2023 - my year in review

[Meta4]

2023 has been a great year for my drone photography, particularly since 9th of May when I picked up a Mavic 3 pro on release day.
Finally I could escape having to capture everything with the same old super wideangle that made all drone photography so samey.
While the wideangle was good for some subjects, it wasn't good for all subjects and photographic situations.
Now I'm capturing memorable new images every week that were impossible previously.

All three cameras on the Mavic 3 pro are capable of producing great images.

The long tele camera.
I'm constantly surprised that I can get very good images even with the dinky little sensor in the long tele camera, like this one shot on my second day with the new drone.

Previously small, fast targets were just too hard to shoot.
To get close enough to fill the frame was not practical and it was too hard to safely keep them in the frame.
With the telephoto cameras on the Mavic 3 pro, that problem was solved.

The long tele also gives the reach to get in close to small distant subjects, like this where I could capture the transfer of a marine pilot from a ship to the pilot boat.

It's proved to be a good lens for general shooting from further away.

I've also made good use of the long tele camera in panoramas like these.

 

[Meta4]

The short tele camera

The short tele camera is the real star performer for me and has become the camera I use most.
The perspective it offers is generally more pleasing to my eye and works better with the subjects I shoot.
It gives me the chance to incorporate more distant elements in images which was impossible with the wideangle which made everything apart from the subject look too far away.

Here are a few examples of how my short tele pays for itself every time I fly.

 

[SkyeHigh]

I can see my M2P losing its appeal. It has a great camera but, as you mention, the wide angle shots are very samey.

 

[Meta4]

Wideangle
And when the subject calls for a wideangle, the main camera of the Mavic 3 pro is superb and it's always a great sky lens.
The 4/3 sensor always delivers great image quality in bright as well as in dim lighting situations.

 

[Meta4]

I can see my M2P losing its appeal. It has a great camera but, as you mention, the wide angle shots are very samey.

It's great to have a variety of lenses to work with, to be able to deal with different subjects and styles.
But when things are right for it, the wideangle can produce some heroic images with a very big wow factor.

The Mavic 3 pro also shines in general flying performance.
The battery life is so much better than previous models and it handles wind with ease.
I'm often flying in winds of 20+ knots and have on occasion had to deal with up to 34 knot winds.

I'm looking forward to whatever DJI comes up with to eventually succeed the Mavic 3 pro.
It's going to have to be good to replace it.

 

[MotoSavy]

All great photos!

 

[Meta4]

Just to show that the Mavic 3 can work away from the marine environment where I prefer to fly, here are a couple of not so salty images too.

Long tele panorama

Long tele

Wide pano

Wide pano

Wide pano

 

[Suren]

All great shots mate, these night shots are extremely excellent

 

[Yogi053]

I concur with Suren!

 

[waynorth]

You certainly know how to get the most out of the three cameras in the Mavic 3 Pro.
Those last photos are some of the best night shots I have seen with a drone.

 

[old man mavic]

@Meta4 its always a pleasure to see your work on the forum,as well as your expertise in helping others
respect OMM

 

[GFields]

Awesome photos! Great colors but more importantly well framed and great content. Thanks for sharing

 

[TonyPHX]

@Meta4 you are really great! Inspiring photography and you also give the best analysis and commentary for one of my favorite subforums here.

Have a great 2024!!!

 

[Point Zero]

Amazing work across the board Meta4. You have given and shared a lot with this community over the years. Thank you and I look forward to your 2024 review.

P.S I don't think you could find a better place to live with a Mavic 3 btw

 

[Meta4]

I look forward to your 2024 review.

2024 is shaping up nicely so far.
Just came home from my first flying for the year and here's a preview.

 

[MS Coast]

Well, you have some very interesting subject matter to work with. That's quite a variety of ships. The one carrying the wind turbine blades is especially notable. Around here, I have to be content with shrimp boats, barge tows, and sport fishermen.

Having said that, the photographs are downright spectacular. You're really taking good advantage of the capabilities of that Mavic 3. The photos are a great demonstration of the power of the tool we have and an inspiration/challenge to use it better.

I look forward to more.

 

[CadrePilot]

Nice post. I'm still teetering on the edge of upgrading from the M2P to the M3P. ;-)

 

[GadgetGuy]

Nice post. I'm still teetering on the edge of upgrading from the M2P to the M3P. ;-)

Go for it!