DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: The Ultimate Sub-250g Flyer?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is the latest addition to the popular Mini series, which offers impressive performance and features in a compact and lightweight package. The Mini 4 Pro drone is the most advanced model in the series, boasting a 1/1.3-inch 48MP sensor, a mechanical gimbal, omnidirectional vision sensing, 4K video recording, and intelligent flight modes. But how does it compare to its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro, and other drones in its class? And is it worth the $759 price tag? Let’s find out.

Design and Build Quality

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone looks very similar to the Mini 3 Pro, with a sleek and foldable design that makes it easy to carry and store. The drone weighs only 249g, which means it does not require registration in most countries and regions. However, it is still a powerful and capable drone that can fly up to 31 minutes on a single charge, reach speeds of up to 57 kph, and withstand winds of up to 38 kph.

The main difference between the Mini 4 Pro and the Mini 3 Pro is the addition of omnidirectional vision sensing, which means the drone has sensors on all sides to detect and avoid obstacles in its path. This makes the drone safer and more reliable to fly, especially in complex environments. The drone also has a downward-facing auxiliary light and a bright LED tail light to assist with low-light flying and positioning.

The camera of the Mini 4 Pro is mounted on a three-axis mechanical gimbal, which provides smooth and stable footage even in windy conditions. The camera has a fixed f/1.7 aperture and a 24mm equivalent focal length, which offers a wide-angle view with minimal distortion. The camera can capture stunning 48MP photos in JPEG or RAW format, as well as record up to 4K video at 60fps or 1080p video at up to 240fps for slow-motion effects.

The controller of the Mini 4 Pro is also similar to the Mini 3 Pro, with a foldable design that can hold most smartphones. The controller has a built-in battery that can last up to 2.5 hours and uses OcuSync 2.0 technology to provide a stable and clear video transmission up to 10 km away. The controller also has dedicated buttons for taking photos and videos, adjusting the gimbal angle, returning home, and switching between flight modes.

Features and Performance

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is packed with features that make it fun and easy to fly, as well as enhance its creative potential. Some of the features include:

D-Log M: This is a professional color profile that allows for more flexibility in post-processing and color grading. It also ensures color consistency with other DJI drones that support D-Log M, such as the Mavic 3.
MasterShots: This is an intelligent mode that automatically plans and executes a series of cinematic shots based on the selected subject or scene. The drone will then edit the footage into a short video with music and transitions that can be shared instantly.
QuickShots: This is another mode that lets you capture creative shots with predefined movements and effects, such as Dronie, Rocket, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, Asteroid, and more.
ActiveTrack: This is a mode that allows you to select a subject on the screen and have the drone follow it automatically while avoiding obstacles. You can also adjust the tracking speed, distance, and angle of the drone.
Point of Interest: This is a mode that lets you select an object or location on the map and have the drone circle around it at a constant altitude and distance.
Smart Return to Home: This is a feature that enables the drone to return to its takeoff point automatically when the battery is low, the signal is lost, or you press the RTH button. The drone will also use its sensors to avoid obstacles on its way back.
Find My Drone: This is a feature that helps you locate your drone if it lands somewhere out of sight. You can view its last known location on the map, make it beep or flash its lights, or remotely activate its camera.
GEO Zones: These are areas where flight restrictions or limitations apply due to safety or security reasons. The DJI Fly app will alert you of these zones before you fly and help you plan your flight accordingly.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone delivers excellent performance in terms of speed, stability, range, and battery life. The drone can fly up to 31 minutes on a single charge, which is impressive for its size and weight. The drone can also reach speeds of up to 57 kph in Sport mode, which is great for capturing fast-paced action or racing with other drones. The drone can also fly up to 10 km away from the controller, thanks to the OcuSync 2.0 technology that provides a reliable and clear video transmission. The drone is also very stable and responsive, thanks to its powerful motors, propellers, and sensors. The drone can withstand winds of up to 38 kph and maintain its position and altitude accurately.

Video

Image and Video Quality

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone has a 1/1.3-inch 48MP sensor that can capture stunning photos and videos in various modes and resolutions. The photos can be taken in JPEG or RAW format, which gives you more control over the editing process. The photos can also be taken in different modes, such as Single, Burst, AEB, Timed, Pano, and SmartPhoto. The SmartPhoto mode automatically optimizes the photo settings based on the scene recognition and lighting conditions.

The videos can be recorded in up to 4K resolution at 60fps or 1080p resolution at up to 240fps for slow-motion effects. The videos can also be recorded in different modes, such as Normal, HDR, Hyperlapse, and D-Log M. The Normal mode offers the best balance between quality and file size, while the HDR mode enhances the dynamic range and colors of the footage. The Hyperlapse mode allows you to create time-lapse videos with different speeds and effects, such as Course Lock, Free, Circle, and Waypoint. The D-Log M mode offers the most flexibility in post-processing and color grading, as well as color consistency, with other DJI drones that support D-Log M.

The image and video quality of the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is impressive for its size and weight, especially in good lighting conditions. The photos are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors and exposure. The videos are smooth and stable, with minimal noise and distortion. The camera also performs well in low-light conditions, thanks to its large aperture and high ISO range. However, the camera does have some limitations, such as a fixed aperture, a fixed focus distance, and a lack of zoom or ND filters. These may affect the depth of field, the sharpness of distant objects, and the exposure control of the footage.

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Should You Buy the DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is a remarkable sub-250g drone that offers a lot of features and performance for its size and weight. It is ideal for anyone who wants a compact and lightweight drone that can capture high-quality photos and videos, as well as enjoy intelligent and fun flight modes. It is also suitable for professional drone pilots who want a backup or secondary drone that can match the color profile and some of the functionality of their main DJI drones.

However, the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is not a cheap drone, costing $759 for the standard package or $959 for the Fly More Combo, which includes extra batteries, propellers, a charging hub, a carrying bag, and propeller guards. It is also not a perfect drone, having some limitations in terms of camera specs, flight performance in windy conditions, and smart tracking accuracy. Therefore, it may not be worth upgrading from the Mini 3 Pro if you already own one unless you really need the omnidirectional vision sensing or the D-Log M video mode.

Overall, the DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is an amazing sub-250g drone that can actually be used by professionals and enthusiasts alike. It is one of the best drones in its class by far and a worthy addition to the DJI Mini series.