Mavic 3 - M3Cine vs EVO2 6K - better?

[Dougcjohn]

I had a demo of the. Autel 640T yesterday .... their smart controller is nice ..but I noticed it was a big shaky in the wind ..and we were only at 50-60 ft...and one thing I didn't like is the Bunny hops its takes on landing ... you have to keep the throttle down ...it lands ..hops ....keeping the throttle down ...lands, hops and it takes 3-4 cycle to turn of the props ....

Interesting, I just got the EVO 2 Enterprise 6K yesterday to examine.
Looking forward to comparing, haven't opened the Mavic 3 yet... waiting to examine EVO2 Ent first; Although I may open it to examine too.

On the non-flying side... construction and kit is outstanding.
It's actually a beautiful kit... impressive luggage, the Enterprise Motors with red trim look very nice, the 3 pt prop mounts are nice design, even the props feel and look great... no perceived need to buy 3rd party.

The Smart Controller is nicely built, able to access normal Android Apps.
Feels pretty snappy checking apps, and able to easily install Google Play store and it has ample storage. The 1000nit screen looks super and a nice large size! Gimbal Cover very nice design and strong.

The gorgeous thin carbon arms! I'm a carbon weave lover and the carbon weave & gloss on thin hollow arms is very nice quality and fit!

The case is super... we normally add on a similar case for $400-600 extra.

One disappointment was the lack of 4 Battery charger hub... there is a cut-out for it in case, but not included.

The included top mount extras: strobe, speaker, light... very similar to M2ED and M2EAdv.

It upgraded software: controller and craft without issues... will check flight & camera out in near future.

I easily see things I like better than DJI M2 series, kit wise... but that doesn't make a final craft package.

 

[Flying Buffalo]

The screen is gorgeous .. in full sun, didn't need a hood. On the speaker side, its "live" ...not a recorded audio clip .... If you get the enterprise bundle, it does come with a 4port Hub. I like the fact I can also switch cameras ....from 6k to thermal. Its that landing that bothers me. I was with a rep and he said that’s the one thing he doesn't like either. I was looking at the 640R ...but the 640T is half the price . I still have time waiting for a project to come in.

 

[Don Testme]

The M3 / M3Cine is receiving mixed reviews and comments... It has it's strong strengths and questionable features. Firmware will address some, others not.
I have a Mavic3 FlyMore sitting in the house, unopened... I'm reconsidering keeping or M3Cine or EVO2 6K.

The M3 definitely is a smooth & stable craft; flight behavior hasn’t been the bulk of negative concerns & observations. To my reading the majority of concerns other than the lack of enhanced flight features (pending FW updates)… the bulk has been associated with cinematography: video & photos.

On the Mavic forum it’s been compared to the M2 & A2S… and mildly to the I2. On other areas… Youtubes, other sites it’s gotten a lot of comparison with the EVO2 6K.

From what I’ve read or watched on YouTube, even the dedicated “DJI leaning Reviewers“ have stated the EVO2 6K creates better output: Dynamic Range, sharpness, etc.

This I’ve this found surprising when comparing the M3's MFT sensor to a 1" sensor. I haven’t been a EVO2 supporter, but recently I’ve been comparing the M3, M3Cine, and EVO2 Enterprise 6K. I’m not a Autel mole… I own many DJI from M600Pro to Mini2. I do own a EVO1, never used.

Interestingly… My searches on Internet; Every comparison between the M3 & EVO2 6K that I’ve found have indicated the EVO2 6K is a better option. That's a bit odd when you consider the market density for DJI to Autel...it's not like the Autel crowd has a larger presence to Internet / YouTube. Plus, just recently heard the new smaller craft: Lite+ has the same EVO2 6K payload in a M2AS sized package… with adjustable aperture. A small craft with adjustable aperture 1" sensor sounds like a great package too.

Without the typical off-track “attack the messenger“ losing the point of “Thread Question”. Has anyone… Anyone, come across a comparison with the EVO2 6K that indicated the M3 was the better option? Any examples, any strengths clearly in the M3 court? If ya have… please share! I've found many DJI Supportive Reviewers indicating the EVO2 6K produces better results. The M3 Cine provides ProRes, although many seem not to be intending use the ProRes due to embedded SSD or processes involved in processing ProRes.

If not, then for the investment… EVO2 kits provide more in kit… larger Smart Controller Screen, GPC case, etc… the EVO2 6K is a better buy and produces better product.

Granted, they both have issues; the EVO2 has it’s… but video it appears better. Something to consider beyound “Brand Loyalty“ for a product a bit disappointing to expectations. There are comments of the EVO2's Flight behavior... that's noted, and to my understanding that's improved with FW too.
The question is video/photo comparison: Dynamic Range, Color, Sharpness, Lens quality, processor, etc.

In my opinion (owning both drones), the EVO2PRO 6K takes better images and video with higher detail. It's low light sensitivity is nearly the same as the Mav3. It's zoom is entirely digital, so during a day shoot the 7x zoom 4k of the Mav3 beats the Evo2 Pro. The EVO2Pro's flight Characteristics are poor compared to the new Mav3. It's more difficult to control the camera while maneuvering the Autel6KPro. The weight of the EVO2 causes it to fly with less agility than the mavic 3. The Mavic 3 drone itself is much more advanced than the the EVO2 drone in flight, maneuverability, accuracy, agility, speed, range and flight time. In essence, the EVO2 simply takes better images and video than the M3. I have flown the EVO2 Pro on numerous ocassions. It is much slower than what Autel advertises, reaching maximum speed only if it has a tail wind. Suprisingly, It flies very slow against a head wind. I chose to sell my EVO2PRO and replace it with the Mav3 because of the Mav3's drone performance and it's tele lens. The 4/3 camera is a bonus, but I find it often overexposes images in auto mode and requires manual setings to be used properly. It's images have poor detail relative to the EVO2 6k and even the Air2S. 5.1K was a bad choice by DJI. It leaves little room for post zoom or crop without quickly losing detail. I assume they had reasons for this choice. I'm not very impressed. I suspect when the EVO3 series of drones becomes available, I may well be switching back to AUTEL. I may keep the Mav3 if it's drone (not camera) flight capabilities remain superior to the EVO3 series. The Mav3, in flight, is a standard that many consumer drones will have a very difficult time beating.

 

[Dougcjohn]

The screen is gorgeous .. in full sun, didn't need a hood. On the speaker side, its "live" ...not a recorded audio clip .... If you get the enterprise bundle, it does come with a 4port Hub. I like the fact I can also switch cameras ....from 6k to thermal. Its that landing that bothers me. I was with a rep and he said that’s the one thing he doesn't like either. I was looking at the 640R ...but the 640T is half the price . I still have time waiting for a project to come in.

Actually not, I did get the Enterprise version... 6K, not Thermal. The Enterprise didn't include the Charging Hub... I had seen a video that indicated it did... but Autel site indicates it doesn't... surprised me too.

Enterprise is the carbon arms, bigger motors, longer props.
Which is what I received... and 3 batteries, which was originally indicated as 2 for 6K Enterprise... but now 3.

 

[Don Testme]

Actually not, I did get the Enterprise version... 6K, not Thermal. The Enterprise didn't include the Charging Hub... I had seen a video that indicated it did... but Autel site indicates it doesn't... surprised me too.

Enterprise is the carbon arms, bigger motors, longer props.
Which is what I received... and 3 batteries, which was originally indicated as 2 for 6K Enterprise... but now 3.

May I ask. I had an Autel EVO2 Pro. I found it flies much slower than the what Autel Advertises. It only flies at the advertised speed if it has a tailwind. Does the Autel Enterprise version have these speed issues or does it truely fly as fast as advertised without issues of slowing down even in mild wind speeds.

 

[Dougcjohn]

In my opinion (owning both drones), the EVO2PRO 6K takes better images and video with higher detail. It's low light sensitivity is nearly the same as the Mav3. It's zoom is entirely digital, so during a day shoot the 7x zoom 4k of the Mav3 beats the Evo2 Pro. The EVO2Pro's flight Characteristics are poor compared to the new Mav3. It's more difficult to control the camera while maneuvering the Autel6KPro. The weight of the EVO2 causes it to fly with less agility than the mavic 3. The Mavic 3 drone itself is much more advanced than the the EVO2 drone in flight, maneuverability, accuracy, agility, speed, range and flight time. In essence, the EVO2 simply takes better images and video than the M3. I have flown the EVO2 Pro on numerous ocassions. It is much slower than what Autel advertises, reaching maximum speed only if it has a tail wind. Suprisingly, It flies very slow against a head wind. I chose to sell my EVO2PRO and replace it with the Mav3 because of the Mav3's drone performance and it's tele lens. The 4/3 camera is a bonus, but I find it often overexposes images in auto mode and requires manual setings to be used properly. It's images have poor detail relative to the EVO2 6k and even the Air2S. 5.1K was a bad choice by DJI. It leaves little room for post zoom or crop without quickly losing detail. I assume they had reasons for this choice. I'm not very impressed. I suspect when the EVO3 series of drones becomes available, I may well be switching back to AUTEL. I may keep the Mav3 if it's drone (not camera) flight capabilities remain superior to the EVO3 series. The Mav3, in flight, is a standard that many consumer drones will have a very difficult time beating.

Great comments and observations... thanks!
I'm looking forward to comparing too... I've read the EVO2 flies a bit less desired... and I've also read the Enterprise version has improved on that characteristic with larger motors, longer redesigned props and I believe a bit slower RPM.

I'd agree, the M3 (not personally flown yet) exhibits high quality flight characteristics... a DJI known trait, high stability.

The head wind I'm looking forward to testing. You're the 3rd I've heard stating poor headwind performance.

 

[Dougcjohn]

May I ask. I had an Autel EVO2 Pro. I found it flies much slower than the what Autel Advertises. It only flies at the advertised speed if it has a tailwind. Does the Autel Enterprise version have these speed issues or does it truely fly as fast as advertised without issues of slowing down even in mild wind speeds.

My understanding it does much better... I'll test in near future.

 

[Dougcjohn]

I had a demo of the. Autel 640T yesterday .... their smart controller is nice ..but I noticed it was a big shaky in the wind ..and we were only at 50-60 ft...and one thing I didn't like is the Bunny hops its takes on landing ... you have to keep the throttle down ...it lands ..hops ....keeping the throttle down ...lands, hops and it takes 3-4 cycle to turn of the props ....

For my understanding, you observed the EVO2 640T... non Enterprise version correct? The previous 640T kit based on standard EVO2.

Curious for comparisons.

 

[Flying Buffalo]

I forgot to mention the zoom ...its not a variable zoom ... it’s a step zoom ... 2x, 4x, 8x etc ..i..e only 3-4 zoom settings ...you can't do a variable zoom. I like the orange hull and its stands out more than a grey in grey skies.

Actually not, I did get the Enterprise version... 6K, not Thermal. The Enterprise didn't include the Charging Hub... I had seen a video that indicated it did... but Autel site indicates it doesn't... surprised me too.

Enterprise is the carbon arms, bigger motors, longer props.
Which is what I received... and 3 batteries, which was originally indicated as 2 for 6K Enterprise... but now 3.

According to the brochure I have in front of me, the Enterprise bundle comes with a 4port charging hub.

 

[Flying Buffalo]

For my understanding, you observed the EVO2 640T... non Enterprise version correct? The previous 640T kit based on standard EVO2.

Curious for comparisons.

It was the 640T Enterprise version ... carbon arms, bigger props

 

[Dougcjohn]

I forgot to mention the zoom ...its not a variable zoom ... it’s a step zoom ... 2x, 4x, 8x etc ..i..e only 3-4 zoom settings ...you can't do a variable zoom. I like the orange hull and its stands out more than a grey in grey skies.

According to the brochure I have in front of me, the Enterprise bundle comes with a 4port charging hub.

The Enterprise pamphlet inside the kit that list the contents, shows both the RTK and the Charging hub as optional, not standard.

That's another problem with Autel, what they advertise and what they package, seems to have a lot of variance by the time it reaches Market

 

[Dougcjohn]

I forgot to mention the zoom ...its not a variable zoom ... it’s a step zoom ... 2x, 4x, 8x etc ..i..e only 3-4 zoom settings ...you can't do a variable zoom. I like the orange hull and its stands out more than a grey in grey skies.

For a thermal payload, that's a normal way of zoom. The FLIR models have always done that on the DJI crafts too... My 640 Radiometric: XT and XT2 step zoom too.

 

[Dougcjohn]

It was the 640T Enterprise version ... carbon arms, bigger props

Well that's both good news and not-so-good news to know that, with the flight characteristics that you were describing.

 

[Dougcjohn]

May I ask. I had an Autel EVO2 Pro. I found it flies much slower than the what Autel Advertises. It only flies at the advertised speed if it has a tailwind. Does the Autel Enterprise version have these speed issues or does it truely fly as fast as advertised without issues of slowing down even in mild wind speeds.

I meant to ask, did you have it in their ludicrous mode? From what I've read that's supposed to give it a good speed.

 

[Deleted member 77603]

I’ve probably said this in another thread, but on my last trip to Iceland, I had the choices of MP2, I2 with x5s and Autel evo2. I took the Evo for the combination of image quality and ease of use. My ground camera was a Fuji gfx100s digital medium format.

Whatever the specs are on paper, the evo 2 sensor delivers, and from what I’ve read and seen, the mp3 isnt enough of an improvement to interest me. I may still get one; the dji flying experience is very polished.

 

[Dougcjohn]

I’ve probably said this in another thread, but on my last trip to Iceland, I had the choices of MP2, I2 with x5s and Autel evo2. I took the Evo for the combination of image quality and ease of use. My ground camera was a Fuji gfx100s digital medium format.

Whatever the specs are on paper, the evo 2 sensor delivers, and from what I’ve read and seen, the mp3 isnt enough of an improvement to interest me. I may still get one; the dji flying experience is very polished.

I'd agree on the polished DJI flight characteristics being normally top notch. Also good to hear anther comment toward EVO2 sensor.

Was your time in Iceland a cold season trip, I'm curious how the EVO2 performed in sub-zero Temps. The I2 X5S normally does well in cold temps... especially with the heated batteries.

 

[Deleted member 77603]

The Iceland trip was last June. I’ve sent it up into single digit temps many times. I’m up in Alaska right now and its 3 degrees out. I’ve flown twice already and it hasn’t seemed to suffer.

 

[Flying Buffalo]

The Enterprise pamphlet inside the kit that list the contents, shows both the RTK and the Charging hub as optional, not standard.

That's another problem with Autel, what they advertise and what they package, seems to have a lot of variance by the time it reaches Market

 

[Flying Buffalo]

You have to be sure you are talking about the Enterprise "Bundle" --everything I see with the bundle has the battery hub:

Autel EVO II (V3) Dual 640T Enterprise Bundle

Elevate your aerial operations with the Autel EVO II Enterprise V3 640T Bundle. Experience superior imaging and extended range for inspections, search and rescue, and law enforcement. Explore its 640x512 thermal imaging and temperature measurement modes. Shop Now

advexure.com

(1) Aircraft w/ InfiRay 640T Radiometric Thermal Camera
(3) Flight Batteries
(1) 7.9” Smart Controller
(1) 110V Wall Charger
(1) 12V Car Charger
(1) Battery Charging Hub
(1) Smart Controller Charger
(1) Smart Controller Charging Cable

And from my local reseller, see attached

 

[Dougcjohn]

True... for the Thermo Payload... I haven't been indicating either Thermo package... bundle.
I've been indicating the Enterprise 6K package... not the same Bundle.
Originally 6K only had 2 batteries, Both Thermo kits had 3 batteries & Hub. The 6k now has 3 batteries, but lacks Hub.