TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

DJI Mavic 3 raises the flight time bar

In addition to a longer flight time, Mavic 3 offers a larger imaging sensor and higher quality video

This article is 3 years old. Images might not display.

For farmers, the larger 4/3" CMOS imaging sensor should offer better quality still images despite having the same number of effective pixels at 20MP (5280×3956 pixels). Camera field of view is 84 degrees (24mm equivalent).

By comparison, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic Air 2s both use a 20MP 1" CMOS sensor and optically deliver 77-degree (28mm equivalent) and 88-degree (22mm equivalent) field of view lenses.

Larger sensor sizes typically capture better images because the pixels on the sensor are larger and capture more light. A larger sensor is also more forgiving of lens quality and in the small format required for drone use, this can be beneficial.

But the Mavic 3 has not one, but two cameras with the second offering an optical zoom with 15-degree field of view (162mm equivalent) to a 1/2" 12MP CMOS sensor. 

In addition to providing an alternative perspective and potentially cinematic-looking video, the zoom camera may allow those spectacular shots of seeding or harvest from a safe distance. We have heard stories of drones going under seeding bars, into tractor cabs and being rescued just before a nasty ride up the broad elevator!

But the flight time of 46 minutes equates to a total flight distance of 30km per 5Ah battery charge.

Maximum ascent speed has increased significantly to 8m/s while descent speed is 6m/s and flight speed is rated at 68.4km/h.

But pricing has increased with the base Mavic 3 costing $3099. By comparison, the Air 2S can be bought for $1699.

More information: www.dji.com/au/mavic-3

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.