A "LOT" better than a M2Pro? The way I see it it is a lot better in one or two areas, marginally better in others, and a downgrade still in others. I'll try to break down the way I see it.
4/3 sensor? A lot better, but depends on the use. If you think backwards from the viewer's standpoint one might consider the improvement marginal at best because it depends on the screen quality of the view. A lot depends on the post NLE that you use and how you use it. If noise and detail are the main benefit, then one has to ask ones self how often you shoot in low light. Dynamic range? Huge difference? Not IMO. SOMEWHAT better with the
M3. Still images? I'm skeptical that you would see much difference at all and a lot depends on one's processing/grading skill level. Zoom capability? It is another feature that the M2Pro doesn't have (but the
M2Z does). However the
M3 lacks the zoom control wheel that the
M2Z has (more on the controller later). The 7x zoom lens? Amateurish. I'll leave it at that.
Obstacle avoidance? Yeah, the
M3 has better OA than its predecessors. 51 Drones proved that you can still crash it unless you're careful. He also pointed out that the size of the camera/gimbal makes the drone extremely exposed to damage in minor crashes. And let's face it, the gimbal is probably the most expensive part to repair/replace. One should expect more trips to DJI for repairs. How many shots do you have with the Care/Refresh per year? How much will it cost in premium and deductible for each crash? The design of the camera, while it is the
M3's advantage it is also the Achilles heel.
Extended flight time? IMO this it probably the most practical upgrade of the
M3. You won't have batteries that eject themselves mid flight like some M2's have done. Were I to go to the dark side and fork out money for the
M3 I might be tempted to buy the basic version plus and additional battery for $209.
Basic controller. IMO this is a major downgrade from the M2's controller. It's heavier, larger and takes more space to pack and lacks a lot of the programmable buttons and one less control wheel than the M2'
s controller, not to mention the LCD screen that provides essential information in the event that your phone/tablet fails or it's too bright to see the details on the screen. But take heart... You can buy the dedicated
smart controller (when availble) for $1200 more. To the best of my knowledge it won't be compatible with any other DJI model... but you can get the flymore package plus the controller for $4200 rather than spend $5k for the Cine version. Let's not forget applicable sales tax.
Questionable change? "Cine" mode vs Tripod mode (plus controller issues). The M2's tripod mode has a max speed of 2.5mph (4.02 kph) where as the
M3, like the
Air2s will fly up to 11mph (17.7 kph). I suspect the controller and max speed of the Cine mode would be less manageable in tight spots. One of the issues of this controller is that the sticks have "dead spots" and are not completely linear. The problem for some has been so much that some have designed devices to make the sticks more stiff to move so they can deal with the non-uniform performance of the controller. With the reduced speed of the M2's tripod mode, even if the contoller had similar issues, you weren't going to accidentally move the drone too little or too much or have difficulty with stick control, which also helped to manage latency.
Yes, some will find the
M3 something that they really NEED and will pay up for it. I dunno, perhaps at some point if the EVO III doesn't pan out down the road I'll get an
M3. My gut tells me there will be refurbs available sooner than other models, largely because of the exposed camera/gimbal which might present an opportunity that I'm not willing to pay up for at this moment.
As always, JMO
