone Object Avoidance Capabilities

Despite careful operation, drone crashes can occur, particularly when exploring operational boundaries. Component replacement costs are a factor, but the Mavic 3 has proven remarkably resilient to incidents. Its advanced perception systems contribute significantly to this improved performance.

Object detection and collision avoidance have been integral to drone technology for some time. However, the Mavic 3 incorporates enhancements, notably an extended detection range and improved close-proximity awareness.

At the time of this assessment, a firmware update containing substantial improvements to the Mavic 3’s obstacle avoidance system was pending release by DJI. Even with pre-release software, the drone’s performance in this area is noteworthy.

Testing was conducted during the autumn season in Michigan, after most foliage had fallen. The Mavic 3 consistently and reliably identified even slender branches. The system can either halt the drone’s movement or navigate around the detected obstruction.

A flight through wooded terrain demonstrated the drone’s autonomous pathfinding abilities. It largely navigated the environment independently, making subtle lateral adjustments to circumvent obstacles. Minimal pilot input was required, primarily to maintain forward progress. This functionality existed in previous DJI models, but with significantly less refinement.

The Mavic 3, similar to the Mavic Pro 2, utilizes sensors positioned around its entire perimeter. This includes six fisheye vision sensors and two wide-angle sensors. DJI refers to this as omnidirectional obstacle sensing, representing an advancement over the four-directional sensing found on the Air 2S.

Enhanced Sensor Suite

• Six fisheye vision sensors provide a comprehensive view.
• Two wide-angle sensors broaden the detection field.
• Omnidirectional obstacle sensing allows for 360-degree awareness.

This expanded sensor array contributes to a more robust and reliable crash mitigation system. The improved smoothness and responsiveness inspire greater confidence in the drone’s ability to avoid collisions.

Operational Range

Drone operators will observe two key improvements in the Mavic 3 compared to its predecessors. Firstly, this model features a significantly more reliable communication link. I experienced consistent control even in locations where previous drones would lose connection.

The Mavic 3 delivers a live video feed to the controller at 1080p/60, representing a doubling of the frame rate offered by earlier versions, and this enhancement is readily apparent.

DJI states the maximum transmission distance is 15 kilometers, which equates to over 9 miles. However, due to regulations set forth by the FAA, verifying this maximum range was not possible during testing. Nevertheless, the Mavic 3 demonstrates substantial range capabilities.

During my evaluation, I piloted the Mavic 3 to several locations I’m familiar with, including a derelict urban environment featuring low-clearance bridges spanning a river. This area is often used for drone testing. Previous drone models, such as the DJI Air 2S and Mavic Pro 2, frequently experienced connection instability when flying beneath these bridges.

The Mavic 3, however, maintained a consistent connection throughout these maneuvers. Furthermore, the improved transmission strength was noticeable while operating the drone over the cornfields adjacent to my property.

Typically, other drones can only briefly maintain signal while skimming the crop tops, with range decreasing dramatically when descending to just a few feet above the ground. The Mavic 3 did not exhibit this limitation, continuing to stream live video to the controller at 1080p/60.

The quality of the live video preview is exceptional. When within range, the drone now transmits in full 1080p HD at 60 frames per second. This increased frame rate is a welcome improvement, and the smoother video feed enhances the overall flying experience.

Build Quality Assessment

The overall construction and build quality of this drone surpasses that of the DJI Air 2. A feeling of robustness is immediately apparent, and the device avoids the appearance of being a mere plaything.

Structural Differences

Compared to the more compact Air 2S, the Mavic 3 exhibits notably slimmer prop arms. This design choice contributes to a sleeker profile.

Propeller Size Comparison

The propellers utilized on the Mavic 3 measure 4.5 inches in diameter. This is a considerable increase when contrasted with the 3.5-inch propellers found on the Air 2S.

Propeller size is a key factor influencing flight characteristics and stability. The larger propellers on the Mavic 3 contribute to improved performance.

• The build quality is demonstrably superior to the DJI Air 2.
• A noticeable difference exists in the prop arm thickness between the Mavic 3 and the Air 2S.
• The Mavic 3 utilizes larger 4.5-inch propellers, while the Air 2S employs 3.5-inch propellers.

Battery

The Mavic 3 incorporates a newly engineered battery, differing from designs utilized in earlier iterations.

This battery employs a four-cell configuration, resulting in a weight of 335.5 grams. It is securely fastened to the drone’s frame via a sliding mechanism.

Charging

Powering the battery is achieved through DJI’s dedicated charging port. The charging station itself utilizes a USB-C connection.

Flight Time

DJI states a maximum flight duration of 46 minutes. However, real-world performance, as observed during testing, averaged approximately 30 minutes, particularly when operating in windy environments.

Wind conditions significantly impact battery consumption, reducing achievable flight times.

Features Not Yet Functional at Launch

Several advanced capabilities of the drone were not accessible for evaluation during the initial testing phase. These features are slated for release in future firmware updates or as separate accessories.

Video Capabilities

The drone boasts support for 120 fps video recording modes. However, these modes were not fully operational during the pre-launch testing period.

Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 5.0

The initial firmware version did not include the most recent iterations of object detection and crash avoidance technology. Consequently, the drone’s ability to identify and circumvent obstacles, even small ones like tree branches, was based on earlier software versions.

ActiveTrack 5.0

Availability of ActiveTrack 5.0 is currently postponed to an unspecified date. This system is intended to enable the Mavic 3 to maintain tracking of a subject regardless of its movement direction.

Previous iterations of this feature were often criticized for their limitations, primarily tracking objects moving directly towards or away from the drone, rather than laterally or diagonally. A thorough evaluation of the updated system is anticipated.

4G Network Transmission

An optional accessory designed to enhance video transmission through 4G network connectivity is planned for release. This attachment was not available for testing at the time this report was compiled.

A comprehensive review of the drone will be published shortly. Please check back next week for a detailed analysis.