Recently, DJI unveiled a more budget-friendly Mavic 3 drone

At a lower, more affordable price, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic offers many of the best features of the original Mavic 3.

A more affordable version of the original Mavic 3 drone with many of its best features has been released by DJI as the Mavic 3 Classic.

The base price of the Mavic 3 Classic is $1,469, and it increases to $1,599 or $1,749 when used with a DJI RC-N1 controller or a DJI RC controller. Prices for the original Mavic 3 begin at $2,049 in contrast. For an extra $1,199, the DJI RC Pro premium controller is also compatible with the Mavic 3 Classic.

What do you get for your money, then? The Mavic 3 Classic retains the same 4/3 CMOS 20-megapixel camera, O3 Plus communication system, and 46-minute maximum flying time as the original Mavic 3, but does without the extra telephoto lens. The Mavic 3 Fly More Kit, which costs $649, comes with two Intelligent Flight Batteries, a battery charging hub (100W), a 65W vehicle charger, three pairs of low-noise propellers, and a DJI convertible carrying case for those who need a little extra energy.

Using its H.264 and H.265 encoders, the Mavic 3 Classic’s camera can record video in 5.1K/50fps, 4K/60fps, and 1080p/60fps, while slow-motion footage can be recorded at 4K/120fps and 1080p/200fps. Without connecting to the remote controller, images and video can be transferred straight from the drone to a mobile device at rates of up to 80MB per second when utilizing Wi-Fi 6.

The camera on the Mavic 3 Classic has a lens with a focal length of 24mm equivalent, an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/11, and a native dynamic range of 12.8 stops. The drone also supports timelapse, hyperlapse, and panorama shooting in addition to DJI’s automatic Quickshots shooting mode. If you’re not yet comfortable taking photos while flying, the Mavic 3 Classic has features like cruise control that let you maintain a consistent speed while shooting and ActiveTrack 5.0 that can identify subjects, lock onto them, and match the motions of the drone and camera for steadier video.

Speaking of flying, the Mavic 3 Classic has many safety features to assist pilots in avoiding risks in the air. Thanks to eight visual sensors that provide data to an APAS 5.0 obstacle avoidance system, the drone can independently plan routes around hazards. Additionally, the drone’s Return To Home system can navigate the best route back to its launch point after scanning its immediate surroundings within a 200-meter range. The Mavic 3 Classic is equipped with an AirSense ADS-B receiver to identify neighboring aircraft and helicopters transmitting ADS-B signals if you want to fly in a crowded location. DJI’s GEO 2.0 geofencing system also alerts drone pilots to potential flying dangers and local airspace restrictions.

The Mavic 3 Classic is on sale right now and complies with all applicable laws. In the US, flying the drone is allowed, and DJI anticipates that the Federal Aviation Administration will approve the Mavic 3 Classic’s methods of complying with the upcoming Remote ID regulations (which will come into effect on September 16th, 2023). Additionally, drone operators living in Europe are permitted to fly the Mavic 3 Classic in the new A1 Open Category without a remote piloting permit.