New release: DJI Mavic 3 Classic

This blog is brought to you by Drone Class, your drone trainer for flying in the open and specific category.

DJI has released a budget version of its flagship Mavic 3: DJI Mavic Classic. This device has no telephoto lens, but is still interesting for the (semi-)professional drone user given its specifications and price.

Camera

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic features a 4/3" 20 Mega Pixels sensor. The camera features a maximum film resolution concerns 5.1K at 50 fps. In 4K, the maximum frame rate is 120 fps. The aperture is adjustable from f/11 to f/2.8, and the angle of view is 84º. The larger sensor ensures light sensitivity and a wide dynamic range.

Flight time

The flight time of the Mavic 3 Classic is over 46 minutes. Being unable to take images due to flat batteries is therefore a thing of the past. Still a drawback is that the batteries from the Mavic 2 do not fit in the Mavic 3.

Controls

The controls of the DJI Mavic 3 Classic are similar to the DJI Mavic 3. The RC-N1 controller is connected to a smartphone and controlled using the DJI Fly app. Video footage is transmitted in 1080p HD thanks to OcuSync 3.

Obstacle detection

The obstacle detection is 360 degrees. The sensors work in both normal flight mode and sport mode. APAS 5.0 ensures that the drone can be effortlessly steered through complex environments. The drone features ActiveTrack 5.0. This feature ensures that the drone continues to track an object even during backward or sideways flight. The DJI Mavic 3 Classic can detect the object again when it disappears from view.

The difference between the DJI Mavic 3 and the DJI Mavic 3 Classic

You will pay over 400 euros more for the DJI Mavic 3, compared to the DJI Mavic 3 Classic.

Apart from the telephoto lens, there are few differences:

 

DJI Mavic 3

DJI Mavic 3 Classic

Video format

MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)

 MP4/MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)

Storage

8 GB

 8 GB

Weight

895 grams

895 grams

Controls

DJI RC-N1 Remote controller

DJI RC-N1 Remote controller

Unfortunately, you can't film in ProRes with the Mavic 3 Classic, but thanks to the H.265 codec and a high bitrate, the video quality is almost the same level.

Spiritual successor to the DJI Mavic 2 Pro

In terms of price and strengths of the Classic, this device seems to be the ideal successor to the - among drone pilots - beloved DJI Mavic 2 Pro. The device is not as expensive and advanced as the Mavic 3 (Cine), but it retains all the goodness of the Mavic 3.

Laws and regulations

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic weighs just under 900 grams. The drone has the C1 label and can be flown subcategory A1. In subcategory A1, the drone is allowed to fly above buildings.

Sem van Geffen

Co-owner Drone Class B.V.

About the author

Sem is an experienced trainer/developer, with drones as his main interest. He holds the Dutch RPA-L license and the EASA STS theory certificate. His specialism is EU aviation law and he enjoys flying the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise.

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