Drones have revolutionized the way we capture breathtaking aerial shots and videos, and DJI has been at the forefront of this revolution with its impressive lineup of drones. This article will explore the capabilities of the DJI Mini 4 Pro, an ultralight drone that comes equipped with 360-degree obstacle avoidance and 4K 100fps video recording. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the features, performance, and overall experience of this remarkable drone.
Here’s a table of the features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design and Portability | Weighs under 250 grams, falls under the sub-250-gram category, is highly portable, perfect for travel and adventures. |
| Camera Performance | Equipped with a 1.3-inch sensor for better image quality, shoots 4K video at 100fps, wide-angle lens, great default settings for impressive results. |
| Obstacle Avoidance and Safety | 360-degree obstacle avoidance technology detects and avoids obstacles on all sides, improving active track mode for tracking subjects. |
| Flight Performance | Agile and stable flight, high-speed capabilities, 60-degree upward camera tilt for unique angles, extended battery life of around 30 minutes. |
| Low-light and Nighttime Shooting | Handles low-light conditions well, minimal noise at higher ISO settings, dedicated night mode for challenging lighting situations. |
| Connectivity and Display | DJI’s 04 image transmission technology for extended range and high-quality video streaming, integrated display on the remote controller, 1080p at 60fps video streaming support. |
| Versatility and Ease of Use | Weighs under 250 grams, falls under the sub-250-gram category, highly portable, perfect for travel and adventures. |
The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a wide range of features that make it a compelling choice for drone enthusiasts and videographers. Its lightweight design, advanced obstacle avoidance, excellent camera performance, and extended battery life provide great value for its price.
Ultralight Design and Portability
The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s standout feature is its ultralight design, weighing just under 250 grams. This weight classification is significant because it places the drone in the sub-250-gram category, which often comes with fewer regulations and restrictions. The compact size and low weight make it incredibly portable, fitting snugly into a small bag. It’s the kind of drone you can take on a hike, bike ride, or any adventure without being encumbered by bulky equipment.
Camera Performance
One of the main highlights of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its camera capabilities. It boasts a 1.3-inch sensor, which is larger than what you typically find in drones of this size. This larger sensor allows for better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The drone can shoot 4K video at up to 100 frames per second, providing the flexibility to capture both stunning landscapes and smooth slow-motion footage.
The expert emphasizes that while specifications are essential, the real test of a camera’s quality is how it performs in default settings. In this case, the default color settings and auto-exposure produce impressive results. The drone’s camera also features a wide-angle lens, providing multiple focal lengths and allowing for dynamic shots without the need to change lenses.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety Features
The DJI Mini 4 Pro incorporates advanced obstacle avoidance technology, offering 360-degree coverage. This feature significantly enhances safety during flight, as the drone can detect and avoid obstacles on all sides, including the front, rear, and sides. During the test flights, the drone adeptly maneuvered around obstacles like trees, branches, and even thin wires, demonstrating its reliability in avoiding collisions.
The drone’s active track mode has also been improved, enabling it to track subjects from various angles while maintaining user-defined composition. This feature is particularly useful for content creators who want to capture dynamic shots without worrying about constantly adjusting the drone’s position manually.
Flight Performance
The Mini 4 Pro offers an impressive flight experience, combining agility with stability. It can reach high speeds, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, it features a 60-degree upward camera tilt, allowing for unique angles and perspectives.
The drone’s extended battery life is worth noting, as the expert was able to achieve approximately 30 minutes of flight time with the Plus Battery. While the advertised 45-minute maximum battery life might be under ideal conditions, it’s a commendable improvement over its predecessor.
Low-light and Nighttime Shooting
The drone’s camera performance in low-light conditions is another area where it shines. It can handle higher ISO settings with minimal noise, allowing for clear and detailed shots even as daylight fades. There’s also a dedicated night mode, which offers more control over ISO settings for capturing quality footage in challenging lighting situations.
Enhanced Connectivity and Display
The Mini 4 Pro comes equipped with DJI’s 04 image transmission technology, providing a robust connection between the drone and the controller. This technology not only extends the drone’s range but also allows for higher-quality video streaming. The remote controller features an integrated display, offering a clear view of the drone’s perspective, and it supports 1080p at 60fps video streaming.
DJI Mini 4 Pro Price and Value
The DJI Mini 4 Pro’s pricing is competitive, especially considering the features and capabilities it offers. With a starting price of $759, it falls in line with the Mini 3 Pro, making it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade or enter the world of drone videography. Additionally, DJI offers the DJI Care service, providing peace of mind for users concerned about potential accidents and repairs.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a remarkable addition to DJI’s lineup of drones. Its ultralight design, advanced obstacle avoidance, impressive camera performance, and extended battery life make it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional videographers. The drone’s portability and ease of use make it a versatile tool for capturing stunning aerial footage in various settings.
The expert also showcases the Mini 4 Pro’s capabilities in a real-world setting, highlighting its ability to capture cinematic shots and navigate challenging environments. With improved features like 360-degree obstacle avoidance and enhanced connectivity, it offers a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality drone experience.
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a content creator, or a drone enthusiast, the DJI Mini 4 Pro has a lot to offer. Its combination of performance, safety features, and affordability makes it a standout choice in the world of consumer drones. As technology continues to advance, we can only expect even more impressive drones from DJI in the future.