The DJI Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 30 are both renowned in the commercial and industrial drone industry.
While both drones excel in areas like wildfire detection and environmental management, their similarities mainly lie in their thermal and high-zoom camera capabilities. Beyond that, they diverge significantly, especially in terms of price and functionality.
Let's start with price:
| Drone Model | Matrice 30T | Matrice 350 RTK |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $10,919 CAD | $13,429 CAD |
| H30T Camera Payload | – | $12,620 CAD |
| Total Before Taxes | $10,919 CAD | $26,049 CAD |
The Matrice 350 RTK combined with a thermal camera payload costs more than twice as much as the Matrice 30T, offering similar zoom and thermal functionality. Therefore, if your tasks are limited to thermal applications, the Matrice 30T has the best value.
Interchangeable Payload Capabilities:
| Feature | Matrice 30T | Matrice 350 RTK |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal/Zoom | Built-in | H30T |
| Photogrammetry | n/a | Zenmuse P1 |
| LiDAR Mapping | n/a | Zenmuse L2 / GreenValley |
| Multispectral | n/a | Micasense |
| Spotlight | CZI GL60 | CZI GL60 |
| Speaker | CZI LP12 | CZI MP140 |
If versatility is important, the Matrice 350 RTK offers interchangeable payloads, extended flight time (55 minutes), and support for advanced industrial applications like mapping, surveying, and LiDAR scanning. It’s ideal for organizations that can share the platform across departments or for operators offering multiple services.
In contrast, the Matrice 30 is a more compact, all-in-one solution, perfect for quick deployment. It provides 41 minutes of flight time and was designed primarily for public safety and inspection tasks.
Key Comparison:
| Feature | Matrice 350 RTK | Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Time | Up to 55 minutes | Up to 41 minutes |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 9.2 kg | 3.77 kg |
| Max Payload | 2.7 kg | Integrated system |
| Operating Temp. | -20°C to 50°C | -20°C to 50°C |
| Ingress Protection | IP55 | IP55 |
| Transmission Range | 20 km | 15 km |
Key Considerations:
- Payload Capacity: The Matrice 350 RTK can handle heavier, specialized payloads such as the DJI L2, P1, and H30T, while the Matrice 30 is more limited but versatile for many industrial tasks.
- Flight Time: The Matrice 350 RTK offers up to 55 minutes of flight time, whereas the Matrice 30's 41 minutes is sufficient for most field operations.
- Portability: The Matrice 30’s compact size makes it easier to transport and deploy, especially for smaller teams or in confined spaces.
- Quick Deployment: The Matrice 30T can be setup and deployed within minutes, the Matrice 350 RTK takes slightly longer to mount the landing gear and payload.
- Applications: The Matrice 30 excels in infrastructure inspection, public safety, and emergency response, while the Matrice 350 is better suited for heavy-duty tasks like LiDAR, surveying, or long-range mapping.
Which is Right for You?
Choose the Matrice 350 RTK if your operations demand LiDAR mapping, surveying, or long-range mapping. If your work involves quicker missions that require agility and portability, the Matrice 30 is a better fit.
Both drones deliver exceptional performance, but your decision should be based on your specific needs and mission requirements.
