Hey there! Looking to upgrade your drone game and eyeing the DJI Mavic 3 or Mavic 3 Cine? As an aerial photography nut myself, I totally get the dilemma. Both pack incredible tech into portable frames. But budget and needs differ, so you’ve got to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
That’s why I dug into the key differences between these stellar drones across 7 aspects. Read on for a complete DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine comparison filled with photography insights and nerdy drone details. Let’s take flight!
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Camera Quality
The first big distinction between the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine is in the camera tech:
Sensor size
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Mavic 3: Large Four Thirds CMOS sensor
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Mavic 3 Cine: Even larger DJI Custom MFT sensor
According to DJI, the Cine‘s larger sensor gives it 41% greater light capture for less noise and better low light performance.
Megapixels
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Mavic 3: 12MP
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Mavic 3 Cine: 20MP
Those extra megapixels of the Cine allow for way more resolution. Based on specs, the Mavic 3 maxes out around 4000 x 3000 px image size, while the Mavic 3 Cine goes up to a huge 5472 x 3648 px. That‘s 4.4 more megapixels for cropping flexibility!
Aperture
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Mavic 3: Fixed aperture of f/2.8-f/11
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Mavic 3 Cine: Adjustable aperture from f/2.8-f/11
The adjustable aperture gives you creative control over depth of field. From sharp landscapes at f/11 to blurred bokeh at f/2.8, it‘s a real advantage for photographers.
HDR
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Both drones record HDR video, merging multiple exposures.
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But only the Mavic 3 Cine captures 10-bit D-Log for advanced grading and color editing capability.
According to Cinema5D, the Cine‘s D-Log color space gives you over 1 billion shades to work with in post.
Apple ProRes
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Mavic 3: No Apple ProRes
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Mavic 3 Cine: Supports Apple ProRes up to 4K resolution
This professional codec integrates seamlessly into high-end post-production workflows. As PCMag notes, it‘s a major bonus for commercial video production.
The Mavic 3 Cine pulls ahead for serious cinematography with its higher resolution, adjustable aperture, 10-bit D-Log, and Apple ProRes support. But the Mavic 3 still captures stunning aerial shots with its Hasselblad camera.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Video and Photo Capabilities
Let‘s compare the specs for video and still photography:
Video resolution
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Both drones shoot:
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5.1K video up to 50fps
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4K Ultra HD up to 120fps for silky slow motion
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At these high resolutions and frame rates, you get pro-level, cinematic-quality results from either drone.
Photo resolution
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As mentioned above, the Cine‘s 20MP resolution provides more flexibility than the Mavic 3‘s 12MP.
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Those extra megapixels make a difference if you want to crop, enlarge, or print massive photos.
Max bitrate
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Mavic 3 Cine: 150 Mbps
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Mavic 3: 140 Mbps
That 10 Mbps higher bitrate gives the Cine more information to work with for reduced compression and better image quality potential.
Color
- The Cine‘s 10-bit D-Log as discussed earlier enables advanced HDR video and color grading ability.
Storage
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Mavic 3 Cine: 1TB built-in SSD
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Mavic 3: 8GB internal storage
The Cine‘s huge onboard 1TB SSD lets you shoot hours of high-quality footage without external storage.
While the Mavic 3 holds its own for video and photos, the Mavic 3 Cine simply outclasses it with higher resolution images and video tailored for pro post-production.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Shooting Modes
Both drones are loaded with Intelligent shooting modes for capturing complex shots with ease:
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Hyperlapse: condenses time into stunning visuals by combining photos or clips
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Panoramas: stitches images together for wide sweeping scenes
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Astrophotography: tailored for night skies, includes star trail timelapses
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MasterShots: automaticaly executes different shot types like dronies, orbiting, and revealing
Mavic 3 Cine exclusive modes:
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Spotlight 2.0: keeps a subject centered even if moving quickly
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ActiveTrack 5.0: autonomously follows a chosen subject while avoiding obstacles
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SmartPhoto: snaps multiple photos and selects the best based on quality
According to TechRadar‘s hands-on review, the upgraded ActiveTrack and Spotlight modes make capturing pro-level tracking shots "incredibly easy" on the Mavic 3 Cine.
*So while both provide intelligent capture options, the Cine brings the next level of subject tracking and targetted photo algorithms.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Flight Performance
When it comes to core flight capabilities, the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine are evenly matched:
Speed
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Both hit up to 75 mph (120 km/h) at top speed in Sport mode
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Typical cruising speeds around 36 mph (58 km/h)
Flight Time
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They both deliver up to 46 minutes per charge
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Thanks to the super efficient batteries
Transmission Range
- Stretching out to 15 km, the enhanced O3 transmission keeps you connected
Wind Resistance
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Maximum wind speeds of 10m/s before getting unstable
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That‘s around 22 mph winds
Sensors
- Omnidirectional sensors for obstacle detection and mapping
Propellers
- Specially designed low-noise propellers keep noise to a minimum
So for core flight performance, speed, battery life, stability, and handling, both drones match up nearly identically. You can count on buttery smooth footage and total control.
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Remote Controllers
The physical controller is your vital link to directing the drone:
Mavic 3
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Includes the ergonomic, compact DJI RC-N1 remote
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Has integrated controls and display
Mavic 3 Cine
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Comes with the customizable DJI RC Pro
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Features a built-in 5.5" 1080p display
According to Digital Camera World, the RC Pro brings a more sturdy, balanced feel with added physical controls. But both remotes get the job done!
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Design and Portability
Despite all their professional camera gear, DJI managed to pack the drones into portable packages:
Size folded
- Both around 9.4 x 3.6 x 5.1 inches (221 x 96.3 x 90mm)
Weight
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Mavic 3 Cine: 1.99 lbs (899g)
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Mavic 3: 2.00 lbs (900g)
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Virtually the same heft!
Gimbal & Camera
- Protected folding mechanism allows easy packing
Batteries
- The Intelligent Flight Batteries are slim and pocketable
Overall, the folding arms, compact remote, and lightweight batteries make both models among the most portable professional camera drones around. Toss them in a bag and go!
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Safety Features
Safety is crucial, especially for new pilots. Here‘s how DJI built in protections:
Obstacle Sensors
- Front, back, bottom, and sides detect objects up to 200m away
APAS 5.0
- Advanced Pilot Assistance dodges obstructions smoothly when needed
GEO 2.0
- Prevents flying into restricted zones like airports via live maps
Aircraft Radar
- Gets warnings of nearby manned aircraft up to 6mi (10km) out
Return to Home
- Failsafe automatically brings the drone back if signal lost or battery low
According to a CNET review, DJI‘s sensors and detection tech make flying "idiot-proof". No matter your skill level, you can explore the skies safely!
DJI Mavic 3 vs Mavic 3 Cine: Price
With awesome tech comes heftier price tags:
Mavic 3
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$2,199 for the base kit
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Includes remote, battery, basic accessories
Mavic 3 Cine
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$4,999 for the Cine Premium Combo
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Adds ND filters, charging hub, extra batteries, storage, and more
That‘s over twice the cost for the Cine‘s camera upgrades, storage, and accessories. Whether it justifies the investment depends on your goals and budget!
Which One Should You Buy?
Let‘s recap the key differences:
Mavic 3
- Great for drone enthusiasts
- Excellent image and video quality
- Intelligent flight modes
- Very portable
Mavic 3 Cine
- Made for aerial pros and filmmakers
- Higher resolution photos/video
- Apple ProRes support
- Next-level shooting modes
- 1TB onboard storage
For most hobbyists, the DJI Mavic 3 hits the sweet spot. You get pro-level quality without going overboard on price. I‘d only upgrade to the Cine if you specifically need the tweaked video settings, storage, and cinematic capture modes.
However, professional videographers, cinema companies, and commercial pilots should go with the Mavic 3 Cine. You really take advantage of the 10-bit D-Log footage, custom shooting algorithms, and heaps of onboard storage. Plus the additional accessories fit your advanced needs.
Either way, both represent amazing aerial engineering by DJI. I‘m sure your footage will be epic! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
Fly safe and happy shooting!
