DJI Mavic 3 Classic Filed with the FCC, Leaks Say It Will Be Released This Month

BY Zacc Dukowitz

18 October 2022

It’s official—the Mavic 3 Classic is happening, and will probably be released soon.

Last month, leaks about the Classic seemed to confirm that DJI was working on a stripped down, less expensive version of its popular new Mavic 3.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic pic.twitter.com/kEa5Xrgkc3

— 航拍世家打手 (@DealsDrone) September 3, 2022

And now DJI has filed paperwork with the FCC for the Mavic 3 Classic, a step usually taken shortly before a product release.

In addition to the filing, another recent leak claims that we can expect to see the Classic come out by the end of this month.

According to rumors, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic will be released in late October…… and will be sold with DJI RC in combo pic.twitter.com/OrgGUtivwm

— 航拍世家打手 (@DealsDrone) October 9, 2022

So far, the main thing we’ve learned about the Classic is that it will be simpler and less expensive than the standard Mavic 3, featuring downgrades we’ve seen from DJI in both features and pricing from a drone like the DJI Mini to a drone like the DJI Mini SE.

What Does the FCC Filing Reveal?

In the FCC filing, DJI writes that the Mavic 3 Classic will have the same electrical and mechanical parts as the standard Mavic 3, but it will also feature some downgrades.

Credit: @DealsDrone

The downgrades are noted in the filing via what’s called a Class II permissive change, which provides companies with an official method for detailing changes in technology as originally reported for certification with the FCC.

These downgrades should come as no surprise—starting with the first leaks about the Classic, it was clear that it would be a toned down version of the Mavic 3, with a correspondingly lower price tag.

While the Mavic 3 sells for about $2,000, the Classic should be significantly less expensive, making for a good option for those who can’t afford the pricier standard version.

So what’s been downgraded?

The biggest difference between the two drones is that the Mavic 3 has two cameras—a Hasselblad camera with a 4/3″ sensor and a Tele camera with a 1/2″ sensor—but the Mavic 3 Classic will only have one camera.

The Mavic 3’s two cameras | Credit: DJI

According to leaks, that one camera will shoot 20MP still images and videos in 4K at 120fps and in 5.1K at 50fps.

The Classic’s camera is also expected to have an adjustable aperture of f/2.8-f/11.

Beyond the difference in cameras, the Mavic 3 Classic is expect to have these changes from the Mavic 3:

Removal of unnecessary/underutilized components including unneeded circuits, interfaces, and other components to trim down the drone’s circuit board
Different RF filters for software-defined radio (SDR) communication system
Software features for flying in Europe, including the ability to fly in 5170-5250 MHz band and the ability to operate with Galileo satellite navigation for surveying operations

Positives about the Mavic 3 Classic

Although the Classic will only have one camera and won’t be quite as robust as the standard Mavic 3, it will still be a cutting edge drone that has a lot of the impressive new features you find with the standard version.

Here are some positives to consider when comparing the Mavic 3 to the Mavic 3 Classic:

Enhanced efficiency. The Classic will still feature the new props and motors that come with the standard version, supporting state-of-the-art energy efficiency.
Improved battery life. The Mavic 3 was designed to be lighter, with a streamlined body and arms made for improved flight performance. All of these things contribute to making the drone not only more efficient, but also to helping it get as much life out of its battery as possible.
Speed. According to wind tunnel tests, the Mavic 3 produces 35% less drag, making it faster at high speeds and also helping it get an improved performance out of its battery life.
High quality controller. Most likely, the Classic will come with DJI’s new RC remote control, which features a built-in display and a long battery life, allowing pilots to use one of DJI’s best rc options on the market today.
Price. Of course! But it’s still worth noting—if those who don’t need a tele camera but are still looking for a high quality camera drone, the Mavic 3 Classic may end up being one of the best options on the market when it comes out.