When considering purchasing a Mavic 3 drone, you will need to choose between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Classic.
There are two main differences between DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Classic.
- The Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with three cameras, including two telephoto cameras. Meanwhile, the Mavic 3 Classic only comes with one.
- Then there is a cost. The Mavic 3 Pro is 27% more expensive than the Mavic 3 Classic.
So which one should you choose? Here's a detailed guide that takes a closer look at the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Classic drones to help you decide which drone is right for you.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic was released in November 2022, a year after the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine. More budget-friendly options are available. The Mavic 3 Classic retails for $1,599, while the Mavic 3 Pro retails for $2,199. The biggest factor keeping the price point down is the inability to purchase a telephoto lens.
Like the more expensive Mavic 3 and 3 Cine drones, the Mavic 3 Classic still packs a punch with the Mavic 3's most notable feature: the Hasselblad camera. Thanks to Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, you get life-like colors (especially noteworthy at night).
Transmission is also a big factor for drone pilots. Most happily, this drone continues the legacy of O3+ transmission. This gives you a range of 15km while still receiving a smooth 1080p/60fps live feed.
DJI Mavic Pro
The Mavic 3 Pro, released in April 2023, holds the title of the world's first drone with three optical cameras. It's a Hasselblad camera and two telecameras. Even with inflation, the $2,199 price is the same as the original Mavic 3 while offering more advanced features.
The Mavic 3 Pro's triple camera combination lets you switch shot compositions with a single tap. The high-end drone also includes omnidirectional obstacle detection, 15 km video transmission, and 43 minutes of flight time.
Buy the Mavic 3 Pro now on Amazon.
Buy the Mavic 3 Pro now from B&H Photo.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classic: Price and Specs Comparison
The Mavic 3 Classic offers a significant discount compared to the Pro. Of course, that can be attractive to people looking to save. But it's important to understand what you're missing.
Below is a comparison between DJI Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Classic. We've detailed the features each one offers so you can decide which drone best suits your budget.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro |
DJI Mavic 3 Classic |
|
starting price | $2,199 | $1,599 |
takeoff weight | 958 grams | 895 grams |
Dimensions: Collapsed, without propeller (LxWxH) | 231.1×98×95.4mm | 221×96.3×90.3mm |
number of cameras | three | One |
Basic camera and lens specifications | Hasselblad Cameras: 4/3 CMOS, effective pixels: 20MP Viewing angle: 84° |
Hasselblad Cameras: 4/3 CMOS, effective pixels: 20MP Viewing angle: 84° |
Medium format telephoto camera and lens specifications | 1/1.3 inch CMOS, effective pixels: 48 MP FOV: 35°Format: 70mmAperture: f/2.8Focus: 3m~Infinity |
Not applicable |
Telephoto camera and lens specifications | 1/2 inch CMOS, effective pixels: 12MP FOV: 15°Format: 166mm Aperture: f/3.4Focus: 3m to infinity |
Not applicable |
electronic magnification | Hasselblad Camera: 1-3×Medium Telephoto Camera: 3-7×Telephoto Camera: 7-28× | 3× |
gimbal machine scope | Tilt: -140° to 50°Roll: -50° to 50°Pan: -23° to 23° | Tilt: -135° to 100°Roll: -45° to 45°Pan: -27° to 27° |
sensor | 4/3 inch CMOS | 4/3 inch CMOS |
obstacle avoidance | Omni-directional binocular vision system with infrared sensors added to the bottom of the aircraft | Omni-directional binocular vision system with infrared sensors added to the bottom of the aircraft |
maximum flight time | 43 minutes | 46 minutes |
transmission system | O3+ | O3+ |
DJI's Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with three cameras, while the Mavic 3 Classic is equipped with only one camera. The choice ultimately comes down to whether the Pro's telephoto camera meets your photography needs.
If you want to focus on wide landscapes or are able to get physically close to your subject, the Mavic 3 Classic may suffice, especially considering its affordable price.
The Pro version is useful in scenarios where you need to capture your subject from a distance without disturbing them, or you can't get up close due to restrictions or safety concerns. This may also include wildlife photographers who want to respect the space between animals. Or, the ability to see details like small cracks or slight discoloration may be critical for certain commercial tasks, such as critical inspections.
This isn't the only factor to consider. The Pro boasts color recording, although its flight time is slightly shorter due to the weight of the additional camera. This potentially gives you a slight edge in high-contrast shooting situations.
Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic: Conclusion
The decision ultimately depends on your specific needs and photography style. For those who don't need a telephoto lens, the Classic offers significant savings. However, if you explore or need the advanced photography features that the Pro's additional lenses offer, it may be worth the investment.
For serious photographers looking to go beyond the Mavic 3 Pro, the Inspire 3 represents the next step in drone photography with its full-frame Zenmuse X9-8k Air Gimbal camera and interchangeable lenses.