As a real estate photographer, having the right equipment is crucial to deliver top-tier photos and videos. In this article, we’ll compare two popular drones for real estate photography: the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classic. By taking a closer look at their performance, image quality, and suitability for real estate applications, we will help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your specific needs. Join us as we explore the world of aerial photography and discover which drone comes out on top.
1. Price
When it comes to price, there is a significant difference between the two drones. The Mavic 3 Classic, priced at $1,599 (DJI RC-N1 controller including) or $1,749 (DJI RC controller including), offers a comprehensive package with accessories and advanced features. On the other hand, the Mini 3 Pro comes at a more affordable price of $759 (DJI RC-N1 controller including) or $909 (DJI RC controller including), making it a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. While the Mavic 3 Classic is a top-tier professional drone, the Mini 3 Pro also offers incredible value for its price.
2. Build Quality and Portability
The Mavic 3 Classic boasts a sturdy and premium build quality, exuding a professional feel. From the strong and capable arms to the folding mechanisms and buttons, every aspect of the drone reflects its high-quality construction. The Mini 3 Pro, though lighter in weight and made with more cost-effective materials, still maintains a sense of durability and quality. The compact size of the Mini 3 Pro makes it incredibly easy and convenient to carry around. Its portability is even more beneficial in the real estate industries, where photographers have to bring multiple equipment to far houses every day.
3. Camera Systems
The camera systems of both drones are impressive, with each offering its own set of features. The Mavic 3 Classic takes the lead with its remarkable Hasselblad camera system. With a 5.1K video capability, 12-bit raw color, and a large 4/3-inch CMOS sensor, this camera system delivers stunning visuals and exceptional color science. Meanwhile, the Mini 3 Pro features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, capable of capturing 4K video at 60 FPS and 48-megapixel stills.
While the Mavic 3 Classic edges ahead in terms of overall camera performance, the Mini 3 Pro possesses a unique ability that the Mavic 3 Classic does not, which is vertical shooting. That means the camera can rotate and capture vertical videos as well as horizontal, which is perfect for social media listing.
4. Transmission System and Obstacle Avoidance
Both drones come equipped with impressive OcuSync technology. The Mavic 3 Classic boasts OcuSync 3+, providing a remarkable transmission range of up to 15 kilometers, ensuring a strong and reliable connection. The Mini 3 Pro, with OcuSync 3 technology, offers a transmission range of 12 kilometers, which is more than sufficient for most use cases.
In terms of obstacle avoidance, the Mini 3 Pro features three-way, or tri-directional, obstacle avoidance (front, downward, and rear). The fact that the Mini 3 Pro does not have left and right obstacle avoidance sensors can be limiting for real estate photography since most aerial house shots require sideways movements... On the other hand, the Mavic 3 Classic boasts 8 sensors for full omnidirectional obstacle avoidance with a wider field of view, capable of avoiding everything in all directions, resulting in a more confident and reliable flight experience.
5. Weight and Battery Life
As real estate photographers, you need to travel to many different parts of the country, each area with different regulations for drone flying. Weighing in at just under 250 grams, the Mini 3 Pro is the ideal choice for those living in areas with stringent weight restrictions and regulations, such as the UK. On the other hand, the Mavic 3 Classic weighs 895 grams, offering a sturdier and more substantial feel.
When it comes to battery life, the Mavic 3 Classic shines with a flight time of up to 46 minutes, thanks to its large and powerful battery. The Mini 3 Pro offers 34 minutes of flight time with the default battery, but with the Plus batteries, it can achieve an impressive 47 minutes. Both drones provide ample flight time for capturing stunning real estate footage.
6. Intelligent Flight Modes
Both the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Mavic 3 Classic come equipped with a range of intelligent flight modes that enhance your flying experience and make capturing stunning shots easier than ever. The Mini 3 Pro features modes like ActiveTrack 4.0 and Spotlight 2.0, allowing you to effortlessly track and follow subjects, keeping them in the frame at all times. It also includes QuickShots, which are pre-programmed flight paths that capture cinematic shots with a single tap.
On the other hand, the Mavic 3 Classic takes it a step further with ActiveTrack 5.0 and Spotlight Pro, offering even more advanced tracking capabilities. It also introduces the all-new MasterShots feature, which automatically plans and executes complex drone shots to create professional-level videos with minimal effort. These intelligent flight modes provide a range of creative options and make it easier for both beginners and professionals to capture amazing aerial footage.
7. Adjustable Aperture
When it comes to adjusting the aperture for lighting conditions, the Mavic 3 Classic shines. Its adjustable aperture ranges from F2.8 to F11, providing photographers with greater control over exposure. In contrast, the Mini 3 Pro features a fixed aperture of F1.7, which still delivers impressive low-light performance. The fixed aperture ensures consistent image quality, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos in various lighting situations.
8. Wind Resistance
If wind resistance is a crucial factor for your aerial photography, the Mavic 3 Classic offers a distinct advantage. With its larger size, robust build quality, and eight powerful motors, it can handle winds of up to 12 meters per second. The Mini 3 Pro, although smaller and lighter, can still withstand high winds, rated for speeds up to 10.7 meters per second. While the Mini 3 Pro is commendable, the Mavic 3 Classic’s superior wind rating provides added stability in challenging conditions.
9. Additional Features
Both drones offer an array of impressive features. They come equipped with Master shots, hyperlapse options, and quick shot modes that fulfill your creative vision. Additionally, they offer various photo options such as sphere photos and panoramic shots. The Mavic 3 Classic introduces exciting exclusive features like night shots mode for low-light scenarios and cruise control, allowing you to set a speed and direction for autonomous flights. These unique features make the Mavic 3 Classic an appealing choice for professionals seeking advanced capabilities.
10. Filming Test: Comparing the Footage
To assess and compare the performance of the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classic, Inside Real Estate Photography conducted a real-world test capturing photos and videos of beachfront homes. Here is what they found out.
Starting with the Mini 3 Pro, its compact size allowed for easy maneuverability and discreet operation. The image quality was impressive, with sharp details and vibrant colors.
However, they also noticed some vignetting in the corners of the images, which can be easily corrected during post-processing. Chromatic aberration, indicated by purple fringing, was also observed in some shots. While these issues can be addressed, there was a noticeable banding and pixelation present, potentially due to excessive image sharpening applied by the drone’s software.
Moving on to the Mavic 3 Classic, the larger form factor and the Hasselblad camera system delivered exceptional clarity and dynamic range, making each shot stand out with professional-grade quality. The images showcased also have minimal distortion: vignetting was absent, and chromatic aberration was significantly reduced. The overall sharpness, coupled with the flexibility to adjust the aperture, provided a greater level of control over exposure, ensuring optimal results in various lighting conditions.
Here is the full video if you want to check it out:
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Drone
In conclusion, both the DJI Mini 3 Pro and the Mavic 3 Classic are exceptional drones with their own unique strengths and features. The Mini 3 Pro offers incredible portability, a lower price point, and the ability to capture vertical videos, while the Mavic 3 Classic boasts a superior camera system, longer flight time, adjustable aperture, and advanced obstacle avoidance.
Sharp details, vibrant colors, minor pixelation and banding
Exceptional clarity, minimal distortion, superior dynamic range, better exposure control
Ultimately, the choice between these two drones depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. If you prioritize portability and affordability without compromising on image quality, the Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you require the best-in-class camera capabilities, longer flight time, and more advanced features, the Mavic 3 Classic is the drone for you.
So, weigh your priorities, consider your budget, and make an informed decision based on your specific requirements. We hope this comparison of the DJI Mini 3 Pro vs Mavic 3 Classicfor Real Estate Videos helped you in the decision-making process.
Remember, the world of aerial photography and videography is constantly evolving, and DJI continues to innovate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with each new release. Stay tuned for future updates and advancements in drone technology that may further enhance your real estate photography endeavors.
