The DJI Mini 4 Pro, the latest in DJI’s lineup of compact drones, has garnered attention for its advanced features and improvements over its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the Mini 4 Pro stand out in the crowded drone market.

Enhanced Video Capabilities

The DJI Mini 4 Pro elevates the filming experience by supporting 4K video at 100 fps and Full HD at 200 fps, providing superior slow-motion capabilities. This marks a significant upgrade from the Mini 3 Pro’s 60 fps in 4K, offering filmmakers more creative flexibility. The addition of D-Log M also enhances color grading possibilities in post-production, making it a fantastic choice for professionals looking for a compact drone that doesn’t compromise on video quality​ (Engadget)​.

Advanced Navigational Features

The Mini 4 Pro is equipped with Omnidirectional Vision Sensing technology, which significantly enhances its ability to navigate complex environments. Compared to the Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing in the Mini 3 Pro, this updated technology provides more comprehensive coverage, ensuring safer flights and more dynamic footage capturing, especially in challenging surroundings​.

Portability and Flight Performance

Despite its advanced features, the Mini 4 Pro remains under the 250-gram weight limit, making it highly portable and exempt from certain regulatory requirements in many regions. The drone continues to offer a 34-minute flight time, which can realistically amount to about 25 minutes of actual flying time before the return-to-home warning initiates. This makes it comparable to previous models but still adequate for most shooting scenarios​ (Engadget)​.

Practical Considerations

The controller for the Mini 4 Pro, the RC-2, introduced with the Air 3, offers improved ergonomics and a brighter screen compared to earlier models. This enhances the user experience, especially for those who fly in bright conditions where screen visibility is crucial. The drone’s compatibility with Mini 3 Pro’s batteries is also a plus for users looking to upgrade, as they can use their existing batteries without additional investment​.

Overall Impression

The DJI Mini 4 Pro stands out for its improved imaging and filming capabilities, enhanced navigational tech, and user-friendly features, making it a top contender in the ultralight drone category. While it may not be a groundbreaking upgrade over the Mini 3 Pro in terms of camera technology, its enhanced performance and new features like 4K slow-motion video and better obstacle avoidance make it a worthy investment, especially for those new to the DJI Mini series or anyone upgrading from much older models​ (Videomaker)​​.

For those considering a compact, high-performance drone, the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers a blend of portability, advanced features, and reliability, making it an excellent choice for both hobbyists and professional content creators.

For those who prefer video format reviews, check out Air Photography below!

• The DJI Mini 4 Pro drone is celebrated for its high-quality camera and user-friendly intelligent flight features, making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike, as it simplifies capturing and enhancing footage without extensive editing skills.

• As a sub-250g drone, the Mini 4 Pro is subject to fewer regulations in Canada, increasing its accessibility and ease of use in various locations compared to larger drones, making it a preferred choice for travel and outdoor activities.

• The drone includes upgraded features like 360-degree obstacle avoidance and a LED landing light, enhancing safety and usability in diverse flying conditions, alongside 10-bit Dlog for advanced color grading, appealing to users interested in professional-grade video production.

• The Mini 4 Pro is designed with portability in mind, featuring a compact size that fits easily into small bags, making it convenient for spontaneous flying opportunities during trips or hikes.

• Overall, the DJI Mini 4 Pro has proven to be a reliable and less restrictive flying option, offering the safety features of higher-end drones while remaining discreet and quiet, ideal for capturing high-quality content without drawing attention.

Pros & Cons of the DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro, with its cutting-edge features and enhancements, offers several advantages and a few limitations. Here’s a detailed look at the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right drone for your needs.

Pros

1. Enhanced Video Capabilities: The DJI Mini 4 Pro supports 4K video at 100 fps and Full HD at 200 fps, providing exceptional slow-motion video capabilities. This is a significant improvement over its predecessor, which topped out at 60 fps for 4K videos. The inclusion of D-Log M color profile also adds greater depth and color grading flexibility in post-production​.
2. Advanced Obstacle Avoidance: Equipped with Omnidirectional Vision Sensing technology, the Mini 4 Pro offers improved navigational capabilities, allowing for safer and more confident flying, even in complex environments​.
3. Portability and Weight: Staying under the 250-gram limit, the Mini 4 Pro offers great portability without the need for registration in many countries. This makes it an ideal choice for both travel enthusiasts and professional filmmakers who need a lightweight drone that delivers high-quality footage​ (Videomaker)​​ (Engadget)​.
4. Improved Controller: The RC-2 controller, which comes with the Mini 4 Pro, offers better ergonomics, a brighter screen for visibility in various lighting conditions, and more precise controls, enhancing the overall user experience​.

Cons

1. Mediocre Low-Light Performance: While the camera quality is excellent in well-lit conditions, the Mini 4 Pro struggles to deliver the same level of clarity and detail in low-light environments. This could be a drawback for those who need to shoot during dawn, dusk, or in poorly lit scenarios​.
2. Iterative Upgrades: Some users might find that the upgrades from the Mini 3 Pro are not substantial enough to justify the cost if they already own the previous model. The core camera technology remains similar, which means image quality hasn’t seen a dramatic improvement​
3. Price Point: Given the incremental upgrades, the price of the Mini 4 Pro might seem steep for those who already possess the Mini 3 Pro. New buyers, however, will find excellent value in its new features and capabilities​ (Videomaker)​.

Honest Buying Suggestion

If you are new to the DJI Mini series or upgrading from an older drone model, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent investment. Its superior video capabilities, enhanced safety features, and portability make it a standout option in the compact drone market. However, if you currently own the Mini 3 Pro and are satisfied with its performance, especially if you do not require ultra-high frame rate video or the most advanced obstacle avoidance, the upgrade might not provide sufficient value.

For those on the fence, considering alternatives like the Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ or the FIMI X8 Mini V2 could be beneficial. These drones also offer high-quality video capabilities and intelligent flight modes in a compact package, potentially at a more attractive price point​.

In conclusion, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is a top-tier drone that continues to push the boundaries of what compact drones can do. It’s ideally suited for professional content creators and drone enthusiasts who demand high performance in a small, lightweight package.