DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences



With the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Innovations presented a new camera drone on April 25, 2023  under the motto ” Inspiration in Focus ” . DJI’s Mavic 3 Pro drone is one of the newest drones on the market and promises an impressive combination of advanced flight capabilities and a powerful aerial camera . The foldable high-tech quadrocopter is a consumer flagship model and was specially developed for demanding aerial photography. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers impressive camera quality , high flight performance and a long flight time. In this review , we will examine the DJI Mavic 3 Pro in depth, evaluating features, pros and cons, and overall performance. We’ll also look at how it compares to other drones on the market and if it’s worth the money.

Of course, we have tested the DJI Mavic 3 Pro intensively and in the test report and review we go into more detail about the features, optimizations or new features. We also take a look at the  technical data and take a closer look at the target group, advantages or security functions. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is now available in the DJI Online Store and from retailers such as camforpro and Amazon. The entry-level price for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro  is 2,099 euros (RRP) – but then only with the DJI RC remote control . As a Fly More Combo with a DJI RC remote control and additional combo accessories, theDJI Mavic 3 Pro is available from 2,799 euros (RRP).

Important info:

The functions of the new DJI Mavic 3 Pro and DJI Mavic 3 or DJI Mavic 3 Classic are largely identical in terms of flight performance, obstacle detection, video transmission or intelligent functions. However, due to the heavier weight of the camera, the weight of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro exceeds the 900 gram limit, resultingin a C2 classification . The battery life of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is only 43 instead of 46 minutes due to the higher weight.

Features DJI Mavic 3 Pro

  • Camera drone with high image quality for advanced users and professionals
  • 4/3 CMOS camera with 20 megapixel image resolution
  • Triple camera with two additional telephoto cameras and zoom function
  • max. 5.1k video at 50 fps or 4K video at 120 fps
  • Weight: approx. 958 grams (DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine: 963 grams)
  • Attention: insurance necessary!
  • Attention: Observe EU legislation – details here
  • Dimensions: 231.1 x 98 x 95.4 millimeters (folded)
  • Flight time: up to 43 minutes
  • Max. flight speed: 21 m/s or 75.6 km/h (in S mode)
  • Range: up to 15 kilometers (FCC) or 8 kilometers (CE)
  • with GPS and omnidirectional obstacle detection
  • Flight modes with flight aids and flight assistants
  • MasterShots , ActiveTrack 5.0 and QuickTransfer
  • App control with DJI Fly app
  • optionally available: DJI RC Pro remote control with display ( info here )
  • also available as DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine with Apple ProRes and SSD hard drive

Note on the EU drone regulation:

With regard to the EU drone regulation from 2021, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro must meet a number of requirements. At least the small EU drone driver’s license and possibly also the large drone driver’s license are required: Information on the drone driver’s license . Also, pilot registration and EU drone license plate are required for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Here we have summarized all the specifications of the EU drone regulation for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro : DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Information EU drone regulation


Target group and classification

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

With the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI has introduced another variant and given the conventional DJI Mavic 3 a technical facelift, so to speak. Because from a purely visual point of view, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has not changed too much at first glance – and flight characteristics, flight time and much more are hardly or not at all different from the previous DJI Mavic 3 models. Only the camera has been optimized and expanded, which results in a higher weight and a slightly reduced flight time compared to the previous DJI Mavic 3. Except for the triple camera system , which consists of a 4/3 CMOS wide-angle camera , a 1/1.3 CMOS medium telephoto camera and a 1/2 CMOS telephoto cameraput together, the new DJI Mavic 3 Pro therefore offers no moving innovations and improvements. Also means: With 4K videos at a maximum of 120 frames per second, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can easily keep up with the DJI Action 2 or the GoPro HERO 11 Black .

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a high-priced and powerful camera drone that is ideal for professional applications and advanced hobbyists . With powerful features and the ability to capture high-quality aerial footage, it is ideal for filmmakers, YouTubers, content creators, influencers, photographers and even inspection or surveillance tasks to a limited extent.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers excellent image quality, which is achieved by using a Hasselblad camera and two additional telephoto cameras. In addition, it has advanced obstacle detection , a fairly high flight time of up to 43 minutes and a high speed of up to 75.6 km/h . These features make them ideal for demanding professional applications where, for example, precision, safety and speed are required. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the ideal drone for people who want professional results and are willing to invest in a quality drone.

However, due to its high price and powerful features, it is less suitable for beginners or users who just want to fly a drone for fun. The most common areas of application for a camera drone like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro naturally include aerial photography and aerial videography , the inspection of buildings , or surveillance and security . The camera drone is also popular with outdoor enthusiasts, athletes or vacationers who want to use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro for breathtaking landscape shots.

Like the DJI Mavic 3, the newer DJI Mavic 3 Pro and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine also offer enormous potential , especially for professionals from the photo and film industry . The DJI drones inspire with numerous features that you won’t find with other manufacturers. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro also convinces with a light housing and a compact design, which also makes it interesting for one or the other beginner. However, beginners should know that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a fairly expensive DJI drone – cheaper models like the DJI Mini 3 Pro are not only lighter, but also equipped with a 4K camera or mechanical 3-axis image stabilization.

Introducing DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Legal classification: insurance, registration and driver’s license

A short paragraph on the legal classification of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone. If you want to use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro legally within Germany, you have to observe some legal framework conditions. Depending on the application, this includes, for example, a registration obligation , a drone driver’s license or drone liability insurance . Legal details on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can be found in this article:

Technical data and main features at a glance

  • Area of ​​application: Professional drone with high camera potential
  • Advantages: user-friendly, compact, powerful, safe
  • Take-off weight: approx. 958 grams (DJI Mavic 3 Cine: 963 grams)
  • Dimensions: 231.1 x 98 x 95.4 millimeters (folded)
  • Dimensions: 347.5 x 290.8 x 107.7 millimeters (unfolded)
  • maximum flight speed: 21 m/s or 75.6 km/h (S mode)
  • Flight time: approx. 43 minutes
  • Positioning: GPS + Glonass + Beidou
  • Obstacle detection: omnidirectional (forward, backward, up, sideways, down)
  • Live View Output Quality: 1080p@30fps / 1080p@60fps
  • Transmission distance with DJI O3+: up to 15 km (FCC) or 8 km (CE)
  • triple camera system with a 4/3 CMOS wide-angle camera , a 1/1.3 CMOS medium telephoto camera and a 1/2 CMOS telephoto camera
  • Hasselblad camera: 4/3 CMOS in cooperation with Hasselblad with 20 megapixel resolution | Field of View (FOV): 84° | Format Equivalent: 24 mm | Aperture: f/2.8 to f/11 | Focus range: 1 m to ∞ (with autofocus) | Photo format: JPEG / DNG | Video resolution max. 5.1k at 50 fps or 4K at 120 fps | Video Bit Rate: 200Mbps(H.264) / 140Mbps(H.265)
  • Image Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal
  • internal memory: 8 GB (DJI Mavic 3 Pro | 1TB (DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine)

Scope of delivery and configurations of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro

As mentioned at the beginning, DJI delivers the DJI Mavic 3 Pro in four different versions . So you can choose between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI RC and without additional accessories, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC , the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC Pro or the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Premium Combo with DJI RC Pro . Except for the cheapest set, all available configurations are the so-called combo variant. In addition to the drone, battery, charger or remote control, DJI also supplies other accessories with the combo variants.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

DJI offers the new DJI Mavic 3 Pro in four different configurations. So you can choose between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI RC remote control, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC Pro or the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Premium Combo with DJI RC Pro decide. Except for the cheapest set, all available configurations are the so-called combo variant. In addition to the drone, battery, charger or remote control, DJI also supplies other accessories with the combo variants.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro combos come packed with everything a drone controller needs to take off immediately and capture stunning footage . First of all, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes with the drone itself, which is equipped with a 4K camera capable of capturing stunning images and videos. The camera is mounted on a stabilized gimbal platform that allows for smooth and precise camera work.

In addition, the scope of delivery of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro includes a whole range of accessories that make using the drone even easier and more convenient. This includes, for example, a charging station, a set of spare propellers, various data and charging cables or an operating manual . The charging dock allows for quick and easy charging of the drone, while the spare propellers ensure the drone is ready to fly at all times. In addition, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes with a practical carrying case that allows the future drone controller to transport the drone and accessories conveniently and safely. The carrying bag is of high quality, robustand offers enough space for the drone, the remote control and the accessories.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

If you don’t need any additional accessories such as additional batteries or a multiple charging station, you can grab the cheapest set for only 2,099 euros (RRP) . All other sets always contain the DJI RC remote control or the DJI RC Pro remote control and other combo accessories. The drone does not differ between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro  compared to the  DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo – in all cases the DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes with a new triple camera, high flight time, the latest functions and basic accessories. The difference between the cheapest version and the combo configurations is that there are two additional batteries (so a total of three batteries), an additional multiple charger, six instead of just three pairs of replacement propellers, an additional ND filter set (ND4/ND8/ND16/ND32) and an additional carrying bag . However, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC or DJI RC Pro with a price of 2,799 euros (RRP) or 3,499 euros (RRP) is significantly more expensive than the cheapest version without additional accessories, which is why the purchase should be well considered. The combo variants of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro are recommended in any case, as the additional batteries are more flexible and the additional carrying case is safer and more comfortable. So if the budget is enough, we definitely recommend the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo.

Finally, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combo with DJI RC Pro should be mentioned. The set costs  a considerable 4,599 euros (RRP)  The differences between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine are not visible at first glance – the drones are visually identical. The difference to the standard version is that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine supports Apple’s ProRes codec 422 HQ on the one hand and is delivered with a built-in SSD hard drive and 1 terabyte of storage capacity on the other. In addition, the scope of delivery of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combo not only includes another set of ND filters, but also the DJI RC Pro remote control by default. Buyers of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combo therefore also receive a professional remote control that comes with an integrated display and operating system, among other things. Worth knowing: If you want, you can also buy the new DJI RC Pro from DJI separately – the price is 999 euros (RRP).

Tip:  A  microSD card  is not  included with the DJI Mavic 3 Pro . These can either be ordered directly from the DJI Online Store or purchased separately afterwards. It is cheap and therefore particularly attractive if you  simply order memory cards for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro  from Amazon. We have summarized the relevant information for this under the following article:  DJI Mavic 3 Pro: memory cards

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: Combo with DJI RC or DJI RC Pro

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

In addition to the drone, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro combo also comes with a compact remote control that allows the pilot to control the drone remotely. The remote control, whether DJI RC or DJI RC Pro, has a clear, bright screen that displays live video from the camera and ensures excellent readability even in bright sunlight. An important advantage of the DJI RC or DJI RC Pro remote control is the battery life, which is several hours thanks to the integrated lithium-ion batteries and therefore enough freedom for drone useoffers. Because you don’t have to insert a smartphone into the holder with the display remote controls and you don’t have to thread in a connection cable, you can use the DJI RC or DJI RC Pro much faster and more conveniently. This is also evident when transporting or taking the controller with you.

When using the DJI RC or DJI RC Pro remote control, you can completely do without the smartphone, i.e. the “ personal device ”. So you don’t have to worry about whether the smartphone is sufficiently charged. Professionals can therefore only benefit from one of the two display remote controls and should definitely prefer this to a drone with smartphone control. The difference between the DJI RC and the DJI RC Pro is that the more expensive remote control offers a higher screen brightness with 1,000 instead of only 700 nits . In addition, the DJI RC Pro supports the installation of third-party apps , which is not possible with the DJI RC. In addition, the DJI RC Pro has four antennas and oneMini HDMI connection , while the DJI RC is only equipped with two antennas and does not have a video output. Both remote controls offer expandable storage space thanks to the microSD card slot .

Functions and characteristics of the DJI RC remote controller

The DJI RC remote control is a powerful and precise remote control that was specially developed for DJI camera drones. The remote controller is packed with many functions and features that allow the pilot to control the drone with ease and precision . The DJI RC remote control was presented for the first time together with the DJI Mini 3 Pro. The remote control is now also available separately and is compatible with many other DJI drones.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

The DJI RC remote control is comparatively light , but in terms of workmanship it still gives a high-quality, solid impression . Both haptically and visually, the remote control is quite impressive. The low weight of the DJI RC remote control is particularly noticeable when you use the camera drone more often. Due to the low weight of just 390 grams , the DJI RC remote control promises fatigue-free work and lots of fun with aerial photography and aerial videography. However, the remote control is not only light, but also surprisingly compact. The DJI RC remote control with the model designation RM330 is equipped with the DJI O3 video transmission system and, in the case of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro with DJI O3+ transmission, can transmit high-resolution image signals at distances of up to 15 kilometers (CE) or 8 kilometers (FCC). to transfer.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

A special feature and an important element of the DJI RC remote control is the strikingly large display . The touch display of the DJI RC remote control is extremely bright and, with a size of 5.5 inches , is easy to read . Even in direct sunlight and strong sunlight, the display of the DJI RC remote control is still easy to read, which is a clear advantage compared to most smartphones. The display offers enough space to show all kinds of flight parameters and telemetry information– In addition, the FPV image, flight functions, obstacle avoidance, GPS signal strength or menu navigation are shown on the remote control display.

With a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels or Full HD resolution, the screen offers a razor-sharp display of content, which also ensures comfortable use. Compared to the DJI RC Pro, however, the maximum brightness of the DJI RC is slightly lower, namely only 700 nits compared to 1,000. However, our experience shows that the difference in maximum brightness is barely noticeable and hardly makes a difference. The display of the DJI RC remote controller is also bright enough to work outdoors without any problems and to see content clearly.

The ergonomic design of the DJI RC remote control ensures that it fits comfortably in your hand. However, it is somewhat inconvenient that a small area of ​​the screen is covered when operating the joysticks. It would be a better solution if the display were not positioned below the joysticks, but above them. Because the DJI RC Pro is slightly larger and offers more contact surface, it also feels a little better and more secure in the hand in our opinion. If necessary, the joysticks of the DJI RC remote control can of course be removed or unscrewed and stowed in rubberized holders on the back. This keeps them protected and safe and the remote control is easier to transport.

The DJI RC remote control for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with a variety of flight buttons, buttons and controls. A positive feature is that the remote control has two dials per shoulder . This not only provides a gimbal wheel, but also an additional dial for using the digital zoom. The typical C1 and C2 buttons on the back, which can be assigned individual functions using the DJI Fly app, are also available on the DJI RC remote control.

Of course, the DJI RC remote control is equipped with a flight mode switch for selecting the flight modes S, N and C , an RTH or flight pause button and status or battery level LEDs. In the event of an error or warning, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro or the DJI RC can trigger a remote control alarm and emit corresponding beeps and alarm signals . A new focus and photo button is located in the shoulder area of ​​the remote control, which serves two functions. Pressing the button halfway activates the drone’s autofocus for comfortable focusing on the desired subject. A full press of the button triggers a photo capture. The video recording button is on the other shoulder button, which can also be used to start and stop video recording, allowing for comfortable and ergonomic handling.

To check the battery level of the DJI RC remote controller , just press the power button. A single press of the button followed by another press and hold will turn the remote control on or off . To charge the integrated battery with a capacity of 5,200 mAh and a power of 18.72 Wh , it is necessary to use a USB-C cable , which in turn is connected to a USB charger and to the USB-C port of the DJI RC -Remote control needs to be connected. The DJI RC battery can be fully charged within about 1 hour and 30 minutes with a maximum charging current of 15 watts (5V/3A).

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

The DJI RC’s 5.5-inch screen is navigated using swipe gestures and touches . For example, if you want to return to the previous screen, you can swipe from the left or right to the middle of the screen. To open the status bar in the DJI Fly app, you have to swipe down from the top of the screen. The status bar shows time, signal strength, remote control battery level and other important informationat. To access Quick Settings in the DJI Fly app, swipe down twice on the DJI RC Controller screen. System notifications or system settings can be accessed from the quick settings of the DJI Fly app. In addition, shortcuts can be used to adjust the brightness, change the volume or activate or deactivate certain functions such as WiFi or Bluetooth. Shortcuts can also be used to turn off system notifications or alarms, or start screen recording If a microSD memory card is inserted in the DJI RC, you can also take screenshots with the shortcuts.

The DJI RC remote controller uses DJI OcuSync 3.0 , also known as DJI O3 by DJI, to provide stable, lag-free and reliable signal and image transmission between the drone and the remote controller. DJI O3 supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequency bands and automatically selects the optimal transmission channel. Thanks to O3 transmission technology, the DJI RC remote control also offers a live view of the camera image in FullHD resolution (1080p), which ensures a clear, detailed and smooth FPV view. The DJI Fly app comes pre-installed on the controller and requires no manual search or launch, saving time. However, the DJI RC remote control is limited compared to the DJI RC Pro or DJI RC Plus because only the DJI Fly app can be used. Third-party apps cannot be installed or run, which limits drone professionals when using the remote controller. The DJI Pro remote control for the DJI Mini 3 Pro only allows access to a limited settings menu of the Android operating system or the home screen. The antennas are integrated in the DJI RC remote control and cannot be folded out and aligned separately,

The DJI RC remote control has WiFi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 and GNSS with GPS , Galileo and BeiDou. With the microSD card slot, you can expand the storage space and save aerial photos directly on the card. Data can be transferred wirelessly using the QuickTransfer function. However, data transfer with QuickTransfer is slightly slower compared to DJI RC Pro due to the use of WiFi 5. Unfortunately, the DJI RC remote control does not have an additional video output, so the image cannot be output to an external monitor or screen – this function is only available with professional remote controls such as the DJI RC Pro or DJI RC Plus.

Flight modes, hover behavior and flight behavior

Of course, the remote controls of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro are equipped with a slider that allows you to quickly and easily switch between the Cine, Normal and Sport flight modes . Depending on the mode set, the flight speed and flight behavior of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro also vary . In  sport mode it is a maximum of 21 m/s (75.6 km/h) , while in  normal mode up to  15 m/s  (54 km/h) and in  cine mode  up to  5 m/s  (18 km/h) are available.

A major reason for the popularity of the DJI Mavic 3 series is the unique hover behavior , which allows users to produce incredibly precise aerial photos . The drone is of course equipped with an advanced Vision Positioning System – VPS for short – which gives it excellent stability in the air lends. The system uses cameras and sensors to keep the drone aloft, even when it’s indoors with a low GPS signal or when piloting the drone near obstacles. The various sensors of the DJI Mavic 3 Prowork together seamlessly, making for highly intuitive, precise, and responsive control that’s well-suited to both novices and pros alike. As you’d expect from leading drone manufacturer DJI, controllers can perform razor-sharp and nimble maneuvers . But gentle tracking shots are also possible with the drone without any problems.

The good hovering behavior of the Mavic 3 Pro from DJI is also due to its extensive equipment. The drone has an advanced GPS system that allows it to hover in the air and orient itself with precision. Once the drone receives a GPS signal, it can accurately determine its position in the air and hover stably. The  Auxiliary Light , which was already introduced with the DJI Mavic 2 (Pro/Zoom) or DJI Mavic Air 2 and DJI Air 2S, should of course not be missing from the DJI Mavic 3 Pro . This is LED lightingdown, which is responsible for optimal illumination of the ground and ensures stable landing and take-off maneuvers even in dim light conditions.

C mode of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The C mode of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a flight mode that is particularly suitable for taking aerial photos. In contrast to Normal mode, the flight speed of the camera drone is reduced and the responsiveness is adjusted to ensure smooth and stable control. C-mode uses both GPS -guided positioning and the Vision Positioning System to keep flight stable and automatically maintain flight position. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s maximum tilt angle is limited to a certain angle in C mode, so C mode is good for beginners. However, this function is also ideal for aerial videos, since the image result is more important here than the flight behavior.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro N mode

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s default flight mode is called Normal mode or N-mode . The drone uses the integrated satellite navigation (GPS and others) and the Vision Positioning System (VPS) to ensure flight stability and positioning. This makes the N mode ideal for beginners and beginners as it ensures very stable flight behavior. When the GPS signal is weak or only a few satellites are available, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can use the VPS to hover as stable as possibleto reach. With activated VPS and sufficient light, the maximum tilt angle is also limited – and the maximum flight speed is also limited. Overall, N mode offers a safe and stable flight experience.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro S mode

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers a sport mode (S mode / S mode) that enables particularly agile and fast flight behavior. Both GPS and VPS are activated to ensure automatic stabilization and positioning. There is no speed limit in S mode, which allows the DJI Mavic 3 Pro to reach very high speeds of up to 19 m/s or 75.6 km/h. The maximum ascent speed is 8 m/s (28.8 km/h) and the maximum descent speed is 6 m/s (21.6 km/h). However, it should be noted that not only the maximum speed, but also the braking distance in S modeis significantly increased. For this reason, S mode should only be used in an unobstructed environment. It is advisable to be careful and careful when using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s sport mode , as the drone can travel very quickly.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers a wide range of flight modes and enables a variety of flight styles and flight maneuvers. From precise positioning in hover to fast and agile flight maneuvers in Sport mode, the DJI Mavic 3 offers impressive flight characteristics. The automatic stabilization and positioning by GPS and VPS make the flight experience reliable and safe. However, one should be aware that the Sport mode requires special care and should only be used in environments without obstacles.

43 minutes flight time and foldable propellers

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro has evolved only minimally in design. Nevertheless, innovations such as foldable rotor arms or foldable quick-release propellers with a so-called quick release mechanism are also installed in the latest generation of the DJI Mavic 3 drone. The foldable design allows the drone to be very compact and easy to carry in a backpack. In addition, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is impressively quiet compared to other drones . The propellers can be easily assembled and disassembled without tools and are characterized by low-noise behavior, which benefits the high-quality overall impression of the camera drone.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is not only characterized by its compact design and quiet flight behavior ,

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

but also by a remarkable flight time of up to 43 minutes (manufacturer information under laboratory conditions). That’s a significant improvement compared to previous DJI drones and most other manufacturers, which only average 20 to 30 minutes. Even the light DJI Air 2S achieves a flight time of only around 30 minutes. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro’s high flight time is particularly useful when monitoring larger areas or capturing distant objects. The drone can theoretically travel around 30 kilometersfly with no problems. The actual flight time in practice depends on various factors such as flight maneuvers and wind conditions and is usually around 35 to 40 minutes.

All-round obstacle detection and APAS 5.0

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with an advanced obstacle detection technology called APAS 5.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance System 5.0) and omnidirectional collision sensors. These sensors are located on all sides of the drone and can detect obstacles in all directions . Because the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can actively avoid collisions, it is a very safe drone. Unlike older models, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can even detect obstacles up to 200 meters away . Obstacle detection is particularly important as it can be used to ensure that the drone does not hit buildings, trees or other obstacles while taking aerial photos or aerial videos . TheThis minimizes the risk of an accident or damage to the drone. With APAS 5.0, the DJI Mavic 3 can move safely even in complex environments, allowing both beginners and professionals to focus on capturing aerial photos and aerial videos.

Signal transmission with DJI O3+ and smart RTH functions

With complex obstacle detection, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro also offers an improved RTH function . The drone can now detect obstacles on the return flight route and automatically plan a shorter and safer route to the departure point. In the case of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, the advanced DJI O3+ is responsible for signal transmission . With this system, enormous signal ranges of up to 15 kilometers (FCC) or 8 kilometers (CE) can be achieved. The transmission is very stableand offers real-time transmission of control and image signals without delay. Compared to the conventional DJI O3 (e.g. DJI Air 2S), the camera’s live image can now also be transmitted in Full HD at 60 fps, which ensures a smoother display and higher live view quality.

Camera: Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS L2D-20c with 4K and 120 fps

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes with an innovative 4/3 CMOS camera called the L2D-20c , which was developed in cooperation with the traditional Swedish manufacturer Hasselblad . This camera is characterized by its large and bright image sensor , which offers an image resolution of 20 megapixels and an image size of 5,280 x 3,956 pixels . Thus, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro delivers high-quality and detailed images even in poor lighting conditions or in complex illuminated environments. The camera has a variable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11 as well as aField of view of 84° . Its dynamic range of 12.8 levels corresponds to that of a professional camera.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro: test and experiences

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro not only offers high-quality photos, but also improved video recording, including 4K videos with a maximum of 120 fps , 5.1K recordings with a maximum of 50 frames per second and 1080p or FullHD recordings with 200 frames per second . There are also options for bracketing or interval shooting , as well as capturing photos in JPEG format or Adobe’s own DNG raw data format. The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is also well suited for creating slow-motion recordings or slowing down videos afterwards. By capturing aerial photos in DNG raw data format, you can later use Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Camera Raw or Adobe Photoshop to get even more out of the photo material and achieve the best possible results. The conventional and widely used JPEG format is of course also available.

In addition to the Hasselblad main camera, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has two other telephoto cameras – strictly speaking, the camera drone therefore uses a triple camera system . All three cameras are installed in one housing and activate themselves automatically depending on their functionality.

Hasselblad wide angle cameraMedium telephoto cameraTelephoto camera
sensor4/3 CMOS1/1.3 CMOS1/2 CMOS
effective resolution20 megapixels48 megapixels / 12 megapixels12 megapixels
lensEquivalent to 24mm
f/2.8 to f/11
Equivalent to 70mm
f2.8 (fixed)
Equivalent to 166mm
f3.4 (fixed)
zoom1 to 3x3 to 7x (3x optical zoom)7 to 28x (7x optical zoom)
Video format5.1K and max. 50 fps
4K and max. 60 fps
1080p and max. 60fps
4K and max. 60 fps
1080p and max. 60 fps
4K and max. 60 fps
1080p and max. 60 fps
Slow motion4K and max. 120 fps
1080p and max. 200 fps
UnsupportedUnsupported
video codecH.264/H.265
Apple ProRes 422HQ/422/422LT*
H.264/H.265
Apple ProRes 422HQ/422/422LT*
H.264/H.265
Apple ProRes 422HQ/422/422LT*
color modesHNCS
D log
D-Log M
HLG
Night video mode
Normal
D-Log M
HLG
Normal
smart featuresMasterShots
quick shots
panorama
hyperlapse
Focus Track
hyperlapse
Focus Track
Supports Spotlight and POI (FocusTrack modes), ActiveTrack is not supported

The telephoto camera of the DJI Mavic 3 is no less impressive thanks to its bright 1/2-inch CMOS image sensor and a resolution of 12 megapixels . With a field of view of only 15°, the 162 mm format equivalent telephoto camera is extremely wide-angle. However, the telephoto camera of the DJI Mavic 3 is less designed for recording photos and videos. Rather, the telephoto camera is only used when you use the 28x hybrid zoom of the DJI Mavic 3. In this way, the telephoto camera can bring distant objects extremely close and can be helpful in recognizing animals or other objects from the air even more easily. The zoom function of the DJI Mavic 3 is worth mentioningAbove all, because the DJI Mavic 2 offered a separate model with a zoom function – the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom – and a model with a powerful 1-inch camera (the DJI Mavic 2 Pro). This is no longer the case – the DJI Mavic 3 combines the functionalities of the two previous models in one device .

DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine: Features & Differences

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes in a variety of configurations, including different sets with different remote controllers and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combo . Compared to the standard version, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine has an additional video codec and an integrated SSD hard drive with a storage capacity of one terabyte . This allows the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine to record high-quality videos in Apple ProRes format , which not only enables impressive image quality but also lower storage rates. video editing softwaresuch as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro can easily handle the Apple ProRes video codec of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine.

The Apple ProRes 422 HQ format is a special version of the Apple ProRes 422 format that offers a higher data rate for 4:2:2 image sources . This format is widely used in video post-processing because the video footage remains visually lossless even after multiple decoding and encoding processes. Especially users who want to use the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine for complex video productions and value lossless compression benefit from the maximum bit rate of 3772 Mbps and the built-in SSD hard drive . It is important to note that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine Combowith a price of 4,599 euros (RRP) not only includes ProRes support and SSD storage, but also the DJI RC Pro remote control instead of the cheaper DJI RC remote control.

App control with DJI Fly app for iOS and Android

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro can be easily connected and controlled or configured via the DJI Fly app with the supplied remote control. The DJI Fly app, which has already been successfully used on the DJI Mini 2, DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic Air 2, DJI Air 2S and many other DJI drones, is particularly suitable for beginners and professionals due to its intuitive and user-friendly interface beginner Despite the tidy and orderly design, the DJI Fly app offers numerous functions and settings. In addition to a very detailed and structured live view, the app also provides various flight parameters and telemetry dataready, such as flight altitude, flight distance, flight speed, signal connection and battery level. The user can thus monitor the status of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro in real time at any time.

MasterShots, ActiveTrack 5.0 and QuickTransfer

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro also has a feature that is already known from other DJI Mavic 3 variants – the so-called MasterShots. The MasterShots effectively replace the earlier QuickShots, but remain functionally the same. This means that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro can record expressive video sequences through various flight maneuvers, which can be ideally integrated into the video editing. The difference between the previously known QuickShots and the new MasterShots is that the DJI Mavic 3 Pro not only carries out the flight independently and records videos, but also automatically creates a finished video , which then contains music, subtitles and automatic editing.

To use the MasterShots function of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, you only have to mark the desired object in Live View . The camera drone then automatically generates a series of stabilized aerial shots along a pre-designed flight path. There are also a variety of templates and templates for editing, so that every taste can be catered for. The individual recordings remain available as original recordings and can be used separately for post-processing . In addition, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro has the intelligent object tracking called ActiveTrack 5.0, which works even more precisely and stably in the current expansion stage. The object trackingis reliable and leaves little to be desired. If the object disappears behind an obstacle, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro will continue to search for the object and will continue to track it once it is detected again. The reliability when tracking objects is correspondingly high and never fails to impress.

Conclusion and evaluation

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro represents another milestone in drone technology. While the design differs only slightly from previous models or other DJI drones, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro impresses with numerous technical optimizations and innovations. The high flight time, the excellent image quality and the omnidirectional obstacle detection system are particularly noteworthy advantages. In addition, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine offers enormous potential for professional video editing users thanks to the lossless ProRes video codec from Apple and the built-in SSD hard drive.

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