DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2

• In-depth comparison between the DJI Zenmuse L3 and DJI Zenmuse L2 drone payloads;

• Find out about the L3's key upgrades, including enhanced accuracy, range, penetration, and efficiency - and why this matters.

• Learn how heliguy™ can help you start and scale your survey operations with the new DJI Zenmuse L3.

DJI’s release of the Zenmuse L3 marks a major evolution in drone LiDAR technology.

Following the success of the DJI Zenmuse L2, which set a benchmark for accessible, high-precision UAS-based mapping, the L3 pushes performance, range, and adaptability into the professional-grade tier.

In this detailed comparison, we break down how the L3 improves on the L2, what these upgrades mean for surveying workflows, and why the L3 represents a new era of high-efficiency, high-altitude LiDAR.

Key takeaways

• Detection range: DJI Zenmuse L3 has a 950m detection range - further than the L2’s effective range (~450m).

• Altitude: DJI Zenmuse L3 has a practical working range of up to 500 metres of altitude, compared to L2’s 120m–150m optimal range.

• Accuracy: Obtain 3.5cm vertical accuracy at 150m altitude with the DJI Zenmuse L3, compared to the L2’s 4cm vertical at the same height.

• Returns: Zenmuse L3 offers up to 16 returns, versus L2’s five — vastly improving vegetation penetration and multi-layer mapping.

• Sampling rate: L3 has an adjustable 100kHz–2MHz scanning frequency, giving full control over density and penetration, compared to the L2’s 240kHz sampling rate.

• Cameras: Dual 100MP M4/3 cameras (L3) vs single 20MP (L2) — producing richer imagery and enhanced truer colour for LiDAR visualisation.

• Scanning modes: L3 offers three intelligent scanning patterns (Linear Repetitive, Star-Shaped, and Non-Repetitive) for greater versatility. The L2 uses Non-repetitive and Repetitive scanning patterns.

• Speed: L3 maintains accuracy at up to 25 m/s, improving efficiency for corridor and large-area mapping. The L2's maximum recommended flight speed is 15m/s.

• Drone compatibility: Both the L3 and L2 are compatible with the DJI Matrice 400. The L2 can also be deployed with the DJI M350 RTK, as well as the M300 RTK (with DJI RC Plus)

• heliguy™ support: Expert training, setup, and LiDAR workflow integration available to help you start and scale effectively.

Expert insight

"The DJI Zenmuse L3 is a genuine leap forward from the L2 — it’s faster, smarter, and capable of collecting deeper, richer data. With longer range, 16 returns, and dual 100MP cameras, it transforms what surveyors can achieve in a single flight. The L3 raises the bar in DJI's drone survey ecosystem.”

- Richard Dunlop, Head of Geospatial, heliguy™

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2: Key specifications

The table below provides an overview of the key specification differences between the DJI Zenmuse L3 and DJI Zenmuse L2 - and how the L3’s enhancements can further benefit survey teams.

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2: Precision and depth - 16 returns vs 5

DJI Zenmuse L3 offers up to 16 returns, while the L2 tops out at 5.

The jump is a significant advancement.

Each laser pulse from the L3 can capture more reflections, revealing canopy, sub-canopy, and ground layers all at once.

Why it matters: The L3’s 16 return capability provides enhanced ground classification under vegetation, more complete 3D models of buildings and landscapes, and higher data richness for environmental, forestry, and infrastructure projects.

Is the DJI Zenmuse L3 more accurate than the DJI Zenmuse L2?

Yes, the DJI Zenmuse L3 offers enhanced accuracy compared to the DJI Zenmuse L2.

When flying at 150m, the L3 yields a vertical accuracy of 3.5cm, compared to the L2’s 4cm vertical accuracy.

At 120m altitude, the L3 obtains 3cm vertical accuracy, while at 300m flight altitude it can achieve 4cm vertical accuracy.

Why it matters: The L3’s improved vertical accuracy means more precise elevation data and tighter surface models, reducing post-processing corrections and improving confidence in results for engineering, construction, and topographic surveys.

DJI Zenmuse L3 adds more scanning modes

While the L2 used a single linear scanning pattern, the L3 introduces three scanning modes — Linear, Star-Shaped, and Non-Repetitive — that can be selected to suit each mission.

L3 scanning modes:

• Linear Repetitive: Maximum precision for engineering surveys.

• Star-Shaped: Higher ground point density for terrain mapping.

• Non-Repetitive: Richer building structure data for urban modelling.

L2 scanning modes:

• Repetitive: Suitable for topographic mapping, with higher accuracy and even point cloud scans.

• Non-repetitive: Use for electricity and forestry data collection to generate more complete tree trunk and electrical transmission tower models.

On top of this, the L3's LiDAR field of view has been expanded - enabling the drone to cover more ground per pass, for improved efficiency and data completeness.

For example, in Non-Repetitive Scanning Mode, L3 has a horizontal and vertical FOV of 80°, compared to the L2's 70° horizontal and 75° vertical FOV.

Why it matters: This flexibility ensures that data quality can be tuned for any environment — from dense forests to open plains.

DJI Zenmuse L3: Flexible sampling rates for enhanced drone LiDAR results

One of the biggest technical leaps from the Zenmuse L2 to the L3 is the introduction of a fully adjustable sampling rate, giving operators far greater control over point density, range, and laser penetration.

The L2 offered solid performance, but required compromise - a fixed 240 KHz sampling rate.

The L3 removes that limitation entirely. By allowing users to fine-tune between 100KHz and 2MHz, it provides dynamic control over pulse rate and laser energy distribution.

This means you can optimise for either range or density — depending on your altitude, terrain, and target reflectivity.

Why it matters: The L3’s adaptive sampling rate system gives surveyors unprecedented flexibility to match LiDAR performance to mission goals.

Whether the focus is long-range penetration or ultra-detailed surface modelling, the L3 can adapt — outperforming the fixed-rate design of the L2 and delivering higher data quality across more survey scenarios.

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2: Range and altitude

The L3 trumps the L2's maximum detection range: Extending the reach from around 450m to 950 metres.

In fact, the L3 can expand its reach to 2,000m, but DJI advises operators speak to a specialist dealer, like heliguy™, to utilise this sort of distance. The manufacturer says that 950m is the maximum detection range by default.

And with a typical working altitude of 300–500m, the L3 enables large-area mapping without increasing flight time or complexity - although it has to be noted that, in the UK, operators will need to adhere to the 120m altitude (unless they have extended permission through UK SORA. heliguy™'s UK SORA consultancy can help with this).

The L2’s maximum altitude is 150m.

Why it matters: Surveyors can cover more ground per flight, reduce overlap, and safely operate above obstacles and complex terrain. It’s particularly valuable for mountainous surveys, corridor mapping, and floodplain analysis.

Speed and efficiency for drone surveys

The L3 enables faster data collection while maintaining accuracy.

With speeds up to 25 m/s (optimal 15-17 m/s), it supports larger missions and corridor mapping with greater efficiency. This, along with a new gimbal for enhanced stabilisation, helps provide more consistent data, even at higher flight speeds.

In contrast, the L2’s optimal survey speed is 15m/s.

Why it matters: Benefit from shorter mission times and improved cost-effectiveness with the L3’s ability to map at faster speeds. This, coupled with the L3’s higher working altitude, makes the L3 a highly-efficient drone survey solution.

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2: RGB camera

The L3’s dual 100MP with photo M4/3 cameras are a game-changer for imagery and LiDAR integration.

Compared to the L2’s single 20MP sensor, the L3 delivers:

• Sharper detail and enhanced true colour fidelity in orthophotos and point-cloud colourisation.

• Broader 107° horizontal FOV for fewer flight lines.

• A 0.5s shutter speed versus 0.7s on the L2 - enabling faster image capture, reduced motion blur, and sharper RGB data, for cleaner, better-aligned imagery even during higher-speed survey flights.

• Improved photogrammetry fusion, producing cleaner, more realistic 3D models.

• Pixel binding supports an effective 25MP resolution with larger pixel size - ideal for enhanced colourisation, especially in lowlight conditions.

• A ground sample distance (GSD) of 3cm, even at an altitude of 300m.

Why it matters: The combination of higher resolution and dual-camera setup means the L3 captures both data accuracy and visual context, reducing the need for additional imaging flights.

Which drones are compatible with the DJI Zenmuse L3 and DJI Zenmuse L2?

The DJI Zenmuse L3 is engineered exclusively for the DJI M400 and comes with a new gimbal mount, due to the increased weight of the payload (see table below).

In contrast, the DJI Zenmuse L2 is compatible with the DJI M400, DJI M350 RTK, and DJI M300 RTK (with RC Plus).

It means that the L3 isn’t an L2 ‘killer’. Rather, the L3-M400 combination offers a flagship drone LiDAR solution, while the L2 continues to offer a survey option.

Between them, they form a high-low combination to jointly expand the drone LiDAR market.

FAQs

Q: Is the L3 more accurate than the L2?

The L3 achieves slightly higher precision (±3.5cm vertical vs ±4cm at 150m) and maintains accuracy at much higher altitudes.

Q: What’s the biggest difference in data quality?

The L3’s 16 returns and 100MP cameras deliver significantly more detail and truer colour representation.

Q: Does the L3 work with the same drones as the L2?

No — the L3 is designed for the Matrice 400, using a new gimbal mount.

Q: Can L3 data still be processed in DJI Terra?

Yes, with the latest Terra v5.1.0.6 or later, plus optional integration with DJI Modify for advanced classification and Gaussian Splatting.

How heliguy™ can support you

As the UK’s leading DJI Enterprise Partner, heliguy™ offers expert guidance to help you add the L3 (or L2) to your workflows.

Our in-house surveying specialists - who have already conducted flights with the L3 - can:

• Offer tailored consultancy and product supply to streamline adoption and integration.

• Compare workflow compatibility and help you migrate existing L2 data processes.

• Deliver training on new scanning modes, return settings, and sampling optimisation.

• Assist with DJI Terra and Modify integration and data-processing support.

On top of this, our regulatory specialists can help you with UK SORA applications to operate the L3 above 120m altitude to take advantage of the payload's higher altitude working capabilities.

heliguy™ ensures a smooth transition, helping you start strong and scale fast with DJI’s most advanced LiDAR yet. Contact us for more details.

DJI Zenmuse L3 vs DJI Zenmuse L2: Which is best for drone LiDAR surveys?

The DJI Zenmuse L3 builds on the strengths of the L2, delivering longer range, higher altitude capability, richer data, and faster mission performance.

It transforms LiDAR from a mid-range mapping tool into a high-efficiency, multi-purpose survey powerhouse.

With 16 returns, dual 100MP cameras, and advanced scanning modes, the L3 provides enhanced versatility and data completeness — setting a new benchmark in DJI’s aerial LiDAR ecosystem.