DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: A Comprehensive Review

Drones have revolutionized the world of photography and videography, and the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a prime example of this technological evolution.

 

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In this comprehensive review, we will delve deep into the features, capabilities, and user experience of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. From its design and portability to its camera quality and flight performance, we will leave no stone unturned in providing you with a detailed overview of this cutting-edge mini-drone.

See also:

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✔	DJI AIR 2S DRONE: A MASTERPIECE OF AERIAL IMAGING
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Unboxing and Setup of DJI Mini 4 Pro

What is Inside the Box?

When you first lay your hands on the DJI Mini 4 Pro, it is important to know what you can expect to find in the box. The standard package typically includes: ✓DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone ✓DJI Remote Controller (DJI RC-N2) ✓DJI Mini 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery ✓Propeller Holder and Spare Propellers ✓Type-C to Type-C PD Cable ✓DJI RC-N2/N1 RC Cables ✓Screwdriver ✓DJI Mini 4 Pro Gimbal Protector These components are essential for your drone's operation, protection, and maintenance. The inclusion of spare propellers and other accessories is a thoughtful touch by DJI, ensuring that you can keep flying even in the event of minor mishaps.

Setup and First Flight

Setting up the DJI Mini 4 Pro is remarkably straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to get you started: ➤Charge the Battery: Begin by charging the Intelligent Flight Battery using the included Type-C to Type-C PD Cable. It is crucial to ensure the battery is fully charged before your first flight. ➤Attach the Propellers: Carefully attach the propellers to the drone, following the instructions provided in the user manual. The screwdriver is included for your convenience. ➤Connect the Remote Controller: Pair the remote controller (DJI RC-N2) with your mobile device using the DJI app. This step is crucial for controlling the drone's flight and accessing its camera feed. ➤Calibrate the Compass and IMU: Before takeoff, it is essential to calibrate the drone's compass and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for accurate flight performance. ➤Pre-flight Check: Perform a pre-flight check to ensure all systems are functioning correctly and GPS connectivity is strong. ➤Take Off: Once everything is in order, it is time for takeoff. Gently push the throttle stick upward to launch the drone.

Design and Portability

1. Compact and Lightweight

The DJI Mini 4 Pro lives up to its name by being incredibly compact and lightweight. Weighing under 249 grams, it exempts users from the registration requirements imposed on heavier drones. This makes it an excellent choice for users who want to travel light and avoid the cumbersome registration process.

2. Folding Mechanism

One of the standout features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its folding design. The arms and propellers can be easily folded, reducing the drone's size for easy transport and storage. Whether you are backpacking through the wilderness or simply heading to a nearby park, this compact design is a game-changer in terms of portability.

3. Build Quality

Despite its lightweight and compact build, the Mini 4 Pro feels sturdy and well-constructed. DJI has a reputation for creating durable drones, and this model is no exception. The plastic body is strong enough to withstand minor impacts and rough handling.

Camera Capabilities

1. 4K HDR Video

The DJI Mini 4 Pro boasts a 4K HDR video camera that captures stunning aerial footage. The 4K resolution provides exceptional clarity, and the High Dynamic Range (HDR) enhances the quality of your videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This camera is perfect for capturing breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and nighttime scenes with impressive clarity.

2. 48 MP Stills

In addition to its video capabilities, the Mini 4 Pro offers an impressive 48-megapixel still photo mode. This is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, allowing users to capture highly detailed and vibrant photographs from the sky.

3. Omnidirectional Vision Sensing

The inclusion of omnidirectional obstacle sensing is a game-changer for safety. With precise detection capabilities in all directions, you can fly with confidence, knowing that the drone can detect obstacles and avoid collisions. This feature is particularly valuable for first-time users or those flying in challenging environments.

5. Flight Performance

1. Extended Battery Life

One of the key improvements in the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its extended battery life, providing up to 34 minutes of flight time. This is a significant upgrade from the previous model and means you can explore vast landscapes without constantly worrying about the battery running out.

2. 20 km Max Video Transmission Distance

For those who want to capture aerial views of distant landscapes, the 20 km maximum video transmission distance is a remarkable feature. This means you can fly your drone far and still enjoy lag-free, real-time video transmission, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings.

3. ActiveTrack 360°

DJI has introduced a new feature called ActiveTrack 360°, which allows you to customize your drone's tracking trajectory. This feature is exceptionally user-friendly, even for beginners. You can achieve complex and seamless operation effects, capturing smooth and professional-quality videos with ease.

6. User Experience

1. Beginner-Friendly

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice for beginners. Its user-friendly design, easy setup process, and safety features, such as obstacle sensing, make it a welcoming choice for those new to drone flying.

2. Mobile App Integration

DJI's mobile app offers a seamless and intuitive interface for controlling the drone and accessing its camera feed. The app provides various flight modes, including QuickShot modes for creative shots and GPS-based intelligent flight modes for smooth and stable flight experiences.

3. Legal Compliance

It is essential to note that the relevant regulatory requirements may vary depending on how you use your drone. For your safety and compliance with local laws and regulations, it is crucial to check and follow the latest legal requirements before flying your DJI Mini 4 Pro.

4. Customer Reviews from the United States

zeth1560 Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 10, 2023 Comment: "For years, I have kept a first generation Mavic Mini in my camera bag, ready for deployment whenever the opportunity presented itself. This new generation of the Mini blows my old one out of the water! The obstacle avoidance is absolutely amazing, stability is incredible, and the battery life of 35 minutes per flight is a game-changer." Nikolas Jitsukawa Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: September 30, 2023 Comment: "The Mini4 Pro is truly impressive. From intuitive controls to exceptional stability and captivating image quality, it's a great mini drone. The intelligent flight modes add flexibility, and the compact design with 34 minutes of battery life makes it a perfect choice for aerial exploration." Donald Strahan Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 17, 2023 Comment: "This is my first drone, and I've found it to be a lot of fun to use. The avoidance system works well, and the controller is effective. There's a bit of a learning curve, but it has been an enjoyable experience." Conspicuous Consumer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 24, 2023 Comment: "I upgraded from Mini 3 Pro to Mini 4 Pro. Glad I did. The 4 is as good or better than the 3 in every way. The flying is easy, the video quality is superb, and the night mode performs well. The Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice unless you specifically need advanced features like thermal imaging or payload capabilities." Wallace Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 16, 2023 Comment: "Honestly the best drone I've had...ever! Picture quality, flight time, handling, and price have made this my favorite drone. I am getting another one due to this one having a small technical hiccup, which is the only problem I have had." Brian Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 6, 2023 Comment: "This is a top-notch mini with big drone features. Easy to fly. Fun to soar. Camera is very nice 4k. The new controller is a must-have for me. Awesome to use the phone while I'm flying, without disconnecting everything. If you looked this far, you will want this Mini 4 Pro." Andy Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars Date: November 18, 2023 Comment: "As usual DJI has outdone themselves. This drone flies with perfection. It hums like a hummingbird! Unlike other companies' drones that sound out of tune and like they are struggling to maintain. So there is nothing to complain about with the actual drone (other than the range lie) A++. The drone is excellent, but be prepared for the basic bundle and limited range."

Comparison of DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone with Other DJI Drones

1. DJI Mini 3 Pro: ➤Price: See at Amazon Features: ☑Weight: Less than 249 g, doesn't require registration in most countries. ☑Camera: 4K/60fps video, 48MP photos, dual native ISO, f/1.7 aperture. ☑Flight Time: Up to 34 minutes (Upgradeable to 47 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus). ☑Safety Features: Tri-directional obstacle sensing, APAS 4.0. ☑Intelligent Features: FocusTrack, True Vertical Shooting, MasterShots, Timelapse, QuickTransfer, and more. ☑Controller: Includes DJI RC-N1 for immersive flights with DJI Googles 2, Goggles Integra, and RC Motion 2. 2. DJI Mini 2 SE: ➤Price: See at Amazon Features: ☑Weight: Less than 249 g, lightweight and portable. ☑Camera: 1080p, 2.7K video, 12MP photos. ☑Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes (Combo offers up to 93 minutes with three Intelligent Flight Batteries). ☑Ease of Use: Beginner-friendly, Return to Home function for added safety. ☑Advanced Features: 10km max transmission range, DJI Fly app for easy-to-use shooting templates. ☑Wind Resistance: Flies with stability in winds up to 38kph. 3. DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo: ➤Price: See at Amazon Features: ☑Camera: Dual primary cameras for creative focal-length options, 4K video, 48MP photos. ☑Flight Time: Up to 46 minutes. ☑Safety Features: Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for enhanced safety. ☑Image Quality: Captures impressive 48MP images for high-quality crops. ☑Video Quality: Records stunning 4K/60fps HDR videos. ☑Transmission: Stable O4 HD transmission for smooth flights up to 20 km. ☑Combo Inclusions: Includes three Intelligent Flight Batteries, Battery Charging Hub, DJI RC 2, and more. Comparison Summary: 💧Price: DJI Mini 4 Pro is priced between the Mini 3 Pro and Air 3 Fly More Combo, offering a balance of features and affordability. 💧Camera: Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 Pro both provide 4K video and high-resolution photos, while Air 3 boasts dual primary cameras for creative shots. 💧Flight Time: Air 3 offers the longest flight time at 46 minutes, followed by Mini 3 Pro (34-47 minutes) and Mini 4 Pro (unclear from the provided information). 💧Safety Features: All three drones come with advanced safety features, including obstacle sensing and avoidance. 💧Transmission Range: Air 3 provides an impressive 20 km transmission range, while Mini 4 Pro and Mini 3 Pro offer reliable ranges suitable for recreational use. 💧Ease of Use: Mini 2 SE is specifically highlighted as beginner-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the camera module upgrades in the DJI Mini 4 Pro compared to the DJI Mini 3 Pro? The DJI Mini 4 Pro features several camera module upgrades, including a new image-processing platform that enhances overall imaging performance. It supports 4K/60fps HDR video, 4K/100fps Slow Motion, 10-bit D-Log M, HLG color modes, Night video mode (Night Shots), and various other new features, significantly improving its video and photo capabilities. Q2: What are the upgrades in DJI RC-N2 compared to DJI RC-N1? The key upgrade in DJI RC-N2 is the video transmission solution. It has been enhanced, and the antenna system has been upgraded from 1T2R to 2T2R. With DJI Mini 4 Pro, it allows for the use of O4 video transmission, which contributes to improved connectivity and performance. Q3: What are the upgrades in DJI RC 2 compared to DJI RC? DJI RC 2 features several upgrades, including improved processor performance for smoother operation. The video transmission system has been upgraded, and the antenna system has been enhanced from 1T2R to 2T4R, providing better signal quality and range for improved control of the drone. Q4: Can I use DJI Mini 3 Pro accessories with DJI Mini 4 Pro? Yes, DJI Mini 4 Pro is compatible with some DJI Mini 3 Pro accessories. You can use the DJI 30W USB-C Charger, DJI 18W USB Charger, DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery Plus* (please note that this battery is not sold in Europe), and DJI Mini 3 Pro Two-Way Charging Hub with your DJI Mini 4 Pro. Q5: What is the wind speed resistance of DJI Mini 4 Pro? The DJI Mini 4 Pro has a maximum wind speed resistance of 10.7 meters per second (m/s). Wind resistance is dependent on the drone's propulsion system, and in strong winds, slight adjustments to flight may be required to maintain stability.

Conclusion

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a game-changer in the world of mini-drones. Its compact design, impressive camera capabilities, extended battery life, and user-friendly features make it a top choice for both beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts. With DJI's reputation for quality and innovation, the Mini 4 Pro lives up to its promises and offers an unparalleled aerial photography and videography experience. If you are looking for a portable drone that delivers exceptional video and photo quality without compromising on flight performance and safety, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the perfect choice. This drone opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to capture stunning visuals from the sky with ease.