Best Features of DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro represents a remarkable advancement in drone technology, particularly for those who value portability and performance. Weighing in at less than 249 grams, this lightweight drone is both easy to carry and compliant with various aviation regulations, making it an attractive choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Equipped with an upgraded camera system, the Mini 4 Pro can capture high-quality 4K/60fps HDR videos, slow-motion 4K/100fps footage, and impressive Night Shots. Its rotating gimbal allows for vertical shooting, which is perfect for creating content tailored for social media platforms. The inclusion of 10-bit D-Log M and HLG modes ensures vibrant colour capture, offering more flexibility during editing. Intelligent features like Waypoint flight and enhanced subject tracking with ActiveTrack 360°, combined with advanced safety measures such as omnidirectional vision sensing, solidify the Mini 4 Pro as a leading choice in the sub-249g drone category.

Key Features At A Glance

The Mini 4 Pro offers significant improvements in image quality and flight performance. It's equipped with intelligent features that make flying easier and safer. Its compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced users who need a reliable, small drone.

1: Size

Mini by name and by nature, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is exceptionally compact. Weighing less than 249 grams, this ultra-light and foldable drone is ideal for travelling. Its small size means it fits easily into bags, making it perfect for capturing content on the move.

Its weight also means it falls into the safest regulatory category. In the UK, drones under 250 grams like the DJI Mini 4 Pro can be flown in the Open category's A1 subcategory. This permits flights over uninvolved people, but not over large gatherings, offering significant operational flexibility.

Because it meets the A1 subcategory criteria, pilots do not need to complete the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s advanced drone training, such as the A2 Certificate of Competency (CofC) or General VLOS Certificate (GVC), nor do they need a Flyer ID. Nonetheless, obtaining further training is recommended for safe and responsible flying.

With these features, the DJI Mini 4 Pro is an excellent entry-level drone for both recreational and commercial pilots.

2: Enhanced Camera

The DJI Mini 4 Pro boasts an advanced camera system compared to its previous models, allowing users to record breathtaking images and videos. Central to this enhancement is the 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, which incorporates Dual Native ISO Fusion technology and an f/1.7 aperture. Additionally, the camera features 2.4μm 4-in-1 pixels, promising superior image quality and versatility.

Key Camera Features

1. 4K/60fps HDR Video

   • Capture the essence of any setting with 4K/60fps HDR.
   • High dynamic range showcases details faithfully.
   • Maintain clarity even at elevated frame rates.

2. Slo-Mo 4K/100fps

   • Experience every moment in intricate detail.
   • High resolution ensures clear video quality.
   • Smooth video transitions with high frame rates.

3. Night Shots

   • Support for 4K/30fps Night Shots.
   • Enhanced noise reduction for cleaner footage.
   • Capture stunning night-time scenes with clarity.

4. True Vertical Shooting

   • Vertical recording suited for social media.
   • Utilises a rotating gimbal for optimised vertical shots.
   • Ideal for tall scenes like buildings or waterfalls.

5. Large-Angle Tilt

   • Offers a 60° maximum tilt angle.
   • Facilitates ultra-smooth camera motion.
   • Enhances cinematic potential and creative flexibility.

6. Next-gen SmartPhoto

   • Enables 48MP RAW and 12MP SmartPhoto.
   • Combines HDR imaging and scene recognition.
   • Achieves higher dynamic range, approximating that of the iPhone 14 Pro.

7. Digital Zoom

   • Video: Up to 2x in 4K, up to 4x at 1080p.
   • Photos: Up to 2x at 12 MP.
   • Offers greater flexibility and safer operations by keeping the drone further from obstacles.

This camera system equips both professionals and enthusiasts with the tools needed to capture high-quality imagery and video in various conditions, from daytime landscapes to night-time cityscapes. The integration of state-of-the-art technologies ensures that the visuals are not only dynamic but also true to life.

3: 10-bit D-Log M And HLG

The DJI Mini 4 Pro comes with impressive features, including its 10-bit D-Log M and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) colour profiles, designed to enhance footage quality and editing flexibility.

10-bit D-Log M

Using 10-bit D-Log M, users can record over a billion colours. This feature keeps finer details in both highlights and shadows, allowing for more nuanced colour gradations. Such depth in colour and detail offers professional-level editing possibilities, making it easier to achieve creative visions. Log colour modes like this are popular among creators for retaining image details, providing a significant boost to picture quality. Additionally, the simplified colour grading process of D-Log M makes it more user-friendly compared to other Log modes.

HLG

HLG, on the other hand, stands out by maintaining natural colour and brightness across various platforms without needing adjustment or conversion. With its high dynamic range, HLG simplifies the editing process while preserving image quality. Most mainstream editing software can easily convert HLG to standard colour formats, facilitating straightforward post-production work.

Comparative Benefits

• 10-bit D-Log M: Greater colour depth, richer detail in highlights and shadows, easier colour grading than D-Log.
• HLG: True-to-life colours and brightness, high dynamic range, minimal post-production effort.

These advanced colour profiles make the DJI Mini 4 Pro an excellent tool for creators aiming for top-notch video quality and flexible editing options.

4: Enhanced Safety Features

Safety is crucial in drone operations, and the Mini 4 Pro offers several innovative features to enhance flight security.

Omnidirectional Vision Sensing

The Mini 4 Pro is the first drone under 249 grams to include omnidirectional vision sensing. Equipped with four fisheye vision sensors, downward binocular vision sensors, a 3D ToF sensor, and an auxiliary light, it can detect obstacles from all directions. While it cannot identify small objects like tree branches or wires and is ineffective at night, its vision sensing greatly reduces collision risks. This is especially helpful for novice users.

Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS)

APAS 5.0 further increases safety by enabling the drone to automatically brake and navigate around obstacles. The system can detect and bypass obstacles in all directions: forward, backward, upward, downward, left, and right. This technology ensures a smoother and safer flying experience.

Bottom Auxiliary Light

The bottom auxiliary light of the Mini 4 Pro adds another layer of safety during low-altitude flights at night. This light helps to maintain stability when hovering and reduces the chance of crashes due to uneven ground or poor visibility.

These features make the Mini 4 Pro stand out for anyone prioritising safety in their drone flights.

5: Flagship DJI O4 Video Transmission

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is equipped with the advanced O4 video transmission system. This feature significantly enhances the live view quality, offering resolutions up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. It also boasts an impressive maximum transmission distance of 10 kilometres under CE regulations, and up to 20 kilometres under FCC regulations.

Advantages of O4 Transmission

The O4 video transmission system brings several notable benefits, especially in challenging environments:

• Urban Performance: In densely built-up areas with high signal interference, the Mini 4 Pro ensures more stable signals. This stability reduces video stuttering and frame drops, particularly useful when filming around buildings, at low altitudes, or through various obstructions.
• Smooth Live View: The 60fps transmission rate enhances the smoothness of the live feed. This results in lower latency, providing a quicker and more responsive operation experience.

Controllers

To fully utilise the O4 transmission system, the Mini 4 Pro is compatible with two controllers: the DJI RC 2 and DJI RC-N2. Both were introduced alongside the DJI Air 3 in July 2023.

DJI RC 2

The DJI RC 2 is a next-generation remote controller, featuring a 5.5-inch full HD display.

DJI RC-N2

The DJI RC-N2, on the other hand, integrates with a separate mobile device, providing flexibility based on user preference.

The enhanced O4 transmission and controller options make the DJI Mini 4 Pro a powerful tool for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned drone enthusiasts.

6: Waypoints

The Waypoint flight feature on the Mini 4 Pro allows the drone to follow a pre-set path automatically. This is useful for capturing smooth cinematic shots and carrying out commercial tasks like inspections and visual surveys. Users can set multiple points on a map, and the drone will fly between them, performing customisable actions along the way. Additionally, these flight paths can be saved for future use, ensuring consistency in repeated missions.

7: Advanced Tracking

The Mini 4 Pro boasts ActiveTrack 360°, designed to enhance subject tracking capabilities dramatically. Unlike its predecessor, this upgraded feature allows the drone to follow diverse and flexible flight paths, rather than being fixed in one direction. This makes it ideal for activities like biking, roaming, skateboarding, and car tracking, offering stable and customisable routes that can circle or spiral around the subject.

In addition to ActiveTrack, the drone is equipped with Spotlight and Point of Interest.

• Spotlight: The drone's camera stays focused on the subject while the user manually controls the flight.

• Point of Interest: The drone flies around the subject in a circle, maintaining a set radius and flight speed.

These features collectively offer users creative and dynamic aerial tracking capabilities.

8: Intelligent Flight Features

The DJI Mini 4 Pro incorporates several intelligent flight features designed to enhance safety and user experience.

Cruise Control

Cruise Control is one of these features that helps reduce pilot fatigue during long flights. It allows for smoother camera movement, which minimises camera shake. By pressing a shortcut button, the drone locks its speed based on the current control stick input. This means users no longer need to continuously press the control stick to maintain a steady flight.

Advanced Return To Home

The Advanced Return To Home (RTH) function enables the Mini 4 Pro to automatically chart a safe route back to its starting point, strategically avoiding obstacles. This feature maps the surroundings and plans the most efficient return path, including energy-saving routes and the original path.

During flights, this capability ensures that even with low battery levels, the drone can safely navigate back without incidence. The RTH feature is especially useful when the drone is out of sight, providing confidence that it can return safely.

However, it is important to ensure that the vision-sensing system is enabled for this function to operate effectively. This feature prevents the drone from stalling when it encounters altitude restrictions during a direct return flight path.

These intelligent flight features, including Cruise Control and Advanced RTH, significantly enhance the Mini 4 Pro's reliability and ease of use, making it a formidable choice for both novice and experienced drone pilots.

9: Streamlined Content Creation

Mini 4 Pro comes packed with features designed to make aerial content creation simpler and more efficient.

Hyperlapse offers an array of modes including Free, Waypoint, Circle, and Course Lock, with the added benefit of unlimited shooting time. The upgraded feature now supports compositing while shooting, significantly reducing the time needed to produce the final output.

MasterShots is a boon for those looking to create professional-looking footage with ease. It automates flight paths and camera movements, ensuring every shot is perfectly captured, be it a portrait, close-up, or long-range shot. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it simplifies the process of generating cinematic footage.

QuickShots mode includes various styles such as Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket, Boomerang, and Asteroid. These modes make it easier to create engaging content without needing advanced piloting skills. Users can focus on creativity while the drone handles complex movements and captures stylish results.

Panorama mode lets users capture stunning landscapes with options for 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical, and Sphere panoramic photos. The photos can reach up to 100 MP in 180°/Sphere mode, providing extremely high-resolution images. Even the Wide Angle/Vertical modes have seen a notable improvement compared to the Mini 3 Pro. The lens configuration allows for tilt shooting angles, enhancing the sky effects in panoramic photos without the need for manual adjustments.

The QuickTransfer feature allows for rapid transfer of photos and videos to a smartphone without the need for a remote controller. With Wi-Fi download speeds of up to 30 MB/s, users can quickly share their creations. This feature significantly reduces waiting time, enabling users to promptly download and share their content.

The LightCut App offers wireless connection and smart recognition of composition and flight routes. It facilitates rapid editing and produces impressive videos with just one tap. The app integrates imported footage from ActiveTrack, MasterShots, and QuickShots, automatically matching sound effects and exclusive templates for efficient video production. Importantly, it avoids the need to download footage during the editing process, saving valuable storage space on the user’s device.

10: Multiple Combos - Choose the Best Package for Your Needs

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is offered in three distinct packages, allowing users to select the most suitable option for their requirements.

Key Features of Each Package

DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2): This package includes the DJI RC-N2 remote controller, one intelligent flight battery, and essential accessories such as propellers, a gimbal protector, and a propeller holder. It also includes necessary cables for connectivity.

DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2): This option swaps the RC-N2 controller for the more advanced RC 2. Users receive the same number of accessories and cables, making it a step up in terms of controller functionality.

DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2): The most comprehensive package, this combo includes the RC 2 controller, three intelligent flight batteries, and a range of additional accessories like extra propellers, a shoulder bag, and a two-way charging hub. This package provides more value by including items that would be more expensive if bought separately.

Additional Accessories

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is compatible with other accessories, enhancing its functionality. These include:

• Wide-Angle Lens: Offers a super-wide 100° field of view.
• ND Filters Set: Includes ND16, ND64, and ND256 filters.

The Two-Way Charging Hub is compatible with both the Mini 4 Pro and the Mini 3 series, available separately or as part of the Fly More Combo.

Choosing the right package depends on one’s specific needs and intended usage, with the Fly More Combo generally offering the best value due to its extensive accessories and added convenience.

Summary

The DJI Mini 4 Pro boasts an upgraded imaging system and omnidirectional vision sensing, ensuring clear and precise photos and videos from all angles. Enhanced transmission capabilities provide stronger signal strength and better live feeds, making it reliable for various tasks.

Lightweight and portable, this drone is easy to carry and complies with many regulatory standards. Its versatility makes it ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and even professionals needing a compact inspection tool.

This drone's appeal extends to new users and those looking to upgrade from previous DJI Mini models. Its robust features cater to recreational flying, content creation, and selective commercial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has the camera on the DJI Mini 4 Pro improved from its previous models?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has upgraded its camera to support 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. It now includes HDR capabilities, making it better at capturing details in both bright and dark areas. Additionally, the camera supports True Vertical Shooting, allowing for more versatile photo and video options compared to its predecessors.

In what ways does the battery life of the DJI Mini 4 Pro improve the flight experience?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is designed with an enhanced battery that offers extended flight times, around 30 minutes per charge. This longer battery life allows for more extended aerial shoots and minimises the need for frequent landings to swap batteries, enhancing the overall flying experience.

What unique features set the DJI Mini 4 Pro apart from other drones in its class?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is distinguished by its omnidirectional obstacle sensing, which helps avoid crashes and improves flight safety. It also offers ActiveTrack 360°, enabling the drone to follow subjects smoothly. The lightweight design, under 249 grams, makes it easy to carry and comply with regulatory requirements in many regions.

What advancements have been made in the flight range and stability of the DJI Mini 4 Pro?

The drone features an improved video transmission system, offering a range of up to 20 km. Stability has been enhanced through better sensors and flight algorithms, making it more reliable even in challenging weather conditions or complex environments.

What factors should be considered when choosing an SD card for the DJI Mini 4 Pro?

When selecting an SD card for the DJI Mini 4 Pro, it is important to choose one with a high write speed, preferably UHS-I Speed Class 3 (U3) or better. This ensures smooth 4K recording and quick data transfer. The capacity should also be sufficient to store high-resolution footage, with at least 32 GB but ideally 64 GB or more.

How does the cost of the DJI Mini 4 Pro weigh against its features and its value for film-making and aerial photography?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro, while more expensive than basic drones, offers exceptional value for its price. Its advanced features, like 4K HDR video, comprehensive obstacle sensing, and extended range, make it a preferred choice for both hobbyists and professional filmmakers. The investment translates into high-quality footage and reliable performance.