Which Drone Should You Buy: DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Classic?
DJI has released three options in the Mavic lineup last year, the Mavic 3, the Mavic 3 Classic, and the Mavic 3 Cine. The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic are the more popular options, and in this article, we will compare the two to help you decide which one you should purchase.
Differences between Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic
The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic differ in their camera payloads. Both drones offer up to 46 minutes of flight time and 8 GB of onboard storage, but the Mavic 3 Classic does not have a 1/2-inch tele camera like the Mavic 3 does.
The Mavic 3 Classic is priced at around $1,749 when paired with the RC controller, which makes it a competitive option compared to the DJI Air 2S and the Mini 3 Pro. The Mavic 3 Classic is a good choice for those who do video and do not need the 1/2-inch tele camera that is included in the Mavic 3. The author was initially opposed to the Mavic 3 Classic but has changed their mind after using it and considering its intended use cases. The author still prefers the Air 3, but is willing to accept the Mavic 3 Classic for now.
Similarities between the Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 Classic
Aside from the camera payload, the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic are identical in terms of features and capabilities. Both drones come with a 5.1K Micro 4/3 Hasselblad sensor that can shoot up to 200 frames per second in 1080p or 120 at 4K, and both have intelligent features and recording settings. The main difference between the two is that the Mavic 3 Classic does not have a 1/2-inch tele camera.
It is important to note that the pilot's skills are more important than the specific drone being used in creating successful shots.
Use cases for the Mavic 3
Since the release of the Mavic 3 Classic, the standard Mavic 3 has become a particularly good choice for photography because of its tele camera, which is a useful tool for capturing high-quality photos. The Mavic 3 also has a range of features and capabilities for video.
The Mavic 3 is suitable for pilots who do a mix of video and photo work, but do not need the ProRes capabilities of the Mavic 3 Cine. It is a good choice for those who do video because it allows the drone to be kept further away from the action while still capturing crisp 4K video using the tele camera. The Mavic 3 is also suitable for photography because of its tele camera.
Use cases for the Mavic 3 Classic
The Mavic 3 Classic is most suitable for pilots who are primarily interested in video, as it has a Hasselblad camera that performs well in this regard. It is an upgrade to the DJI Air 2S, and can be used in a similar way. The Mavic 3 Classic does not have a tele camera, but this may not be a significant drawback for some pilots, as having more than one camera on a consumer drone is a relatively new development in the industry. The Mavic 3 Classic can still be used to take good photos, but the Mavic 3 may be a better choice for pilots who prioritize photography.
Which one should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Classic comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the drone. If you do not need a tele camera and want to save money, the Mavic 3 Classic may be the better choice for you. However, if you can afford the higher price of the Mavic 3 and are unsure which one to choose, the Mavic 3 may be a more versatile option because it has all the features of the Mavic 3 Classic and the added capabilities of the tele lens. The author personally prefers the Mavic 3 because it takes great photos and has the added benefit of the tele lens.
