When it comes to big drone names, none are more synonymous with quality than DJI. Then again, if it’s a DJI drone, that means you’re paying the big bucks for it. It’s for that reason you feel torn over whether you should purchase the upcoming DJI drone, the Mavic 3. What is the Mavic 3?
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The DJI Mavic 3 is one of the latest drones from this brand that’s slated to come out sometime in 2021. Although it’s all speculation at this point, the Mavic 3 is supposed to include a strong H-frame, improved Smart Controller, and more visual-sensing cameras. The Mavic 2 is a good choice for jobs such as roof inspections and thus it is expected that the Mavic 3 will be even better
We don’t have all the facts on the Mavic 3 yet, but what we do know, we want to share with you today in this post. That includes a comprehensive overview of what the purported features of this DJI drone will be as well as what it may cost and whether it’s worth adding to your drone collection. DJI Drone bags and DJI accessories are priceless.
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Features of the DJI Mavic 3
First, a little bit of history. Shenzhen SJI Sciences and Technologies Ltd. is the full name of the company you know as DJI. Those initials stand for Da-Jiang Innovations. This Chinese-based business was founded in 2006 and has grown to be critically acclaimed for its high-quality drones.
The Mavic 3 will be the latest in the Mavic Series, which includes such drones as the Mavic Pro, Mavic Pro Platinum, Mavic Air, Mavic 2 Zoom, Mavic 2 Pro, and Mavic Mini.
According to our research, the Mavic 3 was originally intended to be released in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting workflow and supply chain, the drone got pushed back to sometime in 2021.
Since it isn’t released yet, all we can do is speculate on what the Mavic 3’s features will be. Thus, the information to follow should be taken as projections until the drone is out. At that point, we’d be happy to review the Mavic 3! Stay tuned on that.
Here are what the experts collectively believe will be the features of the Mavic 3.
H-Frame Design
When creating the concept for the Mavic 3, this time, DJI supposedly went with an H-frame design. H frames are definitely a little more old-school. These frames were used in drones of the past but have come into favor again.
With an H-shaped frame, the drone features extendable arms that, when out, make an H. One benefit of H frames is their durability, as this frame shape is heavier than an X-frame, a more modern take on drone design.
Many H-frame drones use LiPo batteries and can even be accessorized with photography or tracking gear. Their wide base increases the stability of the drone, making H frames a favorite for drone photographers and videographers.
If the Mavic 3 does have an H frame, then we can assume it’s more on par with the size of a Mavic Air 2 or a Mavic 2 Pro than a Mavic Mini.
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Detachable Camera
Another feature that we’ve heard may be included with the new Mavic 3 is a detachable camera. We’ll talk a little later about the high-quality camera that could be included with this DJI drone, but we will say now that it’s a Hasselblad. Thus, if you could remove the camera and use it elsewhere, that would be pretty cool!
Improved Smart Controller
The DJI Smart Controller is an add-on feature for the Mavic 2 and Mavic Air 2 that costs $750. This external equipment features a display that’s 5.5 inches. You can access the DJI GO 4 App and SkyTalk through the Smart Controller. DJI says the Smart Controller is supposed to help you “get up in the air quicker, clearer, and more conveniently than ever before.”
It’s unclear if the Smart Controller will be built into the Mavic 3 or be sold as a separate peripheral, but all signs are pointing towards DJI having made the Smart Controller even better for the Mavic 3.
The screen may be larger and the video feed quality enhanced. Either way, it looks like you’d be able to leave your smartphone at home and rely more on the Smart Controller when flying your Mavic 3.
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Obstacle Avoidance
DJI drones have always been expertly designed to avoid crashing into trees and other obstacles. That trend will continue with the Mavic 3, at least as far as we’re seeing. The drone is supposed to include an obstacle avoidance sensor that faces up so it can see trees and birds from a unique vantage point, then avoid them.
Outside of that, you get not five, not six, not even seven, but 10 different visual-sensing cameras so the Mavic 3 can pick up on obstacles from nearly all sides.
Impressive Flight Times
At current, DJI drones still boast some of the longest flight times. The Phantom 3 Standard can fly for 25 minutes and the Phantom 3 Pro for 23 minutes. The Inspire 2 has an average flight time of 27 minutes.
Outside of DJI, 3DR’s Solo drone lasts 22 minutes at a clip and Yuneec’s Q500+ about 22 minutes as well.
We want to stress that this is unconfirmed, but the Mavic 3 is supposed to be able to fly for 40-minute periods. If so, then it would last longer in the sky than the Phantom 3 Pro by 17 minutes and the Phantom 3 Standard by 15 minutes. It would also fly about twice as long as the Yuneec Q500+ and the 3DR Solo.
Better Hasselblad Camera
DJI drones have featured Hasselblad cameras since the Mavic 2, so that’s not necessarily anything new. The Mavic 3’s Hasselblad camera will likely be better in just about every way. The camera may include switchable lenses and optical image stabilization, but those are just rumors. We won’t talk about any camera specs though because as of now, we simply don’t know.
Cost of DJI Mavic 3
Until the Mavic 3 is available for purchase, any prices we list are just an estimate. The word going around is that the Mavic 3 will cost $750. Some drone enthusiasts are bemoaning that already, but we don’t think it’s that bad.
Remember, the Mavic Air 2–which the Mavic 3 is comparable to–starts at $799. The Mavic 2 Pro is incredibly pricy at $1,599 and the Mavic 2 Zoom is not much better at $1,349. When you look at those prices and then the estimated cost of the Mavic 3, $750 is not such a big deal.
Besides, these are DJI drones we’re talking about here, which already have a reputation for being costlier than your average drone. Although you end up spending a lot of money, the stunning quality, high-tech features, and unerring craftsmanship you get with a DJI drone make it worth every penny.
Even if the Mavic 3 is only $750, we don’t know for sure whether the Smart Controller is going to be built into the drone or sold separately like it was with the Mavic 2. If it is a separate accessory, the current Smart Controller is the same price as the Mavic 3 might be.
Since the Smart Controller will likely be new and improved for the release of the Mavic 3, one could assume the cost of this peripheral will be even higher than $750. Maybe around $800 or so? It’s hard to say.
Regardless, as it stands now, buying the Smart Controller with your new Mavic 3 would be like purchasing two Mavic 3 drones, as now you’re spending $1,500.
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Where to Buy DJI Mavic 3?
Right now, you can’t buy the DJI Mavic 3 anywhere because it’s not out yet. As we said before, the original release date for the drone was supposed to be sometime in 2020, but because of the pandemic, that didn’t happen.
What doesn’t help matters is that DJI is currently embroiled in a bit of a fraud scandal that’s turned out to be very expensive for the company. DJI may be more focused on getting out of the scandal intact than the release of the Mavic 3 right now, and who can blame them?
On top of that, with travel shut down in many parts of the world and the rift between US-China relations deepening, getting the drone to US soil could take even longer.
The last we heard, the Mavic 3 was to be released in January 2021, but that month has come and gone and still the drone isn’t available. When it is, you’ll definitely be able to buy it on the DJI website as well as through third-party retailers like Amazon.
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Should You Buy DJI Mavic 3?
If you could get your hands on the Mavic 3 tomorrow, should you?
We don’t see why not. Yes, it’s true that we don’t know a lot about this DJI drone right this moment, but DJI is a reputable enough brand that you can assume a new drone from them is going to be an investment worth making.
Plus, given that the Mavic 3 is its own drone and not another Mavic 2, the possibilities for what this drone could be are practically endless. Oh, and the price is right for this drone if it will indeed be sold for $750. Time will tell on that one.
Conclusion
The DJI Mavic 3 is an upcoming drone and the latest in the brand’s beloved Mavic series. All rumors around the Mavic 3 project that it will have a high-def Hasselblad camera, increased obstacle detection, and a sturdy frame. It may even be able to fly for 40 minutes. The Mavic 3 should definitely be on your shortlist of drones to consider for 2021!
Hal Simmons
When I first started flying drones I was always afraid of damaging my drone. I would always be thinking what if. I questioned myself often and as a result it made me question various aspects of flying drones. In the process I learned a lot. This is why I feel I have a lot of information that will be helpful to beginners and intermediate drone enthusiasts. Of course I still have a lot to learn so join me on this journey and I am sure you will enjoy the adventure ahead of us.Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.