What’s the Difference Between DJI Mavic 3, Classic, Pro & Cine? (Answered)

When it comes to pro-level (prosumer) drones, the Mavic 3 series is at the top of the list.

The Mavic 3 series of DJI drones is the go-to drone for those wanting high performance, and, even higher image quality and video resolution.

What makes the Mavic 3 series of drones so accessible to industry professionals and enthusiasts are the various versions of the Mavic 3 available:

• Mavic 3/ Mavic 3 Cine
• Mavic 3 Classic
• Mavic 3 Pro/ Mavic 3 Pro Cine
• Mavic 3 Enterprise

While the airframes on the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Pro, and the Mavic 3 Pro Cine are almost identical, the most obvious and biggest difference between the 3, Classic, Pro, and Cine versions is codec and camera-related.

We’ll dig deeper into each of these commercial workhorses and see the differences. Additionally, we’ll see which Mavic 3 is right for you if in the market for a new one.

Overview #

If you are interested in any of the five models of DJI Mavic 3 drones that we’ll cover in this article, here is a quick overview of each:

• Mavic 3 – Dual-camera system using a 24 mm equivalent main Hasselblad wide-angle camera and a 162 mm tele camera.
• Mavic 3 Cine – Identical to the Mavic 3 but utilizes the Apple ProRes codec and is ideal for cinematographers and filmmakers.
• Mavic 3 Classic – All-around performance drone perfect for those not needing multiple focal lengths, and wanting to get the best image quality from the single 24 mm Hasselblad camera.
• Mavic 3 Pro – Tri-camera system utilizing the tried and true 24 mm Hasselblad camera along with a 70 mm medium tele camera and 166 mm tele camera.
• Mavic 3 Pro Cine – Another cinema-specific Mavic 3, identical to the Mavic 3 Pro with the Apple ProRes codec license onboard for more professional video production.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Classic vs. Mavic 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)

The Mavic 3 Line – Similarities #

Firstly, we’ll look at some of the similar features and traits across all Mavic 3 drones.

The original Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine were released on November 5, 2021, followed by the Mavic 3 Classic on November 2, 2022, and finally by the Mavic 3 Pro and 3 Pro Cine on April 22, 2023.

During this timeframe, little has changed when quickly looking over the exterior of the Mavic 3 or its immediate airframe.

All three versions of the Mavic 3 we are talking about today have the same aggressive stance, a design choice inherited by the DJI Air 3.

Because all the Mavic 3 series models share the same airframe, they also share the same 5000mAh battery. Although using the same battery, there are slight flight time variances between the models, which we’ll look at shortly.

In addition to the battery, the various models of the Mavic 3 series likewise have the same omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, keeping the Mavic 3 line safer when flying in more complex shooting situations.

This improved obstacle avoidance system (over the DJI Mavic 2 Pro) also makes using the intelligent flight modes that much better and safer, for all of the Mavic 3s in this article:

• Active Track 5.0, HyperLapse, MasterShots
• Waypoint mission flights and cruise control

Last but not least, all models share the same motors and transmission system, propelling the five models forward at a maximum speed of 46.9 mph when in Sport Mode, on a stronger signal up to a distance of 9.3 miles away in the United States.

Now for the differences.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Classic: Which Drone Should You Buy?

Difference Overview #

For those wanting to get right to the difference, below is a table of the differences between the Mavic 3/Cine, Mavic 3 Classic, and Mavic 3 Pro/Cine.

SpecsMavic 3/CineMavic 3 ClassicMavic 3 Pro/CineCamera RelatedCamera(s)213Focal Lengths24 mm Hasselblad162 mm24 mm Hasselblad24 mm Hasselblad70 mm166 mmDigital Zoom1 – 3×3 – 28×1 – 3×1 – 3×3 – 7×7 – 28xInternal StorageMavic 3: 8 GBCine: 1 TB8 GBMavic 3 Pro: 8 GB3 Pro Cine: 1 TBBit/Color ProfileNormal: 8 BitHLG: 10 BitD-Log: 10 BitD-Log M: 10 BitNormal: 8 BitHLG: 10 BitD-Log: 10 BitD-Log M: 10 BitNormal: 8 BitNormal: 10 Bit (Cine)HLG: 10 BitD-Log: 10 BitCodecsMavic 3: h264, h265Cine: Apple ProRes:422, 422 HQ, 422 LTh264, h265Mavic 3 Pro: h264, h2653 Pro Cine: Apple ProRes:422, 422 HQ, 422 LTPerformanceFlight time46 Minutes46 Minutes43 MinutesMax Flight Distance18.64 Miles/ 30 km18.64 Miles/ 30 km17.39 Miles/ 28 kmWeightMavic 3: 895 gMavic 3 Cine: 899 g895 gMavic 3 Pro: 958 g3 Pro Cine: 963 g

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Where is the Serial Number? (Answered)

The Mavic 3 Line – Differences #

As mentioned, the DJI Mavic 3 series of prosumer drones appear quite similar at first glance, using much of the same technology.

The most noticeable difference between the three versions is camera-related. Here, we’ll look at each model in depth, highlighting their differences.

DJI Mavic 3 #

Original Professional Workhorse****Weight: 893 gDimensions:– Folded (without propellers): 221×96.3×90.3 mm (L×W×H)– Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×283×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

The DJI Mavic 3 is the successor to the ever-popular Mavic 2 Pro and improved on that previous model in every way imaginable.

The most notable improvement would be to the camera, or should we say cameras.

The Mavic 3 upgraded the Mavic 2 Pros 1″ Hasselblad camera to a 4/3 Hasselblad camera. Also added was a 2nd 162 mm tele camera which brought along a different perspective when shooting video.

The 162 mm camera was far from perfect, lacking in the image quality shown in the 24 mm main camera. DJI has released quite a few firmware upgrades to address the issue, making the camera more usable as time has gone by.

» MORE: Mavic 3 Review: Is This the Best Camera Drone? (Find Out Here)

✅ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Additional camera option over the Mavic 3 Classic (162 mm)
• Longer battery life than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine
• Further maximum flight distance than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine

❌ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• One less camera option than the Mavic 3 Pro (no 70 mm)
• Shorter tele camera focal length than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine 166 mm
• No 1 TB internal storage option like the Mavic 3 Cine
• Discontinued and delisted by DJI

Mavic 3 Cine #

Video Workhorse****Weight: 899 gDimensions:– Folded (without propellers): 221×96.3×90.3 mm (L×W×H)– Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×283×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

The Mavic 3 Cine, released alongside the Mavic 3, for all intents and purposes, is identical to the Mavic 3. The area that differentiates the Mavic 3 Cine from the Mavic 3 is the inclusion of Apple ProRes.

What is Apple ProRes?

Apple ProRes codecs provide an unparalleled combination of multistream, real-time editing performance, impressive image quality, and reduced storage rates. Apple ProRes codecs take full advantage of multicore processing and feature fast, reduced-resolution decoding modes.
Direct from Apple

In layman’s terms, if you want the best video quality available in a prosumer drone, you’ll want one with Apple ProRes accessibility. Up until the Mavic 3 Cine, ProRes was only available on DJI’s flagship, the Inspire series.

Because of the space needed for ProRes files, the Mavic 3 Cine is equipped with a whopping 1 TB (terabyte) of internal storage and incredibly fast video bit rates. All of this equates to impressive production-quality video.

Because the Mavic 3 Cine is so similar to the Mavic 3, the differences to other Mavic 3 models will be fairly similar.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Phantom 4 Pro (Here’s My Choice)

✅ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Apple ProRes Codec
• 1 TB internal storage option
• Additional tele camera option over the Mavic 3 Classic (162 mm)
• Longer battery life than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine
• Further maximum flight distance than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine

❌ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• One less camera option than the Mavic 3/Cine (no 70 mm)
• Shorter tele camera focal length than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine’s 166 mm
• The 162 mm on the Mavic 3/Cine is not as good as the 166 mm on the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine
• Discontinued and delisted by DJI

Mavic 3 Classic #

Budget Performance Option****Weight: 895 gDimensions:– Folded (without propellers): 221×96.3×90.3 mm (L×W×H)– Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×283×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

For those who were looking for Mavic 3-like quality images and videos but were concerned with spending the exorbitant amount of money required for a Mavic 3 or Mavic 3 Cine, the Mavic 3 Classic was a much-needed addition to the Mavic 3 Series.

Even now, the Mavic 3 Classic is an excellent alternative to those wanting something less expensive than the newer Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine.

What makes the Mavic 3 Classic less expensive would be the omission of the medium tele and tele cameras present on the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Cine, Mavic 3 Pro, and Mavic 3 Pro Cine.

While the 70 mm, 162 mm, and 166 mm focal lengths may be required for some professionals and enthusiasts, many are willing to forgo the added creative perspectives when shooting and stick with the wide-angle lens that drone operators have been using without complaint for many years.

Although the Mavic 3 Classic can be considered a “budget option” for the Mavic 3 series, it also takes advantage of the various remote controllers available to the more expensive Mavic 3s, being the:

• DJI RC Pro
• DJI RC
• DJI RC-N1

Couple the remote controller options with the 4/3 Hasselblad camera and performance set present in all the Mavic 3 series, and the Mavic 3 Classic is a great alternative for potential Mavic 3 owners.

» MORE: Best SD Cards for DJI Mavic 3 (Classic / Pro / Cine)

✅ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Less expensive than all other Mavic 3 models
• Longer battery life than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine
• Further maximum flight distance than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine

❌ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• One less camera option than the Mavic 3/Cine (no 70 mm)
• Two fewer camera options than the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine (no 70 mm and 166 mm)
• No 1 TB internal storage option like the Mavic 3 Pro/Cine

DJI Mavic 3 Pro #

High-End Professional Powerhouse****Weight: 958 gDimensions:– Folded (without propellers): 231.1×98×95.4 mm (L×W×H)– Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×290.8×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

Released in April 2023, the Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic Pro Cine are the newest Mavics in the Mavic 3 series (as of the writing of this article).

The year-and-a-half time difference between the release of the Original Mavic 3 and the newer Mavic 3 Pro was well spent as DJI produced the triple-camera system.

Although the Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine perform almost exactly like the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Cine, and Mavic 3 Classic, they have a much-needed creative edge with the third camera.

The additional camera over the Mavic 3 would be the 70 mm focal length. This 70 mm camera seems to be the sweet spot for both drone photographers and videographers alike.

With the 70 mm camera, one can get creative shot perspectives while staying a good distance from the photo or video subject.

Add in a plethora of 10-bit color profiles that work on both the 70 mm and 166 mm tele camera and the Mavic 3 Pro is indeed a Professional Powerhouse.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Review (I have NEVER flown a drone that I enjoyed so much)

✅ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Additional camera option over the Mavic 3 Classic (70 mm)
• Two additional camera options over the Mavic 3 Classic (70 mm and 166 mm)
• Better quality and spec’d 166 mm tele camera than the 162 mm Mavic 3/Cine tele camera
• Weighs more than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic (a slight advantage in the wind)

❌ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Shorter battery life than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic
• Shorter maximum flight distance than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic
• No 1 TB internal storage option like the Mavic 3 Pro Cine

Our Pick

Mavic 3 Pro Cine #

Cinematography & Videography Workhorse****Weight: 963 gDimensions:– Folded (without propellers): 231.1×98×95.4 mm (L×W×H)– Unfolded (without propellers): 347.5×290.8×107.7 mm (L×W×H)

As would be expected, the latest and greatest Cine version Mavic 3 released alongside the Mavic 3 Pro would be the best to date.

The Mavic 3 Pro Cine is the ultimate videographer and cinematographer workhorse.

In case you missed it, the Cine version of the Mavic 3 Pro comes standard with Apple ProRes, which is pretty much a requirement for anyone looking to use the Mavic 3 Pro Cine in a professional production capacity.

Because the quality of the ProRes codec is so high, the Mavic 3 Pro Cine, like the Mavic 3 Cine, comes complete with 1 TB of internal storage.

Outside of the Apple ProRes codec support, the Mavic 3 Pro Cine looks and performs exactly like the Mavic 3 Pro, at a higher price tag.

» MORE: Autel EVO II Pro vs. DJI Mavic 3 (Here’s My Choice)

✅ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Apple ProRes Codec
• 1 TB internal storage option
• Additional camera option over the Mavic 3 Classic (70 mm)
• Two additional camera options over the Mavic 3 Classic (70 mm and 166 mm)
• Better quality and spec’d 166 mm tele camera than the 162 mm Mavic 3/Cine tele camera
• Weighs more than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic

❌ Differences to other Mavic 3 Models

• Shorter battery life than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic
• Shorter maximum flight distance than the Mavic 3/Cine and Mavic 3 Classic
• The most expensive Mavic 3 currently available new

Which Mavic 3 Is Right For You? #

Purely from a performance standpoint, all five of the Mavic 3 series of drones fly the same. They have the same motors, propellers, batteries, and obstacle avoidance system.

The biggest factors will most likely be camera options and price.

Mavic 3 & Mavic 3 Cine #

Because DJI has discontinued the Mavic 3/Cine, purchasing one would need to be done from 3rd party sellers or even locally.

The newer, tri-camera system Mavic 3 Pro, while newer, is actually about the same price as most “new” Mavic 3s on the market. Not only is the Mavic 3 Pro newer, but it has more camera options.

We would only suggest buying a Mavic 3/Cine if it could be done so at substantial savings.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 vs. Mavic 3 Cine (Which One is Best?)

Mavic 3 Classic #

If having multiple cameras and Apple ProRes is not a requirement, then the Mavic 3 Classic is the best option if you’re wanting to enter the Mavic 3 space.

Because the Mavic 3 Classic only has one camera, it costs substantially less than a new Mavic 3 Pro. Additionally, if you already have a DJI RC or DJI RC-N1, you can purchase a new Mavic 3 Classic drone-only option, for even less money.

Speaking of remote controllers, like the Mavic 3 Pro, the Mavic 3 Classic can use all of the remote controller options available to the Mavic 3 series, making it a very versatile drone.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Classic vs. Air 3 (Which One is Better)

Mavic 3 Pro & Mavic 3 Pro Cine #

If you want the best prosumer drone from DJI, with the performance and camera options to do almost every type of drone job imaginable, then the Mavic 3 Pro is the perfect drone.

While, yes, the Mavic 3 Pro and the Mavic 3 Pro Cine are the most expensive drones in the Mavic 3 series, they are well worth it.

The Mavic 3 Pro has the best specs of any consumer and prosumer DJI drone, and the Cine further ups the ante with the addition of Apple ProRes.

» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Series (Here’s My Choice)