DJI Mavic

Mavic
御
a DJI Mavic Pro in the air
DJI Mavic Pro, the series' first entry
General information
TypeUnmanned aerial vehicle
National originChina
ManufacturerDJI
StatusIn production
History
Manufactured2016–present
Introduction dateSeptember 2016
Developed intoDJI Air
DJI Mini

The DJI Mavic (Chinese: 御; pinyin: Yù) is a series of teleoperated compact quadcopter drones for personal and commercial aerial photography and videography use, released by the Chinese technology company DJI.

Design and development

The Mavic Pro in its folded state.

The first of the Mavic series, the Mavic Pro, was announced in September 2016.[1] The drone is a quadcopter with foldable arms for increased portability.[2] The original Mavic Pro is equipped with the same 12-megapixel camera as the Phantom 4, which is capable of capturing 4K video at 24 frames per second (FPS) or 1080p video at 96 FPS, and has the same bitrate as the Phantom at 60 Mbit/s.[3] Unlike the Phantom 4, which has a 94-degree field of view (FOV), the Mavic Pro has an FOV of only 78-degree.[3] The Mavic Pro introduced the OcuSync 1.0 transmission system capable of livestreaming video in 1080p up to a distance of 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and 720p beyond.[2][4] The drone has a top speed is 65 km/h (40 mph) in sport mode, a range of 4.3 miles (6.9 km), and is powered by a 3830 mAh battery giving it a flight time of 27 minutes.[5]

An improved model known as the Mavic Pro Platinum was announced at the August 2017 IFA trade show.[6] The Platinum had an improved battery which increased flight time to 30 minutes.[7] The drone was also fitted with new Model 8331 propellers and improved electronic speed controllers which reduced noise by 4 dB.[8][9]

Mavic 2 series

Mavic 2 Pro in flight

DJI announced the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom in August 2018.[10] Compared to its predecessor, the Mavic 2 series features a refined design with strengthened arms and a more streamlined body.[10] The Mavic 2 features 10 obstacle avoidance sensors on all sides.[11] Battery capacity was increased to 3850 mAh, giving the drone a maximum flight time of 31 minutes.[12] The Mavic 2 also introduced the OcuSync 2.0 transmission system capable of livestreaming video in 1080p at all distances.[4] The Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom models differ primarily in the camera installed. The Mavic 2 Zoom has a 12MP camera 4× zoom feature (2× optical and 2× digital), while the Pro is fitted with a 20MP Hasselblad camera with a "hyperlapse" feature.[12][13] Both cameras are capable of recording 4K video at 30 FPS and have 8GB of internal storage.[11][12]

On October 29, 2018, DJI announced the Mavic 2 Enterprise.[14] The Enterprise differs from the baseline Mavic 2 series in that it can be fitted with modular accessories for both first responder and industrial applications. Three such modules were made available at launch; the Spotlight, Speaker, and Beacon for making drones visible at night.[15] The Enterprise also features a camera with 6x zoom, increased internal storage of 24GB, and self-heating batteries for flying in cold environments.[15]

The Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual was announced in December 2018, differing from the Enterprise in that it incorporates a thermal camera from FLIR Systems in addition to the visual camera.[16][17]

The Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced was introduced in April 2021 with an improved thermal camera sensor, upgraded 48MP 1⁄2 in (13 mm) camera sensor, and support for optional real-time kinematic (RTK) module.[18]

Mavic 3 series

Mavic 3M Multispectral with RTK module and multispectral camera system

In November 2021 DJI announced the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine.[19] The Mavic 3 series introduced a 5000 mAh battery, increasing flight time to 46 minutes.[19][20] Unlike previous models, the Mavic 3 has both a wide-angle and telephoto camera in the gimbal. The wide-angle camera is a 20MP 4/3" CMOS Hasselblad L2D-20c camera with a 24 mm focal length. The 12MP 1/2" CMOS telephoto camera has a 162 mm lens with 28x zoom.[19] The camera has 12.8 stops of dynamic range and shoots up to 5.1k video. Mavic 3 has a 4G accessory which is attached to the drone using a USB-C connection and which is then used to control the drone over a 4G mobile network.[21] The OcuSync 2.0 transmission system of the Mavic 2 was upgraded to the O3+ on the Mavic 3, which increased the maximum control range to 15 km (9.3 mi). The Mavic 3 also introduced the improved ActiveTrack 5.0 obstacle avoidance system, an internal Remote ID system, and a positioning algorithm which takes signals from GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou satellites. The Cine differs from the baseline Mavic 3 in that it is able to capture ProRes 422 HQ at a maximum rate of 3772 Mbps and has an internal 1TB SSD.[19]

On 27 September 2022, DJI released the Enterprise series of DJI Mavic 3, which has either a thermal camera (Mavic 3T Thermal) or a camera with a mechanical shutter (Mavic 3E Enterprise).[22] The Enterprise series has an accessory USB-C port for adding an RTK module or speaker.[23] The both models' telephoto camera also have a higher digital zoom for a total of 56x hybrid zoom.[24] The Mavic 3E retains the 20MP 4/3" CMOS Hasselblad wide-angle camera of the Mavic 3, while the Mavic 3T replaces it with a smaller 48MP 1/2" CMOS model not from Hasselblad. The Mavic 3T also has a thermal camera capable of shooting 640 x 512 at 30 FPS.[23][24] The Enterprise edition uses DJI RC Pro Enterprise controller, which is similar to DJI RC Pro used for the baseline Mavic 3 but includes a microphone.[22][23]

On 2 November 2022, DJI released the Mavic 3 Classic as a cheaper alternative to the original Mavic 3. It differs from the baseline Mavic 3 in that it removed the telephoto camera, leaving only the wide-angle camera in the gimbal.[25]

On 23 November 2022, DJI added a new model to the Enterprise line; the Mavic 3M Multispectral.[26] The Mavic 3M includes the RTK module as standard and has a four-lens 5MP multispectral camera system in place of the Mavic 3E's telephoto camera.[26][27]

On 22 April 2023, DJI released the Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine, replacing the original Mavic 3.[28][29] The Mavic 3 Pro was the first DJI drone to have three optical cameras, with a medium 48MP 1/1.3" CMOS telephoto camera being added in addition to the original two cameras.[30][31] Flight time was slightly decreased to 43 minutes.[31] The Pro Cine differs from the Pro in that it supports ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 422 LT encoding and has an internal 1TB SSD.[30]

Variants

A DJI Mavic 2 Pro (left) and Mavic Pro (right), both folded

Mavic (1st generation)

Mavic Pro
Company designation Model M1P.[32] Original model with a 12MP camera and OcuSync 1.0 transmission system.[3][4] Powered by a 3830 mAh battery giving it 27 minutes of flight time.[5] Introduced in September 2016.[1]
Mavic Pro Platinum
Company designation Model M1X.[33] As Mavic Pro but with Model 8331 propellers, improved electronic speed controllers, and flight time increased to 30 minutes.[7][8] Introduced in August 2017.[6]
Mavic Standard
Company designation Model M1S, also known as simply Mavic.[34] Prototype model revealed in an FCC certification application. The Standard was speculated to be a low-end model of the Pro with reduced camera resolution and without obstacle avoidance or OcuSync.[35]

Mavic 2

Mavic 2 Pro
Company designation Model L1P.[36] Improved model with a refined shell, 10 obstacle avoidance sensors, a 20MP Hasselblad camera, and OcuSync 2.0 transmission system.[10][11][12] Battery capacity was increased to 3850 mAh, giving it 31 minutes of flight time.[12] Introduced in August 2018.[10]
Mavic 2 Zoom
Company designation Model L1Z.[37] As Mavic 2 Pro but with a 12MP camera with 4× zoom.[12] Introduced in August 2018 alongside the Mavic 2 Pro.[10]
Mavic 2 Enterprise
Company designation Model L1ZE.[38] Variant intended for first responder and industrial applications with modular attachments and a camera with 6x zoom.[15] Introduced in October 2018.[14]
Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual
Company designation Model L1DE.[39] As Mavic 2 Enterprise but with a FLIR Systems thermal camera in addition to the visual camera. Introduced in December 2018.[16][17]
Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced
Company designation Model L1TE.[40] As Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual but with improved thermal and 48MP visual cameras, and support for a real-time kinematic (RTK) module. Introduced in April 2021.[18]

Mavic 3

DJI Mavic 3 drone in flight
Mavic 3
Company designation Model L2A.[41] Improved model with a 20MP Hasselblad L2D-20c camera, a 12MP telephoto camera with 28x zoom, and an O3+ transmission system.[19] The Mavic 3 was the first model to have an internal Remote ID system, and also has a positioning algorithm compatible with GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou satellites. Battery capacity was increased to 5000 mAh, giving it a flight time of 46 minutes. Introduced in November 2021.[19]
Mavic 3 Cine
Company designation Model L2P.[42] As Mavic 3 but with ProRes 422 HQ capability and 1TB SSD. Introduced in November 2021 alongside the Mavic 3.[19]
Mavic 3 Classic
Company designation Model L2C.[43] As Mavic 3 but with the 12MP telephoto camera removed. Introduced in November 2022.[25]
Mavic 3 Pro
Company designation Model L2S.[44] Improved model with a 48MP telephoto camera in addition to the 20MP and 12MP cameras.[30] Flight time was decreased to 43 minutes.[31] Introduced in April 2023.[28]
Mavic 3 Pro Cine
Company designation Model L2E.[45] As Mavic 3 Pro but with ProRes 422, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 422 LT capability and 1TB SSD.[30] Introduced in April 2023 alongside the Mavic 3 Pro.[28]
Mavic 3E Enterprise
Company designation Model M3E.[46] Variant intended for first responder and industrial applications with support for an optional RTK module and telephoto camera zoom increased to 56x.[23][24] Introduced in September 2022.[22]
Mavic 3T Thermal
Company designation Model M3M.[47] As Mavic 3E but with a 48MP camera in place of the 20MP Hasselblad unit and a thermal camera.[23][24] Introduced in September 2022 alongside the Mavic 3E.[22]
Mavic 3M Multispectral
Company designation Model M3T.[48] Development of the Mavic 3E intended for agriculture applications with a four-lens 5MP multispectral camera in place of the telephoto camera and the RTK module as standard equipment.[26][27] Introduced in November 2022.[26]


Operators

Ukrainian Border Guard serviceman operating a Mavic
Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual modified to carry a 40 mm grenade

Military operators

 Armenia
  • One Armenian Mavic was reportedly shot down by Azerbaijan in April 2018.[49]
 Chile
 Dominican Republic
 Finland
  • Finnish Army introduced the Mavic in 2019, with 150 in service as of that year.[49]
 France
 Israel
 New Zealand
 Portugal
 Russia
  • Russia uses Mavic drones during its invasion of Ukraine. In response, DJI has suspended all drone sales to Russia.[50]
 Ukraine
  • Ukraine uses Mavic drones, including the Mavic 3 Pro, for reconnaissance, directing artillery fire, and for attacking Russian forces during the Russian invasion.[51] In 2024, the Ministry of Defence ordered 7,200 Mavic 3E and 1,000 Mavic 3T drones. This order was conducted through Prozorro, as DJI stopped all exports to Ukraine and Russia during the war.[52][53] In November 2024, it was reported that Ukraine was looking to replace its Mavics with a locally-built drone specifically designed for warfare.[54]
 United States
The use of DJI drones such as the Mavic by the United States Armed Forces has been controversial due to security concerns. In 2018, the Department of Defense banned the purchase of all commercial consumer drones for official purposes, including the Mavic, due to concerns raised by Senator Chris Murphy.[55] The DoD specifically blacklisted DJI in 2022.[56]

Government operators

 United States

Specifications (Mavic 3E Enterprise)

Data from DJI Mavic 3E/3T user manual[24]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 0
  • Length: 0.3475 m (1 ft 2 in) (0.221 m (8.7 in) folded)
  • Width: 0.283 m (11 in) (0.0963 m (3.79 in) folded)
  • Height: 0.1077 m (4 in) (0.0903 m (3.56 in) folded)
  • Empty weight: 0.915 kg (2 lb) with propellers
  • Max takeoff weight: 1.050 kg (2 lb)
  • Battery capacity: 5000 mAh
  • Powerplant: 4 × Model 2008 brushless motor
  • Propellers: 4 × 2-bladed Model 9453F

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 75.6 km/h (47.0 mph, 40.8 kn) at sea level (limited to 54 km/h (34 mph) in Normal Mode)
  • Range: 32 km (20 mi, 17 nmi)
  • Endurance: 45 minutes
  • Rate of climb: 8 m/s (1,600 ft/min) (limited to 6 m/s (1,200 ft/min) in Normal Mode)

Avionics

  • Camera:
  • 20MP 4/3" CMOS wide-angle
  • 12MP 1/2" CMOS telephoto
  • Transmission system: O3 Enterprise

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

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Media related to DJI Mavic Series at Wikimedia Commons