The DJI Mavic 3 arrived a yr in the past, with an spectacular 46 minutes of flight time and a telephoto lens digicam able to capturing close-up footage from afar. It additionally got here with an costly price ticket: a draw back that DJI is making an attempt to handle with a brand new addition to the Mavic 3 lineup known as the Classic, which walks again one of many Mavic 3’s finest options.

On the floor, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is sort of indistinguishable from the unique two choices: the 8GB normal mannequin and the Mavic 3 Cine (which added a 1TB SSD drive and assist for capturing video to the Apple ProRES 422 codec). Fifteen minutes of additional flight time was a welcome improve the Mavic 3 drones had over the Mavic 2, however the inclusion of two cameras—one with a 24-millimeter prime lens and one with a telephoto—was their largest promoting level. Unfortunately, that’s what the brand new Mavic 3 Classic sacrificed for a value drop.

The new entry-level choice consists of only a single Hasselblad digicam with a 20-megapixel, 4/3 CMOS sensor and 24-millimeter equal lens that may seize 5.1K footage at 50fps or 4K and 1080P at 60fps. It’s additionally obtained a gradual movement mode that may enhance 4K captures to 120fps and 1080P to 200fps. Photos are captured as 12-bit RAW information for an elevated dynamic vary, whereas video is recorded in 10-bit D-Log so there’s flexibility for grading and colour correction.

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic can also be appropriate with each the DJI RC distant controller, with its built-in contact display screen, and the cheaper DJI RC-N1 distant controller, which requires the consumer to pair it with a smartphone and the DJI app for reside digicam previews.

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is offered on the market beginning in the present day. On its personal, with some primary equipment, the Classic begins at $1,469, however you’ll have to convey your personal appropriate controller. For these new to DJI’s drones, the Mavic 3 Classic may also be bought bundled with the DJI RC-N1 distant controller for $1,599, or the extra superior DJI RC distant controller for $1,749.

For comparability, the usual DJI Mavic 3 mannequin, which incorporates the DJI RC-N1 distant controller, is currently listed on DJI’s online store for $2,049, so choosing the brand new Classic choice as a substitute will prevent about $450. If you’re a drone videographer who really makes a dwelling capturing with it, the added inventive flexibility of that further digicam appears greater than well worth the $450 premium.