DJI Mavic

DJI Mavic
Company type	Product line
Industry	Drone manufacturing
Founded	September 2016; 10 years ago
Founder	DJI
Headquarters	Shenzhen, China
Products	Compact quadcopter drones for personal and professional aerial photography and videography

The DJI Mavic () lineup consists of compact quadcopter drones designed for both personal and professional aerial photography and videography, developed by the Chinese tech firm DJI. A licensed variant, known as the Raptor, is manufactured in Malaysia by Anzu Robotics.

Design and development

The initial release, the Mavic Pro, debuted in September 2016 and introduced foldable arms to enhance portability. It is equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, matching the one found on the Phantom 4, capable of recording 4K footage at 24 frames per second or 1080p at 96 frames per second, with a bitrate of 60 Mbit/s. Unlike the Phantom 4’s wider 94-degree field of view, the Mavic Pro offers a narrower 78-degree angle. This model also pioneered the OcuSync 1.0 transmission technology, which supports live video streaming at 1080p up to a distance of 7 km (4.3 miles), and 720p beyond that range. The drone can reach speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph) in sport mode, has a maximum range of approximately 4.3 miles, and is powered by a 3830 mAh battery delivering up to 27 minutes of flight duration.

In August 2017, DJI introduced an enhanced version called the Mavic Pro Platinum at the IFA trade show. This iteration featured an upgraded battery extending flight time to 30 minutes, new Model 8331 propellers, and improved electronic speed controllers that reduce noise output by 4 decibels.

Mavic 2 series

August 2018 saw the launch of the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom models. These drones sported a refined design with reinforced arms and a sleeker body, complemented by ten obstacle avoidance sensors positioned around the aircraft. The battery capacity was increased to 3850 mAh, enabling flights up to 31 minutes. The series incorporated the OcuSync 2.0 system for consistent 1080p livestreaming regardless of distance. The Pro variant was equipped with a 20MP Hasselblad camera featuring hyperlapse capabilities, while the Zoom model included a 12MP sensor with a combined optical and digital zoom of four times (2× optical plus 2× digital). Both drones supported recording in 4K at 30 frames per second and contained internal storage of 8GB.

On October 29, 2018, DJI announced the Mavic 2 Enterprise tailored for industrial applications and first responders. It offered modular attachments such as Spotlight, Speaker, and Beacon for improved visibility during nighttime operations. This model featured a camera with sixfold zoom capability, expanded internal storage of 24GB, and self-heating batteries designed for cold weather conditions.

December 2018 brought the release of the Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual, which supplemented the visual camera with a thermal sensor developed by FLIR Systems.

In April 2021, DJI unveiled the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced featuring an upgraded sensor with a resolution of 48MP, an improved thermal imaging camera, and optional real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning functionality.

Mavic 3 series

November 2021 marked the introduction of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine models. These drones are powered by a larger 5000 mAh battery extending flight times up to 46 minutes. Departing from previous versions, they include dual cameras mounted on a single gimbal: a wide-angle camera—a Hasselblad L2D-20c with a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and a focal length of 24 mm—and a telephoto camera with a smaller 12MP One Half Inch CMOS sensor featuring a lens equivalent to 162 mm focal length offering up to 28× zoom. The system delivers dynamic range up to 12.8 stops and can record video up to a resolution of 5.1K. Connectivity options include support for a USB-C accessory enabling control via mobile networks (4G). The communication system upgraded from OcuSync 2.0 to O3+, extending operational range significantly. Additional enhancements include ActiveTrack version 5.0 with obstacle avoidance capabilities, built-in Remote ID, and multi-constellation navigation using GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou. The Cine edition adds ProRes 422 HQ video encoding at bitrates reaching up to 3772 Mbit/s along with an internal solid-state drive (SSD) capacity of one terabyte.

On September 27, 2022, DJI expanded this lineup with two Enterprise variants: the Mavic 3T Thermal and Mavic 3E Enterprise models. Both incorporate USB-C accessory ports compatible with RTK modules or speakers and feature upgraded telephoto cameras capable of up to a hybrid zoom level of fifty-six times. The Mavic 3E retains its Hasselblad wide-angle lens from previous models whereas the Mavic 3T replaces it with a non-Hasselblad sensor boasting a resolution of forty-eight megapixels alongside a thermal camera capturing images at a resolution of 640 × 512 pixels at thirty frames per second. These Enterprise versions utilize the DJI RC Pro Enterprise remote controller which is similar to DJI RC Pro but includes an integrated microphone for communication purposes. In September 2025, DJI quietly launched the Mavic 3T Advanced featuring enhanced thermal imaging capabilities.

On November 2, 2022, DJI released the Mavic 3 Classic as an economical option by omitting the telephoto camera while maintaining only the wide-angle lens.

Later that month on November 23, 2022, DJI introduced the Mavic 3M Multispectral within its Enterprise range. This model includes an RTK module paired with a four-lens multispectral camera system delivering five-megapixel resolution that replaces the telephoto lens found on the Mavic 3E; it is targeted primarily at precision agriculture applications.

On April 22, 2023, DJI launched both the Mavic 3 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro Cine as successors to the original Mavic 3 series. The Pro model became DJI’s first drone equipped with three optical cameras by adding an intermediate telephoto camera featuring a forty-eight megapixel One Third Point One Inch CMOS sensor alongside its existing dual-camera setup. Flight endurance slightly decreased to forty-three minutes on this model. The Pro Cine supports Apple ProRes encoding formats (422, HQ, LT) and integrates an internal one-terabyte SSD for high-capacity onboard storage.

Mavic 4

In December 2024, an FCC filing surfaced disclosing details of the Mavic 4 Pro, which includes two variants—the L3A and L3B—characterized as "electrically identical" yet marketed under different names. This drone is equipped with a 6654 mAh battery, enabling flight durations of up to 51 minutes. The Mavic 4 Pro was officially introduced worldwide on 13 May 2025, with the exception of the U.S. market, where tariffs on Chinese imports prevented its release.

Among its notable innovations is a newly designed chassis featuring the camera gimbal mounted at the front. This incorporates the "infinity gimbal," capable of full 360-degree rotation and supporting three distinct cameras: a 100MP Hasselblad wide-angle camera with a 4/3" CMOS sensor, adjustable aperture, and 6K video recording; a telephoto camera with a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor akin to that found in the Mini 4 Pro; and a medium telephoto camera equipped with a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor. Additional enhancements include the O4+ video transmission technology, improved obstacle avoidance systems, and a Return-to-Home feature operable without satellite signals.

Licensed versions

In April 2024, Texas-based Anzu Robotics launched authorized editions of the Mavic 3 Enterprise lineup—the Raptor (derived from the Mavic 3E) and Raptor T (based on the Mavic 3T)—positioned to benefit from potential U.S. restrictions on DJI products. These drones closely resemble their Chinese originals but are manufactured in Malaysia, distinguished by a unique forest green coloration and lack geofencing functions. The Raptor models retain backward compatibility with numerous DJI Mavic 3 components, including optional RTK modules and batteries.

Although assembled in Malaysia and utilizing servers located in Virginia, concerns were raised regarding Anzu’s close affiliations with DJI. The New York Times reported that components for the Raptor are produced both in China and Malaysia, while its flight application is essentially a modified DJI app. In August 2024, U.S. lawmakers John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi launched an inquiry into Anzu Robotics’ connections to DJI. They cited findings from researchers confirming that the Raptor T is "essentially a DJI Mavic 3 painted green" operating on DJI’s technology stack. The investigation referenced comments from founder Randall Warnas indicating that this arrangement was designed to bypass restrictions on DJI products. Anzu has also been compared to Cogito Tech, which licenses versions of DJI’s Air and Mini drones under similar agreements.

Mavic (1st generation)

Mavic Pro: Company code Model M1P. The initial release featuring a 12MP camera and OcuSync 1.0 transmission system. Powered by a 3830 mAh battery delivering approximately 27 minutes of flight time. Debuted in September 2016.
Mavic Pro Platinum: Company code Model M1X. An upgraded model equipped with Model 8331 propellers, enhanced electronic speed controllers, and extended flight duration up to 30 minutes. Released in August 2017.
Mavic Standard: Company code Model M1S, also referred to simply as Mavic. Initially presumed to be an entry-level model with fewer features; however, the user manual confirmed it includes obstacle avoidance capabilities. Details emerged through FCC certification.

Mavic 2

Mavic 2 Pro: Company code Model L1P. Features an improved shell design with ten obstacle avoidance sensors, a 20MP Hasselblad camera, and OcuSync 2.0 transmission system. Battery capacity increased to 3850 mAh allowing for about 31 minutes of flight time. Launched in August 2018.
Mavic 2 Zoom: Company code Model L1Z. Shares many specifications with the Mavic 2 Pro but includes a 12MP camera equipped with a 4× zoom lens. Released simultaneously with the Mavic 2 Pro in August 2018.
Mavic 2 Enterprise: Company code Model L1ZE. Designed for first responders and industrial applications, this model supports modular attachments and includes a camera with a sixfold zoom capability. Introduced in October 2018.
Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual: Company code Model L1DE. Builds upon the Enterprise version by adding a FLIR Systems Lepton 3.5 thermal imaging camera alongside the standard visual sensor. Released in December 2018.
Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced: Company code Model L1TE. Offers enhanced thermal imaging features, incorporates a high-resolution 48MP visual camera, and supports real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning modules. Made available in April 2021.

Mavic 3

Mavic 3: Referred to internally as Model L2A, this enhanced version is equipped with a 20MP Hasselblad L2D-20c camera and a 12MP telephoto lens offering 28× zoom, alongside O3+ transmission technology. It marks DJI's first drone to integrate an internal Remote ID and supports positioning via GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou systems. The battery capacity has been upgraded to 5000 mAh, enabling up to 46 minutes of flight time. This model debuted in November 2021.
Mavic 3 V2.0: Designated Model L2AA by the company, this variant mirrors the Mavic 3 but includes a C1 class identification label compliant with EU Unmanned Aircraft Regulation.
Mavic 3 Cine: Known internally as Model L2P, this edition adds ProRes 422 HQ recording capabilities and comes with a 1TB SSD. It was launched simultaneously with the Mavic 3 in November 2021.
Mavic 3 Cine V2.0: This version retains all features of the Mavic 3 Cine but incorporates the EU C1 class identification label.
Mavic 3 Classic: With the company code Model L2C, this model resembles the Mavic 3 but omits the 12MP telephoto camera. It was introduced in November 2022.

Mavic 3 Pro: Carrying the designation Model L2S, this upgraded model includes a new 48MP telephoto camera supplementing the existing cameras. Flight duration is slightly reduced to approximately 43 minutes. Released in April 2023.
Mavic 3 Pro Cine: Assigned Model L2E, this variant supports ProRes 422 series codecs and features a 1TB SSD. It debuted alongside the Mavic 3 Pro in April 2023.
Mavic 3E Enterprise: Identified as Model M3E, this drone is tailored for industrial applications and first responders, offering an optional RTK module and an enhanced telephoto zoom capability of up to 56×. It entered the market in September 2022.
Mavic 3E EU: The European version of the Mavic 3E complies with EASA C1 and C2 certifications, available in configurations differing by battery size and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW). Both variants utilize Model 8658F low-noise propellers necessary for C2 certification.

Mavic 3T Thermal: Labelled internally as Model M3T, this model is derived from the Mavic 3E but replaces the Hasselblad camera with a combination of a 48MP sensor and a thermal imaging camera. Released in September 2022.
Mavic 3T EU: The European-market counterpart of the Mavic 3T holds EASA C1 and C2 certifications, featuring similar battery capacities and MTOW specifications as the Mavic 3E EU versions, along with low-noise propellers.
Mavic 3T GA: Company code Model M3T-GA.
Mavic 3T Advanced: Also referred to as Mavic 3TA with company code Model M3TA, this model boasts an upgraded thermal camera characterized by a narrower field of view and smaller pixel pitch, enhancing detection range. Introduced in September 2025.
Mavic 3T Advanced EU: The European variant of the Mavic 3T Advanced carries EASA C1 certification, is equipped with a BWX265-4230-15.4 battery, has an MTOW of , and utilizes low-noise propellers.
Mavic 3M Multispectral: Known internally as Model M3M, this agriculture-oriented version of the Mavic 3E replaces the telephoto lens with a four-lens, five-megapixel multispectral camera and includes a standard RTK module. Released in November 2022.
Mavic 3M EU: The European edition of the Mavic 3M holds EASA C2 certification, features a BWX260-5000-15.4 battery, an MTOW of , and uses low-noise propellers.
Raptor: With company code RAPTOR01, this licensed-built Mavic 3E is manufactured in Malaysia by Anzu Robotics, distinguished by its forest green finish and absence of geofencing restrictions.
Raptor T: Designated RAPTORT01, this Malaysian-produced licensed version of the Mavic 3T by Anzu Robotics also sports a forest green color scheme and lacks geofencing limitations.

Mavic 4

Mavic 4 Pro: Referred to by the manufacturer as Model L3A and L3B, this upgraded version boasts a 100MP 4/3" CMOS Hasselblad wide-angle sensor, complemented by a 1/1.5" CMOS medium telephoto camera and a 1/1.3" CMOS telephoto camera. It incorporates the advanced O4+ transmission technology, features satellite-independent Return-to-Home capability, and is powered by a 6654 mAh battery that supports up to 51 minutes of flight duration. Both variants share identical electrical specifications. Released in May 2025.

Military operators

An Armenian-operated Mavic was reportedly downed by Azerbaijan in April 2018.

The Chilean Navy along with the Marine Corps deployed the Mavic Pro starting in 2018.

The Dominican Armed Forces fielded three Mavic units upon introduction in 2019.

The Finnish Army incorporated approximately 150 Mavic drones into their inventory in 2019.

The French Army adopted the Mavic platform in 2018.

The 35th Parachute Artillery Regiment is equipped with the Mavic Pro model.

The Israeli Ground Forces began utilizing the Mavic in 2017.

The Malaysian Armed Forces integrated the Mavic into their operations in 2020.

The New Zealand Army introduced the Mavic Pro in 2017, maintaining a fleet of 26 units by 2019.

As of 2019, the Portuguese Special Forces operated Mavic drones.

During its military campaign in Ukraine, Russia deployed Mavic UAVs; this led DJI to suspend drone sales within Russia.

Ukrainian forces employ various Mavic models, including the Mavic 3 Pro, for reconnaissance missions, artillery targeting, and offensive operations amid the conflict with Russia. In early 2024, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence procured 7,200 Mavic 3E and 1,000 Mavic 3T units through Prozorro after DJI ceased exports to both Ukraine and Russia. By November of that year, Ukraine aimed to phase out these drones in favor of domestically manufactured military UAVs.

: The deployment of DJI drones such as the Mavic by the United States Armed Forces has stirred controversy over security risks. In response to concerns raised by Senator Chris Murphy in 2018, the Department of Defense prohibited all commercial consumer drone acquisitions for official purposes, including models like the Mavic. DJI was officially placed on the DoD blacklist in 2022.

The United States Air Force purchased 35 units of the Mavic Pro Platinum in 2018 and acquired an additional 57 Mavic 2 drones in 2020 for counter-UAV training exercises.
The United States Marine Corps utilized the Mavic Pro for explosive ordnance disposal tasks during operations in the Middle East starting in 2017.

Government operators

In July 2021, the United States Secret Service acquired eight drones comprising both Mavic 2 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro models.

Accidents and incidents

January 2017: A UAV pilot aged 23 from Xiaoshan was taken into custody after operating a Mavic drone near aircraft descending toward Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. This incident came to light when an eight-second segment extracted from a ten-minute video recorded at altitude was shared on QQ. Although the pilot’s intention was to capture sunset imagery, several airliners were inadvertently filmed. DJI issued a strong condemnation regarding this event.

10 August 2018: In a notable first occurrence of a collision between a UAV and a hot air balloon mid-flight, a Mavic Pro collided with a balloon close to Teton County Fairgrounds in Driggs, Idaho, USA. The drone’s rotors were completely severed upon impact, resulting in its destruction; however, the balloon—carrying a licensed pilot and two passengers—suffered no major harm and landed safely. The hobbyist operator lost visual contact with the balloon on their display and flew within proximity of Driggs–Reed Memorial Airport without informing air traffic control, breaching Federal Aviation Regulations. The balloon pilot reported this episode to the National Transportation Safety Board to encourage adherence to airspace regulations.

Additional Resources