The DJI Mavic 3 Pro has been a popular choice for drone fans and professionals since it came out. However, with newer models like the Mavic 4 Pro now on the market, many people are questioning whether the Mavic 3 Pro is still a good buy in 2026.
In this article, we’ll examine both drones and help you decide if the Mavic 3 Pro is worth purchasing today.
Table of Contents
Design and Size: How Do They Compare?
When it comes to design, both drones look pretty similar, but the Mavic 4 Pro is a bit bigger. The Mavic 3 Pro, when folded, is 23.11 cm long, 9.8 cm wide, and 9.54 cm high. In comparison, the Mavic 4 Pro measures 25.76 cm in length, 12.48 cm in width, and 10.66 cm in height.
This makes the Mavic 4 Pro slightly bulkier, but the difference in weight is only about 100 grams. The Mavic 3 Pro weighs 958 grams, while the Mavic 4 Pro weighs 1063 grams.
One of the biggest changes in the Mavic 4 Pro is the gimbal, which can rotate 360 degrees. This allows you to switch to a vertical mode, which is perfect for making videos for platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. The Mavic 3 Pro doesn’t have this feature, so keep that in mind if you’re creating content for social media.
Additionally, the Mavic 4 Pro has a LiDAR sensor for better obstacle detection in low-light conditions. It’s placed on the drone’s foot, which makes it more reliable in dark environments compared to the Mavic 3 Pro.
Which One Takes Better Photos and Videos?
Both drones have excellent cameras. However, the Mavic 4 Pro has some significant improvements. The Mavic 3 Pro features a 20-megapixel camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor, which is perfect for most photography and video needs. It provides a focal length equivalent to 24mm and has an aperture range from F2.8 to F11.
The Mavic 4 Pro, however, upgrades this setup with a much larger 100-megapixel sensor, which delivers better image quality, especially in low light. The lens on the Mavic 4 Pro has a focal length of 28mm and an aperture range from F2 to F11.
This allows for greater detail and improves its ability to take great photos in low light. The Mavic 4 Pro’s camera also has a wider dynamic range, with 16 stops compared to 12.8 stops on the Mavic 3 Pro. This leads to more vibrant and realistic photos.
The telephoto lens on the Mavic 4 Pro is better than the one on the Mavic 3 Pro. The Mavic 4 Pro features a 50-megapixel telephoto sensor with a focal length of 168mm.
In contrast, the Mavic 3 Pro has a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor with a focal length of 166mm. This upgrade gives the Mavic 4 Pro clearer and more detailed zoom, especially for distant subjects.
Additionally, the Mavic 4 Pro has better low-light performance and offers new creative options, like a “Starburst” effect that adds a beautiful star-like glow to light sources at night. So, if you plan to shoot in low light, the Mavic 4 Pro will definitely give you better results.
Video Quality: What’s New?
Both drones can shoot impressive video, but the Mavic 4 Pro has more features. The Mavic 3 Pro can record up to 5.1K video at 50fps. In contrast, the Mavic 4 Pro can capture 6K at 60fps. This allows it to provide clearer and more detailed footage. Additionally, the Mavic 4 Pro supports native 4K vertical video, which is perfect for social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
The Mavic 4 Pro supports higher bitrates, so it offers better video quality. For instance, it can record in H.264 Intra at up to 1200 Mbps. This is a significant advantage for professional filmmakers who require top-quality video for editing. The Mavic 3 Pro cannot match this bitrate and codec support, making the Mavic 4 Pro a more reliable choice for serious videographers.
Battery Life and Flight Time
Battery life is an important factor when choosing a drone. The Mavic 3 Pro offers up to 43 minutes of flight time and 37 minutes in hover mode. The Mavic 4 Pro, however, provides up to 51 minutes of flight time and 45 minutes in hover mode, which is a major improvement.
That extra 8 minutes can really help when you’re shooting for long periods. It gives you more flexibility without having to change batteries as often.
Other Features: What Else Should You Know?
Both drones resist wind well, handling speeds up to 43 km/h. Their stability in flight is excellent. However, the Mavic 4 Pro adds a new Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) mode. This mode lets you take several photos at different exposures and then combine them into a high-quality HDR image. This feature is perfect for photographers looking to capture the full range of light in difficult conditions.
Another new feature in the Mavic 4 Pro is the improved Active Track. It can now follow birds and vehicles up to 200 meters away. The camera can automatically adjust its position to keep the subject in the frame. This makes it easier to capture dynamic shots.
The Mavic 4 Pro features a new transmission system called O4 Plus. This system offers better range and signal quality than the Mavic 3 Pro’s O3 Plus system. You will experience a stronger, more reliable connection, especially when flying longer distances.
Pricing: Which One Offers Better Value?
As for pricing, the Mavic 4 Pro starts at $2699 for the standard model with the DJI RC Pro 2 controller. The Mavic 3 Pro is priced around $2838, which provides better storage options and higher video features. While the Mavic 4 Pro is a bit more affordable, it delivers better overall value because of its improved camera, longer battery life, and enhanced video capabilities.
Final Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mavic 4 Pro shows clear improvements in camera quality, video options, and flight time. This makes it the better choice for professionals or anyone looking for the latest features. However, the Mavic 3 Pro still offers great value for those on a budget. It provides solid performance at a more affordable price. Your choice depends on your needs and budget.
