Scored using Drones Methodology v2.0
Drones Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Drones Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,023 independent expert reviews and 2,622 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Drones Methodology v2.0

DJI Mavic 3 Review | 97 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,850Max flight time:46 minVideo resolution:5.1K/50 fpsMax transmission distance:15 km

DJI Mavic 3 Review: Compare 97 technical specifications and 44 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Drones category and whether it is worth buying.

8.9

Overall score

Score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the drone's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best drones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

85%

8.9

Technical score

15%

8.4

Review score ( 21 · 23)

Review score 15% · 8.4 · based on 44 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 15%, technical score 85%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
★Better than 97% of drones
8.9

Technical score

Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

26%

9.9

Flight

24%

8.5

Camera

20%

8.9

Safety

16%

9.0

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Battery & Design

★Better than 98% of drones
8.4

Review score

Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (44)
21 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 23 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 11
✓ explicit
5
≈ estimated
6
Video reviews 8
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
▲Better than 75% of drones
  • dji-mavic-3
dji-mavic-3

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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of drone DJI Mavic 3

Technical score
Technical score
8.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the drone's technical performance, covering key areas such as flight performance, camera quality, transmission, safety features, battery life, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare drones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

26%

9.9

Flight

24%

8.5

Camera

20%

8.9

Safety

16%

9.0

Connectivity

14%

8.0

Battery & Design

8.9
Review score
Review score
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 15% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 4 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (44)
21 reviews: 12 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 23 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 15%, the same for every model in this category.
Text reviews 11
✓ explicit
5
≈ estimated
6
Video reviews 8
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.4
Popularity
Popularity
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the drone.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose a drone reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
DJI Mavic 3 has a popularity score of 7.1 points, which is higher than that of 56.9% of products in this category.
7.1
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the drone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a drone with a good balance between flight quality, camera features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

8.9

Overall score

40%

1.0

Price

6.5
Max flight time
46 min
Max flight time
46 min
This drone has a max flight time of 46 min, longer than 96.5% of drones and equal to 1.5% of drones.
Max flight distance
30 km
Max flight distance
30 km
This drone has a max flight distance of 30 km, farther than 95% of drones and equal to 1.1% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
Max flight speed
21 m/s
Max flight speed
21 m/s
This drone has a max flight speed of 21 m/s, faster than 88.6% of drones and equal to 6.3% of drones.
Top speed may be lower in EU/CE-regulated regions.
Max wind resistance
12 m/s
Max wind resistance
12 m/s
This drone has max wind resistance of 12 m/s, higher than 75.5% of drones and equal to 15.1% of drones.
Max service ceiling (ASL)
6,000 m
Max service ceiling (ASL)
6,000 m
This drone has a max service ceiling of 6,000 m, higher than 81.3% of drones and equal to 12.7% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Video resolution
5.1K/50 fps
Video resolution
5.1K/50 fps
This drone records video at 5.1K/50 fps, higher than 91.6% of drones and equal to 1.5% of drones.
4K camera
yes
4K camera
yes
This drone supports 4K video. 46% of drones support 4K video.
Sensor size
4/3"
Sensor size
4/3"
This drone has a sensor size of 4/3", larger than 93.5% of drones and equal to 5.6% of drones.
Main camera megapixels
20 MP
Main camera megapixels
20 MP
This drone has a main camera resolution of 20 MP, higher than 64% of drones and equal to 9.3% of drones.
Max movie bitrate
200 Mbps
Max movie bitrate
200 Mbps
This drone has a max movie bitrate of 200 Mbps, higher than 92.1% of drones and equal to 5.3% of drones.
Show more
What reviewers say
Obstacle detection
yes
Obstacle detection
yes
This drone supports obstacle detection. 69.5% of drones support obstacle detection.
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
Return to Home (RTH)
yes
This drone supports Return-to-Home (RTH). 33% of drones support Return-to-Home (RTH).
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This drone supports GPS. 35.3% of drones support GPS.
GNSS systems supported
GPS, Galileo, BeiDou
GNSS systems supported
GPS, Galileo, BeiDou
This drone supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou GNSS systems, which are more comprehensive than those of 73.4% and the same as those of 8.5%.
Obstacle sensing directions
omnidirectional
Obstacle sensing directions
omnidirectional
This drone senses obstacles in omnidirectional directions, which is more comprehensive than that of 83.4% and the same as that of 16.6%.
Show more
What reviewers say
Max transmission distance
15 km
Max transmission distance
15 km
This drone has a max transmission distance of 15 km, farther than 89.3% of drones and equal to 5.6% of drones.
Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
Transmission latency
130 ms
Transmission latency
130 ms
This drone has transmission latency of 130 ms, lower than 42.3% of drones and equal to 15.5% of drones.
Video transmission system
O3
Video transmission system
O3
This drone uses O3 for video transmission, which is more advanced than the system used by 86.7% and the same as that used by 4.1%.
Live view quality
1080p@60 fps
Live view quality
1080p@60 fps
This drone offers live view quality of 1080p@60 fps, higher-quality than 80.2% of drones and equal to 12.5% of drones.
Remote control
yes
Remote control
yes
This drone has a handheld remote controller. 5% of drones offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
Battery capacity
5,000 mAh
This drone has a battery capacity of 5,000 mAh, larger than 87.6% of drones and equal to 3.1% of drones.
Battery energy
77 Wh
Battery energy
77 Wh
This drone has battery energy of 77 Wh, higher than 87.7% of drones and equal to 2.9% of drones.
Charging time
96 min
Charging time
96 min
This drone charges in 96 min, slower than 58.1% of drones and equal to 1.9% of drones.
Weight
895 g
Weight
895 g
This drone weighs 895 g, heavier than 86.1% of drones and equal to 0.5% of drones.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
This drone has a removable battery. 0.5% of drones have a removable battery.
Show more

DJI Mavic 3 vs the average drone

246810TotalFlightCameraSafetyConnectivityBattery & Design
  • 26 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    46 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (46 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    46 min vs 20 min
  • 29 km longer flight distance
    Max flight distance
    30 km
    This drone has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (30 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    30 km vs 1 km
  • Larger sensor size
    Sensor size
    4/3"
    This drone has a larger sensor than the average drone (4/3" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    4/3" vs 1/2.3"
  • 14 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    15 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (15 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    15 km vs 1 km
  • Supports obstacle detection
    Obstacle detection
    yes
    This drone supports obstacle detection, while the average drone does not.
  • 100 Mbps higher video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    200 Mbps
    This drone supports a higher maximum video bitrate than the average drone (200 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    200 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 6 m/s faster flight speed
    Max flight speed
    21 m/s
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (21 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    Top speed may be lower in EU/CE-regulated regions.
    21 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • 26 min longer flight time
    Max flight time
    46 min
    This drone offers longer max flight time than the average drone (46 min vs 20 min). The average drone offers 20 min of max flight time.
    46 min vs 20 min
  • 29 km longer flight distance
    Max flight distance
    30 km
    This drone has a longer max flight distance than the average drone (30 km vs 1 km). The average drone can fly up to 1 km.
    Maximum range varies by region (for example FCC vs CE).
    30 km vs 1 km
  • 6 m/s faster flight speed
    Max flight speed
    21 m/s
    This drone reaches a higher max flight speed than the average drone (21 m/s vs 15 m/s). The average drone reaches 15 m/s.
    Top speed may be lower in EU/CE-regulated regions.
    21 m/s vs 15 m/s
  • 1.3 m/s higher wind resistance
    Max wind resistance
    12 m/s
    This drone handles stronger wind than the average drone (12 m/s vs 10.7 m/s). The average drone handles wind up to 10.7 m/s.
    12 m/s vs 10.7 m/s
  • 3 m/s faster ascent speed
    Max ascent speed
    8 m/s
    This drone climbs faster than the average drone (8 m/s vs 5 m/s). The average drone climbs at 5 m/s.
    Value reflects maximum ascent speed in higher-performance flight mode.
    8 m/s vs 5 m/s
  • 2,500 m higher service ceiling
    Max service ceiling (ASL)
    6,000 m
    This drone can fly at a higher max service ceiling than the average drone (6000 m vs 3500 m). The average drone reaches 3500 m.
    6,000 m vs 3,500 m
  • 2 m/s faster descent speed
    Max descent speed
    6 m/s
    This drone descends faster than the average drone (6 m/s vs 4 m/s). The average drone descends at 4 m/s.
    Value reflects maximum descent speed in higher-performance flight mode.
    6 m/s vs 4 m/s
  • Larger sensor size
    Sensor size
    4/3"
    This drone has a larger sensor than the average drone (4/3" vs 1/2.3"). The average drone uses a sensor of 1/2.3".
    4/3" vs 1/2.3"
  • 100 Mbps higher video bitrate
    Max movie bitrate
    200 Mbps
    This drone supports a higher maximum video bitrate than the average drone (200 Mbps vs 100 Mbps). The average drone supports a maximum video bitrate of 100 Mbps.
    200 Mbps vs 100 Mbps
  • 3 more gimbal axes
    Gimbal axes
    3
    This drone has more gimbal axes than the average drone (3 vs 0). The average drone has 0 gimbal axes.
    3 vs 0
  • Supports low-light mode
    Low light mode
    yes
    This drone supports low-light mode, while the average drone does not.
  • Includes optical zoom
    Optical zoom camera
    yes
    This drone has an optical zoom camera, while the average drone does not. 6.9% of drones offer one.
  • More color profile options
    Color profiles
    Normal, D-Log, HLG
    This drone supports Normal, D-Log, HLG color profiles, while the average drone supports Normal.
    Normal, D-Log, HLG vs Normal
  • More capable focus system
    Focus system
    vision detection AF (VDAF) + manual focus
    This drone uses vision detection AF (VDAF) + manual focus for focusing, while the average drone uses fixed focus.
    vision detection AF (VDAF) + manual focus vs fixed focus
  • More video codec options
    Video codecs supported
    H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC
    This drone supports H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC video codecs, while the average drone supports H.264/AVC.
    H.264/AVC, H.265/HEVC vs H.264/AVC
  • Captures RAW photos
    RAW photo capture
    yes
    This drone can capture RAW photos, while the average drone cannot.
  • More advanced stabilization
    Image stabilization type
    3-Axis Mechanical
    This drone uses 3-Axis Mechanical image stabilization, while the average drone uses EIS (Digital).
    3-Axis Mechanical vs EIS (Digital)
  • Richer manual controls
    Manual camera controls
    full
    This drone offers full manual camera controls, while the average drone offers no.
    full vs no
  • More video format options
    Video formats
    MP4, MOV
    This drone supports MP4, MOV video formats, while the average drone supports MP4.
    MP4, MOV vs MP4
  • Supports slow-motion mode
    Slow-motion mode
    yes
    This drone supports slow-motion mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 8 GB more internal storage
    Internal storage
    8 GB
    This drone has more internal storage than the average drone (8 GB vs 0 GB). The average drone has 0 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 0 GB
  • 25 x higher digital zoom
    Digital zoom
    28 x
    This drone offers more digital zoom than the average drone (28 x vs 3 x). The average drone offers 3 x of digital zoom.
    28 x vs 3 x
  • Supports burst mode
    Burst mode
    yes
    This drone supports burst mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 8 MP more camera resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    20 MP
    This drone has more main camera megapixels than the average drone (20 MP vs 12 MP). The average drone has 12 MP on the main camera.
    20 MP vs 12 MP
  • Supports panorama mode
    Panorama mode
    yes
    This drone supports panorama mode, while the average drone does not.
  • 6,400 ISO higher max ISO
    Max ISO
    12,800 ISO
    This drone reaches a higher max ISO than the average drone (12800 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average drone reaches 6400 ISO.
    12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Wider tilt range
    Camera tilt range
    -90 to 35 °
    This drone has a wider tilt range than the average drone (-90 to 35 ° vs -90 to 20 °).
    -90 to 35 ° vs -90 to 20 °
  • Higher video resolution
    Video resolution
    5.1K/50 fps
    This drone offers higher video resolution than the average drone (5.1K/50 fps vs 4K/100 fps). The average drone offers a video resolution of 4K/100 fps.
    5.1K/50 fps vs 4K/100 fps
  • 384 GB higher memory card limit
    Max external memory supported
    512 GB
    This drone supports more external storage than the average drone (512 GB vs 128 GB). The average drone supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
    512 GB vs 128 GB
  • Supports obstacle detection
    Obstacle detection
    yes
    This drone supports obstacle detection, while the average drone does not.
  • ADS-B In (AirSense)
    ADS-B In (AirSense)
    yes
    This drone includes ADS-B In (AirSense), while the average drone does not.
  • Supports waypoint flight
    Waypoint flight
    yes
    This drone supports waypoint flight, while the average drone does not.
  • Supports QuickShots
    QuickShots
    yes
    This drone supports QuickShots, while the average drone does not.
  • 7.5 m/s faster tracking speed
    Max subject tracking speed
    20 m/s
    This drone can track subjects at a higher speed than the average drone (20 m/s vs 12.5 m/s). The average drone tracks subjects at 12.5 m/s.
    20 m/s vs 12.5 m/s
  • 3 more flight modes
    N. of intelligent flight modes
    7
    This drone offers more intelligent flight modes than the average drone (7 vs 4). The average drone offers 4 intelligent flight modes.
    ActiveTrack, Follow Me, Spotlight, Waypoint Flight, QuickShots, MasterShots, Hyperlapse
    7 vs 4
  • Remote ID
    Remote ID
    yes
    This drone supports Remote ID, while the average drone does not.
    Available via firmware update.
  • 3.59x lower takeoff weight
    Max takeoff weight
    895 g
    This drone has a lower max takeoff weight than the average drone (895 g vs 249 g). The average drone has a max takeoff weight of 249 g.
    895 g vs 249 g
  • Less restrictive EU class
    EU class marking
    C1
    This drone is rated as C1 under the EU drone class system, while the average drone is rated as None.
    C1 vs None
  • 14 km longer transmission range
    Max transmission distance
    15 km
    This drone has a longer max transmission distance than the average drone (15 km vs 1 km). The average drone reaches 1 km of transmission distance.
    Maximum range varies by region; CE/SRRC/MIC limits can be lower.
    15 km vs 1 km
  • Built-in display
    Display
    yes
    This drone has a built-in display, while the average drone does not.
  • More polished companion app
    Companion app
    DJI Fly
    This drone uses the DJI Fly companion app, while the average drone uses HS FPV.
    DJI Fly vs HS FPV
  • Better live view quality
    Live view quality
    1080p@60 fps
    This drone has better live view quality than the average drone (1080p@60 fps vs 1080p@25 fps). The average drone offers live view quality of 1080p@25 fps.
    1080p@60 fps vs 1080p@25 fps
  • Supports 4G / LTE
    4G / LTE support
    yes
    This drone supports 4G / LTE connectivity, while the average drone does not.
    Requires optional cellular dongle.
  • More capable transmission system
    Video transmission system
    O3
    This drone uses O3 for video transmission, while the average drone uses SkyLink 2.0.
    O3 vs SkyLink 2.0
  • 2,800 mAh more battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    5,000 mAh
    This drone has a larger battery capacity than the average drone (5000 mAh vs 2200 mAh). The average drone battery has a capacity of 2200 mAh.
    5,000 mAh vs 2,200 mAh
  • 59.82 Wh more battery energy
    Battery energy
    77 Wh
    This drone has higher battery energy than the average drone (77 Wh vs 17.18 Wh). The average drone battery has 17.18 Wh of energy.
    77 Wh vs 17.18 Wh
  • More modern charging port
    Charging interface
    USB-C
    This drone uses USB-C for charging, while the average drone uses micro-USB.
    Supports USB-C PD fast charging.
    USB-C vs micro-USB
  • 3.64x higher weight
    Weight
    895 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (895 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    895 g vs 246 g
  • No POI mode
    POI mode
    no
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • Narrower aperture
    Aperture
    f/2.8-f/11
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8-f/11 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8-f/11 vs f/2
  • 45.2 mm taller body height
    Height
    107.7 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (107.7 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    107.7 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, Galileo, BeiDou
    This drone supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, Galileo, BeiDou vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • 9.25x more expensive
    DJI Mavic 3 is more expensive than the average drone (£1,850 vs £200).
    £1,850 vs £200
  • 72.5 mm longer body length
    Length
    347.5 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (347.5 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    347.5 mm vs 275 mm
  • No headless mode
    Headless mode
    no
    This drone does not support headless mode, while the average drone does.
  • 9.25x more expensive
    DJI Mavic 3 is more expensive than the average drone (£1,850 vs £200).
    £1,850 vs £200
  • 8.4% worse value for money
    DJI Mavic 3 has worse value for money than the average drone (6.51 vs 7.1).
    6.51 vs 7.06
  • 2 years older release date
    Release date
    2021
    This drone is older than the average drone (2021 vs 2023). The average drone was released in 2023.
    November 2021
    2021 vs 2023
  • Narrower aperture
    Aperture
    f/2.8-f/11
    This drone has a narrower aperture than the average drone (f/2.8-f/11 vs f/2). The average drone uses an aperture of f/2.
    f/2.8-f/11 vs f/2
  • 6 ° narrower field of view
    Field of view
    84 °
    This drone has a narrower field of view than the average drone (84 ° vs 90 °). The average drone has a field of view of 90 °.
    84 ° vs 90 °
  • No POI mode
    POI mode
    no
    This drone does not support POI mode, while the average drone does.
  • Fewer GNSS systems
    GNSS systems supported
    GPS, Galileo, BeiDou
    This drone supports GPS, Galileo, BeiDou GNSS systems, while the average drone supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou.
    GPS, Galileo, BeiDou vs GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
  • No headless mode
    Headless mode
    no
    This drone does not support headless mode, while the average drone does.
  • No beginner mode
    Beginner mode
    no
    This drone does not support beginner mode, while the average drone does.
  • 3.64x higher weight
    Weight
    895 g
    This drone is heavier than the average drone (895 g vs 246 g). The average drone weighs 246 g.
    895 g vs 246 g
  • 45.2 mm taller body height
    Height
    107.7 mm
    This drone is taller than the average drone (107.7 mm vs 62.5 mm). The average drone is 62.5 mm tall.
    107.7 mm vs 62.5 mm
  • 72.5 mm longer body length
    Length
    347.5 mm
    This drone is longer than the average drone (347.5 mm vs 275 mm). The average drone is 275 mm long.
    347.5 mm vs 275 mm
  • 42 mm wider width
    Width
    283 mm
    This drone is wider than the average drone (283 mm vs 241 mm). The average drone width is 241 mm.
    283 mm vs 241 mm
  • 6 min longer charging time
    Charging time
    96 min
    This drone charges more slowly than the average drone (96 min vs 90 min). The average drone charges in 90 min.
    96 min vs 90 min

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

9.5
Jake Sloan
≈ estimated
24/03/2023
Long-term review · daily use for travel and client work
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is a fantastic drone that punches well above its weight class, one of the best to buy.
7.0
Dustin Dunnill
≈ estimated
10/12/2021
Hands-on flight test · setup, flights and feature check
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is quiet and stable with strong sensors, but advanced features like tracking and quick shots were not working yet.
8.0
Air Photography
≈ estimated
08/12/2021
Hands-on review · 30 days of flying and testing
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 packs impressive tech, but unfinished features and a forced bundle hold it back.
8.0
Engadget
≈ estimated
24/11/2021
Hands-on review · image quality, zoom, flight and features
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 offers professional image quality and stability, a clear step up despite some flaws.
9.0
Ian in London
≈ estimated
17/11/2021
Full review · unboxing, first flight, zoom and image tests
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is a highly capable drone for first-time prosumer buyers, though the price is a real consideration.
9.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
05/11/2021
Hands-on review · camera, obstacle sensing and feature overview
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is a serious step up for videographers who want the best image quality and features.
9.0
Ready Set Drone
≈ estimated
05/11/2021
Hands-on review · upgrade advice, flight, camera and accessories
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is worth it for 5K, 120 fps and zoom users, with a few small gripes.
9.0
51 Drones
≈ estimated
05/11/2021
Hands-on review · over 30 flights, first of several videos
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 is fast and stable, with excellent footage and very good obstacle avoidance.
9.0
Dustin Dunnill
≈ estimated
20/11/2021
Unboxing and setup · first impressions, updates and inspection
Verdict
DJI Mavic 3 looks fantastic so far, and the Fly More package is worth it if you can afford it.
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What reviewers agree on

Based on 21 · 24

Reviewers praise the superb image quality and reliable obstacle sensing, but the telephoto camera and missing smart features disappoint many.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
petapixel.com
≈ estimated
15/11/2021
Launch review · Hasselblad camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a big camera upgrade, with a large sensor that holds detail in dim light, but its telephoto lens and launch software were unfinished.
9.0
digitalcameraworld.com
✓ explicit
26/12/2021
Feature summary · Dual-camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a dual-camera drone that pairs strong image quality from its Hasselblad sensor with 46-minute flights, though its launch software was incomplete.
8.0
uk.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
29/04/2022
Test review · Cinema camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a strong cinema drone whose Hasselblad camera shoots 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps, though its telephoto lens and 8GB of storage hold it back.
9.0
all-things-photography.com
≈ estimated
21/11/2021
Expert review · Pro-level camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a quiet, long-flying camera drone that excels at dim-light and night shots, but its telephoto lens and missing launch features hold it back.
9.0
wedio.com
≈ estimated
02/12/2021
Detailed review · Foldable cinema drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a foldable drone for serious filmmakers, with a large camera and long flights, though its base storage and launch software hold it back.
10
amateurphotographer.com
✓ explicit
17/03/2025
Expert review · Pro portable drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a portable drone with excellent image quality, strong low-light performance and 46-minute flights, though its telephoto lens is limited.
9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
11/02/2022
Expert review · Folding camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a folding camera drone whose 4/3 Hasselblad sensor and 46-minute flights suit serious shooters, though its telephoto lens and launch software fall short.
9.0
bigladder.co.uk
≈ estimated
01/11/2021
Early hands-on · Cine version
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a big upgrade for filmmakers: it is quieter and steadier than the Mavic 2 Pro and flies up to 46 minutes, but the zoom camera shoots only JPEG.
8.0
dpreview.com
≈ estimated
09/05/2022
Long-term test · Firmware updates
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 became a complete tool after firmware updates, with an excellent 4/3 camera and 46-minute flights, though the telephoto still lags behind the main camera.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
29/04/2022
Flight test · Dual camera
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 delivers top image quality and real 360-degree obstacle avoidance, but the telephoto lens disappoints and the base model's storage is tiny.
9.0
dpreview.com
≈ estimated
29/01/2023
Long-term test · Firmware updates
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is now a must-have tool for aerial work thanks to 46-minute flights and added Waypoints, though GPS lock is slow and the telephoto shoots JPEG only.
6.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
08/11/2021
Expert test · Aerial imaging
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a top choice for aerial photos and video thanks to its large Hasselblad camera and long flights, but its telephoto camera is a clear step down.
8.0
drone-zone.de
✓ explicit
05/11/2021
In-depth test · Flagship camera
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 pairs a superb 4/3 Hasselblad camera with up to 46 minutes of flight, but its telephoto camera is limited and some features were missing at launch.
9.0
drohnen.de
≈ estimated
17/11/2021
Test review · Zoom camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a strong camera drone with a 4/3 sensor, 46-minute flights and detailed 5.1K video, though its telephoto lens and launch software let it down.
9.4
chip.de
✓ explicit
28/12/2021
Detailed test · Pro camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a high-end camera drone with 46-minute flights and a 4/3 sensor that excels in low light, though its telephoto lens is limited.
9.4
computerbild.de
✓ explicit
15/11/2022
Lab test · Dual camera
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a fast, well-built drone with excellent 4/3 image quality and all-round collision protection, but its telephoto camera is limited.
8.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
12/12/2024
Expert test · Dual camera
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 delivers outstanding 5.1K footage with natural colour from its large Hasselblad camera and flies over 30 minutes, though its second telephoto camera is much weaker.
10
lesnumeriques.com
✓ explicit
22/10/2022
Lab test · Foldable drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 sets the standard for foldable drones with superb 4/3 image quality and long flights, though the telephoto is weak and it's bulkier to carry.
6.0
dronewatch.nl
✓ explicit
03/12/2021
Launch review · Pro camera drone
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 3 is a powerful camera drone with excellent 5.1K video, but its launch software was unfinished, and features like ActiveTrack 5.0 arrived later.

Third-party reviews

What we like about DJI Mavic 3

  • Superior image quality from the 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad main camera.
  • Exceptional flight time, averaging 30-36 minutes in real-world conditions.
  • Omnidirectional obstacle sensing provides high levels of flight safety.
  • Stable flight performance even in high wind conditions.
  • Versatile dual-camera system (triple-camera on Pro models) for various focal lengths.

What we don't like about DJI Mavic 3

  • High premium price point compared to previous generations and mid-range alternatives.
  • Underwhelming image quality on the telephoto lens, which lacks RAW support.
  • Base model includes only 8GB of internal storage, which is insufficient for 5.1K video.
  • Sluggish software performance on the standard RC-N1 and DJI RC when switching cameras.
  • Heavy weight (over 900g) pushes it into stricter regulatory categories like EU C2.
  • Initial launch was missing many core software features like ActiveTrack and QuickShots.

Verdict

The DJI Mavic 3 is a high-performance flagship drone featuring a professional-grade 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera that captures 20MP still images in 12-bit RAW and records video at up to 5.1K/50fps or 4K/120fps. Key specifications include a massive 46-minute maximum flight time, 15km O3+ HD video transmission, and a comprehensive omnidirectional obstacle sensing system powered by APAS 5.0. Its main pros are the exceptional image quality with 12.8 stops of dynamic range, adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture for diverse lighting, and a dual-camera system that includes a 28x hybrid zoom tele camera. Notable cons include its high price point and the fact that its 895g takeoff weight falls into stricter regulatory categories in some regions like Europe.

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