DJI, a name that resonates with drone enthusiasts and professionals alike, has done it again with the Mavic 3 Pro. This beast, with its cutting-edge features and capabilities, has piqued our interest and compelled us to delve deeper into its performance.
So I paid for the drone and took it both on work and also chase some shots on safari. Yeah - no freebies, no pre-release copies here, just an unbiased look at the features, pros and cons of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. As I journeyed, I put the drone through its paces, testing it thoroughly in various environments to understand its strengths and areas needing improvements.
My aim was simple – to provide you with a comprehensive, authentic review that reflects real-world usage. Whether you're a drone enthusiast, a seasoned drone pilot, or a video creator, my goal is to help you get a good grasp of what's fantastic about this drone and the areas where DJI could make it even better. So let's explore the hits and misses of the Mavic 3 Pro together.
Strengths of DJI Mavic 3 Pro
When taking shots, you're always looking out for top-notch gear to take your videography to new heights. How does the drone fair here?
The Love Affair with the Main Camera
What drew me to DJI Mavic 3 Pro initially was its main camera. Folks, the Hasselblad camera has a whopping 4/3-inch sensor, and it's no short of a cinema drone! The main camera shoots up to 5.1K at 50 frames per second, but if you're a fan of 4K, it can do 4K UH 60 or go for 4K 120. And let me tell you, the results are phenomenal.
From my personal experience, the colors and the dynamic range with the main camera are impressive. Ever since the original Mavic 3, I’ve been a big fan this camera. The variable aperture it features comes handy when you're piloting it in different light conditions – think sunny one moment, and cloudy the next.
The main can shoot beautiful 20-megapixel stills. These images are not only good looking, but the dynamic range makes them extremely flexible in post-production. Whether you want to pull out some shadows, tamp down some highlights or just experiment with different color grades, this camera's photos have got you covered.
The Improved Telephoto Lens
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro has made strides since the original Mavic 3 was released. Take its 166 mm 7X zoom lens, or as some may call it, the telephoto lens. With the aperture changing from F 4.4 to F 3.4, you get improved performance in low light conditions. Whatever they've tweaked with the lenses or the setup, it's working, and the optical quality is a noticeable improvement from the initial telephoto camera.
As for the photography, there's been a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. It now takes pretty decent, usable photos. Although these images might require a bit of post-processing to bring out their best, the increased capabilities have added a new dimension to the Mavic 3 Pro’s functionality.
A New Addition: The 3X Camera
But what's really caught my attention, folks, is the new 3X camera. This feature alone propels the DJI Mavic 3 Pro to the ranks of a long-range drone with camera. With its 70-mm equivalent and D-Log M capabilities, it’s a game changer.
You may be working on TV sets or need this drone for some high-budget films – and it will deliver. The 3X camera provides the reach and feel you’ll need to capture the shots required for the production. And the fact that you can shoot in D-Log M means with color grading you can match it with the other cameras well.
For photography, this little wonder shoots up to 48MP stills which are, frankly, surprisingly good. While it might not offer the same dynamic range as the 4/3-inch camera, it certainly doesn't skimp on detail.
Three Cameras = More Flexibility
As you can see, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers three cameras. This gives you an incredible amount of choice and flexibility in composing different types of shots without having to land the drone and change a lens.
In short, you get:
- A wide-angle option with the main camera; Dynamic 20-megapixel stills
- A more punched-in angle with the 3X camera for shoots; Detailed 48-megapixel photos
- A super zoomed-in option with the 166 mm telephoto camera when recording; Usable photos with a good degree of zoom
This, folks, is what truly sets the DJI Mavic 3 Pro apart. It allows you to go from capturing a sweeping landscape to zeroing in on a specific detail with just a few taps. Whether you're a professional filmmaker, documenting wildlife on safari, or a hobbyist drone pilot, this sort of flexibility can drastically change the way you capture your videos. Whether
Regarding photography should you want to capture wide, sweeping landscapes, or zoom in to capture finer details, the Mavic 3 Pro has got you covered. It truly is an incredibly useful tool for teams and solo creators alike. This is especially true for those who want a variety of options at their fingertips, without the need to land, switch lenses, or make any other modifications.
Active Track Feature
Let's not forget the Active Track feature, which comes in handy when you need to focus on moving objects. It keeps the object in frame thanks to the recent firmware updates from DJI.
Battery Life and Video Quality
Size Matters: Impact of Camera Size on Battery Life
When it comes to the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, one of the critical factors that you need to consider is how the camera size impacts the battery life. This might seem like a minor detail, but as you'll see, it can significantly affect your flight time, especially when you're up there trying to capture the perfect shot.
I've found that the larger, heavier camera of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro does take a toll on the battery life. Don't get me wrong; you're still getting impressive flight time, but it's not quite as long as what you'd get with the Mavic 3. You might lose some minutes of flight time due to the increased power needs of the bigger camera, with your drone remaining airborne for around 30-40 minutes. Still, for a high-quality camera drone that boasts superb range, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best long-range drones available today.
Video Image Quality Across The Three Cameras
Moving on to video image quality, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro continues to impress. It's not just about having three cameras; it's about the variety of options available across all of them. The drone supports 10 bit 422 across all cameras when you're using the Cine version and shooting in ProRes. This means you can capture beautifully detailed and vibrant footage, regardless of which camera you're using.
Speaking from my personal experience, I've used the DJI Mavic 3 Pro extensively in a variety of projects, including a TV show and some big-budget gigs. The ability to shoot in D-Log M with the 70mm 3X camera and the 10-bit color depth was a game-changer for color grading, allowing for a seamless match with other cameras.
The Color Conundrum: Let's Talk Color Grading
Another crucial aspect of video quality is color grading. If you're a video creator, you'll appreciate the flexibility and control that comes with being able to grade your colors. For instance, if you don't feel like color grading, you can simply shoot in the normal color profile mode. The resulting footage will have a consistent output across all three cameras, making it easy to match them up. However, if you want to shoot in Log, it will require more work to synchronize the look and feel of each of the cameras.
When it comes to the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, one of the critical factors that you need to consider is how the camera size impacts the battery life. This might seem like a minor detail, but as you'll see, it can significantly affect your flight time, especially when you're up there trying to capture the perfect shot.
I've found that the larger, heavier camera of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro does take a toll on the battery life. Don't get me wrong; you're still getting impressive flight time, but it's not quite as long as what you'd get with the Mavic 3. You might lose some minutes of flight time due to the increased power needs of the bigger camera, with your drone remaining airborne for around 30-40 minutes. Still, for a high-quality camera drone that boasts superb range, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is undoubtedly one of the best long range drones available today.
Improvements Needed
Despite the many fantastic features it boasts, no drone is perfect, and I have noted a few aspects I'd love DJI to consider in their next update. These insights are based on my own personal experiences as a drone pilot and a content creator.
Gimbal Compensation and In-Camera Sharpening
- The Need for Control over In-Camera Sharpening
Firstly, one enhancement I'm dying for is control over in-camera sharpening. Both the 3X and the 7X cameras have substantial processing happening. No doubt, it's designed to handle sensor noise and image issues, but the result is a heightened level of sharpening.
While shooting some nature scenes using the 3X Zoom, I noticed that I had to put a slight Gaussian filter of around -1 or -2 to bring down the sharpening. Doing so resulted in an image closer to what I had envisioned from the beginning. Therefore, an option to adjust this in-camera would be invaluable to make the most of these cameras. So DJI, if you're listening, we'd love to have this control!
- Gimbal Compensation During Flight
Next on the list is gimbal compensation during flight. This is a bit of a pesky issue that's cropped up at times during my shoots. Essentially, when you're in flight, and the drone is compensating for wind or movement, the camera can occasionally hit the drone's side. This has happened to me more than once, and it's something I would certainly appreciate seeing improved in future updates.
Jerky Motions and EU Regulations
- Issue with Jerky Motions
Moving on, let's chat about sudden jerky movements during flight. While performing quick yaw motions or generally flying around, the Mavic 3 Pro can sometimes display abrupt, jerky movements. This can disrupt your shots, and trust me, it's quite noticeable when it happens. If this could be smoothed out, I believe it would greatly enhance the flying and filming experience.
- The Weight and EU Regulations
Lastly, let's discuss the weight of the drone. This might seem minor, but it has some implications, especially for our friends in the European Union. As you may know, the EU has specific regulations around the weight of drones, which can impact the use of heavier drones like our Mavic 3 Pro. While this isn't something that can be easily fixed with a firmware update, it's a point to consider when looking at future drone designs.
From January 1st, 2024, the EU class identification label will come in force. Check list of certified drones here.
These are just a few areas that, in my opinion, could be tweaked to enhance the DJI Mavic 3 Pro user experience. Of course, despite these points, the drone remains an absolute beast in the market, and I'm eager to see where DJI takes us next. Here's hoping these suggestions help inform future iterations and firmware updates for our favorite flying companion.
Wrapping Up
After putting the DJI Mavic 3 Pro through its paces, my final thoughts are nothing short of admiration. This drone is a game changer, friends. From cinematic filming to capturing high-resolution images, this little beast does it all - truly a cinema drone and a long range drone with camera in your backpack.
So, Should You Get It?
My personal feelings towards this drone lean heavily towards a 'yes'. There's a ton of versatility packed in this machine, and it's worth trying it out for yourself. Sure, there are areas for improvement, like the over-sharpening on the 3X camera, but what tech doesn't have its quirks?
Where to Buy
Now, when it comes to the DJI Mavic 3 Pro price, let me break it down. You can get the drone with DJI RC for $2,199.00 USD on DSLRPros online store. If you're looking for more, you can go for the Fly More Combo with DJI RC Pro for $3,889.00. It might seem steep, but believe me, it's worth every penny.
Remember, at the end of the day, it's about the passion for aerial videography and photography. If you're a drone enthusiast, a drone pilot, or a video creator, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is more than just a gadget—it's a powerful tool to help you capture the world from new and exciting perspectives. So why wait? Go and fly!
Disclaimer: This review is written based on the experiences and opinions of a purchaser of the drone, not those of DSLRPros or its affiliates. DSLRPros has not commissioned this review and the views expressed herein solely reflect those of the individual author, not DSLRPros or any of its associates.
