DJI is most well-known for its drones. However, it's also the most innovative camera company in the world right now. It has launched the $2,200 Mavic 3 drone, which comes with two new camera systems.
According to rumors, the Mavic 3 Family includes two models: the Standard and Cine models. A "Fly More" combo bundles additional accessories. The Mavic 3 Cine features a 1TB SSD, which is a major difference. It also supports Apple ProRes 422 HD video recording. This makes it highly desirable for professional film productions. As I will discuss, the latter is also significantly more expensive.
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The main 24-mm (35mm-equivalent), Mavic 3's 24mm (35mm equivalent) Hasselblad-branded camera features a Four Thirds sensor, which is significantly larger than the current Air 2S's 1-inch sensor. The Mavic 3's camera module is not much larger than the Mavic 2 and weighs in at 895g, compared to 907g.
Four Thirds is approximately the same size of the Micro Four Thirds sensor found on Panasonic's BGH1 camera. This should allow for better cinematic video and photo captures. It will be easier to capture in a variety lighting conditions thanks to the variable aperture and optional ND filters. The new Vision Detection autofocus system optimizes focusing speeds.
It can now shoot 5.1K video at 50fps with the main camera or 4K at 120fps. This is up from 5.4K 30fps on the Air 2S and 4K/60p on the Air 2S. DJI claims that it has a native dynamic range (native) of 12.8 stops thanks to its 10-bit D-Log color profile. It can also shoot still images at 20 megapixels in 12-bit Raw.
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DJI has added a second camera to the top of its main camera in case you need it. The camera has a 12-megapixel sensor measuring half an inch and a 162mm telelens (35mm equivalent). This gives you a 4X zoom or a 28X hybrid zoom. It has a fixed aperture of f/4.4 and offers strict automatic exposure control. It can record 4K video at 30 fps.
DJI confirmed that the Mavic 3 would have 46 minutes autonomy under ideal conditions (40 minutes hover), contrary to what rumors had suggested. This is quite a leap from the Air 2S or Mavic 2 Pro, which only offer 31 minutes of flying. It can fly at 47 MPH, compared to 45 MPH. These capabilities were possible thanks to a larger-capacity battery and more efficient motors/propellers. The Mavic 3's arms and body are also more sleek. DJI stated that wind tunnel testing showed that the Mavic 3 produced 35 percent less drag than other generations.
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Mavic 3's updated APAS 5.0 system provides enhanced flight safety. It uses inputs from six fisheye vision sensors and two wide angle sensors to avoid and detect obstacles. ActiveTrack 5.0 has many new features, including the ability to track subjects in any direction they are moving. It can also continue tracking a subject if it moves outside of its frame, and then pick it up again when it returns. DJI stated that this allows for "more fluid drone and camera movements."
The improved RTH (Return To Home) system automatically calculates the safest, most efficient and fastest route to return to its home point. The RTH system can calculate the path taking into account wind speed, power and other factors. This gives users a little more time to fly before the RTH action is activated. O3+ signal loss prevention has been added to the drone. This allows for a maximum range of 15 kilometers. DJI's Mavic 3 drone also has a 1080p 60fps transmission speed, which means that "the camera view" is displayed at a resolution similar to what the camera records.
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DJI also introduced a variety of accessories to go with the drone. These include a new DJI RC Pro smart control, a 65W portable charger that can charge smartphones and tablets in under 96 minutes, a wide-angle lens, and two sets ND filters (ND4/8/16/32, ND64/128/256/512), which allow you to shoot in bright sunlight. The drone can also be carried in a bag that can convert into a backpack.
Engadget just received the drone yesterday. We haven't yet had a chance of flying it, so stay tuned for our full review. The design is great, and I am impressed by small details such as the storage cover that protects your camera, gimbals, and propeller (below). It is clear that DJI has given a lot thought to the new charging system. This should make it easier for users. The backpack/carrying bag is well-designed, with pockets and sleeves to hold the batteries and ND filters.
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The downside to the Mavic 3 is its high price. The Mavic 3 is not priced at $1,600, as previously believed. Instead, it starts at $2,200 for the Standard Model. This includes the Mavic 3 drone and storage cover, as well the charger, RC-N1 remote controller, and other essential items. The Mavic 3 Fly More Combo costs $3,000 and adds two additional batteries (three total), the three-battery charging hub, a ND4/8/16/32 filter kit, and the fancy bag/backpack.
The Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo, which costs $5,000, gives you all of that and the Apple ProRes 422 HD recording. It will arrive in January2022. The Fly More Combo also includes a few additional accessories, such as the RC Pro remote and ND64/128/256/512 filters, as well the DJI 10Gbps cable. Although five grand seems a lot, the Cine model is more targeted at professional film producers. You can order all three drones from DJI, Amazon, and other authorized partners.
