The best DJI Mini 4 Pro 2024 Review
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The DJI Mini 4 Pro, priced at $759, is a compact camera drone that excels in almost every aspect. Its foldable design makes storage effortless, and its lightweight construction often exempts it from registration requirements in many regions.
Equipped with a remarkable Quad Bayer camera, it effortlessly switches between wide-screen and vertical video recording. Enhanced with full 360-degree obstacle avoidance sensors and an HDR video profile, it surpasses its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro, earning it the coveted title of our new Editors’ Choice.
It’s an ideal option for creators interested in aerial imaging and beginners seeking the reassurance of obstacle avoidance technology.
Light Enough to Bypass FAA Registration
Weighing in at 249 grams (8.8 ounces), the Mini 4 Pro maintains the same lightweight design as its predecessors.
This weight classification exempts the drone from certain regulations in many regions globally. For instance, in the United States, recreational users can avoid the $5 FAA registration fee. However, they must still complete the basic TRUST knowledge test, which is free.
Similarly, in countries like Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, where stricter regulations apply to larger drones, the Mini 4 Pro offers more freedom to fly.
If you’re new to operating drones, familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations before taking your first 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 effortlessly portable and convenient to store in a gear bag alongside any necessary accessories.
When it comes to design, the airframe of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is crafted from plastic and features a sleek light gray finish.
To prevent overheating, air cooling vents are strategically placed behind the gimbal and on the rear of the drone. While the open design lacks weather protection, it aligns more with consumer-grade models rather than industrial ones.
A Camera with Dual Aspect Ratios and Comprehensive Obstacle Sensors
The front-facing camera of the drone features 24mm F1.7 optics, ensuring vivid and vibrant video capture regardless of lighting conditions.
With an integrated three-axis gimbal, the footage remains steady and stable, akin to the smoothness of a Steadicam, even during dynamic aerial maneuvers.
Offering versatility, the camera can tilt up to 60 degrees upward and pivot to capture footage in either wide-screen (16:9) or vertical (9:16) formats, catering to platforms like YouTube and TikTok, respectively.
The Mini 4 Pro is equipped with obstacle sensors that provide complete 360-degree coverage, enabling intelligent navigation through environments filled with obstructions.
It also features an autopilot assist system that aids in avoiding obstacles while tracking subjects. This comprehensive coverage marks an enhancement over the Mini 3 Pro’s three-way system, which only allowed forward, backward, and downward detection.
With the upgraded model, the drone can now detect obstacles from the sides and above as well, enhancing its overall safety and maneuverability.
The Mini 4 Pro comes with a modest 2GB of internal memory, which can only accommodate about three minutes of 4K30 recording.
While it serves as a backup option if you happen to forget your memory card, it’s not an ideal solution. For optimal storage capacity, I suggest investing in a V30 UHS-I microSD card with a minimum capacity of 64GB. Additionally, the USB-C port located next to the card slot facilitates data transfers to a computer and allows for convenient in-drone battery charging.
Exploring Other Drone Options
In the consumer drone market, DJI faces limited competition primarily from itself. While Parrot, Skydio, and Yuneec have shifted their focus towards enterprise and industrial drones, Autel Robotics offers a notable alternative with its Evo Nano+ ($949), particularly in the 249g weight class.
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, keeping an eye out for sales on the Mini 3 Pro ($669 without a remote) could be worthwhile. Alternatively, the Mini 3 ($559) offers similar camera capabilities without obstacle sensors, while the Mini 2 SE ($339) provides a basic video toolkit for those willing to forego advanced features.
Stepping up in price brings you into the realm of drones that necessitate registration, even for recreational use.
In this category, the DJI Air 3 ($1,099) offers a dual-camera system, catering to those who prioritize versatility over vertical video recording.
Alternatively, the Mavic 3 ($2,199) series is ideal for cinematic and professional photography endeavors. However, it’s essential to note that utilizing any drone for commercial purposes requires obtaining a license.
Regular or Fly More Combo?
Similar to its other drone offerings, DJI offers the Mini 4 Pro in various configurations. The base model, priced at $759, is the most economical option and comes with the drone itself, a single flight battery, a USB-C charging cable, and two additional propellers.
It also includes the RC-N2 remote, which necessitates pairing your smartphone as a control screen through the DJI Fly control app, available on both Android and iOS platforms. The remote charges via USB-C and includes cables for connecting to either Lightning or USB-C devices.
Priced at $959, you have the option to purchase the drone along with the same accessories mentioned previously, as well as the upgraded RC 2 remote. The RC 2 boasts a built-in touch screen and operates the DJI Fly app on its proprietary Android system, eliminating the need to handle your phone while flying.
The Fly More Combo, priced at $1,099, not only includes the drone and RC 2 controller but also comes with additional accessories.
With this package, you receive three flight batteries instead of one, along with a multi-charger that efficiently replenishes them one after the other. Moreover, three pairs of spare propellers and a convenient zippered shoulder bag are also included in this comprehensive bundle.
For those seeking even more extended flight times, there’s the Fly More Combo Plus, available at $1,159. This package replaces the standard flight batteries with three Plus batteries, boasting flight durations of up to 45 minutes compared to the 34 minutes offered by the standard edition.
However, it’s worth noting that these batteries are slightly heavier, pushing the drone over the FAA registration weight threshold. While this may pose a minor inconvenience for US buyers, the enhanced battery life is deemed well worth the trade-off.
During my review of the Fly More Combo, I found that the drone performed admirably in terms of flight duration. When operating in its Normal speed mode with obstacle avoidance activated, I achieved nearly the expected 34 minutes of flight time. However, during flights involving a combination of Normal and high-speed Sport flying, the duration was approximately 25 minutes.
I would advise utilizing Sport mode primarily in spacious, unobstructed areas since it completely deactivates the obstacle sensors.
In Normal mode, the drone maintains a cruising speed of approximately 24mph, while in Sport mode, it accelerates to 36mph. Conversely, Cine mode imposes a maximum speed of around 11mph, ideal for capturing smoother, slower-paced videos.
A Full Set of Safety Features
The Mini 4 Pro comes equipped with a built-in GPS, a standard component for quadcopters. During testing, it took approximately 45 seconds to establish a connection with satellites in my vicinity, with the controller signaling when the drone sets its home point.
Subsequently, the Return to Home function activates automatically if there’s a loss of connection between the drone and the remote, although you can also activate it manually.
The GPS functionality also contributes to the drone’s stability during flight. Throughout testing, the Mini 4 Pro demonstrated consistent hovering without noticeable drifting.
Additionally, the GPS enables the convenient Find My Drone feature. Should the Mini land at a location different from its takeoff point, the app records its last known position on a map, facilitating retrieval.
Furthermore, downward-facing sensors enhance stability at lower altitudes and when flying indoors by providing readings of the ground below the drone.
Licensed UAV operators who frequently operate near airports and other aircraft should consider upgrading to the DJI Air 3 or Mavic 3 models, as they come equipped with an AirSense ADS-B receiver—a feature absent in the Mini 4 Pro.
The AirSense sensor serves as a vital safety measure by alerting the controller whenever a manned aircraft is in close proximity.
In addition to the AirSense feature, the Mini 4 Pro boasts an obstacle detection system comprising six sensors strategically positioned to map the surrounding environment and prevent collisions from occurring in all directions.
This system offers various operating modes tailored to different scenarios. Brake mode, for instance, prompts the drone to halt its forward motion upon approaching an obstacle, ensuring collision avoidance.
On the other hand, the Bypass and Nifty Bypass modes adjust the drone’s flight path to steer clear of obstacles while maintaining its intended trajectory.
While Bypass mode adopts a more cautious approach, allowing for a wider berth around obstructions, Nifty mode enables the drone to navigate more agilely around obstacles.
As previously mentioned, the Mini 4 Pro incorporates an obstacle detection system consisting of six sensors, which comprehensively map the surroundings and prevent.
I experimented with the Nifty Bypass mode while engaging in low-altitude flying sessions, maneuvering around trees and along a wooded path.
This mode allowed me to focus on orienting the camera in a specific direction while the Advanced Autopilot Assist System 6.0 (APAS 6.0) dynamically mapped the environment and charted a course to navigate around visible obstacles.
However, I did encounter a few close calls during the flights. On one occasion, the drone’s undercarriage grazed a shingled roof, while on another, it became entangled in small, thin branches, causing it to spin momentarily. Fortunately, I was able to safely land the drone in both instances, with only minor scuffing observed on the underside plastic.
Despite these minor incidents, the obstacle avoidance capabilities of the Mini 4 Pro impressed me greatly, approaching the performance level of larger drones like the Air 3, which completed a similar course without any close calls.
The sensors play a crucial role in the fully autonomous flight modes of the Mini 4 Pro. It offers support for QuickShots and MasterShots, which encompass a variety of cinematic maneuvers such as orbits, corkscrews, pullbacks, and other creative shots that highlight a designated subject.
Many of these maneuvers involve sideways and upward movements, making the presence of all-around sensors essential for ensuring safe and obstacle-free flights, a feature lacking in the Mini 3 Pro.
The obstacle sensors serve a dual purpose, ensuring the drone remains safe even when tracking subjects. The Active Track mode, designed to follow people and vehicles, benefits greatly from these sensors.
While it doesn’t extend to tracking pets or other subjects, I appreciate the Mini 4 Pro’s polished tracking interface. A notable feature is the inclusion of a jog wheel on the on-screen interface, allowing for precise adjustments to the direction from which the drone follows a target.
This level of control offers a significant advantage over models that rely solely on basic directional buttons.
Quad Bayer Camera With HDR Color
The Mini 4 Pro introduces enhancements to its camera system compared to its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro.
Both drones share similar features, including a 24mm F1.7 lens and Type 1/1.3 Quad Bayer CMOS image sensor, along with various recording modes such as 10-bit 4K60, 4K100 slow-motion, and Hyperlapse. However, the Mini 4 Pro introduces two new color profiles: HDR HLG in a Rec.2020 color space and a flat D-Log M profile, offering creators greater creative flexibility.
HDR HLG represents a true HDR profile, optimized for HDR TVs without requiring additional color correction.
On the other hand, the Standard profile utilizes the Rec.709 SDR space but still excels in preserving highlight and shadow detail in challenging scenes like sunrises and sunsets. While beginners may find the Standard profile easier to work with during editing and capturing, HDR HLG is ideal for creating content intended for viewing on HDR UHD TVs at home.
Viewing HDR test footage on a HiSense 65U8H TV yielded fantastic results.
The camera’s wide F-stop proves beneficial for capturing dim-light scenes and nighttime cityscapes effectively.
Additionally, its removable clear glass filter allows for easy swapping with an ND filter to regulate incoming light for natural footage in bright conditions.
With a wide tilt range from -90 degrees (straight down) to 60 degrees up, the camera accommodates both wide-screen and vertical video recording. DJI also offers a wide-angle adapter to expand the lens’s view, enhancing the immersive quality of point-of-view footage.
The video quality delivered by the Mini 4 Pro ranks among the top-tier options available in the realm of small drones, boasting crisp details and true-to-life colors.
Its gimbal ensures smooth video capture, even during dynamic maneuvers, while the sensor operates swiftly to prevent skew and other forms of rolling shutter distortion. However, it’s important to note that changes in ambient light may cause shifts in white balance, necessitating manual adjustments to maintain consistent shot aesthetics.
During my testing, I observed some instances of ghosting, particularly in the form of false green spots of color when flying directly toward the sun.
Additionally, there were occurrences of lens flare when sunlight hit the lens at an off angle. These nuances are worth considering, especially in scenarios where lighting conditions vary significantly.
Digital zoom capability on the Mini 4 Pro allows for up to 3x magnification (equivalent to 72mm), but beyond 2x, the results tend to appear soft.
Nonetheless, the zoom function remains usable up to around 2x, making it worthwhile to experiment with. However, if top-notch telephoto lens performance is paramount for your needs, opting for the Air 3 would be more advantageous.
The Air 3 features both a 24mm lens and a 70mm lens with optical-grade magnification, ensuring clearer and sharper results.
Prior to taking flight, make a thoughtful selection of your preferred video profile. The Standard profile, as previously mentioned, utilizes the Rec.709 color space, which is widely compatible and produces pleasing results on most screens. It seamlessly integrates with basic video editing software.
Transitioning to HDR mode, however, shifts the color space to Rec.2020, which poses challenges for editing and may not seamlessly blend with Rec.709 footage. For instance, Final Cut Pro necessitates separate libraries for different color spaces.
For advanced editors, D-Log M offers a flat profile characterized by minimal contrast and color saturation, resulting in somewhat lackluster footage straight from the camera.
However, it provides a neutral foundation, allowing for precise color adjustments tailored to individual preferences. Achieving optimal results requires expertise and the use of appropriate software tools.
For enhanced video quality from a drone, prioritize models equipped with larger image sensors. While the Air 3 retains the same primary wide camera, offering no improvement in picture quality, alternatives like the Autel Evo Lite+ ($1,549) with its variable aperture Type 1 camera, or the DJI Mavic 3 Classic ($1,599) boasting a Four Thirds sensor, present compelling options.
These drones yield sharper, more detailed images despite their sensors having fewer pixels compared to the Mini 4 Pro’s 48MP Quad Bayer camera.
When capturing stills, you have the flexibility to choose between 48MP or 12MP output, along with the option of ready-to-share JPG or the more editable Raw DNG format.
Additionally, a Raw+JPG mode is available for those who prefer to keep their editing options open. Picture quality rivals that of a high-end smartphone camera, and the 12MP output surprises with its sharpness, courtesy of downsampling.
Images exhibit a wide dynamic range, preserving shadow detail while maintaining a reasonable amount of clipped highlights, particularly evident in challenging scenes with vastly different light levels, such as the sunrise scene depicted above.
PROS
- Small, portable design
- 249g takeoff weight sidesteps registration requirements
- 4K60 video in SDR, HDR, or D-Log M
- Supports vertical video and upward camera tilt
- Two remote control options
CONS
- Doesn’t include AirSense transponder
- Extended battery option puts it above registration weight limit
DJI MINI 4 PRO SPECS
| Dimensions2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inchesWeight8.8 ozRotors4 |
PRICE : $1099.99
