Thanks for checking out this review of the Autel EVO II Pro and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. If you’re here, it’s because you’re seeking a pro-level drone to take your aspirations further. 

You’ve maybe flown other Autel or DJI drones that were more beginner-friendly, and now you’re ready for the big leagues.

You’ve certainly come to the right place. I know that finding the right drone is no easy feat, which is why I put both the EVO II Pro and Mavic 3 Pro to the test to determine which is the most useful drone for professionals.

I put these two drones under many hours of rigorous flight testing. 

This article will detail my findings based on experience, examining the differences between the Autel EVO II Pro and DJI Mavic 3 Pro and comparing them on the features that matter most, including performance, safety, camera quality, smart features, battery life, and portability. My take is that the Mavic 3 Pro is the better of the two.

You may not agree, but at least you’ll feel confident in your buying journey to the EVO II Pro, and that’s what I want for you – the utmost confidence as you proceed with your purchasing decision. 

Brief overview

Autel EVO II Pro

The EVO II Pro is one of Autel’s flagship drones and an ultimate favorite of mine. It’s equipped with the kind of camera that will make you wonder if this is truly a consumer drone, because it’s that good.

Although it has a high price point, it’s worth every penny, especially the V3 edition, which is available in a cost-effective bundle.

You might spend more initially, but you’ll save later when you don’t need to go back and buy every last little accessory separately. 

So, what kinds of dazzling features await if you choose the EVO II Pro? Here are some of its standouts:

• High-res photography and videography achieved through a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor that produces 6K video at 30 frames per second and 20 MP images. 
• Many incredible photography and videography features and settings, including an adjustable aperture, HDR video, 6K Hyperlapse photos, the Moonlight Algorithm 2.0, and 12-bit DNG image files.
• Some of the best obstacle avoidance in the game, with almost 20 sensor groups that can detect and avoid obstacles using real-time pathing.
• An incredible flight time of 40 minutes that, while a little less than advertised, still does a great job of keeping you airborne for long enough to finish most tasks on your commercial projects list for the day. 
• An awesome remote in the Autel Smart Controller SE. It supports third-party apps, has a detachable battery, can operate in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and has an OLED screen. 

» MORE: Autel vs. DJI – Which Drones Are Better?

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The best of the best has improved even more with the rollout of the Mavic 3 Pro, which was released in May 2023. It’s less than a year newer than the EVO II Pro. 

This wow-worthy drone took imaging and videography to the next level by debuting three cameras in one.

While other competitors like Parrot have triple-camera drones, the costs are far beyond what you’ll pay for the Mavic 3 Pro – nearly four times greater!

Besides its pricing accessibility, here are some other five-star features of the Mavic 3 Pro.

• That you get three cameras in one will always be the most awe-inspiring feature of this DJI masterpiece. They include a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with togglable aperture, a 1/1.3-inch CMOS medium tele camera with 3x Optical Zoom, and a ½-inch CMOS tele camera with two types of zoom. 
• Impeccable camera features, from Hyperlapse to 4K video quality at 60 frames per second to HLG for stronger highlights and 10-bit D-Log M for more color retention and vivacity. 
• An advertised flight time of 43 minutes, making it comparable to the EVO II Pro. 
• A safer flight experience, thanks to APAS 5.0 and omnidirectional obstacle sensing with wide-angle vision sensors to inspire confidence in your flights. 
• Hands-off Intelligent Flight Modes for safety and cinematics, including Cruise Control, Waypoint Flights, and Advanced RTH. You can also use FocusTrack, QuickShots, MasterShots, and Panorama. 

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Review (I have NEVER flown a drone that I enjoyed so much)

Quick verdict

As you can see, the EVO II Pro and Mavic 3 Pro are two of the finest examples of drones from each respective manufacturer.

They both feature top-of-the-line videography and photography settings, incredible camera systems, great obstacle avoidance, and smart features galore.

You don’t need one if you’re buying the other, so which will give you more bang for your buck?

We only make recommendations here on Droneblog after extensive, hands-on, personal testing.

I’ve used the Mavic 3 Pro and EVO II Pro in every scenario these drones are designed for. I feel confident in my decision about which one of them is better. 

Here it is.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro might not stand head and shoulders above the Autel EVO II Pro, but it’s more memorable and enjoyable to use, especially because of its triple-camera system designed to capture more varied videos and photos.

This drone has a great battery life, obstacle avoidance, and DJI’s Intelligent Flight Modes, showcasing some of the best in drone technology. 

The EVO II Pro is an excellent choice if you aren’t convinced about a triple-camera system. Its battery life, performance, and image and video resolutions will surely make it easy to achieve whatever commercial aspirations you have.

However, if you could have three cameras at once, why wouldn’t you?  

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Air 3 (Here’s My Choice)

What are the main differences?

Mapping out differences is a critical part of the decision-making process when selecting between two drones. I mentioned in the paragraphs above that the EVO II Pro and Mavic 3 Pro share some traits. 

However, considering that they’re produced by rival drone manufacturers, I promise you they have enough differences to keep things interesting. 

Here’s an overview. 

• Number of cameras: This one is obvious. The EVO II Pro has a capable single-camera system that is recommended for many professional scenarios, from capturing news footage to surveying a construction site or wildlife zone. The Mavic 3 Pro includes three cameras with varying levels of zoom, image quality, and aperture for seamlessly swapping between them at a moment’s notice. 
• Image quality: It’s not the steepest battle between image quality, considering one of the three Mavic 3 Pro cameras only produces 12 MP images. However, one can shoot in 48 MP, while the EVO II Pro’s image quality is capped at almost 20 MP. 
• Video quality: The 6K Ultra HD video resolution the EVO II Pro is capable of is some of the best in the business. You won’t find that kind of video quality in any DJI consumer drone, including the Mavic 3 Pro. However, it’s close, as it can shoot in 5.1K at 50 fps. 
• Smart features: DJI remains the king of smart features, and it spared no expense when it comes to the Mavic 3 Pro. It’s equipped with all sorts of Intelligent Flight Modes for automating, tracking, navigating, and safely returning if you lose signal or your battery gets low on juice. The EVO II Pro has smart features too, such as Dynamic Track 2.1, but far fewer than the DJI drone. 
• Weight: Neither drone is lightweight, but one is substantially heavier than the other. That’s the EVO II Pro, which weighs 1,187 grams or approximately 2.62 pounds. The Mavic 3 Pro weighs 958 grams. 
• Variations: The Mavic 3 Pro line includes the Cine edition, which has more video codecs and greater storage space than the OG Pro. The EVO II Pro V3 is the third edition in this esteemed line of Autel drones. 

» MORE: Autel EVO 2 Pro vs. DJI FPV (Here’s What I Like)

Autel EVO II Pro

One of the greatest drones released, and not only by Autel, but ever, the EVO II Pro remains a shining example of how far drone technology has come. 

Autel has improved the EVO II Pro tirelessly over the years, with the V3 a crowning achievement. 

Let’s dig right in and see what’s so great about it. 

For starters, its single camera is equipped with a one-inch Sony CMOS sensor that produces unreal video quality of 6K Ultra HD.

That kind of clarity is practically unmatched, and it will help you hone in on all the finest details during your next cinematographic drone project. 

The 20 MP image quality is standard at best. What helps is the included 12-bit DNG, which produces color rendering power at a rate of nearly 69 billion colors.

You might not have the highest image resolution when you use the EVO II Pro camera, but you will have stunningly lifelike, colorful photos.

Besides, this camera supports 6K image quality when taking Hyperlapses, and you can save the files in RAW format for more detail and greater noise reduction. JPEGs are also available but will be noticeably lower-quality.

I love that you can set the aperture. The lowest light setting is f/2.8, but you can raise the EVO II Pro’s camera all the way to f/11. 

» MORE: Autel EVO 2 Pro vs. DJI Air 3 (Which One Is Better?)

If you feel the pull to keep shooting after dark and you’re legally allowed to do so, wait until you get a chance to see the Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 shine. This improved feature maintains the same image and video quality with less noise.

The warmth and color you’re used to when shooting by day comes through.

Active Track 2.1 is one of the greats. You can follow subjects like cars, people, and animals hands-free!

For its size, the EVO II Pro is a surprisingly zippy drone, achieving max speeds of 45 miles per hour. It’s wind-resistant up to 27 miles per hour or 12 meters a second.

I tested this drone in winds closer to 30 mph and it came out in one piece. 

You can feel confident flying the EVO II Pro in more scenarios thanks to its 360-degree obstacle avoidance system. Between main camera sensors, 12 vision sensors, IMUs, ultrasound, and 19 sensor groups, you are covered. 

The drone will gauge obstacles, then create a 3D map of a more optimal path for the EVO II Pro to take. This all happens in the moment, so the drone never slows or deviates.

It’s truly an amazing feature for pilots of all experience levels. 

Autel Robotics EVO 2 PRO V3

Autel EVO II Pro V3 is upgraded with Autel drone’s all new SkyLink 2.0 video transmission technology, allows video transmission from up to 15 km.

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12/05/2023 02:16 am GMT

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Next is the peerless Mavic 3 Pro, one of DJI’s greatest innovations to date.

This drone incorporates three cameras in one. Each achieves different focal points and settings, saving you time spent finetuning when you can swap effortlessly through these cameras. 

One is a ½-inch CMOS tele camera with a set f/3.4 aperture, a 166-millimeter equivalent, and 12 MP image quality.

Although this camera has the weakest image quality of the three, the tele camera also uses 28x Hybrid Zoom and 7x Optical Zoom.

The second camera is a medium tele camera with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. The camera has an f/2.8 fixed aperture, a 70-millimeter equivalent, and 48 MP image quality. This camera can also zoom using 3x Optical Zoom. 

The third camera is a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a 24-millimeter equivalent and 20 MP image quality. You can configure the aperture on this camera between f/2.8 and f/11.

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro – How to Turn ON/OFF (Step-by-Step Guide & Video)

DJI didn’t stop there. HLG mode retains detail, 10-bit D-Log introduces a rich world of color, and Night Shots competes with the Moonlight Algorithm.

The video quality is anything but shabby, shooting in 4K at 120 fps or 5.1K at 50 fps.

Engineered for performance, the Mavic 3 Pro includes the latest edition of the DJI Advanced Piloting Assistance System or APAS 5.0.

Although it doesn’t have nine sensor groups, this drone includes eight vision sensors with wide angles to detect more.

The vision computing engine allows the drone to escape danger in real-time. Further, four-direction visual assistance improves the awareness of the drone to make flying it safer.

The Mavic 3 Pro also includes enhanced zoom precision and nocturnal assistance.

How about those smart features? 

This drone gives you plenty to use, with FocusTrack for targeting subjects, Panorama for breathtaking visual imagery, QuickShots for automated flight routes, MasterShots for on-the-go editing, Waypoint flights for setting your own route, Cruise Control for stable hovering, and Smart RTH. 

Our Pick

DJI Mavic 3 Pro (Fly More Combo)

Flagship Triple-Camera Drone with 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 15km Video Transmission, three Batteries, Charging Hub, and more.

Buy from Amazon

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12/05/2023 10:56 am GMT

Head-to-head comparison

Camera system 

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Whew, this was a difficult battle. The EVO II Pro and Mavic 3 Pro both have mighty camera systems. The EVO II Pro excels in the video quality department, although the Mavic 3 Pro is no slouch with its 5.1K quality. 

Regarding image quality, the Mavic 3 Pro wins, promising 48 MP images versus the 20 MP images the EVO II Pro produces. I can cut this Autel camera some slack, considering it’s a bit older. 

Its image quality is still more than passable, and with all the built-in image settings like 12-bit DNG and color support, you don’t mind the image quality quite as much as you would in the absence of these features.

However, it’s tough for the EVO II Pro’s lone camera to compete with the Mavic 3 Pro’s triple-camera system.

Those three cameras have everything you need, whether you want the best in image quality, zooming, or adjustable aperture. 

» MORE: Best Camera Drones Under $2,000

Performance

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

I’ll admit it. This was another category where I waffled a little.

The EVO II Pro performs beautifully. It has what I would probably say is better obstacle avoidance, although only by a hair compared to the Mavic 3 Pro’s ultra-bolstered obstacle detection and avoidance system. 

However, I have to give this to the Mavic 3 Pro in the end. It has nearly the same level of obstacle avoidance, plus the triple cameras, and Intelligent Flight Modes. 

Autel has a few smart modes, but they’re far less than the Mavic 3 Pro’s. 

Are smart modes really the be-all, end-all of a drone? Maybe it’s not that drastic, but they certainly help.

They’re great for beginners to feel confident in operating their drones (not like either of these drones is exactly catered toward beginners).

They help intermediates and more experienced pilots focus on cinematics while the auto modes handle the drone flight. 

They also extend the novelty and functionality of your drone, so yes, they’re pretty darn important. 

The Mavic 3 Pro has more of them, enabling you to take polished, precise footage for your social media feed, YouTube channel, or professional portfolio. 

Ultimately, it has to come down to these features, or the lack thereof in the case of the EVO II Pro, considering these drones share the same level of wind resistance, comparable obstacle avoidance, and very similar battery lives. 

» MORE: How Fast Can Drones Fly? (An In-Depth Guide)

Portability 

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Is either drone all that portable? Yes and no.

Both drones fold, making transportation more efficient, but they’re both kind of heavy, the EVO II Pro much more so.

It weighs about two pounds. It will be trickier (but not impossible) to get it through security checkpoints and fit it in a checked luggage or carry-on.

It will also weigh you down more when you travel, especially if you’re spending your days hiking or backpacking.

The Mavic 3 Pro is friendlier for those activities, although not by a huge margin. It only weighs a few hundred grams less, after all! 

» MORE: Best Drone Backpacks (And Tips for Traveling with Your Drone)

RC compatibility and long-range flights

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Pro 

You’ll recall the EVO II Pro is equipped with an outstanding controller in the form of the Smart Controller SE. You can leave your phone in your pocket, as this 6.4-inch screen more than suffices. It’s OLED quality and acts as a touchscreen. 

The HD video transmission achievable through the eight-core processor will help you keep your social media feed poppin’ as soon as you take photos and videos. 

Besides the EVO II Pro, the Smart Controller SE only works with the EVO II V3 Thermal Series, so it has limited compatibility. 

The Mavic 3 Pro uses the DJI RC Pro, a high-level remote controller featuring the O3+ video transmission system.

It also has a screen, and while it’s 5.5 inches versus the 6.4 inches of the EVO II Pro remote’s screen, it has 1,000 nits of brightness. 

The 1080p display showcases what your drone sees and lets you edit and upload footage, run diagnostics, and operate drone modes.

The processor supports faster performance while using less power, and you can download footage at a rate of 80 megabytes a second, thanks to the Wi-Fi 6 protocol. 

You can use the DJI RC Pro with the Air 2S, Mavic 3 Cine, and Mavic 3, so it’s more compatible than the Autel controller. 

What about the transmission range? The Smart Controller SE has a transmission range of 9.3 miles, as does the Mavic 3 Pro! 

Autel might have the slightly better controller, but since it’s compatible with fewer drones than DJI’s, I’m giving the prize to the Mavic 3 Pro. 

» MORE: Long Range Drones: Ultimate Guide

Battery life 

Winner: DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The advertised flight time of the EVO II Pro is a very respectable 40 minutes versus 46 minutes for the Mavic 3 Pro. 

In either case, you get less time, so expect to log under 40 minutes with the Autel drone and under 45 minutes with the DJI.

That’s based on repeated flights where I nearly drained each respective battery (not like you should do that!).

I’m giving this category to the Mavic 3 Pro, but begrudgingly. There’s not such a huge chasm between these drones regarding battery life that a few extra minutes make a tremendous difference. 

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro – Battery (All You Need to Know)

Conclusion 

That was more difficult than I thought it would be, but there you have it: all the facts about how the Autel EVO II Pro and DJI Mavic 3 Pro stack up. 

While I’m sticking to my decision to select the Mavic 3 Pro and recommend it to you as the better drone between the two, the EVO II Pro has so many shining points that you can’t go wrong no matter which you choose.

However, the Mavic 3 Pro’s triple-camera system, fully loaded obstacle avoidance, Autel-beating flight time, excellent video transmission range with the O3+ transmission system, and high-level video and image quality make it a winner through and through. 

» MORE: Flight Time of All DJI Drones (Explained)