DJI Mavic 3 Classic - A Landscape Photographer's Review

I’ve been using the Mavic 3 Classic for a couple of months for trips to Norway, Greenland and Iceland and putting it through it’s paces. Here are my thoughts after long term usage creating images and cinematic video. Thanks to DJI who sent me the Mavic 3 for this review.
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
2:23 Build Quality
3:45 Video Quality
6:44 Photo Quality
7:52 Flight Performance
9:30 Connectivity
10:16 Active Track
11:15 Obstacle Avoidance Sensors
12:27 Battery Life & Flight Time
14:42 Conclusion
If you're interested in purchasing any of the gear I use in this video, and you enjoy my videos, please support my work by clicking on the affiliate links below.
Thanks so much.
Drone:
DJI Mavic 3 Classic click.dji.com/ABZcBlbO-HAjtMx...
Camera & Lens:
Fujifilm GFX 100S amzn.to/39LRQss
Fujifilm GF100-200mm amzn.to/3sPmMPx
Fujifilm GF20-35mm amzn.to/3mCrIqY
Fujifilm X-T5 amzn.to/3A1wzWn
Fuji X-S10 amzn.to/3qCQzry
Fuji XF10-24mm amzn.to/3ug8AOs
Fujifilm XF16-80mm amzn.to/3mCrWhO
Fuji XF55-200mm amzn.to/2YMVtE0
Backpack & Tripod:
Pro Media Gear TRS344 www.promediagear.com?aff=28
Arca Swiss P0 amzn.to/3jhoaJ5
Really Right Stuff Clamp amzn.to/40894Gm
F Stop Ajna Backpack shop.fstopgear.com/camera-bag...
Camera insert for backpack shop.fstopgear.com/?rfsn=4299...
Filters:
KASE Revolution Magnetic filters kasefilters.com/ref/AndyMumford/
Website: www.andymumford.com
Instagram: / andymumfordphotography
Facebook: / andymumfordphotography
Music licensed via Artlist artlist.io/?artlist_aid=AndyM...

[@Roy.story.4]

Man andy i like that when you make these videos the samples your using are awesome. the samples ive seen on youtube are grosssssss

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching

[@john_norris]

Great video Andy. I have a Air 2S and it is very helpful to watch your insights on the latest models. Thanks for all your output! 👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. I still have the Air 2S and it's still a fantastic drone

[@GoodcoStudios]

Amazing review and perspective. The beautiful images were such a lovely bonus. You are very talented sir!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@ShadowForce201300000]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment

[@GabrielTheGuide]

Very informative video with examples of beautiful footage. I'm definitely considering the Mavic 3 Classic when my AIR 2S retires.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@steaneblanch9802]

Great review....it's so good to have a real review and not another 'marketing' review. Some superb footage.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed it

[@sjmyamamoto]

Super helpful review! Thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad it was useful

Awesome review as always!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Bruno, hope all is well with you

[@rubenruiz9561]

Excelent video and review from a profesional perspective. Thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching

[@RogerWilliamsphoto]

Excellent review, love your work!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review

[@Drones_eyeview]

Thanks for video!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching

[@mikeo.4203]

I really do love the classic! It was very much worth the price. It’s my first drone. The battery is amazing and when paired with my goal zero Sherpa 100 ac I really don’t need a second battery. By the time I get to my destination my battery is usually topped up again. As even 40minutes of flight time gives me amazing footage. Though as a first time operator I didn’t realize yes I have a lot of time, but you should really plan what you are going to do before doing it. Getting good videos definitely takes practice too. Though so far love pushing it to its limits! Thanks for the review really enjoyed it!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad it was useful

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Great video work!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@davemaccy]

thanks , really useful!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment

[@damienhayes9147]

Thanks for this, it was just the review for me

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad it was useful

[@Xo1ot1]

Drones becoming popular and having this level of quality is such a gift. Now almost anyone can make high quality nature documentaries etc.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment

[@Richardtwood]

This is a wonderully thoughtful and helpful review. I have got 102 hours of flight time with the Mavic 2 Pro and 9 with the Mavic 3 Classic. I fully agree with your observations about the Classic. 90% of my flights have been over water and i now find it safer for the drone than flying over land. I am carefull when flying below 4 and I do have insurance with State Farm as opposed to DJI Care.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching, really glad you found the video useful

[@frstesiste7670]

Very informative and inspiring video. Just used a drone a few times so far and your footage really show what can be done. As for DJI and 20MP I'd guess they didn't have much choice. As far as I know the options are either a 20MP Sony sensor or the 25MP Panasonic use with less DR and maybe higher power drain.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the review useful

[@fuglbird]

You are using your drone exactly as I want to use mine. This review was very useful to me. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad it was useful

[@Aonexia]

Your very welcome...

[@DCFotographs]

Ive been battling between a classic or regular mavic 3. Cant wait to dive into the review

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. I think the Classic is probably the better value option.

[@DCFotographs]

@@AndyMumford thank you. Have you used the Mini 3 pro? Curious on your thoughts and if you think the difference between that drone and classic photo wise is massive

[@peterfritzphoto]

I agree with Andy. But if you can stretch for the Mavic 3 Pro, the 70mm lens add a whole new dimension of aerial photography and filmmaking.

[@SmartMeditationFilms]

Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching, glad you found the video useful

[@kadeem.spencer]

Happy to see the quality this drone produces. I recently ordered one and can’t wait to start using it! Did you use any type of filters while shooting? Also, did you colour grade the standard footage?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review. I use the DJI ND filters with the Mavic. I think there's just one bit of Standard footage I adjusted, and that was just a contrast and saturation boost. For the majority of the clips I left them as they came out of the camera

[@danielthomas7747]

Thank you for this so nice review. I saw some pictures from the Air 3 and I felt very disapointed.... Yes for the 70mm I agree with you... but for video it looks very nice.... I am also a photographer... having a Canon. R5.... the DJI MAVIC # pro is very. high expensive.... so I believe the classic could fulfil my need.... too bad I would have loved to download some of your pictures... just to appreciate the image quality.... Thanks Again. !

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review

[@Northernbreed1738]

I'm torn - getting close to either a M3C or the M3Pro, and while I don't expect I'd use the 7x zoom much, I do think there might be some use for the 3x (70mm equiv) zoom. Still, given the quality of the main 24mm equiv camera, that may very well be all I want and need. Thanks for the great review.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@peterfritzphoto]

Great video, Andy. I just sold mine for the 3 Pro, which arrived just this afternoon. I shoot almost all my landscapes at the long end, so having the 70mm and 166mm lenses is going to be awesome.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, have fun with the 3 Pro

[@John_McFadden]

Fantastic video, Andy. Great to hear a review of the Classic from your perspective. I'm primarily interested in using it for landscape photography rather than videography. I understand why people use neutral density filters when shooting videos with a drone. I'm curious if you have used polarising filters for landscape photography with your drone? I'm not sure how that would work with a drone since when using one on a camera lens you have to adjust the filter depending on the angle between the sun and the lens. Obviously you can't do that with a drone in flight, so I'm not clear about the advantages of using a polariser on a drone. Cheers!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review. I wouldn't use a polariser on a drone because it's a wide angle lens, and so you'll often get unevenly polarised sky

[@John_McFadden]

@@AndyMumford Thanks, Andy. I hadn't even thought of that even though you covered it in your general video about what filters to use for photography. Cheers!

[@JulioFiadi]

Hi Andy. Lots os thanks A very good review. Do you know is it is possible to turn off de under sensors, to land on hands ? I was not able to do that on my Mavic 3 Classic.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much. The Mavic 3 Classic should land on your hand without having to turn off the sensors...I land mine on my hand all the time. When you go to land it, you descend towards your hand...usually it will stop when the drone sees your hand, but if you keep pulling the lever to descend it will land on your hand. Sometimes if you have to take your hand away until it starts to go down and then put your hand up again, but I've never not been able to land it in my hand

[@JulioFiadi]

Thanks again. Please keep making videos for Mavic 3 Classic. @@AndyMumford

[@filipdowjat503]

Hi, how to change the frequency from NTSC (59.94Hz) to PAL (50.00Hz)? Is there such an option? Please help :) Filip

[@JustVanko]

Wait! I I buy without led screen on the controller? What is the app for android ?

[@icogicog8287]

I am very thorn..i plan to upgrade from the M2pro. The classic has several advantages including price and C1 marking for Europe flying. On the other end the 3 focal lens on the 3pro appealing as they can now shoot raw. Difficult debate. In the end the$$$ may drive!!

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers for the comment Ico, glad the video was useful

[@Canadani]

fantastic video. I experienced quite a bit of blur on my stills on the edges. What is your experience with that?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video. I've not actually noticed any blur or softness on the edges when I've looked.

[@Canadani]

@@AndyMumford Well you are a lucky guy then. Apparently some have manufacturing series are less sharp than others - at least that's what my internet research is telling me.

[@canonshoooter]

Your work is inspiring. I recently purchased the Mavic 3. I have heard flying over water that the drone may drop inadvertently in altitude due to the reflective nature of water. Is this a real concern & have you had this experience?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you enjoyed the video. The drone only starts to land on water if you're hovering very close (within a meter or so) of it, and even then not all the time. It's something that's only every happened to me once, and then it was easily averted (just push the stick up to rise and it cancels the auto landing). As long as you're not hovering really close to water you'll never have a problem

[@10Gauge]

Thanks for the review, I plan to use mine similarly. Do you shoot all of your landscape footage with the 180° shutter speed rule?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the review. I’d like to shoot all my footage at. 180º shutter speed, but to be honest I often forget or am too lazy to put filters on

[@10Gauge]

@@AndyMumford thanks for the reply! I have found that more often than not in the 4 flights I have made so far that I get flickering in my footage that I have to try and remove in post, even then it’s still apparent sometimes. I’m trying to find what shutter and record speed to use to eliminate it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4qZaKWDm6efZqc

[@GeorgeSalivan]

I want to buy drone DJI. But I am faced with a choice, Mavic 3 Classic or Air 2s. For the price of a Mavic 3 Classic, I can buy an Air 2s combo. What do you advise? Thank you

[@damiandwornikowski7295]

Amazing, I have a question about nd/pl filters is it worth investing in these filters , for this drone ?????

[@AndyMumford]

ND filters are great if you're shooting video. For just photography then you don't need them

[@FKnoph]

I guess you covered it indirectly, but how satisfied are you with the remote control? What were your thoughts regarding RC vs. RC Pro?

[@AndyMumford]

That's a good question actually. I really like the RC and prefer it over the Pro. It's super light for a start, and I've not noticed any differences in the strength of connection. The screen isn't so bright, but I've never felt this was a problem...I've just been using it in Tuscany in bight sunlight and it was fine. And you also have the same level of control of things like shutter, aperture and ISO with it.

[@FKnoph]

@@AndyMumford I just got the Classic too, and I went with the RC. From tests I've seen on KZbin, the range seems pretty good, and on par with the RC Pro. That being said, I think the external antennas of the Pro would give me more confidence when flying far away.

[@SahilBavalia]

HI Andy, thanks for the video. What controller were you using in Greenland? I've heard the internal antennae on the DJI RC have a few connectivity issues... If you are using this same controller, have you experienced any issues?

[@AndyMumford]

I was using the DJI RC and have never had any problems with it

[@mfthedronepoet9745]

Thanks Andy, great video, its taken me hours to find someone that knows what they talking about along with a comparsion with the Air2S, I have been very happy with the Air2s and its taken me nearly a year to decide to go over to the Classic with many debates over that time on if its viable when doing landscape, mainly photography. I think you have finaly tipped the scales and I hope to see the difference between the two as its a pretty big investment. I do have two questions that popped into my head while watching - were you flying back to remove the ND for taking stills after being out there for the ice bergs and video? and did you find you were using the adjustable aperture while shooting stills?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad the video was useful. To be honest, I still use both drones, the Air 2S and the M3 Classic. If I want to go light (i'm just heading to the mountains today where I'll be doing a lot of hiking) then I take the Air 2S, if it's a place where I know I'll be flying a lot and battery life matters, then the M3C. You don't need the adjustable aperture for skills as depth of field is never an issue this wide when you're always at least a few meters from your subject, and I didn't fly back to adjust of remove the the ND filter. I shot video, and then switched to photos, then back to video etc while the ND filter was still on. We were 2km away, which takes a chunk of battery to keep flying there and back, as well as missing the best light

[@mfthedronepoet9745]

Thanks Andy and good luck with the trip/hike@@AndyMumford

[@mariomorales6992]

Hi Andy. Got a stupid question. Im getting into lanscape photography as a hobby for now. Im concern about the 20mp of these drones as opposed to the so called 48mp off the Air 3. So. When printing a photo, what would be the best route?. TIA!.

[@AndyMumford]

Well, the 48mp on the Air 3 isn't true 48mp, it's actually a 12mp quad bayer sensor, like the one's you'll find in a lot of mobile phones. The actual resolution gain for printing isn't really significant, and certainly not as good as a true 20mp sensor. You can find an explanation of it here m.gsmarena.com/quad_bayer_sensors_explained-news-37459.php For printing, the best way to work out native print size is to look at the number of pixels on the longest edge. For print you need 100 pixels per centimetre (about 250dpi), and the Mavic 3 is 5272 pixels on the longest edge, so if you divide that by 100 you get 52, and that's the number of centimetres you can print natively along the longest edge. 50cm is a decent size print, and with Lightroom Enhance or Topaz Gigapixel you can double that and it will still look better than the 12mp of the Air 3

[@aldobelenda907]

Is there much difference in the photo quality between the air2s and the mavic 3 classic? In low light, I don't like tue quality of the air2s, that's why I'm looking to upgrade my dron.

[@AndyMumford]

Low light is pretty much the only situation where I can see any significant difference. The files are quite a bit cleaner once you go past ISO800

[@christhomas2060]

What's the low light performance... Say in dark areas around dusk?

[@AndyMumford]

Good. Many of the iceberg images and video were shot around dusk

[@PROgaming-fm6yu]

Hi Andy, Thanks for the review...I am a pro photographer looking to add this drone to my options for shoots. have you had any experience of shutter lag when taking photos?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. No, I've not had any experience with shutter lag so far

[@PROgaming-fm6yu]

@@AndyMumford thx for the reply

[@tokke4]

My photos are not sharp at all actually. Jpg aswell dng. Do you shoot in automode and autofocus? Thx

[@AndyMumford]

I ahoot with autofocus, but everything else is manual. I also shoot raw and sharpen my images in Lightroom

[@nishatchotu]

i have air 2s should i wait for air 3s or air 4 or go for mavic 3 classic ?

[@AndyMumford]

It really depends on what you want to use it for. O think the Air 2S is probably a better drone than the Air 3 (better image quality) unless you really want the telephoto lens.

[@llIlllllIll]

I really want the 3 Pro, but it's over the weight limit in europe :(

[@AndyMumford]

Yeah, it is getting harder and harder to fly in Europe

[@llIlllllIll]

@@AndyMumfordFor Drones over the limit you have to get a drone license, for which you need to do a course. If you're using it professionally it's worth it, but otherwise for normal people it's kinda too much

[@mleedeppeutah]

What do you think about the DJI mini 3 pro?

[@llIlllllIll]

@@mleedeppeutah I've got that. It flies super nicely and tracking features like POI are amazing for video. However the lens seems to be soft. Especially on the borders and corners it really isn't sharp and there's a ton of chromatic aberrations. 4K Video is just generally not sharp, unless you use the default sharpening which looks horrendous. Dynamic Range is pretty good, but you can never have enough of that either lol

[@BoReynolds]

Can I ask a question? DLOG? or DLOG M?

[@AndyMumford]

I use D-Log

[@_o__o_]

clasic

[@AndyMumford]

Thank you

[@aidinmarat264]

Have you ever been to Mongolia? If you are interested in doing filming tour in Mongolia, you can contact us. Professional team with 10 years of skills organizing wide range of customized tours eager to work with you. You did a great job and great drone videos BTW. Bravo

[@garyguest1999]

Great review. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching 🙏