DJI is the undisputed leader in consumer drone generation and camera drones like the Mavic series had been amongst their most famous products. The Mavic collection offers expert filming skills in a compact and transportable design.
The authentic DJI Mavic Pro released in 2016 and featured a 12MP camera on a three-axis gimbal, 4K video, and a most transmission variety of four.3 miles (7km). This became followed by the Mavic Air in 2018 which had a smaller form factor and the Mavic 2 series in 2018 with advanced cameras and obstacle avoidance.
The Mavic 2 came in two versions
- Mavic 2 Pro with a 1-inch CMOS sensor digicam capable of capturing 20MP stills.
- Mavic 2 Zoom which supplied 2x optical zoom. The modern day entries inside the series are the DJI Mavic three trendy and Mavic three Cine variations which we’ll explore in more detail.
Design & Build Quality
The Mavic 3 and Mavic 2 Pro have similar foldable and portable designs, but the Mavic 3 is slightly larger and heavier than the Mavic 2 Pro.
Here’s a comparison of some of the key design and build qualities:
| Quality (Both) | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | When folded, the Mavic 3 measures 5.33 x 3.67 x 2.63 in (220 x 170 x 95 mm) compared to the more compact Mavic 2 Pro’s folded size of 3.5 x 3.5 x 8.4 in (214×91×84 mm). The arms and propellers can fold inwards on both drones for easy portability. |
| Weight | The Mavic 3 weighs approximately 895 g compared to the 734 g Mavic 2 Pro. The slightly heavier weight of the Mavic 3 is due to its larger size and some upgraded internal components. Both drones are still relatively lightweight and portable. |
| Material | The bodies of both drones are made of sturdy plastic with aerodynamic shaping. The gimbal cover and parts like the control sticks are a magnesium alloy for strength and lightness. Overall, the materials used are similar. |
Camera Sensors & Lenses
Mavic 3
The Mavic 3 features a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a 24mm prime lens and an adjustable aperture from f/2.8 to f/11. It can capture 20MP stills and 5.1K video at 50fps in standard mode or 4K video at 120fps in HQ mode. The larger sensor enables better low light performance and shallower depth of field compared to the smaller 1/2″ sensor in the Mavic 2 Pro.
Image quality is superb with Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology for accurate and vivid colors. The Mavic 3 can capture photos with up to 14 stops of dynamic range in 10-bit D-log mode, providing more flexibility for color grading. The prime lens design reduces distortion and enables sharp images across the frame.
Mavic 2 Pro
The Mavic 2 Pro has a 1″ CMOS sensor and can capture 20MP stills and 4K/30fps video. While the image quality is excellent, especially with Hasselblad tuning, the Mavic 3’s larger sensor clearly delivers superior low light performance, dynamic range and bokeh.
For photographers and videographers demanding the highest image quality from a compact drone, the Mavic 3 is the winner.
-Winner-
Intelligent Flight Modes
Both the Mavic 3 and Mavic 2 Pro come with a suite of intelligent flight modes that enable advanced autonomous capabilities. These allow you to capture complex shots and focus more on getting the perfect shot rather than flying the drone.
Key modes on both drones include:
| Flight Modes (Both) | Details |
|---|---|
| ActiveTrack | Allows you to mark a subject like a person or vehicle and the drone will autonomously follow while avoiding obstacles. Mavic 3 has enhanced object tracking and reconnaissance algorithms for even better tracking. |
| Point of Interest | Set an automated flight path around a fixed point, ideal for circling around structures or landmarks. |
| Waypoints | Plot a complex route with multiple waypoints that the drone will follow autonomously. Mavic 3 allows for even more waypoints for longer automated flights |
| FocusTrack | Enhanced subject tracking that combines ActiveTrack along with Point of Interest. Available on the Mavic 3 but not Mavic 2. |
| QuickShots | – Provides a selection of pre-programmed cinematic shooting modes like dronie, rocket, circle, etc. Available on both models. |
| Hyperlapse | – Automates timelapses by handling stabilization, exposure, and interval timing. Available on both drones. |
| MasterShots | Automatically plans and executes complex cinematic shots with just a tap. Only available on the Mavic 3. |
The Mavic 3 edges out the Mavic 2 with enhanced algorithms and more intelligent flight modes like FocusTrack and MasterShots. However, both provide robust autonomous capabilities that are useful for aerial filming and photography.
Transmission Systems
The Mavic 2 and Mavic 3 come with different transmission systems that affect their range and connectivity.
Controllers
The Mavic 2 is controlled using the standard RC remote controller that DJI has used for some time. It works well but is a bit old at this point.
The Mavic 3 introduces a new RC-N1 remote controller with O3 transmission technology. This provides a more reliable connection in environments with more interference like cities. The new controller has a built-in 1000 nit high brightness screen which makes it more usable in bright sunlight.
Transmission Range
With the older OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, the Mavic 2 Pro has a maximum control range of 5 miles and a 1080p video transmission range of 4 miles.
The Mavic 3 bumps this up significantly with O3 transmission. It has a maximum control range of 15 km (9.3 miles) and a maximum video transmission range of 12 km (7.5 miles) in normal mode. With FCC compliance, the ranges extend out to 30 km (18.6 miles) for control and 20 km (12.4 miles) for video.
So the Mavic 3 gains a significant advantage in terms of transmission distance and connectivity. For pilots that need to fly long ranges, the Mavic 3 is the better option.
Better Option
Battery Life
The battery life is a key consideration when choosing between the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 3. The Mavic 3 offers significantly longer flight times compared to the Mavic 2 Pro.
- The Mavic 3 can fly for up to 46 minutes (at a constant 15.5 m/s). This is a major upgrade from the Mavic 2 Pro’s max flight time of 31 minutes.
- The extended flight time is thanks to the Mavic 3’s new high-capacity 5,000mAh Intelligent Flight Battery. It holds more power while still being a similar physical size and weight as the Mavic 2 Pro battery.
- You can push the Mavic 3’s flight time even longer by engaging the new Battery Save mode, which optimizes power consumption during flight. This can stretch flights to over 55 minutes.
- The Battery Save mode isn’t available on the Mavic 2 Pro. The only way to extend its max flight time is by attaching a DJI Smart Controller, which boosts it to 39 minutes.
- So if you need to stay airborne for 40+ minutes to complete complex shots or cover a large area, the Mavic 3 is the better choice. Its excellent hover time reduces the need to land for battery swaps.
Performance
The Mavic 3 has a maximum speed of 63mph in Sport mode, faster than the Mavic 2 Pro’s top speed of 44mph. However, in normal mode the Mavic 3 flies at 36mph while the Mavic 2 Pro is slightly faster at 40mph in P-mode.
For wind resistance, the Mavic 3 performs better overall thanks to its aerodynamic design. The Mavic 3 can withstand winds up to 24mph compared to 17mph for the Mavic 2 Pro. DJI has made improvements to the Mavic 3 propulsion system allowing it to better maintain its stability in stronger winds. The Mavic 3 is able to hover steadily up to winds of 10.5m/s whereas the Mavic 2 Pro starts to struggle at around 8m/s.
The Mavic 3 also has 10-bit DJI O3+ transmission for a maximum video transmission distance of 15km compared to 8km for the Mavic 2 Pro’s OcuSync 2.0 system. This allows the Mavic 3 to fly farther and maintain a stable HD video feed back to the controller.
So for performance metrics like speed, wind resistance and transmission distance, the Mavic 3 generally has modest improvements over the Mavic 2 Pro thanks to DJI’s latest technology advancements.
Software & App
DJI’s app and software ecosystem is a core differentiator between the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 3. Both drones utilize DJI’s robust DJI Fly app for iOS and Android which enables full control and live HD video feed from your mobile device.
The Mavic 3 offers the latest DJI Fly v1.6 which is optimized for the drone’s features and transmission system. It introduces a new UI and intelligent shooting modes powered by the Mavic 3’s onboard sensors. These include:
- MasterShots – Automatically flies preset flight paths and records cinematic video.
- Hyperlapse – Creates visual time-lapses as you fly.
- FocusTrack – Keeps the subject automatically in frame.
The Mavic 2 Pro uses the older DJI Go 4 app which doesn’t include these newer intelligent flight modes. However, it still provides full manual control and an HD live feed.
Both drones are compatible with DJI’s DJI Assistant 2 software for Windows and Mac to update firmware and configure parameters. But the Mavic 3 offers the latest DJI SDK allowing developers to integrate its features into custom apps.
Overall the Mavic 3 edges out the Mavic 2 Pro when it comes to DJI’s software and app ecosystem by offering the latest features and development platform. But the Mavic 2 Pro still provides a robust and reliable mobile control experience via DJI Go 4.
Prices
When it comes to price, the Mavic 3 is the more expensive option compared to the Mavic 2 Pro. Here’s a quick rundown of the retail pricing.
DJI Mavic 3
Mavic 3 standard version – $2,199
Mavic 3 Cine version – $4,999
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Mavic 2 Pro standard combo – $1,729
The higher price tag of the Mavic 3 reflects its more advanced features, including the dual camera setup and long flight time. However, the Mavic 2 Pro still holds up very well and costs several hundred dollars less, making it the more budget-friendly choice between the two.
Ultimately the additional cost of the Mavic 3 will be worthwhile for professional aerial photographers and videographers who need the latest technology and highest image quality. But the Mavic 2 Pro is still a great option for enthusiasts, offering pro-level performance for less.
Table of Difference Among DJI Mavic 3 and DJI Mavic 2 Pro:
| Feature | DJI Mavic 3 | DJI Mavic 2 Pro |
| Design & Build Quality | Slightly larger and heavier design | Compact and portable design |
| Camera Sensors & Lenses | 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera, 5.1K video, 20MP stills | 1″ CMOS sensor, 4K video, 20MP stills |
| Intelligent Flight Modes | Enhanced algorithms, FocusTrack, MasterShots | Robust intelligent flight modes |
| Transmission Systems | O3 transmission, 15 km control range | OcuSync 2.0, 5 miles control range |
| Battery Life | Up to 46 minutes, Battery Save mode | Up to 31 minutes, extendable to 39 minutes with DJI Smart Controller |
| Performance | Faster speed, better wind resistance, 15km video transmission | Modest improvements over Mavic 2 Pro |
| Software & App | DJI Fly v1.6 with intelligent modes, DJI Assistant 2 with latest SDK | DJI Go 4 app, DJI Assistant 2 |
| Price | $2,199 (Mavic 3 standard), $4,999 (Mavic 3 Cine) | $1,729 (Mavic 2 Pro standard combo) |
Question and Answers
Which drone has a larger camera sensor?
DJI Mavic 3 has a larger 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera sensor, providing better low light performance and depth of field compared to the 1″ sensor in the Mavic 2 Pro.
What is the maximum control range of the Mavic 3?
The Mavic 3 has a maximum control range of 15 km, significantly surpassing the Mavic 2 Pro’s 5 miles.
How does the battery life of the Mavic 3 compare to the Mavic 2 Pro?
The Mavic 3 offers a much longer flight time, with up to 46 minutes, compared to the Mavic 2 Pro’s max flight time of 31 minutes.
What is the price difference between the Mavic 3 and Mavic 2 Pro?
The Mavic 3 is more expensive, with the standard version priced at $2,199 and the Mavic 2 Pro standard combo priced at $1,729.
Which drone is better for professional photographers and videographers?
The Mavic 3 is more suitable for professionals due to its advanced features, dual camera setup, longer flight time, and higher price tag. The Mavic 2 Pro is a more budget-friendly option while still providing pro-level performance for enthusiasts.
Conclusion
After breaking down the key differences between the DJI Mavic 3 and the DJI Mavic 2 Pro, we can draw some conclusions to help you determine which drone is the better choice for your needs.
