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  • Charl Jooste

DJI Does it again with the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine



Image: DJI


DJI has released some amazing products over the years and they strive for constant innovation and improvement. They never fail to impress. A few times a year they will release something new that takes the market by storm. They have always been leaders in drone technology and their cameras are equally impressive. Their most recent launch, the Mavic 3, is yet another exciting development. While there is no single aspect that is particularly revolutionary, DJI has taken an already awesome drone and camera and upgraded and improved almost all aspects of this fine craft.


Given the price, it is not going to appeal to the average hobbyist wanting a cheap UAV but serious drone enthusiasts, aerial photographers, and professional drone operators will love it. Mavic is one of their leading lines and the latest iteration, the Mavic 3, is a sure winner for many reasons.


There are two variations, the regular Mavic 3 as well as the Mavic 3 Cine. More on that later but the Cine version comes with a 1TB integrated SSD as well as Apple ProRes recording.


Accuracy and obstacle avoidance is enhanced thanks to the APAS or Advanced Pilot Assistance Program. The ActiveTrack system has also been improved and upgraded. This helps to keep your subject in the frame with greater precision.


Also improved is the RTH or Return To Home feature for better safety and peace of mind. Obstacle avoidance has never been better than on the 3 Series Mavics. It has GLONASS, GPS, and BeiDou satellite signals. This again improves accuracy, precision, and safety. It allows for an easier operation with exceptional accuracy.



Image: DJI


What has improved?

DJI has built on the success of the popular Mavic 2 and they have made an effort to improve and enhance all of the features. The first thing that impresses is that the flight time on the Mavic. It has an outstanding 46 minutes, a big step up from the 31 minutes you got with the Mavic 2 Pro. Another area that has been vastly improves is the range. Thanks to the enhanced O3+ transmission system you can expect up to 15 kilometers as compared to only 8 kilometers on the earlier Mavic 2.


That is impressive so far, but it does not end there. Pretty much all aspects of this new machine have been enhanced and improved, often significantly.



Image: DJI


Cameras

DJI is fast becoming as popular for its camera technology as their drone developments and the Mavic 3 is no exception. The dual cameras are sure to impress even the most demanding aerial cinematographer.


The main camera is a 20MP 24mm wide-angle marvel featuring a Micro Four Thirds Hasselblad sensor. Again, this is a massive improvement on earlier models in this range. It boasts a variable aperture of f/2.8 to f/11.


It shoots video at an impressive 5.1K (5120×2700px) and can operate at 50 fps. You can opt for DCI 4K (4096×2160px) and standard 4K (3840x2160px) at up to 120fps. 1080p will give you as much as 200fps. DNG RAW and JPEG are other options with this camera.


Both the Mavic 3 as well as the Cine version has 10-bit D-Log recording. The Hasselblad-branded L2D-20c dual-camera include HNCS or Natural Color Solution. The hybrid digital and optical technology provides a 28x zoom, feature on both options.


Take a look at the full specs here.


Image: DJI


Mavic 3 Cine

For the more serious cinematographer, the Cine option offers ProRes 422 HQ. The data rate is up to 3,772 Mbps. While the standard options have 8GB internal storage the Cine version offers a remarkable 1TB integrated SSD. It comes with a 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable for fast and efficient data transfer.


The Cine 3 also has the advanced DJI RC Pro controller which is a big plus. Yes, it is a tad more expensive, but you get many more benefits if you are serious about your aerial capabilities. Having said that, the standard version is still an exceptional option for most people.


Conclusion

The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine are sure to impress and will fast become a firm favorite. It is compact, incredibly stable, and super-silent.


We are pleased to see the ongoing innovation and will be sure to be using this product ourselves as soon as we can get our hands on one. Our order for the Mavic 3 Cine is already in.


SOURCE: DJI

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