The latest DJI Mavic 3 firmware update completes the consumer flagship

Last November, DJI released the first new top-end Mavic in three years, with some very exciting hardware upgrades over the Mavic 2: a 4/3 sensor, 5.1k video, ~50% longer battery life, and a complete body redesign were some of the most significant. In the interest of getting the hardware in the hands of users as soon as possible, however, its software capabilities at its time of release were… not “basic,” but certainly missing some key features to which DJI users have been accustomed.

In December, they added the first batch of key features (FocusTrack, MasterShots, Timelapse, RAW-only photo, etc.), and with last week’s massive firmware update, it is safe to say that the Mavic 3 has attained wholeness, and then some!

Noteworthy upgrades

In addition to all-important flight/focus tracking and Hyperlapse functionalities (added last month), a number of capture modes we know and love have been enabled for the Mavic 3. The high-res panorama mode lets you capture even wider scenes, and the QuickShots collection—including Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid modes—will allow you to capture commonly-desired images and video without relying on fallible human fingers.

The new update provides huge usability improvements, as well. The companion update to the Smart Controller firmware includes a redesigned “Pro settings” mode which allows for manual camera adjustments (aperture, ISO, etc.) in one location, accessible from the main flight view and requiring no menu-digging. DJI has also added an innovative Color Display Assist mode which provides a “normal” video preview while recording in D-Log—capture the ultra-flat, manipulatable video your editor requires while getting an idea of the final outcome in real time!

Another welcome addition is the ability to set an altitude for straight line Return To Home. Many flyers are a little hesitant trusting their drones to RTH while avoiding obstacles; this setting enables you to set an altitude at which you feel comfortable will be obstacle free. Upon receiving a RTH command, the drone will ascend to the selected altitude, head straight back as the crow flies, then descend to the home point.

Even after you’re done flying, this free upgrade will make your life better. QuickTransfer makes use of the new Wi-Fi 6 protocol to wirelessly blast your images and video to your other devices at up to 80 MB/s. The Mavic 3 will automagically select the fastest speed possible (as compared to the Mini 2, which requires manual selection). For wired transfers, USB Mode will allow you to plug your drone directly into the computer for file downloads without being fully on. (Previously, the gimbal, lights, etc. would be active while plugged in, putting unnecessary wear on your gear.) This is especially beneficial for the Mavic 3 Cine, whose 1 TB internal drive can only be accessed this way.

There are several other features, as well; check out the complete change logs and update instructions below. Note that the newest update will include all features, so if you didn’t update in December there is no need to perform multiple updates. If you have any questions or need any help updating, feel free to leave a comment below or contact the experts at any of our stores! Be sure to keep an eye out for future firmware updates on this blog or our comprehensive firmware list.

Official change log

How to update your Mavic 3