Key Takeaways
- ✅ Verdict: Still a professional-grade workhorse—the Hasselblad camera delivers stunning imagery that competes with 2026 releases
- 📸 Best for: Professional photographers, filmmakers, and serious hobbyists demanding the best image quality
- 💰 Value: At reduced 2026 pricing, it's arguably the best value flagship drone available
The DJI Mavic 3 launched in November 2021 and immediately became the benchmark against which all prosumer drones were measured. Its 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera, 46-minute flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance set new standards that took years for competitors to match.
Now, with the Mavic 4 Pro on the market and DJI facing import restrictions in the US, is the original Mavic 3 still relevant? After extensive testing, we found that age has been remarkably kind to this flagship.
The Hasselblad Camera: Still Exceptional
The Mavic 3's headline feature remains its 4/3 CMOS sensor developed in partnership with Hasselblad. At 20MP with a variable f/2.8-f/11 aperture, it captures images with remarkable dynamic range and color accuracy.
Video Capabilities
- 5.1K/50fps: The native resolution for maximum detail
- 4K/120fps: Smooth slow-motion with full sensor readout
- D-Log Color Profile: 12.8 stops of dynamic range for grading
- 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ: Available on Cine variant
The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) remains one of the most accurate color profiles in any drone. Skin tones, foliage, and skies render with a quality that often requires minimal post-processing.
Telephoto Camera: Useful But Limited
The secondary 162mm equivalent telephoto camera (7x optical zoom) was controversial at launch—and remains so. While useful for scouting and compressed-perspective shots, its 1/2-inch sensor and fixed f/4.4 aperture limit low-light performance significantly.
For reference, the Mavic 3 Pro (successor) addressed this with a 70mm medium telephoto option that proves more versatile in practice.
Flight Performance: Still Class-Leading
| Specification | Mavic 3 (2021) | Mavic 4 Pro (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Flight Time | 46 minutes | 48 minutes |
| Main Sensor | 4/3 CMOS (20MP) | 4/3 CMOS (50MP) |
| Max Video | 5.1K/50fps | 8K/30fps |
| Transmission | O3+ (15km) | O4 (20km) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional + AI |
| Weight | 895g | 892g |
The Mavic 3's 46-minute flight time was revolutionary in 2021 and remains excellent today. Real-world usage typically yields 38-42 minutes depending on conditions—enough for comprehensive location coverage without constant battery swaps.
Obstacle Avoidance & Safety
Omnidirectional obstacle sensing with APAS 5.0 remains highly effective. The system uses:
- Forward fisheye and ToF sensors
- Backward fisheye and ToF sensors
- Lateral fisheye sensors
- Downward fisheye and ToF sensors
- Upward fisheye sensors
This comprehensive coverage provides confident flying in complex environments—forests, urban canyons, and architectural interiors pose minimal risk when APAS is engaged.
Software & Firmware Support
DJI continues supporting the Mavic 3 with firmware updates, adding features like:
- Waypoint flight with automated paths
- Cruise Control for steady-speed shooting
- Enhanced MasterShots sequences
- Improved ActiveTrack 5.0 performance
Who Should Buy the DJI Mavic 3 in 2026?
✅ Perfect For
- • Professional photographers seeking flagship quality
- • Filmmakers requiring 5.1K/ProRes workflows
- • Real estate and commercial operators
- • Buyers finding discounted inventory
❌ Skip If You
- • Need 8K video resolution
- • Want the latest AI tracking features
- • Require a versatile telephoto camera
- • Prioritize having the newest technology
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
The DJI Mavic 3 remains an exceptional drone in 2026. The Hasselblad camera produces imagery that competes with—and sometimes exceeds—many current releases. The 46-minute flight time, comprehensive obstacle avoidance, and professional-grade build quality justify its continued relevance.
At current reduced pricing, it represents outstanding value for professionals who need reliable, high-quality aerial imaging without the flagship price tag of the Mavic 4 Pro. The telephoto camera's limitations and lack of 8K are the primary trade-offs against newer alternatives.