DJI’s New Mavic 3 Classic Drone Expands Possibilities for Creators

DJI, a civilian drone and aerial imaging technology provider based in China, on November 2 unveiled the Mavic 3 Classic, giving creators a new way to experience the Hasselblad camera and flight performance of the firm’s Mavic 3 Series.

With a price ranging from $1,469 to $1,749, the Mavic 3 Classic features the same 4/3 CMOS 20-megapixel camera, a 46-minute maximum flight time, and an O3+ transmission system like the original Mavic 3 drone, without an additional telephoto lens.

For video work, the Mavic 3 Classic captures up to 5.1K/50 fps, 4K/60 fps and 1080p/60fps using H.264 and H.265 encoders. In slow-motion applications, the Mavic 3 Classic captures video at 4K/120fps and 1080p/200fps. Its 24mm equivalent focal length lens opens to an adjustable aperture spanning f/2.8 to f/11 for 12.8 stops of native dynamic range. When light hits the 20-megapixel sensor, it is processed in 12-bit RAW for photography and 10-bit D-Log for video, meaning the camera is up to the challenge of accurately conveying the vivid colors, peak highlights, and detail-rich shadows.

The Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution directly outputs photos and videos with genuine and accurate colors, and its HLG system for high dynamic range photography generates footage that does not require color tuning in post-production.

The Mavic 3 Classic features automated QuickShots shooting modes, as well as continued support for timelapse, hyperlapse, and panoramic shooting styles. The new Cruise Control feature allows users to set a constant flight speed for their drone, allowing them to focus on the imagery while minimizing any camera shaking from manual speed control.

Mavic 3 Classic has eight visual sensors to detect obstacles in all directions, feeding the data to its APAS 5.0 system that can independently plan clear routes around them. Its advanced Return to Home system scans the environment from up to 200 meters away, then can plot the best path back to its launch point and fly that route if necessary.

SEE ALSO: DJI Updates Air 2S With “Fly More Combo,” Adding Support for DJI RC

According to data from Frost & Sullivan, China’s civilian drone industry has developed rapidly in recent years, exceeding 60 billion yuan ($8.21 billion) in 2021. At the International UAV Exhibition held in Shenzhen in August, more than 200 enterprises demonstrated innovative applications of UAVs and unmanned systems in police security, geographic mapping, logistics, power inspection, agricultural plant, epidemic prevention and control, underwater and other fields. The president of the Shenzhen UAV Industry Association said that “in terms of industrial UAV, China accounts for 55% of the global market, and in terms of consumer UAV, China accounts for 74%.”