DJI Mini 4 Pro Review

Positioned as the ultimate all-rounder among lightweight portable drones, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is contending for a spot on our curated list of the best drones with cameras. Despite its sub-250g weight, it proves to be a heavyweight in terms of image quality. Our Team Members took charge of the controls and conducted a test flight with this compact drone. Continue reading to discover the performance of the Mini 4 Pro in the realm of aerial photography.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Highlights:

1. Folding Design: The drone features a foldable design, allowing its arms to fold against the body for convenient transportation.

2. User-Replaceable Propellers:  The four propellers can be replaced by the user.

3. Object Detection: Equipped with sensors around its body, the drone employs an object avoidance system for enhanced safety.

4. Flexible Shooting Options: The camera can be rotated by 90°, offering both vertical and horizontal shooting capabilities.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is suitable for flying in various locations, excluding designated flight restriction zones like airports, military areas, and prisons.

Despite its delicate feel due to staying under the 249g mark, the Mini 4 Pro maintains a 1/1.3-inch type sensor in its camera, similar to its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro.

Sub-250g Weight:

Weighing in at 249 grams, the Mini 4 Pro maintains the same weight as its predecessors in the Mini series. This weight classification exempts the drone from certain restrictions in various regions globally. In the United States, recreational fliers can skip the $5 FAA registration fee, although they still need to complete the free basic TRUST knowledge test. This weight also grants more freedom to fly in countries like Canada, the EU, and the UK, where stricter rules apply to larger drones. If you’re a novice in remote copter flying, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations before your inaugural flight.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro boasts a compact size as well. When folded, it measures a mere 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches (HWD), making it easily storable in a gear bag alongside any necessary accessories.

In terms of design, the airframe features a plastic construction with a light gray finish. Air cooling vents strategically placed behind the gimbal and on the rear prevent the drone’s components from overheating. While it lacks weather protection due to its open design, this is a characteristic typically found in industrial models.

Dual Aspect Ratio and Obstacle Sensors

The front-mounted camera on the drone features 24mm F1.7 optics, ensuring vibrant and clear video capture in various lighting conditions. With an integrated three-axis gimbal, the footage remains steady, even during dynamic aerial maneuvers. Offering a 60-degree upward tilt, the camera is versatile, allowing recording in either wide-screen (16:9) or vertical (9:16) formats, suitable for platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Reels.

Equipped with obstacle sensors covering a complete 360-degree range, the Mini 4 Pro demonstrates intelligent navigation capabilities, effectively maneuvering through environments with potential obstructions. The drone supports an autopilot assist system to enhance its ability to track subjects and avoid obstacles. This marks an improvement over the Mini 3 Pro, which had a three-way system limited to looking forward, backward, and downward. The updated model expands its vision to the sides and above.

The Mini 4 Pro includes 2GB of internal memory, offering a modest capacity sufficient for approximately three minutes of 4K30 recording. While it serves as a backup option in case of a forgotten memory card, it’s advisable to have a microSD card with a minimum capacity of 64GB. Facilitating data transfers and in-drone battery charging, the Type-C port is conveniently located next to the card slot.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Camera 

While not reaching the levels of a full-frame camera, the DJI Mini 4 Pro yields impressive results. The colors are vibrant, just on the brink of being too saturated, with commendable contrast. Shifting to D-Log M produces flatter footage, offering flexibility for customized grading.

The JPEG Images appear more dynamic than raw files and can produce outstanding results. However, when scrutinized at 100% on a larger screen, the sharpening and contrast may seem harsh, especially in 48MP images. 

One of the significant concerns with the Mini 4 pro is flare. In the video, you might observe bands of low contrast moving across the frame as the drone shifts relative to the sun, which can be visually appealing. 

DJI seems to have employed identical camera hardware in the Mini 4 Pro as found in the Mini 3 Pro. Its sensor adopts a quad-bayer design, where each pixel is divided into four sub-units capable of reporting individually or collectively. This design allows for the capture of 12MP or 48MP images in both DNG raw and JPEG formats.

DJI has decided to skip the 2.7K video option from the Mini 3 Pro, sticking with Full HD recording up to 60fps. The solid 24mm lens, gives you clear shots with its f/1.7 aperture. In Normal mode, the camera works between ISO (100-6400), with shutter speeds ranging from 1/16,000 to 2 seconds for 12MP and 1/8000 to 2 seconds for 48MP. Some cool additions are the 10-bit HLG and 10-bit D-Log M video profiles. Plus, Slow-Motion 4K video now runs up to 100fps, while regular 4K video tops out at 60fps.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Automated and Safety Features

The DJI Mini 4 Pro comes equipped with an array of advanced features that enhance both automation and safety during flight. Similar to other recent DJI drones, the Mini 4 Pro incorporates convenient features like Mastershots, FocusTrack, and QuickShots, simplifying the process of capturing dynamic and engaging video content. Notably, the camera can be easily rotated through 90° for portrait orientation shooting with a simple tap on the controller.

One significant improvement in safety is the upgraded obstacle avoidance system, now omnidirectional with the addition of upward-facing sensors. This enhancement proves valuable when navigating under trees or bridges. While the system performs admirably, it’s important to note that it deactivates during automated flight modes, requiring vigilance to avoid potential collisions. Users may find it necessary to access the Safety section in the controller menu to disable the obstacle avoidance system for scenarios like flying close to a subject or maneuvering between trees.

The Mini 4 Pro boasts a claimed wind resistance of 10m/s (22.3mph) and remains stable in light breezes, with the gimbal effectively stabilizing footage even as the motors adjust pitch in response to gusts. The drone incorporates a built-in GPS, facilitating functions like Return to Home, which activates automatically in the event of a lost connection between the drone and remote. This GPS feature also ensures the drone hovers steadily in place during flight, minimizing noticeable drift. Additionally, GPS enables the Find My Drone feature, saving the last known position on a map if the Mini lands away from the takeoff point.

DJI integrates a geofence system named FlySafe into its UAVs, preventing takeoff in no-fly zones and issuing warnings near restricted areas. While FlySafe ensures adherence to aviation regulations, it may pose limitations for professional pilots. Notably, the competing Autel Evo Nano+ lacks a geofence system, offering more flexibility.

For licensed UAV operators working near airports, the DJI Air 3 or Mavic 3 models, equipped with AirSense ADS-B receivers, provide an added safety feature. The AirSense sensor issues warnings on the controller when a manned aircraft operates nearby. 

The Mini 4 Pro’s obstacle detection system employs six sensors to map the environment, avoiding collisions in all directions. Operating modes like Brake, Bypass, and Nifty Bypass offer different collision avoidance strategies. The Nifty Bypass mode, in particular, enhances low-to-the-ground flying by mapping the environment in real-time with the Advanced Autopilot Assist System 6.0 (APAS 6.0). While the drone demonstrated impressive obstacle-dodging capabilities, minor incidents occurred during testing, emphasizing the need for caution.

These sensors also play a crucial role in fully autonomous flight modes, supporting features like QuickShots and MasterShots. The Mini 4 Pro’s refined tracking interface in the Active Track mode offers fine control, including a jog wheel for adjusting the direction of drone tracking, providing enhanced precision compared to conventional directional buttons.

In summary, the DJI Mini 4 Pro stands out for its sophisticated automated and safety features, offering users a comprehensive and reliable tool for capturing aerial content while prioritizing security and ease of use.

DJI Mini 4 Pro: Upgraded Quad Bayer Camera 

The DJI Mini 4 Pro features an upgraded Quad Bayer camera, retaining the 24mm F1.7 lens and Type 1/1.3 Quad Bayer CMOS sensor from the Mini 3 Pro. New color profiles include HDR HLG for vibrant HDR content on compatible TVs and a flat D-Log M for enhanced creative control. The camera’s bright f-stop excels in low-light conditions, and a removable clear glass filter allows for versatile shooting.

Video quality is impressive with smooth footage and quick sensor scans, though digital zoom beyond 2x may result in softness. The Mini 4 Pro offers a choice between 48MP and 12MP stills in JPG or editable Raw DNG format, delivering high-quality images with a wide dynamic range. Considerations for video profile selection include the Standard profile for broader compatibility and HDR mode for specialized displays. For expert editors, D-Log M provides a flat profile for custom color grading. While the Mini 4 Pro delivers exceptional performance for its size, users seeking larger image sensors may explore alternatives like the DJI Air 3.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Controller Options

DJI offers the Mini 4 Pro in various configurations, starting at $759 for the standard edition, which includes the drone, one battery, USB-C charging cable, and extra propellers. The RC-N2 remote is included, connecting to your phone via the DJI Fly app.

For $959, you can get the same accessories with the upgraded RC 2 remote, featuring a built-in touch screen and custom Android system for a seamless flying experience.

Choose Fly More Combo

Opting for the $1,099 Fly More Combo adds value with three batteries, a multi-charger, spare propellers, and a zippered shoulder bag. The $1,159 Fly More Combo Plus substitutes standard batteries with Plus batteries, extending flight time to 45 minutes but exceeding FAA registration weight limits.

We did a practical test of the Fly More Combo, achieving close to the expected 34-minute flight time in Normal mode with obstacle avoidance and around 25 minutes with a mix of Normal and Sport flying. Sport mode reaches 36mph but disables obstacle sensors, suitable for open areas. Cine mode limits speed to approximately 11mph for a cinematic touch to videos. Consider your priorities and budget when choosing the ideal Mini 4 Pro configuration.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Competitors: 

If you’re eyeing alternatives to DJI, the Autel Robotics Evo Nano+ at $679 is a solid choice in the sub-250g class. For budget-friendly options, watch for sales on the Mini 3 Pro at $669 or consider the Mini 3 at $559 for similar camera performance without obstacle sensors. The Mini 2 SE, priced at $339, is a good pick for basic video needs.

Stepping up in price brings you into a registration-required category. The DJI Air 3 at $1,099 offers a dual-camera system, while the Mavic 3 series at $2,199 is ideal for cinematic and professional photo work. Just remember, using any drone for paid work requires a license.

Final Verdict 

The DJI Mini 4 Pro secures its position as the top drone below the FAA registration weight limit. With comprehensive obstacle avoidance, improved video capabilities, and a versatile dual-aspect-ratio camera, it outshines its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro. While the upgrade might not be compelling for existing Mini 3 Pro users more focused on aerial photography, the slight price difference makes the Mini 4 Pro the logical choice. Packed with features in its compact design, the Mini 4 Pro is user-friendly and ideal for both novice and experienced pilots seeking a smaller drone.

Although the Mini 3 Pro offers a more budget-friendly option for beginners, the advanced features and enhanced performance of the Mini 4 Pro make it an Editors’ Choice for its well-rounded appeal and reasonable price point.

Read More: DJI Mavic 3 Pro Review.