DJI's automated dock systems enable truly remote drone operations — deploy, fly, and retrieve without a pilot on site. But with both the DJI Dock 2 and the newer DJI Dock 3 available, which one is right for your operation? This guide compares specs, pricing, and use cases to help you decide.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | DJI Dock 2 | DJI Dock 3 |
| Compatible Drone | DJI Matrice 3D / 3TD | DJI Matrice 4D / 4TD |
| Weight (Dock) | 34 kg | 41.4 kg |
| IP Rating | IP55 | IP55 |
| Operating Temp | -35°C to 50°C | -35°C to 50°C |
| Max Flight Time | 38 min (M3D) / 32 min (M3TD) | 42 min (M4D) / 38 min (M4TD) |
| Camera (Thermal) | M3TD: 56° DFOV thermal | M4TD: Wide + Zoom + Thermal + LRF |
| Transmission | O3 Enterprise (20km) | O4 Enterprise (20km) |
| RTK | Built-in | Built-in |
| 4G Connectivity | Dongle required | Built-in 4G |
DJI Dock 2 — The Proven Workhorse
The Dock 2 paired with the Matrice 3D or 3TD has been the go-to automated drone solution for mining, energy, and infrastructure companies across Australia. At a lower price point than the Dock 3, it delivers reliable autonomous operations for routine inspections and monitoring tasks.
Best for: Organisations starting with drone automation, sites needing basic visual and thermal inspection, budget-conscious deployments where the latest sensor technology isn't critical.
DJI Dock 3 — The Next Generation
The Dock 3 pairs with the new Matrice 4D and 4TD, bringing significant upgrades in sensor capability and flight performance. The M4TD in particular features a multi-sensor payload with wide-angle, zoom, thermal, and laser rangefinder — similar capability to the Zenmuse H30T in a much smaller airframe.
Best for: Operations requiring advanced thermal inspection, longer flight times, built-in 4G connectivity, and future-proofing your investment. Ideal for security, perimeter monitoring, and detailed infrastructure inspection.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Dock 2 if you need proven reliability at a lower investment, your missions are primarily visual mapping or basic monitoring, or you're deploying multiple docks across a large site.
- Choose Dock 3 if you need advanced thermal and zoom capability, require built-in 4G (no dongle), want longer flight times per sortie, or are making a new investment and want the latest technology.
Pricing
Both dock systems are available from Advanced Avionics Australia with full DJI warranty and support. Contact us for a custom quote based on your specific requirements — we can help you design the right solution for your site.
Need help deciding? Contact our team for expert advice on which dock system suits your operation.