On the surface, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is hardly different from the original two options: the 8GB standard model and the Mavic 3 Cine (added a 1TB SSD drive and supports capturing video in the Apple ProRES 422 codec). The Mavic 3 drone adds 15 minutes of extra flight time on the Mavic 2, and includes two cameras – one with a 24mm prime lens and the other with a telephoto – which is their biggest selling point. Unfortunately, the new Mavic 3 Classic sacrifices telephoto lenses for a price cut.
The only way to differentiate between the DJI Mavic 3 Cine (left) and the new DJI Mavic 3 Classic (right) is to view the front lens or lens.
New entry-level options include an Hasselblad camera with 20 megapixels, 4/3 CMOS sensor and 24mm equivalent lens that can capture 5.1K footage at 50fps or shoot 4K and 1080P at 60fps. It also has slow motion mode, which can increase 4K capture to 120fps and 1080P to 200fps. Photos are taken as 12-bit RAW files for added dynamic range, while videos are recorded in 10-bit D-Log, allowing for flexibility in color tuning and color correction.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with DJI RC remote control (left) and DJI RC-N1 remote control (right).
DJI Mavic 3 Classic is also compatible with a DJI RC remote with built-in touch screen and a cheaper DJI RC-N1 remote, which requires users to pair it with smartphones and DJI applications for live camera preview.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic will be available today. The Classic itself comes with some basic accessories, but you need to bring your own compatible remote. For those new to DJI drones, the Mavic 3 Classic can also be purchased in bundled with the DJI RC-N1 remote, or the more advanced DJI RC remote for a higher price.
In contrast, the standard DJI Mavic 3 model including the DJI RC-N1 remote control is currently sold in DJI's online store. If you are an drone cameraman and make a living by shooting, the additional creative flexibility added by the extra camera seems to get you paid for a higher price.
