DJI Mavic 3: The TOUGH LOVE Review - Part 1 

Part 2 has been delayed first by DJI releasing new firmware just as I was about to upload it on the 6th December which made it very out of date. So I reshot all my image tests and filmed then new footage for the new features. Just after finishing the filming, I caught COVID-19 which has floored me for the last 10 days. It is slow progress but I am working on it again. It will be worth the wait. :)

Great stuff as usual. Went by quick. Excited for the sequel. 🤓👍

This is such a beautiful review!!! Exactly what I wanted to see. Thank you very much. You must have had such a hard time syncing all of your voice with the footage together. Can't wait for part 2!

You are one of the very few channels where a 30 minute video feels more like a 15 minute video and keeps me engaged the whole time. Great job Philip :)

An education as always! What a great addition to the discussion. Looking forward to Part 2. 👍

Huge smile on my face every time Philip makes a video

After watching this, Philip became the voice in my head. I’m not complaining.

I cannot wait for part 2... I cannot tell you how many reviews I've asked in comments to talk about thr different shooting modes and the different frame rates to see if there's aliasing or quality loss and proper comparisons between h265 and pro res. man you are the first person I've seen actually talk about what matters... I must have asked about 20 content creators i swear. Thank you for this.

Thank you for clearing up the ProRes workflow issues. So in theory, with two M3Cs, 8 to 10 batteries, a generator or huge battery bank, a fast computer, LOTS of secondary storage, and an assistant to handle the data management while flying; an operator could in theory sustain a full day of ProRes HQ shooting. As you say, frankly, ridiculous.

Amazing as always, Philip. That rising shot of the London skyline was a particular highlight.

Extraordinary, as usual. I share your love for "low and slow", so we need to march on DJI with pitchforks and torches DEMANDING the return of tripod mode for ALL DJI drones.

Thanks for a beautiful film, an in depth and considered review, that must have taken you weeks of hard work - it was worth it. Looking forward to part 2 👍

This isn't just a review video, this is storytelling. As always, it's so nice to watch and listen to that magical voice. Please continue, Mr. Philip.

As always a absolute masterpiece Philipp, it’s getting to a point that the only reviews I’m personally looking forward to watching are yours. Can’t wait for part 2!

One of the few youtube reviewers I completely trust. Thank you for the time and effort. P.S. And we love your kindness and dedication to cats too! We just started a nonprofit here on Maui to rescue and care for cats.

Once again a review from a Cinematographer.. That knows what he is talking about.. Thank you for taking the time to produce this legendary review..

PB...what a wonderful and plucky thing to do, to present a review of this magnitude and depth in a manner that simply forces one to acknowledge the skill and experience and the love you have for this hobby. We benefit ....thank you !

H265 turns my iMac Pro into a blithering idiot. Do you convert H265 footage to a more usable format before editing?

The greatest cliffhanger of 2021 so far🍿 I still love my Mavic Pro 2 and finding it hard to justify the price tag for an upgrade right now. I think part 2 will determine the fate of my credit card. Will need a genuine leap in image quality and dynamic range to justify it.

8 minutes in and this is so incredibly well done...Thank you for your attention to detail, beautiful storytelling and always good music selection. It's been a treat being a big fan since 2008.

Always worth the wait for your reviews! Not only do your in-depth reviews help me to make informed purchasing decisions, I also ALWAYS learn something about cameras, filming, or cats I didn't before!

Thanks for a great and thorough review Philip! Really looking forward to part 2. I just want to add my issues with the Mavic 3 in your comment section, just in case DJI listens to your input and maybe even read the comments (I really think they should). 1) Why does the Mavic 3 have such a crippled and limited gimbal pan (+/- 5 degrees) compared to the Mavic 2 Pro (+/- 75 degrees)? For me, that gimbal pan is extremely valuable when filming moving subjects and making them look cool. Plus it's safer and easier to fly forward with the gimbal panned far out, instead of flying sideways'ish trying to accomplish the same thing. This one is for the "How to make simple things much more complicated" books. Sigh… 2) With the new controllers, it seems we lose either way. To use a bigger screen to control the app, like an iPad or something, we have no other choice but to use the RC-N1 controller, which has fewer buttons, dials and wheels, and is too basic compared to the old Mavic 2 Pro controller. Then, if we choose the RC Pro instead to get a better controller, we are stuck with a tiny screen, and cannot connect for instance an iPad to control the app. I know we can connect an external monitor and get an HDMI feed out, but we cannot control the app by touching the monitor. Not a good solution. Sigh… 3) Not being able to chose other ISO values than 400 and 800 when in D-Log. I know people keep repeating that high ISO combined with low light and log footage is a bad idea since you can get noise etc, but I want to make that decision myself, not have DJI make it for me. Noise reduction in post usually isn't that hard. Sigh… 4) Why the FLY app, when they already have the much better GO 4 app? Sigh… 5) Why no enhanced color display when shooting D-Log like the Mavic 2 Pro has? Sigh… 6) The non-swappable SSD in the Cine version like you talk about. Sigh… By the way, it wouldn’t surprise me if the so called “SSD” was just a micro SD card soldered to the motherboard, since the weight difference between the regular Mavic 3 and the Cine version just happen to be the same as what a micro SD card weighs… 7) I’ve spent quite a few days in DaVinci Resolve comparing ProRes to the other codecs, and I can’t really see much of a difference between them (in normal ISO and good light), even when pushing and grading the footage quite heavily. I expected a much larger difference between the codecs, especially with the much higher bitrate and the ridiculous large file sizes of the ProRes. 8) I have seen test footage where the propellers of the Mavic 3 can be seen almost as a “color vibration” on the left and right side of the footage when flying at certain angles to the sun, like in this video by Darren McHardy (you can clearly see it from around 4:55 in the video): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-X3YpjiYcCkQ.html To me, this seems quite concerning… Could it be the bright color of the propeller tips that reflects light towards the camera lens? 9) The plastic toy-tele-camera. Sigh… 10) Releasing a drone now, without a C-class marking. Sigh… I could have added more than these 10, but I haven’t got the time, since I need to make more popcorn in case you publish part 2. Cheers, Eivind

Thank you for pointing out the overlooked issue of offloading your data directly from the drone due to the internal SSD. I've been saying this since it was announced, but no one else really tests out a product quite like you do for their RU-vid review. I am glad you took your time with this video, and produced the most detailed and the most accurate review of this very expensive drone.

Not remotely in the position to buy one of these, but watching your videos is always such a delight!

The most seamless Storyblock integration I've seen

The best review of this drone by far! You're the only reviewer to point out the absurdity of using a built-in SSD.

Any kind of review you do is not boring at all, its like watching a short movie always watching it till the last minute👍 your video’s are on a next level🎉

Wonderfully done 🙏

Sudden excitement rush when I see your Mavic 3 review in my feed. I've been trying to get one for the last two weeks. Waiting for the part two!

Your reviews are always extremely well balanced Philip, and very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the pleasure. Looking forward to part 2. Regards, Jay

Can we all just acknowledge the smooth Story Blocks plug, I chuckled a little. So good. Subed.

When I saw the storyblocks ad, I could not resist anymore. I hit the like button.

A really good review Philip of the M3. Looking forward to part II :-)

Always a great day when we get a new video especially when you know part 2 is coming soon! ❤️😊

I have never seen a review of this magnitude. I’ve watched quite a bit on this And other drones. This was very well planned, articulated and well rounded from start to finish. It kept me interested through the whole video. Great job sir

Stunning review - as ever - and thank you for giving us all of the critical information that we need to know about this drone. 42 minutes and 19 takes of the opening shot shows us all we need to know about your commitment to the cause. Amazing dedication 👏

Excellent as always! I find the giant ghost flare with two green circles (as seen at 9:16) more distracting than the similar flare on tuppence. Can't wait for part two!

Finally a review of yours where I’m not in a rush to go out and buy it… we’ll, at least until part 2 anyway.

Thanks for all the efforts that goes into this video, your 19 takes on this one scene really opened my eyes to how professionals dwell on nailing their shots exactly. Love your reviews and masterclasses.

Thank you for all of the hard work on these videos! Huge appreciation for the invaluable work to help out people making the right gear choices for their projects

I was supposed to go to the gym. Some things just have more priority. 28 minutes of well worthy entertainment for setting that aside. As always Philip, Thank you for making another great video. 🙏

There's so much yin and yan going through my mind between the Cine and standard version. But surprisingly to me, the deeper and deeper I go (with help from people like you!) the more I lean towards the standard version. Now THAT'S a conclusion I certainly didn't expect to come to when I started this journey!

As per usual the accustomed King of reviewers has has never lets us down :) - thanks sooooo much and well and truly worth the wait Philip. I cannot believe in this day and age they have non removable media in a unit like this - doesn't make sense? - Looking forward to Part 2 :)

That rising reveal of the city shot is incredible. 🤯

Man, I gotta say, I’m loving your videos. The information, along with the video footage and music just makes for some seriously amazing videos. Your awesome voice helps as well. Great job and greetings from Florida.

Finally someone took a good look at the pointlessness of the internal drive. I'm waiting for part 2 ;)

28 minutes review, PART 1! lol Keep it up, your videos are always interesting and a lot of fun.

I'm late to the party by about two months and Part 2 is already out, but I have to admit that the trailer at the end has me more hyped and intrigued than any film trailer I've seen in months, hah.

Shooting aerials from helicopters for years, during rehearsals the pilot and I would usually first establish "Number One", "Number Two" etc. These were positions in space that defined where the camera ship would be at a certain point during the shot. In other words, waypoints. We really need waypoints. Safer, easier and photographically superior drone operations would result.

First time finding your channel as I am looking to get the most out of my M3. Amazing review and story telling. You really are an artist and I will be following for Part 2!

A beautifully filmed review. I expected to half watch and half listen but really enjoyed your style and story telling. I had a Mavic Pro Platinum, then sold it for a Mavic Air 2 and now waiting on the 3. On to Part 2 and looking forward to seeing what you've learned.

Really weird watching this got me thinking about jumping on the Overland to Richmond and having a pint by the fire down at The White Cross...Superb review, and analysis re: the internal SSD, so well thought out.

Love how your reviews are like documentaries.

Wow - loved it. Can't believe the h.265 noise levels - looking forward to part two already!

Philip wow this is a great documentary. Perfect in every way . I forgot this was a Mavic 3 review LOL

What a cliffhanger! Great as always

Super! Thank you, I like this slow but intriguing narration, and honest attitude. Thank You!

Really fancy your show, mate! Can't wait for part 2!

Just.... THANK YOU! I was almost forced to become a YT video reviewer because no one was willing to talk about how "un professional" the Cine workflow experience truly is. I cannot believe the internal HD isn't powered via usb power. I would have taken 10min less flight time for removable SSDs. This cannot be used in any standard high paced production environment. 😒

A great review combined with a great filmic experience as always! Can’t wait to see part 2!

So much to learn. When I watch your reviews I always feel like I'm in a Philip Bloom masterclass and failing terribly. However, I always move on inspired to be better. Thanks for all the insight!

Philip, this is the best review I have ever seen. I admire You :)) this is really best work and I started even think about it why it is so good. I mean not how You did it but just why You did it. As far as I understand that market I don't expect someone paid You for it soo much. It had to be just Your passion to make it. Your time. Your enormous engagement. This is just amazing. Thank You for that.

Geez mate I bloody love your reviews. Completely unique and a marvel to watch.

The best quality reviews on the planet.

Really enjoyed part 1. I noticed there are artefacts around you in a lot of the scenes (11:55 was where it really jumped out at me), is this the bitrate not being able to keep up? Given the rest of the scene is also moving I don't understand why there is this "halo" effect around you specifically so often. Is this related to the "big but" you allude to?

Thanks for your honest and clearly unbiased review, Philip! I've been pretty happy with my Mavic Tuppence and honestly don't see any reason to upgrade, especially due to the hugely inflated price of the Mavic 3. I'm looking forward to part 2!

Such an detailed and informative review. Looking forward to the second part. :) For me, the dji fly app is an issue as well. I hoped that they only use it for the more consumer friendly drones. But why would you choose it for the mavic 3 over the dji go 4 app? What do you think about it?

Another masterpiece by incredible Mr. Bloom!

Fantastic work! I’ve been watching reviews of the 3 since it came out and your have the most engaging, entertaining, and informative of them all. I’m still debating wether the cine is worth it. Looking forward to part 2!

Sitting down to watch this now. Been waiting over three years!

Only review that talk about workflow when work with Cine version. Thank for a great review.

thanks for this absolutely fantastic review. i love the way this video was made. I'm really looking forward to part 2, but save it for tomorrow ;-)

Love the review as usual. Looking forward to part two hopefully soon 🙏🏻

At last an honest review where the on camera doesn't yell at us like an over excited Chipmunk. Thanks so much Philip for the great info, I'll be sticking with my Air2s with its construction of rubbers and O rings. DJI - BRING. BACK. TRIPOD. MODE.

haha I love that I get a ton of actually helpful/useful information and then comedy at places like 15:08. I feel like you just get me!

Magnificent review. Philip, may I ask, as a newbie, cutting my teeth on the Mini 2, would you recommend taking the Air2s or going all out for the 3? Thanks.

Stunning work, as always. This was more exciting to watch than Scorsese's latest flicks. Can't wait for the sequel!

That Storyblocks segway is superb.

"there is another solution, buy a second 3." - Philip Bloom is the fucking best.

Wonderful footage to go along with your thoughts. Particularly the close-in parallax stuff. Nice! Appreciate the thoughtful take on the latest from DJI. Still struggling with my standard Fly More (2nd combo after replacing the 1st)

Awesome review! I’m coming from the inspire 2 and having a hard time justifying the cine version with prores. Excited for part 2 🙌🏼

Congratulations to this excellent review! 👍🏻🏆 This is the first review i watched, where the way how you did this was becoming more interesting than the product itself! 😊 Perfect! And thank you! 🙏🏻☺️

The offloading times alone made me buy the non-cine version. I'm willing to deal with a slightly less flexible codec

Love all your videos! I am curious about this one. Are you having to do any audio filtering to remove the prop noise when the drone is near you? Or, is the lav mic just not picking it up? Thanks

Man, what is with this short format review 😋? Masterful segue to the Storyblocks segment btw. I really hadn't considered the SSD impact to workflow, now that it has been pointed out you just can't unsee it. Interesting drone though for sure. Interesting they added a second camera I'm not sure who asked for but did not include removable SSD media that would be important to most laying down the considerable $$ for the CINE version. Looking forward to part two!

"Gimp ball protector", I'm dead 😂😂😂

Entertaining and informative as usual! Thanks Philip.

Wow! Just wow about the effort you put in. Why would i even start a channel when there are people out there like you. Crazy

The best review as always and can't wait for part 2 - How has the rest of RU-vid not highlighted these seeming obvious issues? Killing a battery just to download footage ( if you've even got one charged after a flight) seem bonkers.

A great drone hardware-wise, but the software needs a lot of work. Could you perhaps pass on some criticism for DJI in the terms of their D-Log profile? You can see that the clipping level is so low, that the 10-bit codec loses some of its value. I would love to see a D-Log version with proper luma levels, adjusted for the sensor's capabilities. Thank you Philip for such great content

The best review yet again - thanks so much for sharing. What a ridiculous drone haha

Thanks for addressing the million dollar question. Do I need the cine version and is the H.265 codec good enough? I'm pretty happy with my M2P but need a substantial bump in images quality in video and stills to compel me to upgrade. I appreciate your hours of research on this review. Cheers and looking forward to part 2.

Great review and very entertaining. As I wrote to you before u are one of the few last remaining truly honest people doing reviews out there . Much appreciated . can’t wait for part 2

I’ve been waiting for this review! Thank you!!

The camera analysis was really useful. Particularly the focus/macro info. Thank you!

Thank you for the first part. Very informative as usual. You confirm what I already suspected: this is not a drone that I will buy. As things stand now, with all kinds of travel restrictions, I'm more tempted to get another Phantom 4, a Pro, saving a lot of money and utilising all the batteries and other gear that I already have. I like the image and video quality and features of the 4 Pro. It's easier to spot as well. To me, that's an advantage. If I want stealth, I have a Mini 2. Still looking forward to the second part.

Impressive walk&talk&fly there, Phillip. One comment. You state at the end that the h.265 and PRHQ look very similar, but that the ProRes will hold up better to severe grading. That’s of course what we’d expect… and assume, but in practice are you really seeing that? The tests I’ve run with pretty strong grades look near identical to me. Less noise in the H.265, but not really less detail, and color that looks identical.. no obvious breakups in areas you’d expect to see them. (That said, some higher speed flights I’ve seen have bad Long GOP artifacts. )

Awesome video. How did you avoid the prop noise and your voice over. Are they different sound inputs? Great edit and video work. Love this channel.

Excellent part one, waiting impatiently por part two 😎 I got a M3 cine for myself, i cannot imagine doing all my personal work flights using ProRes (or none really), but i can imagine working on production environment for clients (been on a few, targeting some more) where i do not need to fill up the all of the SSD at once, and can offload it quickly in between shots to my Macbook Pro (2021, TB 4). During most of the scenes there is a lot of "dead" time in between flights on set. For a full day out shooting, yes i agree it is a total pain in the a*s using prores on the M3c with non removable storage. I really love this drone and picture quality, even now with half the features, but i crave for manual control on dials and buttons, i really miss what we had on Go4/ M2Pro. I'll be working on a pretty showreel for my youtube with the Mavic 3, anytime soon. If you care to see the one i shot with A2s on the Azores, i would aprecciate it :) regards Philip!

Bloom, I just want you to know that I have no intentions of purchasing the M3, pro or otherwise. But I have to tune in because this is as much Art as it is a Review. Thanks. Always a pleasure.