DJI has a new drone, cutting out a key feature to drop the price and present the Mavic 3 Classic as an alternative if you’re looking to fly. This model is very similar to the Mavic 3, including compatibility with remotes and other accessories. They differ when it comes to the specs and features available.
This isn’t an entry-level drone, as it’s more focused on pilots with some experience, much like the Mavic line generally does. If you’re a videographer or love capturing scenery with something more cinematic, this drone might be your ticket to do it.
What you get with the Mavic 3 Classic
The Mavic 3 Classic has the same 20-megapixel Hasselblad camera capable of shooting 5.1K video at up to 50fps. You can also do 4K at 60fps and also shoot at 24fps in all resolutions if you want to go with a more cinema-style look. You have the option of capturing video in H.264 or H.265 format, as well as taking still photos in 12-bit RAW. It has an adjustable aperture between f/2.8 and f/11for even more granular control over how and what you shoot.
Total range reaches as far as 15 kilometres, though you would have to be careful to avoid aircraft or restricted airspace. The onboard APAS 5.0 system avoids obstacles, while the AirSense ADS-B receiver is equipped to communicate with airplanes and helicopters within range via ADS-B transmissions to steer clear of them. DJI also includes its GEO 2.0 geofencing system to also recognize and avoid local airspace restrictions or flight hazards.
The ActiveTrack 5.0 system is back to lock onto subjects by aligning the way the drone and camera move to keep footage stable. All the usual flight and capture modes apply, so if you’re looking to do panoramas or timelapse images, it should be easy enough to make it happen with the Mavic 3 Classic.
Internal storage is limited to 8GB, but you can record content to a paired smartphone or tablet. The max flight time is 46 minutes, though it really depends on the conditions you’re flying in. Wind resistance, plus the features you have running, as well as the resolution you’re filming at, all play a role in how long it will last per charge.
What’s missing and what still works
The biggest omission is the telephoto camera from the Mavic 3. The Classic only has the one camera with a 24mm focal equivalent. It’s not a total loss because the main camera was always the more capable of the two. Losing the telephoto camera doesn’t change the drone’s overall weight, as they both weigh in at 895 grams. The dimensions also remain the same, including the build materials.
The Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with all the same remotes and accessories the Mavic 3 works with. That could be the RC-N1 Remote, Fly More combo, RC-Pro Remote, and other related parts or add-ons.
As is, the Mavic 3 Classic joins the Mavic 3 and more professional Mavic 3 Cine as the most affordable of that trio. If you’re serious about flying a drone and want something capable without a second lens, this could be an option.
The Mavic 3 Classic is available now for pre-order at Best Buy.
