# Mavic 4 Pro Vs. Mavic 3 Pro: Compare The RAW Files Yourself!

URL: https://jvn.photo/mavic4-vs-mavic3-raw-files/
Last updated: 2026-10-14

> Ever since the DJI Mavic 4 Pro launched, a lot of doubt has seemingly been cast over whether or not it is actually a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Because I like to follow my own thoughts and observations, I decided to just test it myself by flying the Mavic 4 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro side-by-side, taking the same images in the same conditions.

*Disclaimer: This is an opinion article based on all the available information of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro at the time of writing. This article is not sponsored in any way. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*Ever since the [DJI Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) launched, a lot of doubt has seemingly been cast over whether or not it is actually a significant upgrade from its predecessor. Because I like to follow my own thoughts and observations, **I decided to just test it myself by flying the Mavic 4 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro side-by-side, taking the same images in the same conditions**.

**Let’s get one thing out of the way first: I am not a pixel-peeper.** I generally don’t go and zoom in on an image at 400% to see whether or not something is every so slightly sharper. I don’t think it matters all that much. And you know why? It’s because a new drone, or a new camera, is not solely defined by whether or not it produces significantly better images. There are so many factors to take into consideration whether something is a significant step up such as battery life, transmission technology, controllers, easy-of-use, …

So what did I find by putting the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and DJI Mavic 4 Pro next to each other? **Let’s find out!**

To celebrate the launch of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, **you can now get 30% off [the Drone Photography Masterclass](https://jvn.photo/drone-photography-masterclass/mavic-4-pro-offer/)**. Scroll down below to enjoy the offer![image_with_animation image_url=”1167775″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*I flew both the [DJI Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) and the DJI Mavic 3 Pro side-by-side, in the same conditions, to compare their RAW files.*

**The short version:** for most working photographers the Mavic 4 Pro is a real upgrade. The main camera moves to a newer 100 MP quad-bayer sensor that gives you cleaner 25 MP files than the Mavic 3 Pro, the telephoto is finally good enough to lean on, and the longer battery life is something you feel on every flight. If you shoot for a living or as a serious hobby, it pays off. If you want my full long-term take after months of real shooting, I wrote up my hands-on verdict on the [DJI Mavic 4](https://jvn.photo/review-dji-mavic-4-pro-after-3-months-of-intense-photography/). The Mavic 3 Pro is still a very capable camera though, so rather than take my word for it, I have made the untouched RAW files from both drones free to download so you can judge for yourself.

## DJI Mavic 4 Pro Vs. Mavic 3 Pro: Full Specifications At A Glance

[align-center]Specification,[align-center]DJI%20Mavic%204%20Pro,[align-center]DJI%20Mavic%203%20Pro|Main%20Camera%20Sensor,[align-center]4%2F3%20CMOS%20(Hasselblad),[align-center]4%2F3%20CMOS%20(Hasselblad)|Main%20Camera%20Resolution,[align-center]25%20MP,[align-center]20%20MP|Main%20Camera%20Aperture,[align-center]f%2F2.0%20to%20f%2F11%20(variable),[align-center]f%2F2.8%20to%20f%2F11%20(variable)|Medium%20Tele%20Camera,[align-center]1%2F1.3%22%20CMOS%2C%2048%20MP%2C%2070%20mm%20equiv.,[align-center]1%2F1.3%22%20CMOS%2C%2048%20MP%2C%2070%20mm%20equiv.|Tele%20Camera,[align-center]1%2F1.5%22%20CMOS%2C%2050%20MP%2C%20168%20mm%20equiv.,[align-center]1%2F2%22%20CMOS%2C%2012%20MP%2C%20166%20mm%20equiv.|Gimbal,[align-center]3-axis%20with%20infinity%20rotation,[align-center]3-axis|Max%20Video,[align-center]6K%2F60fps%2C%204K%2F120fps,[align-center]5.1K%2F50fps%2C%204K%2F120fps|Battery%20Life%20(Max),[align-center]51%20minutes,[align-center]43%20minutes|Transmission,[align-center]DJI%20OcuSync%204%2B%20(O4%2B),[align-center]DJI%20OcuSync%204%20(O4)|Wind%20Resistance,[align-center]12%20m%2Fs,[align-center]12%20m%2Fs|Internal%20Storage,[align-center]64%20GB%20(up%20to%20512%20GB),[align-center]8%20GB|Weight,[align-center]1%2C063%20g,[align-center]958%20g|Released,[align-center]May%202025,[align-center]April%202023

## Things You Should Know About The Mavic 3 Pro/Mavic 4 Pro RAW Files

Since the release of [DJI Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro), I have been getting a lot of requests for files so I decided to do it properly and make a full set of files of both the Mavic 3 Pro and [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro). Today, I went out, flew both drones next to each other at about 14 meter altitude and then took all of the images according to a list I made. **Some of the differences are considerable** and I am sure you will be curious about them too.

**If you sign up below, you will get a link sent to download the files.** However, there are a few things I want to point out first…

### Good To Know

During the creation of all these images, and comparing both drones, I have noticed a few things that really stood out to me. It’s **impossible to do a 1:1 comparison**, with the same composition/view, between the Mavic 3 Pro and [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) for a variety of reasons:

- **The camera module on both drones has a dramatically different design.** How the three different lenses are positioned is different, with the most obvious change being that the 1x lens is at the bottom on the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and at the top on the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro)). The gimbal itself is also vastly larger on the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro)o, which means that they are not sitting at the same height.

- The **main camera (1x) does not have the same focal length**, with the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) being a bit tighter. On top of that, the resolution is not the same as the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) has 25 megapixels, up from 20 megapixels on the Mavic 3 Pro. The sensor itself also has a different aspect ratio. [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) has a 3:2 sensor, while Mavic 3 Pro has a 3:4 sensor.

- The 6x and 7x have the same focal length but have a **slightly differing resolution**.

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167751″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*Because the camera modules are dramatically different, it is almost impossible to do a true 1-to-1 comparison of both camera systems.*

- The **[Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) has many more ISO steps** to choose from. For example, you jump from ISO100 straight into ISO200 on Mavic 3 Pro, while **Mavic 4 Pro** has ISO125 & ISO160 in between. To keep the download size smaller, I removed these in between ISO steps from the RAW files.

- The 1x lens on the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) has an **aperture that can open up considerably wider** than the Mavic 3 Pro’s 1x lens.

- [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) is also capable of shooting at **much faster shutter speeds** (up to 1/16000s) which you will notice when comparing the highest ISO’s. Some images on the Mavic 3 Pro are overexposed as a result of the slower maximum shutter speed.

- After inspecting the RAW files, I can conclude that the **[Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro) RAW files have a higher effective color depth** than Mavic 3 Pro.

- Mavic 4 Pro has **dual-native ISO** on all three cameras for photography with a native ISO at 100 & 400. This is different in video, and depending on the color profile, where it will be ISO 400 & ISO 1600 instead.

- Even though the white balance is the same on all images, the **colors on Mavic 3 Pro are much cooler** in comparison.

- The **minimal focusing distance is different** with the Mavic 3 Pro focusing from one meter, as opposed to two meters on the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro).

- For some of these images, for example when changing the ISO, I had to leave the settings on Auto for aperture and shutter speed so the exposures wouldn’t be wildly different. This is when I noticed that **the metering on both of these camera systems is seemingly very different**. You will notice that the choices for aperture and shutter speed on both drones, in the same situation, are completely different. By default, the Mavic 3 Pro seems a lot darker in choosing its exposures.

### What Can You Find In The Downloadable Files?

Here is a list of all the RAW files I have made available in the download:

- **DJI Mavic 4 Pro:**

- 1x Camera: all ISO’s that are also available on Mavic 3 Pro

- 1x Camera: all apertures

- 1x Camera: a 100 megapixel quad-bayer image

- 2,5x Camera: all ISO’s that are also available on Mavic 3 Pro

- 2,5x Camera: a 48 megapixel quad-bayer image

- 6x Camera: all ISO’s that are also available on Mavic 3 Pro

- 6x Camera: a 50 megapixel quad-bayer image

- **DJI Mavic 3 Pro:**

- 1x Camera: all ISO’s

- 1x Camera: all apertures

- 3x Camera: all ISO’s

- 7x Camera: all ISO’s

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167779″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*Everything is divided up neatly into folders so you can do your own investigating and research.*

## Get Access To The RAW Files

Sign up below to get a download link to access the RAW files.

*Please note that signing up for the download link will also sign you up to my newsletter mailing list.*

## A Few Comparisons I Wanted To Highlight

While I do not want to draw conclusions just yet, because I want to use my drone more thoroughly before I write a thorough review, **there are a few comparisons I want to show you in the imaging department**. As mentioned, these are comparisons under certain conditions between DJI Mavic 3 Pro and [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro). Without hyping it too much, there is definitely a very visible difference between both of them.

*Disclaimer: it is by far the best to download the files yourself and have a look. The images you see here are also in some way compressed because you are viewing them on my website.*

### 200% Crop Between Mavic 3 Pro (1x) and Mavic 4 Pro (1x)

This is a 200% crop of two RAW files at ISO100 towards the center of the frame. There is a very clear difference in sharpness.[image_with_animation image_url=”1167762″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 3 Pro*

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167763″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 4 Pro*

### 200% Crop Of The Left Bottom Corner On Mavic 3 Pro (1x) and Mavic 4 Pro (1x)

This is a 200% crop of the left bottom corner of both RAW files at ISO100. Mavic 3 Pro was never great at corner sharpness and it does not look like Mavic 4 Pro has any significant improvement there.[image_with_animation image_url=”1167766″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 3 Pro*

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167767″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 4 Pro*

### ISO6400 On Mavic 3 Pro (1x) and Mavic 4 Pro (1x)

This is a crop of two unedited RAW files. I tried to crop them to resemble the view somewhat. The difference between both sensors at ISO6400 is revolutionary in my eyes.[image_with_animation image_url=”1167759″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 3 Pro*

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167760″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 4 Pro*

### 200% Crop Of Mavic 3 Pro (7x) and Mavic 4 Pro (6x)

These two RAW images show a significant improvement on the longest lens of the two drones. The sharpness improvement is very obvious.[image_with_animation image_url=”1167769″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 3 Pro*

[image_with_animation image_url=”1167770″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” img_link_large=”yes” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”]

*DJI Mavic 4 Pro*

## Affordable Alternatives

If you are looking at alternatives to the [DJI Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/go/djimavic4pro), **I can point you into the direction of [my updated drone photography buyer’s guide](https://jvn.photo/best-drone-photography-2026/)**. If you are considering upgrading from an older model, you may also be able to get some great deals on second-hand Mavic 3 series drones or others.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is The Mavic 4 Pro Worth Upgrading To From The Mavic 3 Pro?

For most working photographers, yes. The newer 100 MP quad-bayer main sensor gives you cleaner 25 MP files than the Mavic 3 Pro’s 20 MP camera, the tele camera is finally usable, and the new battery life is a quality of life upgrade you feel on every shoot. If your photography is a serious hobby or your livelihood, the upgrade pays off.

### Does The Mavic 4 Pro Have Better Dynamic Range Than The Mavic 3 Pro?

In practice, yes, particularly in the deep shadow recovery on the main camera. The difference is most visible in high-contrast scenes like sunrise landscapes where you need to lift the shadows without introducing noise. The improvement is not enormous, but it is real and it shows up consistently.

### Are Mavic 3 Pro RAW Files Still Good In 2026?

Yes. The DNG files from the Mavic 3 Pro still hold up extremely well, especially from the main and medium tele cameras. Modern editing software like Lightroom and DxO PureRAW continues to improve the noise handling on older files, so if anything your existing Mavic 3 Pro archive gets better over time, not worse.

### Can You Tell The Difference Between Mavic 3 Pro And Mavic 4 Pro Photos?

At normal viewing sizes for social media or web, the difference is subtle. At print sizes above A3, or when you start cropping aggressively, the [Mavic 4 Pro](https://jvn.photo/review-dji-mavic-4-pro-after-3-months-of-intense-photography/) pulls ahead clearly. The tele camera difference is the most obvious in side-by-side comparison.

### Which Is Better For Low Light: Mavic 4 Pro Or Mavic 3 Pro?

The Mavic 4 Pro, but the gap is smaller than the specs suggest. Both drones share the same 4/3 main sensor format, so the improvements come from updated image processing rather than a fundamentally larger sensor. In real low-light flying, expect noticeably cleaner files on the Mavic 4 Pro at ISO 800 and above.