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From the DJI Press Release: “DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today reimagines what a drone can be with the new Mavic 3, a bold and brilliant update of the iconic folding camera drone that once again redefines how to create magic from the sky. Mavic 3 is the most comprehensive improvement to the world’s most popular drone series in three years, boosting performance in every function to create new aerial possibilities for flight, photography, and fun.

Mavic 3 is redesigned from tip to tail as worthy of the Mavic series’ reputation as the world’s best and most popular drones. From its 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera and 28x hybrid zoom camera, to its omnidirectional obstacle sensors with a maximum 200-meter range, [1] to its redesigned batteries that provide up to 46 minutes of flight time, Mavic 3 provides unprecedented flight performance and a peerless content creation experience. Its upgraded hardware and software can process 5.1K video at 50 frames per second in supple and nuanced color with heightened low-light sensitivity, and support 4K/120fps for higher-quality results for slow-motion footage. An enhanced Mavic 3 Cine edition offers Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding for richer video processing, with an internal 1TB SSD onboard for high-speed data storage.

“Creating the Mavic 3 was an arduous journey for our engineers who tackled complex technical problems to serve the goal that the Mavic series has always met – build professional-quality imaging and flight technology into a compact consumer drone,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director, DJI Europe. “The result is incredible. Mavic 3 enables users to effortlessly make epic shots without compromising on small size, stunning performance, pervasive flight safety, and dazzling image quality. We are confident that this drone will astonish videography and photography enthusiasts, as well as professional production houses and media workers around the globe.”

Imaging Above Everything With A Dual-Camera System

DJI pioneered the folding drone category in 2016 with the launch of the original Mavic Pro, which for the first time put professional-quality imaging in a body that could fit in a backpack. Two years later, Mavic 2 Pro launched DJI’s collaboration with iconic Swedish camera maker Hasselblad, integrating a one-inch sensor to push the boundaries of drone imagery further. With its new dual-camera Hasselblad system, Mavic 3 once again sets the new standard for imaging excellence.

DJI Mavic 3’s customized L2D-20c aerial camera embeds a professional-grade 4/3 CMOS sensor with a 24mm prime lens in a sleek and compact form. Rigorous Hasselblad standards for hardware performance and software algorithms allow it to shoot 20MP still images in 12-bit RAW format and videos in 5.1K at 50fps, 4K at 120fps.The higher video definition creates smoother footage and more generous cropping possibilities and allows for slow-motion video at 120fps.

The larger image sensor gives Mavic 3 higher video resolution and dynamic range and more effectively suppresses noise in low-light environments. A native dynamic range of 12.8 stops helps retain more details in highlights and shadows, preserving rich visual information with a greater sense of depth and elevating imagery to a professional level. An adjustable aperture of f/2.8-f/11 is available to meet the needs of aerial photographers in a wide variety of lighting scenarios to get sharper and clearer images.

Weighing just 12.5 grams, the 24mm equivalent autofocus prime lens has an 84° FOV to capture more details with sharp clarity. Mavic 3’s second camera features a 162mm tele lens with 28x Hybrid Zoom (digital + optical) and aperture of f/4.4 that can freely bring distant objects visually closer, offering the user more dynamic perspectives and creative possibilities at a distance. The new Vision Detection Auto Focus technology for quick focusing allows the Hasselblad camera to work with multiple vision sensors on board to capture distance data to optimize focusing speed.

Mavic 3 delivers a deeply accurate color palette straight out of its camera thanks to the unique Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), built on decades of photographic experience and introduced to DJI cameras with Mavic 2 Pro. With professional imaging performance, Mavic 3 records aerial videos at high resolutions and framerates and captures up to 1 billion colors thanks to the 10-bit D-Log color profile, offering natural color gradations and advanced flexibility in post-production.

Mavic 3 Cine is a version with Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding for a maximum data rate of 3772Mbps, giving professional users a powerful tool to satisfy post-production needs in their daily business. [2] To handle the large amounts of data from the ProRes codec and high frame rate videos, Mavic 3 Cine comes with a built-in 1TB SSD. For a smoother export experience, the new DJI 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable helps transfer large data files rapidly.

Effortless Flights With Enhanced Flight Safety

DJI has always led the drone industry in developing innovative safety features, and Mavic 3 continues this tradition with improved obstacle sensing and navigation systems to give drone pilots the guidance they need to stay safe. APAS 5.0  combines inputs from six fish-eye vision sensors and two wide-angle sensors, which seamlessly and continuously sense obstacles in all directions and plan safe flight routes to avoid them – even in complicated environments. [3]

The omnidirectional obstacle sensing system also enables more intuitive subject tracking with the upgraded ActiveTrack 5.0, [4] allowing users to sense obstacles even in Normal mode. Previous iterations of ActiveTrack enabled the camera to follow a subject as it moved directly toward and away from the drone while remaining largely stationary as well as fly alongside a moving subject. ActiveTrack 5.0 allows Mavic 3 to move with the subject as it moves forward, backward, left, right, and diagonally, and fly alongside as well as around a moving subject. In addition, if the subject moves too fast and temporarily goes out of frame, the visual sensors on the aircraft will continue to track and frame the subject intelligently and pick it back up when it reappears. These new directions enable much more fluid and diverse drone and camera movement while using ActiveTrack.

Mavic 3 comes with a powerful positioning algorithm that improves hovering precision with signals from GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou satellites. This enables Mavic 3 to lock onto multiple satellite signals faster than ever.  The increased positioning precision also makes Mavic 3 less likely to drift in the air and more stable when shooting long exposures and timelapses.

Mavic 3 features other robust safety systems that DJI has pioneered to keep the skies safe in the drone era. These include geofencing to alert drone pilots when they fly near sensitive locations, altitude limits to ensure pilots are aware of altitude restrictions, and the AeroScope Remote ID system that allows authorities to identify and monitor airborne drones in sensitive locations. Mavic 3’s integrated AirSense system, first widely introduced in DJI Air 2S, warns drone pilots of nearby airplanes and helicopters transmitting ADS-B signals, so they can quickly fly to a safer location.

Longer Flights With Extended Battery Life And Improved Aerodynamics

DJI set a benchmark for drone endurance in 2016 with the Phantom 4 and the original Mavic Pro, which each featured maximum flight times approaching 30 minutes. In the succeeding years, new drone models have slowly increased those times thanks to incremental improvements in flight technology. With Mavic 3, DJI has reshaped every element of the drone’s flight envelope and power management to enable drastically longer flight times – up to 46 minutes in ideal conditions – giving unprecedented freedom for aerial photographers to shoot dynamic scenes.

DJI developed motors and propellers with higher energy efficiency, created a higher-capacity battery, and reduced the weight of the drone’s structure and components. DJI also streamlined the shape of Mavic 3’s arms, body, and gimbal on aerodynamic principles. Wind tunnel testing shows Mavic 3 produces 35% less drag than previous generations, allowing faster top speeds.

Return Safely With Advanced RTH

DJI’s Return To Home (RTH) system has enhanced the safety of DJI drones for years, automatically directing a drone back to its starting point if it runs critically low on battery or loses connection to the controller. The drone would ascend high enough to clear any obstacles in its path, fly back in a straight line, and descend straight down to the home point. Mavic 3 updates and improves this system by allowing the aircraft to automatically determine the shortest, safest, and energy-efficient route to land back at its home point. At the same time, the drone measures the wind speed of the current environment and calculates the power required for returning home based on the wind speed and the return path in real-time. This provides users with more time flying safely before triggering the RTH action.

Signal Loss Prevention with DJI O3+

DJI O3+ is an upgraded transmission system that delivers stable, smooth, and clear video transmission even under challenging conditions, such as flying a drone in an environment with strong signal interference. With a maximum control range of 15km, [5] O3+ enables Mavic 3 to fly further and transmits signals with higher stability and less video lag, offering the pilot a greater peace of mind during flight. Mavic 3 is DJI’s first drone that offers a High Frame-Rate Transmission with a 1080p/60fps live feed. This means the camera view is displayed at a resolution close to what the camera actually records. O3+ also makes Mavic 3 more responsive to the pilot’s control.

Intelligent Modes for Unlimited Possibilities

Mavic 3 offers a new array of Intelligent modes for creating and editing compelling photos and videos by controlling the flight path and camera movements in compelling new ways. These features, such as MasterShots, Panorama mode, and QuickTransfer,  allow users to make the most out of their drone.

• MasterShots [4] lets users create high-quality content more easily and quickly. After automatic editing and dubbing in the app, videos can be created in minutes and directly shared with friends.

• Panorama Mode [4] in Mavic 3 allows pictures to be directly stitched and processed by the drone, without the DJI Fly App or any post-production, allowing users to capture breathtaking landscapes with sweeping breadth and rich detail.

• QuickTransfer [4] lets users store and process materials on their mobile devices without linking with the remote controller. Mavic 3 can now transmit materials from the drone to the mobile device more quickly through the Wi-Fi 6 protocol.

New, Advanced Accessories

Along with a suite of new features and performance innovations, DJI introduces new ways to control, capture with, and carry DJI Mavic 3.

• The new smart controller DJI RC Pro offers a smoother control experience, upgraded with enhanced antenna power for an extended transmission distance of up to 15 km. [5] Its 1000-nit high-bright screen allows better vision and control for outdoor flights. Its battery system offers an extended operating time of up to three hours and charging as fast as 90 minutes.

• The DJI 65W Portable Charger allows a fast-charging option with a charging time of approximately 96 minutes and is compatible with current notebooks and smartphones thanks to its USB Type-C output.

• The DJI Convertible Carrying Bag features an entirely new design with a backpack and shoulder bag configuration for taking Mavic 3, accessories, a laptop, and even clothes and other personal items for a weekend trip in style.

• The DJI Mavic 3 Wide-Angle Lens offers an FOV of up to 108° for a more immersive FPV-style flight experience.

• The DJI Mavic 3 Storage Cover uses a lightweight, minimalist design to protect the camera, gimbal, and propellers when folding and transporting Mavic 3.

• The DJI ND Filters Set comes in two ranges – ND4/8/16/32 and ND64/128/256/512 – and lets the camera excel in any bright lighting condition.

• The DJI 10Gbps Lightspeed Data Cable enables users to download materials from the drone to their computer at high speed. Material backup is available on-site, thanks to high-speed transmission.”

 

From the DJI Press Release: “DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces DJI Mini 3 Pro, its most powerful lightweight and portable camera drone. Weighing less than 249 grams to be policy-friendly in many regions and countries, it delivers advanced features like 4K/60fps video, ActiveTrack, tri-directional obstacle sensing, and 90° gimbal rotation to shoot high-quality vertical imaging for social media, all while extending its flight time to well over 30 minutes. DJI Mini 3 Pro empowers users everywhere to fly mini, create big.

“When we launched the Mini drone series in 2019, our goal was to give everyone the easiest way to see the world from above for the first time,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “Through their images and stories, we discovered how capable a small aerial camera could be. Today, we share the integration of excellent flight capability, intelligence, and imaging versatility into our ultra-lightweight aerial camera. DJI Mini 3 Pro raises the bar on what a portable, powerful camera drone can achieve.”

Less Than 249 g, More Than Capable

According to the regulations of many countries and regions, drones under 250 grams have been placed in the safest drone category. At under 249 grams, Mini 3 Pro’s combination of weight, safety, and performance arrives as a new resource for content creators on the move and new pilots looking to fly.  With this portable, powerful aerial camera, more people around the world will enjoy safe flight and access a large world of visual storytelling.

Expanding the Possibilities of a Mini Drone

Looking at where to take the Mini series next, DJI asked their users and found the perfect direction: integrate DJI’s excellent flight and imaging versatility into its smallest drone. In the end, DJI Mini 3 Pro is unbelievably powerful for a drone so compact. Like its predecessors – Mavic Mini, Mini 2, and Mini SE – it keeps the same compact foldability for packing and taking anywhere. But Mini 3 Pro was made with more built-in features than any other DJI drone its size, thanks to enhanced flight performance, camera system, battery life, and intelligent features that were previously only available in the Air and Mavic series.

Designed to Face New Possibilities

Every new iteration of a DJI product is an opportunity to explore one question: What can be done better? One unmistakable result of this exploration with Mini 3 Pro is a completely new structural design that brings several performance enhancements. The arms and propellers have been adjusted for more aerodynamic flight that increases flight time. This new design also mounts forward and backward dual-vision sensors at the very front of the drone, broadening sensing range for even safer flight. A complete gimbal redesign unlocks more camera angles than ever, enabling movements like tilt-up shots and vertical shooting. With a fresh, new look, DJI Mini 3 Pro truly unlocks more creative possibilities.

Obstacle Sensing for Safer Flight

In a first for the Mini drone series, DJI Mini 3 Pro features Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, consisting of forward, backward, and downward visual sensors. The forward and downward sensors have a wider field of view, providing seamless coverage for better route planning and environmental awareness. These sensors also enable Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS) 4.0, which automatically detects and finds a safer path around obstacles during flight. [[1]] In addition, these sensors also enable the entire FocusTrack suite, which allows users to select a subject that the drone automatically keeps within the center of the frame during flight while automatically planning a safe flight route. Thanks to its upgraded sensing system, DJI Mini 3 Pro is the first of the Mini lineup to integrate APAS and FocusTrack.

A Camera System for Pro-Quality Content

DJI Mini 3 Pro also brings a completely enhanced imaging system. A 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera sensor has dual native ISO, a capturing technology previously only available on cinema and some micro single cameras. It also has an aperture of f/1.7 and shoots images at up to 48MP and video at up to 4K/60fps. To help capture high-quality easy-to-upload content, the camera rotates 90 degrees for True Vertical Shooting, creating incredible photos and videos in portrait orientation without quality-cutting image zooming and cropping. For the most vivid detail, HDR video recording is available at frame rates up to 30fps. A Normal color profile is available for quick in-app editing, while D-Cinelike allows for more post-editing possibilities. Digital video zoom at up to 2x is available in 4K, 3x in 2.7K, and 4x in Full HD. Among the key pieces of user feedback we’ve applied, DJI Mini 3 Pro also has improved image performance with 2.4μm pixels that capture more image detail, which is especially helpful in low lighting and night.

Extended Battery Life and Transmission Distance

Even though DJI Mini 3 Pro is under 249 grams, it still arrives with extended flight time. At a maximum flight of 34 minutes, Mini 3 Pro can capture more landscapes and destinations on a single charge. To give users more choice, Mini 3 Pro also introduces an extended flight battery option for the first time in DJI drone history. The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus allows for a maximum flight time of 47 minutes, an unprecedented capability for a drone this size. [[2]] Pairing perfectly with this extended flight time, Mini 3 Pro features the O3 transmission system, which delivers a crisp 1080p live view from a distance as far as 12 km. [[3]]

Capture Like a Pro with Intelligent Features

The enhancements onboard DJI Mini 3 Pro already make it an excellent flying camera, but that’s not all. A full suite of intelligent capturing modes from DJI's Air and Mavic series is now available on Mini 3 Pro to let you create like never before. With a single tap, you can do the following:

• FocusTrack Suite [[4]]

  • Spotlight 2.0 keeps the subject in frame while you fly manually.

  • Point of Interest 3.0 circles the subject in a set flight radius and speed.

  • ActiveTrack 4.0 follows the subject in two selectable ways:

    • Trace: The aircraft tracks the subject at a constant distance

    • Parallel: The aircraft tracks the subject while flying beside it at a constant angle and distance

• QuickShots

  • Dronie: Aircraft flies back and up with the camera locked on the subject.

  • Helix: Aircraft flies up and spirals around the subject.

  • Rocket: Aircraft flies up with the camera facing down.

  • Circle: Aircraft circles around the subject.

  • Boomerang: Aircraft flies around the subject in an oval path, ascending as it flies away and descending as it returns.

  • Asteroid: Aircraft creates a shot that begins as a sphere panorama high above the subject and ends with a normal shot hovering near the subject.

• MasterShots: Keeps the subject in the center of the frame while executing different maneuvers in sequence to generate a short cinematic video.

• Hyperlapse: Creates a dynamic timelapse where the aircraft flies on set paths during capture.

Introducing DJI RC

DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for those flying for the first time or coming back for more. To meet everyone’s needs, DJI also is expanding its remote controller lineup with DJI RC, a lightweight remote controller with a 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen. [[5]] With the DJI Fly app already integrated, users don’t need to mount their smartphone to their controller, freeing their personal device during the flying experience.

Accessories to Boost Your Flight

To get the most out of every flight, DJI Mini 3 Pro arrives with several accessories: [[6]]

• DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery has a maximum flight time of 34 mins

• DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus has a maximum flight time of 47 mins [2]

• DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging Hub charges Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Batteries in sequence

• DJI Mini 3 Pro ND Filters Set (ND 16/64/256) lets Mini 3 Pro capture more detail in the brightest of conditions

• DJI Mini 3 Pro Propellers are essential to help ensure reliable flight every time

• DJI 30W USB-C Charger charges an Intelligent Flight Battery to 0-100% in just 64 minutes and an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus in 101 minutes

Price and Availability

 DJI Mini 3 Pro is available for pre-order today from store.dji.com and most authorized retail partners in several configurations with shipping starting by late May. DJI Mini 3 Pro (no remote controller) retails for $669 USD and includes DJI Mini 3 Pro, and excludes any remote controller for those who already have a compatible model to control the drone. [[7]] DJI Mini 3 Pro retails for $759 USD and includes DJI RC-N1. DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC) retails for $909 USD and includes DJI RC.”

From the DJI Press Release: DJI Makes World’s Best Camera Drone More Accessible With Mavic 3 Classic

“November 2, 2022 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, today makes the world’s best camera drone more accessible with the Mavic 3 Classic, giving creators a new way to experience the unparalleled Hasselblad camera and unbeatable flight performance of the Mavic 3 Series. Mavic 3 Classic features the same 4/3 CMOS 20-megapixel camera, 46-minute maximum flight time, and O3+ transmission system as the original Mavic 3 drone, without an additional telephoto lens. Mavic 3 Classic is compatible with existing DJI RC Pro, DJI RC, and DJI RC-N1 to put premium performance in a more affordable package, making it easy for drone creators to move up to the best flying camera on the market.

“The Mavic 3 series has always set the standard for what a drone can do, from the original Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine that transformed aerial photography and cinematography, through the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Mavic 3 Thermal platforms for professional work,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “Now, DJI is moving forward to give more creators access to the photographic excellence and operational reliability that are the hallmarks of the Mavic 3 Series. With the launch of Mavic 3 Classic, we hope to see even more creators putting our top-of-the-line tools to work and pushing their creativity past their old limits.”

The Best Camera for Your Best Content

With the launch of Mavic 3 Classic, more creators will have full access to the wide possibilities afforded by the Mavic 3 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera. For video work, the camera captures up to 5.1K/50 fps, 4K/60 fps and 1080p/60fps using H.264 and H.265 encoders. In slow-motion applications, Mavic 3 Classic captures video at  4K/120fps and 1080p/200fps. Its 24mm equivalent focal length lens opens to an adjustable aperture spanning f/2.8 to f/11 for 12.8 stops of native dynamic range. When light hits the 20-megapixel sensor, it is processed in 12-bit RAW for photography and 10-bit D-Log for video, making the camera up to the challenge of accurately conveying the vivid colors, peak highlights, and detail-rich shadows of our world.

Because the Mavic 3 Classic camera is based on Hasselblad’s groundbreaking research and development, it is designed to capture true-to-life details matching what the human eye perceives. The Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution directly outputs photos and videos with genuine and accurate colors, and its HLG system for high dynamic range photography generates footage that does not require color tuning in post-production. Even in low-light scenarios such as sunrises and sunsets, a night shot video mode reduces visual noise to allow cleaner shots.

Intelligent in the Air and on Your Screen

Capturing the world’s images accurately is just the beginning of the creative process. Mavic 3 Classic is engineered to put the power of DJI’s flight technology at the service of every creator in a simple and easy-to-use interface that functions smoothly right out of the box, is customizable for the most precise control, and easily outputs images and videos for sharing, editing, and post-production.

Creators who have honed their skills on earlier versions of DJI’s drones will find themselves free to fly for up to 46 minutes with Mavic 3 Classic, which uses the same batteries as the rest of the Mavic 3 Series. The O3+ transmission system for flight control and video can display stellar 1080p/60fps video at a range of up to 15 kilometers (9.3 miles). Transmission distance is a proxy for signal strength, and Mavic 3 Classic should always be flown within the pilot’s line of sight.

From the first moments in the air, Mavic 3 Classic’s array of intelligent algorithms can begin tracking subjects, framing images and automatically moving the camera in cinematic flight patterns. The ActiveTrack 5.0 system uses multiple vision sensors to recognize subjects, lock them in frame, and move the drone and camera in concert to create professional-quality videos. With MasterShots, both shooting and editing functions are automated to make the creative process simple and effective even for new pilots still developing their personal visual language in the air.

Mavic 3 Classic features the automated QuickShots shooting modes that DJI pilots have come to love, as well as continued support for timelapse, hyperlapse, and panorama shooting styles. The new Cruise Control feature allows pilots to set a constant flight speed for their drone, allowing them to focus on the imagery while minimizing any camera shake from manual speed control.

Once Mavic 3 Classic is back on the ground, turning raw imagery into classic content is easier than ever. The High-Speed QuickTransfer option allows quick image and video downloads direct from the drone to a mobile phone over Wi-Fi 6 at speeds up to 80 MB per second without connecting to the remote controller.

Safe and Certified

Mavic 3 Classic features a full array of safety features to help pilots steer clear of hazards and other aircraft while creating amazing content. It has eight visual sensors to detect obstacles in all directions, feeding that information to the APAS 5.0 system that can avoid obstacles and independently plan routes around them. Its advanced Return To Home system scans the environment from up to 200 meters away, then can plot the best path back to its launch point and fly that route if necessary.

DJI has always led the drone industry in safety technology, and Mavic 3 Classic continues that proud tradition. It is equipped with an AirSense ADS-B receiver, giving drone pilots awareness of airplanes and helicopters nearby that are transmitting ADS-B signals – often before the pilot can see or hear those aircraft. DJI’s GEO 2.0 geofencing system gives drone pilots information about airspace restrictions and potential flight hazards in the area, providing an extra margin of safety for flight operations. To learn more about DJI’s safety leadership, visit dji.com/flysafe.

Like all DJI products, Mavic 3 Classic is designed with data security in mind. Creators never have to share their photos, videos or flight logs with anyone unless they choose to do so. The drone never has to be connected to the internet during flight, and transmission systems are encrypted for both the drone’s video signals and its flight controls. Even when flying high-profile photo and video assignments, DJI’s data privacy systems provide the discretion and protection that sensitive assignments demand. To learn more about DJI’s security leadership, visit security.dji.com/data/overview.

Mavic 3 Classic is ready for the latest generation of regulatory system compliance around the globe. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Mavic 3 Classic’s means of compliance with Remote ID rules, as it has done for the other drones in the Mavic 3 Series. In Europe, the full Mavic 3 Series has been issued the world’s first C1 certificate under the new European Drone Regulation, allowing users to fly in the new A1 Open Category without taking a costly remote piloting licensing exam.

Price and Availability

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic is available for purchase today from store.dji.com and authorized retail partners in three purchase configurations:

• Mavic 3 Classic (Drone Only) does not include a remote controller or charger, and is ideal for owners of existing DJI drones who are ready to move up to the top-of-the line camera performance of Mavic 3. It is compatible with any existing DJI RC-N1, DJI RC or DJI RC Pro controller. It is available for the retail price of US$1469.

• Mavic 3 Classic includes a charger and the DJI RC-N1 remote controller. It is available for the retail price of US$1599.

• Mavic 3 Classic (DJI RC) includes a charger and the DJI RC remote controller. It is available for the retail price of US$1749.

• Mavic 3 Classic Fly More Kit includes two Intelligent Flight Batteries, a Battery Charging Hub (100W), 65W Car Charger, three pairs of Low-Noise Propellers, and a DJI Convertible Carrying Bag. It is available for the retail price of US$649.”

Compared to standing with two feet on the ground, drone photography offers a unique perspective and an infinite number of compositional possibilities. But, drone photography mixes two technologies together, and just because you know about one, doesn’t mean you’ll be successful at the other. Amateur or professional photographers looking to expand into aerial work will need to develop drone skills, and drone enthusiasts looking to move to drone images will need to understand the ins and outs of photography. These eight drone photography tips for beginners will get you flying in the right direction.

Understand safety — and legal limits.

Drones are flying cameras — and to avoid damaging your gear, yourself and the people around you, drone photography starts with safety. First, understand your drone and the safety features that are already built in — will your drone return to you if it loses signal? Do you know if your drone will avoid obstacles on its own?

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Learn the basics of drone photography from professional photographer Dirk Dallas. Watch now.

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Next, make sure the area you are set up in is safe to fly. Avoid crowded areas and look for an open space. Keep a line of sight — in other words, make sure you or a spotter can see your drone at all times. Every time you fly, make sure you check your drone before and after the flight to ensure everything is in working order — DJI has an excellent checklist.

Drone safety mixes with the legalities of drone flight. Each location is a bit different, so check with your local government and make sure you understand the flight limitations. In the USA, for example, you need a license to fly a drone commercially while even hobbyists should register the aircraft with the FAA. Certain areas, like some national parks, prohibit drone flight altogether. Stay clear of people and airports — and respect private property.

Watch the weather.

Weather plays a role in both photography and drone flight. A windy day could introduce blur into your drone shots and will drain your drone battery life faster. Unless you have a specially designed waterproof drone, don’t fly in rain or snow.

Weather and the time of day will also play a role in the quality of your drone shots. A sunny day will play up shadows, but you’ll also have to be more wary of lens flare. Shooting just after sunrise or just before sunset, like with shooting on the ground, produces excellent light with a nice warm glow.

Practice proper drone flight.

Drone flying is an art itself, separate from photography. Learning how to fly your drone will help you get the sharpest aerial shots, along with reducing the risk of damaging your gear. Head out several times on practice runs with your new drone and get acquainted with the different flight settings before tackling a shot that really matters. Understand the different flight modes and find the one that creates the best results. Practice working with the gimbal and using the remote control to keep the drone in a stead hoover to shoot stills. For video, drone movement can create cinematic effects but start simple.

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Want to take the next step with drone photography and create aerial images that stand out from the crowd? Learn more with professional photographer Dirk Dallas.

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Understand photo basics.

Understanding your drone goes hand-in-hand with understanding your camera, whether you have a drone with the camera built-in like the DJI Mavic Pro or a drone with a mounted GoPro or even a mirrorless camera on board. First, learn the essential camera settings for aerial photography. Since you’re shooting from a moving UAV, keep the shutter speed high to eliminate blur using manual mode or shutter priority mode, if it’s available. Use the RAW file type for more control over the image later using editing software like Lightroom. Get to know your particular camera, too — for example, photographer Sheldon Evans suggests using a custom photo style settings on DJI drones to get sharper images.

Play up the angles.

Drone photography instantly makes an impact because UAVs aren’t limited to shooting from six feet or less off the ground. But just because you can fly your drone high doesn’t mean you always should. In addition to high angles looking straight down, try flying a bit lower with the camera directed straight ahead.

Experiment with both the height of the drone and the position of the camera using the gimbal. Like with photography on the ground, if the horizon is included in your shot, try placing the horizon line on the upper third, or sometimes, the lower third, of the shot.

Find shapes and patterns — or create them with shadows.

When you climb to new heights, everything below suddenly takes on a different shape. Using shapes and patterns is an excellent tip for any photographer, but drone photographers have a unique ability to play up those shapes from above. Watch the shapes the objects you see make from above and use those geometrics to inspire your composition. When you spot those shapes, look for multiple shapes that make a pattern. Even better, find a pattern that’s broken at some point.

While objects have a different shape from above, a low sun can create the shapes we’re expecting in the shadows on the ground. Shooting when the sun is low in the sky is excellent for finding dramatic shaped shadows. Look at the 2018 Dronestagram contest winners for inspiration in using shapes and shadows.

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Learn the basics of drone photography from professional photographer Dirk Dallas. Watch now.

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Think outside the box.

When most people think of drone photography, they think of a camera on a drone. But that’s not the only way a drone can be used in photography. Several photographers have also found drones to be excellent lighting tools too. Drone-mounted lights can light a large object, create light from a unique angle or create long exposure light paintings. Look at the photographer that lit mountaintops with drones or the photographer that added cool lighting effects to top-down shots for inspiration.

Invest in accessories.

Drones are excellent tools to take aerial images — but they are often even better with the right accessories. Make sure your drone is equipped with a good gimbal for steadier shots and adjusting the direction of the camera mid-flight. Drones are now popular enough that even the built-in cameras will often have filter options. A polarizing filter will give skies a deeper blue color and enhance reflections, while neutral density filters will allow you to use a wider aperture for intentional background blur in harsh sunlight. Picking up an extra battery or two is often a good idea, since camera drones typically fly for around 20 minutes.

Aerial photography is easier than ever, thanks to drones. But easier doesn’t mean getting the best drone shots on your first flight — understand your gear, drone safety, the laws in your area and beginner drone photography tips before you fly.