Choose the Mavic 3 Multispectral (3M) if you map crops, orchards, vineyards or vegetation: it adds four narrow-band cameras (green, red, red edge and near-infrared) and a sunlight sensor, so software can build NDVI and other plant-health maps. Choose the Mavic 3 Enterprise (3E) for general survey work: construction, stockpiles, roofs and 3D models, where its 162 mm tele camera helps with close inspection. Both carry the same type of 20 MP Four Thirds mapping camera with a mechanical shutter.
Specs side by side
| Mavic 3M | Mavic 3E | |
|---|---|---|
| RGB camera | 4/3 CMOS, 20 MP, mechanical shutter | Same |
| Multispectral | 4 × 5 MP: G 560, R 650, RE 730, NIR 860 nm | None |
| Sunlight sensor | Yes | No |
| Tele camera | None | 1/2-inch, 12 MP, 162 mm equiv. |
| Min RGB photo interval | 0.7 s | 0.7 s |
| RTK module | Included and installed | Optional accessory |
| Max flight time | 43 min | 45 min |
| Weight | 951 g with RTK | 915 g |
| Video link | O3 Enterprise, 15 km (FCC) | Same |
| Price | Quote | Quote |
Specs are DJI's published figures.
What the multispectral cameras add
Healthy plants reflect a lot of near-infrared light and absorb red. Stressed plants reflect less near-infrared. A normal camera can't record those bands with calibrated values, so it can't make a reliable NDVI map. The 3M records each band as its own image, and the sunlight sensor on top logs light conditions so readings stay consistent as clouds pass.
That data feeds vegetation index maps such as NDVI, GNDVI and NDRE. Growers use them to scout problem zones, plan ground checks and build prescription maps for variable-rate spraying or spreading. See what is NDVI.
What the 3E does better
- Tele camera. The 162 mm camera lets you inspect a roof edge, tower bolt or crack from a safe distance. The 3M has no tele.
- Slightly longer flights. 45 minutes rated versus 43.
- Lighter kit. RTK is optional, so you only add it when you need survey accuracy.
For orthomosaics and 3D models of buildings and sites, the 3E and 3M produce similar RGB results, because the mapping camera is the same type. The 3E is the better general tool unless you need crop data.
RTK and accuracy
The 3M ships with its RTK module installed. On the 3E it's an add-on. Either way, you need a correction source: a network RTK service or a D-RTK 3 base station. With RTK, both reach centimeter-level positioning, which cuts the number of ground control points you need.
Which should you buy?
- Farm, agronomy or land management: Mavic 3M. Pair it with an Agras spray drone to act on what the maps show.
- Survey, construction, inspection: Mavic 3E.
- Both crops and site work: the 3M covers basic RGB mapping too, but you give up the tele camera.
- Thermal inspection: neither. Look at the Mavic 3T. See Mavic 3E vs Mavic 3T.
Both weigh over 250 g, so register with the FAA and broadcast Remote ID. Mapping for a business is commercial flying and needs a Part 107 certificate.
Read the full Mavic 3 Multispectral guide or request a quote with your acreage and software plans.
Related guides
- DJI Matrice 4E vs Mavic 3 Multispectral: which one do you need?
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK module: install, setup and accuracy
- DJI Matrice 4T vs Mavic 3 Enterprise: which should you buy?
- DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise: specs, uses and pricing
- DJI Enterprise drones explained: Matrice, Mavic 3E and Dock
- DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral: specs, uses and pricing
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