With the introduction of DJI’s latest enterprise drone the Matrice 4 series, you may now be faced with a decision on which suits you best, the Matrice 4 Series or the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series. Both are designed to meet the diverse needs of professionals across various industries, but they differ significantly in capabilities, design, and applications. This comparison will help determine which drone is better suited for specific operational requirements.
Design and Portability
The Mavic 3 Enterprise Series is lauded for its compact and portable design, making it ideal for rapid deployment. Its streamlined form allows it to be carried effortlessly and operated by both novice and experienced pilots.
In contrast, the Matrice 4 Series is engineered for more demanding tasks. While it may not match the Mavic 3 in terms of portability, it compensates with advanced features tailored for complex operations.
Camera Capabilities
The Mavic 3E boasts a 4/3 CMOS 20MP wide-angle camera equipped with a mechanical shutter to prevent motion blur, supporting rapid 0.7-second interval shooting. This design enhances mapping efficiency without the need for Ground Control Points. Additionally, it features a 12MP tele camera with up to 56× hybrid zoom, allowing operators to capture essential details from a distance.
The Matrice 4E is equipped with a 4/3-inch CMOS 20MP wide-angle camera, a 1/1.3-inch CMOS 48MP medium telephoto camera, and a 1/1.5-inch CMOS 48MP telephoto camera. This combination provides powerful imaging capabilities suitable for detailed inspections and complex surveying tasks.
Thermal Imaging
For operations requiring thermal imaging, the Mavic 3T integrates a thermal camera with a resolution of 640 × 512 pixels. It supports point and area temperature measurement, high-temperature alerts, colour palettes, and isotherms, facilitating quick decision-making in critical scenarios.
The Matrice 4T enhances thermal imaging capabilities by combining a 1/1.3-inch CMOS 48MP wide-angle camera, a medium telephoto camera, a telephoto camera, a thermal camera, and a laser rangefinder. This setup is designed for advanced thermal imaging and night operations, providing comprehensive data collection for complex missions.
Flight Performance
Both the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Matrice 4 Series offer impressive flight times. The Mavic 3 Enterprise achieves up to 45 minutes of flight time, allowing coverage of up to 2 square kilometres in a single flight. The Matrice 4 Series extends this endurance to 49 minutes, providing extra operational time for extended missions.
Advanced Features
The Matrice 4 Series incorporates an integrated DJI RTK module, supporting the extended L5 frequency band and featuring GNSS+Vision Fusion Positioning. This ensures precise positioning, crucial for tasks requiring high accuracy.
The Mavic 3 Enterprise Series supports an optional RTK module for centimetre-level precision, enhancing its suitability for detailed mapping and surveying tasks.
Mapping and Surveying Capabilities
The Mavic 3 Enterprise Series is particularly well-suited for high-accuracy mapping and surveying tasks. Its compact design and efficient imaging system make it ideal for professionals who require precision in their mapping endeavors.
Operational Environments
The Matrice 4 Series is designed to excel in more demanding environments. Its robust build and advanced features make it suitable for complex operations where environmental factors may pose challenges.
Accessories Compatibility
It’s important to note that accessories between the Matrice 4 Series and the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series are not interchangeable. This distinction is crucial for operators who may be considering the use of existing equipment across different drone platforms.
Comparison Table: Benefits of Matrice 4 Series over Mavic 3 Enterprise Series
| Feature | Matrice 4 Series | Mavic 3 Enterprise Series |
|---|---|---|
| Camera System | Advanced multi-camera system including wide-angle, medium telephoto, and telephoto cameras | Dual-camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses |
| Thermal Imaging | Enhanced thermal imaging with additional sensors and laser rangefinder | Integrated thermal camera with essential thermal imaging features |
| Positioning Accuracy | Integrated RTK module with GNSS+Vision Fusion Positioning for superior accuracy | Optional RTK module for enhanced positioning precision |
| Payload Capacity | Designed to support additional payloads and accessories for specialized tasks | Limited payload capacity due to compact design |
| Operational Versatility | Suitable for complex missions requiring advanced imaging and extended capabilities | Ideal for rapid deployment and standard inspection tasks |
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Matrice 4 Series | Mavic 3 Enterprise Series |
| Flight Time | Up to 49 minutes | Up to 45 minutes |
| Max Horizontal Speed | 21 m/s | 15 m/s |
| Max Ascend Speed | 10 m/s | 6 m/s |
| Max Descent Speed | 8 m/s | 6 m/s |
| RTK Module | Integrated | Optional (sold separately) |
| GNSS Anti-jamming | Yes | No |
| AI Capabilities | Built-in AI model for real-time detection of people, vehicles, and vessels | Not specified |
| Laser Rangefinder | Integrated, with a measurement range up to 1800 m | Not available |
| Night Operation Features | – Night Scene Mode- Smart Low-Light Photo- HD Low-Light Fisheye- NIR Illumination (M4T only) | Basic low-light capabilities |
Conclusion
Choosing between the Matrice 4 Series and the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series depends on specific operational requirements. The Matrice 4 Series offers advanced imaging systems, superior positioning accuracy, and greater versatility for complex missions. In contrast, the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series provides a balance of portability and performance, making it suitable for rapid deployment and standard inspection tasks.
If you require high-end capabilities, extended endurance, and cutting-edge AI features, the Matrice 4 Series is the superior choice. However, if portability and ease of use are your top priorities, the Mavic 3 Enterprise remains a reliable and cost-effective solution for many professional applications.
Download our FREE GVC Training Guide
Learn everything you need to know about becoming a drone pilot with our GVC training guide.
- Get a full course roadmap to understand every step of the journey
- Contains clear answers to all of the frequently asked questions
- Get a transparent and comprehensive breakdown of course costs
Related Posts
Enterprise Solutions: DJI Matrice 200 Series Comparison
There has been a tremendous response from commercial drone users ever since COPTRZ unveiled the first DJI Matrice 200 in the UK back in May 2017. The industry has been crying out for a rugged, industrial grade aircraft and DJI have responded brilliantly with the release of the M200 Series. There are three aircraft in the series; […]
Anti-drone technology. Why it’s become essential for airports
With the pronounced rise in drone popularity over the past few years has come an extra responsibility to control the skies above us. Drone detection solutions have become important for this purpose, offering the ability to not only detect drones over a wide distance but also access a variety of potentially vital information such as […]
The different forms of anti-drone technology currently being used
Ever since drones first came about, criminals have been finding ever-more creative ways to utilise drones for illegal purposes. However, local security experts have not simply sat back and watched while this trend continues. Instead, a number of creative solutions have been developed to help detect drones early on and reduce potential risks to both […]
