When comparing the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (M3E) and the DJI Matrice 350 RTK (M350) equipped with the P1 payload, the differences in flight time and operational efficiency are notable. The M3E offers a real-world flight time (depending on conditions) of approximately 30 minutes while the M350, even when carrying the P1 payload, provides an approximate flight time of 35 minutes. Despite this similarity, the M350’s greater mission efficiency and flexibility with payload options make it a more versatile tool in the field.
Cost Comparison
The overall cost of setting up the Matrice 350 RTK is substantially higher than that of the Mavic 3 Enterprise. The M3E, including the RTK module and additional battery kits, costs around $10,601. In contrast, the M350 setup, which includes the P1 payload and necessary batteries, costs approximately $32,227, making it about three times more expensive.
| Mavic 3 E | $4,489 | Matrice 350 RTK Combo | $13,429 | |
| Battery kit | $659 | 3X battery | $5,730 | |
| RTK module | $885 | P1 | $8,500 | |
| DRTK setup | $4568 | DRTK | $4568 |
Battery Cost and Lifespan
The Mavic 3 Enterprise batteries are priced at $209 each and have a rated lifespan of 200 cycles, resulting in a cost per cycle of $1.045. Meanwhile, the M350's TB65 batteries cost $1,910 per set, with a rated lifespan of 400 cycles, leading to a cost per cycle of $4.775 per set. This means the Matrice 350 RTK batteries are approximately 4.57 times more expensive per cycle than those of the Mavic 3 Enterprise. This cost difference can significantly impact your budget, especially if your operations involve frequent flights.
Camera Specifications
The camera systems on these drones also differ significantly. The M3E features a 20-megapixel camera with a 4/3 sensor and a 24mm equivalent field of view (FOV). In contrast, the M350, with the P1 payload, boasts a 45-megapixel full-frame sensor (35.9×24 mm) with a 24mm lens. The P1 camera thus provides 2.25 times more megapixels than the M3E, resulting in much higher image quality, which is essential for detailed surveying and mapping applications.
Versatility with Payloads
One of the key advantages of the Matrice 350 RTK is its ability to handle a wide variety of payloads beyond just the P1 camera. The M350 is compatible with LiDAR sensors, thermal imaging cameras, multispectral sensors, and other specialized equipment, making it suitable for a broad range of industrial applications, including:
- LiDAR Surveys: For creating high-resolution 3D models of terrains and structures, the M350 can be equipped with a LiDAR payload, something the M3E cannot accommodate.
- Thermal Imaging: In scenarios requiring thermal data, such as search and rescue operations, building inspections, or agricultural monitoring, the M350’s compatibility with advanced thermal sensors makes it a far more capable platform.
- Multispectral Imaging: For agricultural and environmental monitoring, the M350 can carry multispectral cameras that help in assessing crop health, land usage, and other environmental factors.
This versatility makes the Matrice 350 RTK a more comprehensive solution for professionals in industries like forestry, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. We think its a worthy investment if you plan on leveraging the versatility of the M350 platform or purchasing it as a shared resource in your organization.
Flight Planning and Ground Sample Distance (GSD)
Both drones were tested in a 0.6 km² area at a flight speed of 10 m/s.
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For a mission requiring a 1 cm GSD:
- Mavic 3 Enterprise: Needs to fly at an altitude of 37.2 meters and would take approximately 76 minutes to complete the mission.
- Matrice 350 RTK with P1 Payload: Needs to fly at an altitude of 54.6 meters and would take only 49 minutes to complete the same mission.
This means that the Matrice 350 RTK with the P1 payload is 55% faster than the M3E for the same GSD, saving you 27 minutes per mission.
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For a mission with a 2.5 cm GSD:
- Mavic 3 Enterprise: Requires an altitude of 93.1 meters and would take 30 minutes to complete the task.
- Matrice 350 RTK with P1 Payload: Requires an altitude of 136.5 meters and would take just 20 minutes.
In this scenario, the M350 with the P1 payload is 33% faster, saving you 10 minutes per mission.
Battery Requirements for Missions
Considering the flight times and mission durations:
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1 cm GSD Mission:
- Mavic 3 Enterprise: Requires 3 batteries to complete the 76-minute mission.
- Matrice 350 RTK with P1 Payload: Requires 2 batteries to complete the 49-minute mission.
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2.5 cm GSD Mission:
- Mavic 3 Enterprise: Requires 1 battery to complete the 30-minute mission.
- Matrice 350 RTK with P1 Payload: Requires 1 battery to complete the 20-minute mission.
This analysis shows that for more demanding missions, such as those requiring a 1 cm GSD, the M350 RTK setup is more efficient, requiring fewer batteries and reducing the need for battery swaps. This not only cuts down on field downtime but also enhances operational efficiency.
Weather Resistance and IP Rating
Another important consideration is the weather resistance and durability of the drones. The Matrice 350 RTK comes with an IP55 rating, meaning it is protected against dust ingress and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. This makes the M350 suitable for operations in harsher environments, including rain, dust, and high winds.
The Mavic 3 Enterprise does not have an IP rating, making it less ideal for operations in challenging weather conditions. This difference could be critical for professionals who need to operate in a variety of environments and cannot afford delays due to weather.
Conclusion
While the DJI Matrice 350 RTK with the P1 payload requires a higher initial investment and operational cost, it significantly reduces field time and battery requirements for more complex missions. Its versatility with multiple payloads, robust weather resistance, and superior camera quality make it the more suitable choice for professionals who require a reliable and multifunctional drone for a wide range of applications. On the other hand, the Mavic 3 Enterprise provides a more cost-effective solution for less demanding tasks, though with increased battery and time requirements for similar mission outcomes.
For professionals in industries like surveying, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, where payload flexibility, weather resistance, and efficiency are crucial, the Matrice 350 RTK is likely the better investment, despite its higher cost. However, for users with more straightforward needs, the Mavic 3 Enterprise offers a solid performance at a lower price point.
