Key points
- Both the DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro offer a range of intelligent flight modes and features that make aerial photography easier and more enjoyable.
- If you’re looking for a compact and portable drone with a good camera and a reasonable price, the DJI Mavic Classic is a solid choice.
- The Mavic Classic offers a good balance of features and affordability, while the Mini 3 Pro excels in camera capabilities and safety features.
The DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro are two renowned drones from DJI, a leading manufacturer of aerial photography equipment. Both drones offer impressive features and capabilities, making them popular choices among hobbyists and professionals alike. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro, examining their design, performance, camera capabilities, and more, to help you determine which drone best suits your aerial photography needs.
Design and Portability
The DJI Mavic Classic features a foldable design, making it compact and easy to transport. It has a wingspan of 833mm when unfolded and weighs approximately 900g. The Mini 3 Pro, on the other hand, is even more compact and lightweight, with a folded size of 145x90x62mm and a weight of just 249g. Its ultra-portable design makes it ideal for travel and capturing aerial shots on the go.
Performance and Flight Time
The DJI Mavic Classic boasts a maximum flight speed of 40mph and a flight time of up to 21 minutes. It has a range of 7km, allowing you to capture shots from a distance. The Mini 3 Pro offers a slightly higher flight speed of 47mph and an extended flight time of up to 34 minutes (with the extended battery). Its range is slightly shorter at 6km, but it still provides ample distance for most aerial photography scenarios.
Camera Capabilities
Both the DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro feature high-quality cameras for capturing stunning aerial footage. The Mavic Classic has a 12MP sensor with a field of view of 94 degrees. It can shoot videos in 4K resolution at 30fps and stills in JPEG and RAW formats. The Mini 3 Pro, however, excels in camera capabilities. It has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with a 24mm equivalent focal length and a wider field of view of 82.1 degrees. It can shoot 4K videos at 60fps, 12MP stills in JPEG and RAW formats, and offers advanced features such as HDR and AEB.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety Features
The DJI Mavic Classic is equipped with a 5-way obstacle avoidance system that includes sensors on the front, bottom, and sides of the drone. This system helps prevent collisions and ensures safe flight. The Mini 3 Pro takes obstacle avoidance to the next level with its 3-directional obstacle sensing system, which includes sensors on the front, bottom, and rear of the drone. This provides more comprehensive coverage and enhances safety during flight.
Intelligent Flight Modes and Features
Both the DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro offer a range of intelligent flight modes and features that make aerial photography easier and more enjoyable. These include automated flight paths, tracking modes, and object recognition capabilities. The Mini 3 Pro, however, has a few additional features, such as MasterShots, which automatically captures and edits short cinematic videos, and QuickShots, which offers pre-programmed flight paths for capturing dynamic aerial footage.
Price and Value
The DJI Mavic Classic was released in 2016 and is now available at a more affordable price point. The Mini 3 Pro, being a newer model, is priced higher. However, it offers more advanced features, including a better camera, longer flight time, and improved obstacle avoidance capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between the two drones depends on your budget and the specific features you prioritize.
Which Drone is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a compact and portable drone with a good camera and a reasonable price, the DJI Mavic Classic is a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a more advanced drone with superior camera capabilities, longer flight time, and enhanced safety features, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the better option.
The Verdict: DJI Mavic Classic vs Mini 3 Pro
Both the DJI Mavic Classic and Mini 3 Pro are excellent drones for aerial photography. The Mavic Classic offers a good balance of features and affordability, while the Mini 3 Pro excels in camera capabilities and safety features. Ultimately, the best drone for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which drone has a longer flight time?
A: The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a longer flight time of up to 34 minutes, compared to the Mavic Classic‘s 21 minutes.
Q: Which drone has a better camera?
A: The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a more advanced camera with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, 24mm equivalent focal length, and 4K video recording at 60fps.
Q: Which drone is more portable?
A: The DJI Mini 3 Pro is more portable, weighing just 249g and featuring a compact folded size of 145x90x62mm.
Q: Which drone has better obstacle avoidance capabilities?
A: The DJI Mini 3 Pro has a more comprehensive 3-directional obstacle sensing system, providing greater safety during flight.
Q: Which drone is more expensive?
A: The DJI Mini 3 Pro is more expensive than the Mavic Classic due to its more advanced features and capabilities.