DJI, the undisputed leader in the consumer drone market, returns with the DJI Mini 4 Pro. This successor to the immensely popular Mini 3 Pro retains the ultra-lightweight design that keeps it under the crucial 250g weight limit, exempting it from registration in most countries. But the Mini 4 Pro isn’t just about maintaining legal ease; it boasts a significant leap in performance and features, making a strong case for being the best lightweight drone on the market. Let’s take flight and see if the Mini 4 Pro lives up to the hype.
Pocket-Sized Powerhouse: Performance Gains Take Flight
The Mini 4 Pro sheds the chunky arms of its predecessor in favor of a more streamlined design. However, this doesn’t translate to a reduction in power. The centerpiece of the upgrade is the new Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip, a significant improvement over the previous generation. This translates to noticeably smoother and more responsive flight, especially in windy conditions.
Video recording capabilities have also received a welcome boost. The Mini 4 Pro now captures stunning 4K/60fps footage, a significant upgrade from the 4K/30fps of the Mini 3 Pro. Additionally, the introduction of HDR recording allows for capturing details in highlights and shadows, essential for professional-looking content.
Battery life remains a strong point. The Mini 4 Pro boasts a flight time of up to 30 minutes on a single charge, allowing for extended creative sessions. While some reviewers note that real-world battery life may be slightly lower depending on flying conditions, it remains impressive for such a compact drone.
Safety First: Obstacle Avoidance Gets an Overhaul
Safety has always been a priority for DJI, and the Mini 4 Pro takes it a step further. The omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system has been significantly improved, with forward, backward, and downward sensors creating a protective bubble around the drone. This not only increases safety for beginners but also gives experienced pilots more confidence to explore tight spaces and capture dynamic footage.
Another safety feature is the inclusion of DJI’s ActiveTrack 360°. This intelligent tracking system automatically follows your subject, even if they move behind obstacles. While not perfect, it takes the hassle out of capturing smooth tracking shots, especially helpful for solo content creators.
Image Quality: Sharper Details, Richer Colors
The Mini 4 Pro utilizes a new 1/3-inch CMOS sensor with a larger f/1.7 aperture. This translates to improved low-light performance and sharper overall image quality. Colors are vibrant and accurate, and the footage holds up well even in post-processing.
However, it’s important to remember that the Mini 4 Pro remains a sub-250g drone. While image quality is excellent for its size and weight class, it can’t compete with larger, heavier DJI drones like the Air 2S or Mavic 3 in terms of pure image quality and sensor size.
The DJI Fly App: A Familiar Friend (With a Few Quirks)
The Mini 4 Pro is controlled using the DJI Fly app, a familiar interface for DJI drone users. The app offers a variety of flight modes, including intelligent flight modes like QuickShots for capturing cinematic footage with ease. The app also displays live telemetry data and provides editing tools for basic trimming and color correction.
While the DJI Fly app is generally user-friendly, some reviewers note a few quirks with the Mini 4 Pro version. The connection between the app and the drone can be a bit finicky at times, requiring occasional restarts. Additionally, some users report a slight learning curve when navigating the new features and menus within the app.
The Verdict: A Compelling Upgrade for Content Creators on the Go
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a clear evolution of the winning formula established by the Mini 3 Pro. The increased power, improved image quality, and enhanced safety features make it a compelling option for content creators and hobbyists alike. The sub-250g weight limit remains a significant advantage, allowing for hassle-free travel and legal operation in most regions.
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