The more attractive price tag comes with some compromises. The new DJI Mavic 3 Classic has a single camera, losing its mainstream brother’s telephoto capabilities. The Hasselblad camera has a 20-megapixel, 4/3 CMOS sensor and 24mm equivalent lens that can capture 5.1K footage at 50fps or 4K and 1080P at 60fps. Additionally, you have a slow-motion that can boost 4K captures to 120fps and 1080P to 200fps. Photos are captured as 12-bit RAW files for an increased dynamic range.
Like most consumer DJI drones, the Mavic 3 Classic comes in a gray paint job. With folded arms measures just 221×96.3×90.3mm and weigh just 895 grams. Remember that because it goes over the 250-gram threshold, it needs to be registered with the FAA. The good news is that the Mavic 3 series, including the new Classic edition, has been issued the world’s first C1 certificate under the European Drone Regulation, allowing users to fly in the new A1 Open Category.
The DJI M3 Classic has three flight speed settings (Sport, Normal, and Cinematic). In Sport mode, you can reach 43 miles per hour (69km/h), while Cinematic mode slows things down to a stately 11 Mph.
Core Features
- Hasselblad camera with 20MP, Four Thirds (4/3″) CMOS sensor
- 5.1K/50p, DCI or UHD 4K/120p and 1080/200p video
- H.264 and H.265 recording at 200 and 140 Mbps, respectively
- 10-bit D-Log and HDR video capture
- OcuSync 3.0 (O3) image transmission – 15 km (9.3 mi) range
- Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
- APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) and ActiveTrack 5.0
- MasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse, Panorama, High-Speed QuickTransfer
- ‘Cruise Control’ for constant flight speed
- Advanced RTH
- 46-minute flight time
- 895g (1.97 lbs)
Mavic 3 Classic: Battery life, RTH, and Obstacle Avoidance System
Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with M3-Series batteries, allowing 40 minutes of hovering time and 46 minutes of flight time, ensuring more time to create and less time worrying about the battery level. In optimal conditions, you can reach a total of up 30km of flight distance with a single charger.
The updated auto-return function (Advanced RTH) enables Mavic 3 Classic to automatically determine the optimal route back to its home point and execute it quickly. Mavic 3 Classic can fly to a designated altitude and then find a safe and efficient route back to its home point, combining the advantages of Advanced RTH and traditional RTH, allowing users to choose the best option according to their environment.
With APAS 5.0, when flying, DJI Mavic 3 Classic continually senses objects in all directions and bypasses them quickly and smoothly. Even new pilots can fly confidently and safely and create smooth footage even in complicated scenarios. It has OA sensors in the front, back, and bottom.
Mavic 3 Classic: Controller options and Flight range
The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with all three DJI remote controllers. According to your needs and needs, you can opt for the basic (without FPV screen) RC-N1 or for one of the FPV controllers, DJI RC or RC Pro.
With a transmission distance of up to 15 km (in FCC mode), fly farther and more stably with peace of mind. O3+ transmission can transmit a 1080p/60fps live feed. This means the camera view is displayed at specifications close to what the camera records. With a max 130 ms latency, the M3 Classic is more responsive to your control.
DJI Mavic 3 Classic technical specifications
| Takeoff Weight | 895 grams |
| Dimensions | Folded: 221×96.3×90.3mm Unfolded: 347.5×283×107.7mm |
| Max Flight Speed | Ascent: 8 m/s Descent: 6 m/s Horizontal: 21m/s |
| Max Flight Time | 46 minutes |
| Max Flight Distance | 30km |
| Max Wind Speed Resistance | 12 m/s |
| Global Navigation Satellite System | GPS + Galileo + BeiDou |
| Sensing system | Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft. Forward, Backward, Left, Right, and Upward |
| Video Transmission System | O3+ |
| Max Transmission Distance | FCC: 15 km CE: 8 km SRRC: 8 km MIC: 8 km |
| Lowest Latency | 130 ms (with DJI RC-N1 RC) 120 ms (with DJI RC Pro) 130 ms (with DJI RC) |
| RC compatibility | DJI RC-N1 DJI RC Pro DJI RC |
| Flight battery | 4S 5000 mAh (77Wh) |
| Hasselblad Camera | |
| Image sensor | 4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP |
| Lens | FOV: 84° Format Equivalent: 24 mm Aperture: f/2.8-f/11 Focus: 1 m to ∞ |
| ISO Range | Video: Normal, Slow-motion: 100-6400 (normal color) 400-1600 (D-Log) 100-1600 (HLG) Night Mode: 800-12800 (normal color)Photo: 100-6400 |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter: 8-1/8000 s |
| Max Image Size | 5280×3956 |
| Still Photography Modes | Single Shot: 20 MP Burst Shooting: 20 MP, 3/5/7 frames Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 20 MP, 3/5 frames at 0.7 EV step Timed: 20 MP, 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s |
| Video Resolution | H.264/H.265 5.1K: 5120×2700@24/25/30/48/50 fps DCI 4K: 4096×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120* fps 4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/120* fps FHD: 1920×1080@24/25/30/48/50/60/120*/200* fps |
| Max Video Bitrate | H.264/H.265: 200 Mbps |
| Zoom | Digital 3x |
| Stabilization | 3-axis mechanical gimbal (tilt, roll, pan) |
Price and availability
The new Mavic 3 Classic is available for orders starting on 02 November 2022, and, as always, DJI prepared different combo options:
- Standalone Mavic 3 Classic (drone only) does not include a remote controller or charger and is suitable for owners of existing DJI drones. The drone-only option is available for $1,469.
- Basic Mavic 3 Classic with RC-N1 includes a charger and the DJI RC-N1 remote controller for $1,599.
- FPV Mavic 3 Classic with RC includes a charger and the DJI RC remote controller for $1,749.
Additionally, you can opt for the Mavic 3 Fly More pack that includes two intelligent flight batteries, a battery charging hub (100W), a 65W car charger, three pairs of low-noise propellers, and a DJI convertible carrying bag. This kit is available for $649.
Can you fly a Mavic 3 Classic in New York City?