DJI is the leading brand for drones with good reason. Its aircraft are generally reliable, and its cameras are unmatched by competitors when it comes to picture quality across the board, from consumer-friendly starters like the Mavic 3 Mini up through high-end options.
Just One Lens Is All You Need
The Mavic 3 Classic, announced today for $1,599 (with a remote), falls into the latter category. The drone is built around a Four Thirds sensor camera, the same one from the standard Mavic 3 ($2,049), and uses the same airframe and transmission system. The difference is the secondary telephoto camera; it's included in the regular Mavic 3, but dropped from the Mavic 3 Classic.
DJI is betting that many potential Mavic 3 customers won't miss the telephoto lens, and I'm inclined to agree. I've test-flown both the Mavic 3 and the ProRes-capable Mavic 3 Cine. With both drones, the main Four Thirds camera is the star of the show. Its lens provides clear, movie-grade footage. The telezoom camera is a couple steps down in quality.
And the main camera is a good one. It offers up a Hasselblad color profile for ready-to-share footage, and can swap over to 10-bit D-Log for creators who prefer to apply their own color grade. It matches the Mavic 3's 5.1K50 and 4K60 frame rates, and since it uses the same airframe, battery, and O3 transmission system you can expect flying time of up to 46 minutes and uninterrupted control well beyond line of sight. Other video features include slow-motion at 4K120 and 1080p200, and for stills you get 20MP shots in JPG or 12-bit Raw DNG format.
The Mavic 3 Classic works with the DJI Fly app and offers all-around obstacle sensors. This makes semi-automated flight modes, APAS and ActiveTrack, possible. In APAS mode the drone is able to navigate through complex environments on its own, so you just need to point it in the right direction and it will dodge trees and buildings with ease. ActiveTrack locks onto a subject and lets the drone do all of the piloting.
Obstacle sensors are one leg of safety features that DJI builds into the drone. The Mavic 3 Classic also includes GPS for positioning and will return to home if it loses connection with the controller or is low on battery. The drone also includes an AirSense ADS-B unit and will warn you if manned aircraft are operating nearby, and supports the DJI FlySafe geofence to prevent use near airports and other restricted areas.
Expected Performance, Pricing, and Availability
We've not yet test flown the Mavic 3 Classic, but since its main camera and airframe are the same as the regular Mavic 3, you can refer to our review to see how it measures up in terms of picture quality and flight performance. Just remember that the Classic omits the telephoto camera.
The Mavic 3 Classic is available for purchase today. You can get it without a flight controller for $1,469, a good way to go if you already own a compatible remote. The Classic is compatible with the RC-N1, DJI RC, and DJI RC Pro.
If you're buying new you can get it bundled with the RC-N1 remote for $1,599; with that remote you'll need to plug in an Android or iOS phone to run the drone's control app. Pilots who prefer a remote with a built-in screen can opt for a kit with the DJI RC for $1,749.
DJI is also selling a Fly More kit for the drone. It includes two flight batteries, a three-battery charging hub, a 65W car charger, three sets of spare propellers, and a carrying case for $649.