- Fitri Aiyub
DJI Mavic 3 Review : 5.1K 4/3 Inch Hassleblad & Latest Firmware Update!
Now although this drone came out a few months ago in 2021 but as of last January, DJI just released a new firmware update, version : 01.00.05 to be exact, highlighting some significant features brought to the new Mavic 3 that you wouldn't want to miss out and we will also be doing this review based on some of those features, but just to brush off the new updates which among them are :
Added QuickShots including Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang and Asteroid.
Added Panorama mode, capable of capturing in high resolution
Added burst shooting.
Added digital zoom for normal video mode.
Added Color Display Assist for D-log
Added 4K60fps and manual EI adjustment for MasterShots
Added QuickTransfer
Added zoom and D-Log for FocusTrack
So a lot of updates here to consider before flying because I'm especially excited to test the new FocusTrack feature, as subject tracking with a drone is much harder than it looks and this new update is also very important for improved stable flight. So I do recommend updating the firmware first before anything else. Unless you want to.. Crash…
This unit sent to us by DJI is the FlyMore Combo and while there is a Mavic 3 Cine Premium combo available that includes Apple ProRes 422 HQ video recording, 1TB internal storage and along with the DJI RC Pro, that basically has a built in screen in the remote and is said to have better video transmissions and better controls than you get on your phone.
But not to worry, it's still essentially the same drone, you still get the new dual Hassleblad cameras, one being a ¼ inch telephoto sensor on the top and on the bottom is a 4/3 inch 20MP sensor, many more sensors all around the body for better obstacle avoidance, a very large 77W battery that comes out of the back here, which is supposed to give you up 46 minutes of flight time. It folds up very similarly to the Mavic 2 Pro and pretty much retains the overall size, but now with a bit more ground clearance when you set this on the ground and minimises your chances of damaging the camera module.
You also get a nice strap or muzzle to tuck away the propellers and keep those cameras nicely protected, four variable ND filters, extra propellers, USB-C and Lightning connectors, another two 77W batteries along with a 3 bay charging dock. All of which fits in nicely in this newly designed bag that also can be turned into a backpack. So very well packaged and planned here by DJI and well thought out for travellers keen to take this drone to even the most remote places.
A very slight improvement for flight performance in the Mavic 3 reaching up speeds of 21 m/s as opposed to the 20 m/s from the Mavic 2 pro which is only about 3km/h difference. But it's still very fast, might I mind you, but it does have a significant improvement in ascent speeds of 8 m/s as opposed to 5 m/s in the Mavic 2 pro, which is about 30 km/h going vertically up in the air.
Sport Mode will essentially get you up to 70km/h and also feels more agile when set in this mode but with some precautions to be mindful of, as obstacle avoidance assists will be turned off which could result in a crash if you're not careful.
The robust build has a premium feel and considerably makes the previous Mavic 2 Pro look like a toy. Not to mention how better cooling systems are now integrated as well, spooling up the fan constantly as it manages wind turbulence, harsh sunlight and varying flight speeds.
Image quality from the 4/3 Hassleblad 20MP sensor astounded my expectations for capturing really great high dynamic range and outputs to even match the Inspire 2. At 5.1K D-Log recording provided way more colour manipulation and DJI also provides a rec709 LUT on their website.
Overall, the consistent improvements made from the generation before it hasn't exactly made leaps and bounds in terms of innovation but evidently so in reliability and performance – both in its flight capabilities and image quality. With better heat management, a larger 77W battery that gives you about 40 minutes flight time, dual cameras, there's not much to think ill of when it comes to the DJI Mavic 3 which is priced at $2,199 and is also available with a FlyMore Combo priced at $2,999.
*To find out more on our experience with the DJI Mavic 3, watch the video above!*
Written by Fitri Aiyub