In the ever-evolving world of technology, drones have taken centre stage, revolutionising industries and providing creative solutions across the world and the African continent. At Africa Drone Kings, we are proud to be a licensed reseller of DJI drones, offering cutting-edge technology that empowers individuals and businesses to soar to new heights. DJI, or Da-Jiang Innovations, is a global leader in drone technology.
Known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and reliability. DJI has set the gold standard for drones. As an authorized reseller, Africa Drone Kings ensures that you have access to the latest DJI products, all backed by DJI’s reputation for excellence.
DJI has been a frontrunner in the drone industry, continually pushing the boundaries of innovation. In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of two of their remarkable offerings: the DJI M30T and the DJI M3T. Both drones cater to diverse needs, but understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Size
When fully unfolded, the M3T measures 347.5 x 283 x 107.7 mm, while the M30T is larger at 470 x 585 x 215 mm. Consequently, the M30T is notably bigger than the M3T.
Regarding camera specifications, the M3T is equipped with a 12MP telephoto camera and a 48MP wide-angle camera, both featuring a ½-inch CMOS sensor. This configuration allows for an impressive 56x hybrid zoom. Additionally, it boasts a thermal camera with a resolution of 640×512 pixels that can zoom in up to 28 times.
On the other hand, the M30T comes with a 48MP telephoto camera and a 12MP wide-angle camera, both also featuring a ½-inch CMOS sensor. This combination provides a remarkable 200x hybrid zoom capability. Furthermore, it includes a thermal camera with a photo and video resolution of 640×512 pixels in normal mode, offering a 28x zoom range. Notably, the M30T is also equipped with a range finder capable of measuring distances between 3 meters and 1200 meters.
In terms of battery life, the M3T provides an impressive 46 minutes of flying time with a single battery, whereas the M30T offers 41 minutes of flying time using a pair of batteries. Thanks to its hot-swap function, you are able to quickly and seamlessly swap out the batteries without turning off the drone
It’s worth mentioning that, as of now, the M30T stands out as one of two DJI enterprise drones with an IP55 rating for water resistance, showcasing its durability and suitability for various environmental conditions.
Camera Capabilties
The M30T
This model has a 48 megapixel 1/2″ CMOS sensor zoom camera with 5x to 16x optical and 200x digital zoom, a 12 megapixel wide-angle camera, 4k photo 4K/30 fps video resolution, and a laser rangefinder which can give the precise coordinates of objects up to 1,200 metres away.
The M30T also features a 640 x 512 px radiometric thermal camera. It also has a 1280 x 1024 Infrared Image Super-resolution Mode.
DJI M3T
The DJI Mavic 3 Thermal (M3T) stands out as DJI’s most compact thermal imager, boasting high-resolution thermal and imaging cameras. With a 640 x 512 pixel resolution infrared sensor and capable of precise centimetre-level RTK positioning, it delivers accurate thermal mapping.
The Mavic 3T’s thermal and zoom cameras offer an impressive 28x continuous side-by-side zoom capability, facilitating easy comparisons. These drones have earned a strong reputation for their excellence in surveying solar power plants. Utilizing thermal drones for PV inspections can lead to significant time and cost savings.
The thermal camera on the Mavic 3T features a resolution of 640×512 pixels and supports temperature measurement, high-temperature alerts, various color palettes, and isotherms, which are instrumental in detecting hot spots within PV panels and making swift decisions. This makes the Mavic 3T particularly well-suited for emergency services and inspection missions, offering rapid deployment and powerful imaging capabilities.
With a remarkable 45-minute flight time, the Mavic 3T enables extensive coverage during inspections, allowing for surveys of up to 2 kilometres in a single flight. Despite its robust capabilities, the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal retains a lightweight and compact design, making it a next-generation multi-sensor commercial drone of choice.
The Mavic 3T supports comprehensive visual data collection, incorporating features like hybrid zoom and high-resolution thermal imaging. It also prioritizes safety with advanced obstacle detection and navigation systems, bolstered by a robust transmission system to ensure reliable performance in various scenarios.
The thermal sensors are virtually the same, so this round is a tie. Zoom capabilities on the M30T has almost 4x’s as much zoom range as the M3T. With both drones processing split screen capabilities, you are able to view the thermal and colour camera view at the same time.
Flight Performance
DJI M30T: This drone provides impressive flight stability and agility, thanks to advanced sensors and obstacle avoidance technology. It can fly at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph).DJI M3T: The M3T is also known for its stable flight characteristics and obstacle avoidance features. It offers a slightly less velocity with a top speed of 44 mph (70 kph). With only one battery.
RTK – Real Time Kinematics
This allows you to fly with centimetre level accuracy making sure your drone lands exactly where it should and that your maps are pin point accurate. Both of these drones are capable of this with the M30T feature built in and the M3T an additional top hat feature which is priced separately.
Portability & Design
DJI M30T:While the M30T is foldable, it maintains a relatively compact design, making it suitable for transportation. However, it may require a bit more space in your gear setup. Can be deployed in under a minute.
The M3T is a foldable drone, designed for portability and ease of transport. Its compact form factor makes it an ideal choice for travellers and on-the-go videographers. Can be deployed in under a minute.
Smart Controllers
Both drones are equipped with smart controllers, the M3T has a 5inch screen with less buttons. The M30T remote is a larger remote with physical buttons and a larger screen for dual operation and which feels great to hold and operate when flying. The M30T allows for a second controller allowing a second operator to focus on the camera operation whilst the primary pilot is using the remote to fly the designated route. There is also a hand off function where one pilot can take over from another.
Obstacle Avoidance: Both drone have 360 degree sensors to assist in avoiding obstacles.
Weather resistance – The DJI M30T is able to fly in harsher weather conditions and able to fly in light to moderate rain. The Mavic 3T is not meant to fly in any adverse weather conditions.
Noticeable differences – The M30T has a laser range finder, which allows you to point at objects and know how far away they are and what height they are, this is not a feature on the M3T. M3T has no tracking capabilities, whereas the M30T has an incredible tracking function that allows you to track on a subject and allows the zoom to follow the subject without changing position or flying after the subject.
Intelligent Flight Mode
DJI M30T: DJI’s M30T offers an array of intelligent flight modes, including SmartTrack , Waypoints 2.0, and FocusTrack, allowing for precise and creative control over your aerial shots.
DJI M3T: The M3T also includes intelligent flight modes like Spotlight 2.0 and Point of Interest 3.0, providing options for automated flying.
Price Point
DJI M30T: As the more advanced model, the M30T comes at a higher price point, reflecting its top-tier camera capabilities and advanced features.
DJI M3T: The M3T offers an excellent balance between performance and cost, making it an attractive choice for users who seek quality without breaking the bank.
Both the DJI M30T and M3T are impressive drones, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases. The choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize top-tier camera capabilities and are willing to invest in the best, the M30T is a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you seek a balance between performance and affordability, the M3T delivers excellent value without compromising on quality. Evaluate your requirements and consider these differences carefully to make an informed decision that aligns with your scope of your requirements
Africa Drone Kings is more than just a reseller; we’re your gateway to the world of DJI drones and the limitless possibilities they offer. Whether you’re looking to capture breathtaking aerial footage, optimize agricultural practices, or streamline industrial operations, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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