Yes. The DJI Mavic 3 Classic has omnidirectional obstacle sensing: pairs of vision cameras facing forward, backward, left, right, up and down, plus an infrared sensor underneath. With APAS 5.0 it can brake or steer around obstacles in all directions. It works in Normal and Cine modes in decent light, and it's switched off in Sport mode.
Sensing ranges and speeds
From DJI's Mavic 3 Classic specs:
| Direction | Measurement range | Works up to |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | 0.5 to 20 m (detects to 200 m) | 15 m/s |
| Backward | 0.5 to 16 m | 12 m/s |
| Left and right | 0.5 to 25 m | 15 m/s |
| Upward | 0.2 to 10 m | 6 m/s |
| Downward | 0.3 to 18 m | 6 m/s |
The "works up to" column is DJI's effective sensing speed. Fly faster than that and the system can't react in time. That's why Sport mode, at up to 21 m/s, turns sensing off.
Bypass, Brake or Off
In DJI Fly's safety settings, Obstacle Avoidance Action has three choices:
- Bypass (APAS 5.0): the drone steers around obstacles. Choose Normal or Nifty; DJI says Nifty lowers detection sensitivity so avoidance moves are less abrupt in your footage.
- Brake: the drone stops and hovers in front of an obstacle.
- Off: no avoidance. Only for experienced pilots in open space.
You can also turn on the radar map to see detected obstacles on screen.
Smart modes and RTH
- ActiveTrack and Point of Interest bypass obstacles regardless of your setting, when vision is working. Spotlight hovers if it detects an obstacle. See Mavic 3 Classic ActiveTrack.
- Advanced RTH uses forward sensing up to 200 m to plan a safer route home. Set a sensible RTH altitude anyway.
- Vision Assist, added in a later update, shows a view from the vision cameras in the direction you're flying. DJI notes the main feed drops to 720p on the DJI RC while it's on.
What it can't see
DJI's manual warns that vision sensing may not work properly:
- In low light (below about 15 lux) or very bright, high-contrast scenes.
- Over plain, featureless surfaces, water, snow or glass.
- Near thin objects like branches and power lines.
- When the sensors are dirty, wet or fogged.
DJI also says not to fly in rain or fog. Treat avoidance as a backup, not a reason to fly close to things.
When obstacle avoidance seems off
- Check you're in Normal or Cine mode, not Sport.
- Confirm Obstacle Avoidance Action isn't set to Off.
- Clean the vision sensors with a soft cloth.
- Fly in better light.
- If the drone was stored for a long time, DJI Fly may prompt a vision system calibration, which runs automatically.
If you see sensor errors, see Mavic 3 Classic sensor error.
How it compares
The Mavic 3 Classic and Mavic 3 Pro use the same omnidirectional vision system. Newer models such as the Mavic 4 Pro add forward LiDAR. For tight spaces, the Classic's sensing is a real safety net, but it doesn't replace line of sight and careful flying.
See the DJI Mavic 3 Classic, or compare in Mavic 3 Classic vs Air 3S. Crashed anyway? Start at repair.
Related guides
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Classic have Remote ID? Serial number and FAA registration
- Does the DJI Mavic 3 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
- Does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro have obstacle avoidance?
- Best DJI Mavic 3 Classic accessories worth buying
- Best SD card for the DJI Mavic 3 Classic (and internal storage)
- Buying the DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone only: what else you need
Not sure which to pick?
Tell us what you'll fly and your budget. One of our drone pilots will reply with a recommendation.
Buying drones for a business, agency or store? Get wholesale pricing →
