The new DJI Mavic 4 Pro takes off in our hands-on!
DJI is once again setting new standards: with the brand new Mavic 4 Pro, the market leader presents a drone that makes photographers' and filmmakers' hearts beat faster in equal measure. Higher resolution, even longer flight time, impressive speeds and more professional recording functions. DJI impressively demonstrates that there is still room for improvement.
Its predecessor, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, was already a real revolution in aerial photography thanks to the revolutionary three-camera system from Hasselblad, 48-megapixel photos and 5K 10-bit video recording. But the Mavic 4 Pro goes one better in almost every area!
In this blog post, you'll find out why the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, with its innovative features, has what it takes to become the new benchmark for aerial photography enthusiasts and professionals.
Size & Weight
First things first: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is definitely no lightweight! With a folded size of around 26 x 12 x 10 cm and an impressive wingspan of almost 33 cm in length and 39 cm in width when unfolded, the Mavic 4 Pro clearly positions itself as a professional solution for ambitious photographers and filmmakers. Compared to its predecessor, the Mavic 3 Pro, it has grown slightly in every dimension and now weighs just under 100 grams more.
Of course, DJI offers smaller and lighter alternatives in its range for those who like it more compact (e.g.: Mini or Air). But the Mavic 4 Pro has the "Pro" in its name for good reason: the additional size allows for more powerful components, including a larger battery that almost reaches the dimensions of a complete DJI Mini 3.
Nevertheless, the drone remains practical: a special transport protection reliably secures the sensitive camera and the gimbal when on the move. Particularly smart: if you unfold the arms of the Mavic 4 Pro, it starts automatically and connects to the controller in a flash. This means the drone is ready for use in no time at all - perfect for spontaneous shoots and demanding missions where every second counts!
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Standard
- DJI Mavic 4 Pro (Variant: Standard)
- 100MP 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with 6K/60fps HDR video
- 1/1.3â³ & 1/1.5â³ large CMOS dual telephoto cameras
- Infinity gimbal with 360° rotation for dynamic camera movements
- 0.1 lux night recording with omnidirectional obstacle detection
- 51-minute flight time
- DJI O4& 30km 10-bit HDR video transmission
- foldable remote control with rotatable 7-inch high-gloss display
Flight performance & Safety
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro not only impresses with its impressive image quality, but also sets new standards in terms of flight performance and safety. With a (theoretical) maximum speed of up to 90 km/h, the Mavic 4 Pro has more than enough power to move its increased weight with ease - even if this speed cannot be fully utilized in this country for legal reasons. But that doesn't matter, because even at moderate speeds, the Mavic 4 Pro impresses with noticeably improved agility and extremely dynamic flight behavior.
Another highlight is the extended maximum flight time of up to 50 minutes per battery. Of course, this is reduced when flying in a sporty manner, but the ability to stay in the air for longer is a lot of fun from the very first use and expands the creative possibilities enormously.
DJI has also made significant improvements in terms of safety: Omnidirectional obstacle detection ensures that the Mavic 4 Pro reliably detects obstacles and flies around them automatically - so you can concentrate fully on your shots. A particularly exciting update is the new LiDAR sensor, which is installed on the front right. This allows the drone to detect obstacles precisely even in difficult lighting conditions and significantly increases safety in flight.
Particularly innovative: the return-to-home function of the Mavic 4 Pro even works when there is no GPS reception. With the help of intelligent mapping functions and real-time data from the built-in sensors, the drone independently reconstructs its flight path. This technology is extremely helpful, especially in remote areas or densely built-up urban areas, and reliably protects against the loss of your high-quality drone.
Camera system
The heart of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro (and the reason why photographers and videographers will love this drone) is undoubtedly the impressive camera system. More precisely: the ball-shaped camera module with its three powerful lenses.
The main camera of the Mavic 4 Pro sets new standards: DJI has integrated a brand-new 4/3" sensor with real 100 megapixels for the first time - without any tricks such as upscaling or multi-shot. Combined with fast optics, this results in a focal length of the equivalent of 28 mm with a variable aperture of f/2.0 to f/11. This produces detailed images that were previously almost unimaginable in the drone sector.
The second camera should look familiar to connoisseurs: As with the Mavic 3 Pro, a proven 48-megapixel sensor in 1/1.3-inch format is used here, with a focal length of the equivalent of 70 mm and a fixed aperture of f/2.8. Perfect for portrait-like shots or to create exciting, compressed perspectives.
A major advancement also awaits us in the third camera: here DJI replaces the previous 12-MP sensor with a significantly larger 50-megapixel sensor (1/1.5 inch). Together with an impressive focal length of the equivalent of 168 mm and a fixed aperture of f/2.8, this results in spectacular telephoto shots and completely new creative possibilities from the air.
One small wish still remains: A continuous zoom across all three cameras would have been ideal to be able to switch between focal lengths during a shot. Although each camera allows beautiful digital zoom movements, the recording still has to be interrupted when switching between the lenses. Nevertheless, the advantage of the versatile and creative perspectives that can be captured with this triple camera system clearly outweighs the disadvantages.
The image quality is impressive across the board: all three cameras offer a dual native ISO, which means that remarkably low-noise and clear images are possible even in low light conditions. The natural color reproduction and the immense dynamic range of over 16 levels provided by the main camera are also particularly impressive. This opens up enormous reserves in RAW post-processing and allows even the finest structures and textures to be captured in detail from a great height.
New gimbal
In combination with the gimbal dynamics, this results in completely new looks for nature and city shots, because the new design of the gimbal may look a little strange at first glance, but it offers a really big advantage:
The drone can not only pan downwards, but also upwards! This results in an inclination of 160 degrees, so you can capture high buildings, mountain landscapes or similar with ease.
In addition, there is the 360° roll-axis rotation, which means that the camera can rotate freely around its own axis. Dutch Angle? No problem. FPV vibes? They are included.
Video functions
The new camera system naturally also offers a number of advantages in the video area. Up to 6K recordings with up to 60p or 4K recordings with up to 120p are possible with the main camera. But the two telephoto cameras can also record 4k at up to 120p and 100p respectively.
The Mavic 4 Pro 512GB version, i.e. the Creator Combo, also enables 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I video recording with all cameras in all resolutions. Of course also in LOG profiles!
RC Pro 2 Controller
DJI doesn't do things by halves with the Mavic 4 Pro when it comes to control: The brand new RC Pro 2 controller combines smart operation with professional features that videographers in particular will appreciate.
The biggest eye-catcher is the 7-inch mini LED touch display with up to 2,000 nits brightness and 10-bit color depth. This provides an extremely detailed and true-color preview of your recordings - even in bright sunlight, the image remains clear and high-contrast. Particularly practical: you can rotate the display by 90 degrees and switch between landscape and portrait format at lightning speed without having to do without a cropped image section or smaller preview.
Like the drone itself, the RC Pro 2 also switches on automatically when unfolded and connects immediately to the Mavic 4 Pro. For demanding video setups, the controller also offers a clean feed via HDMI - ideal for feeding the live signal directly into an external recorder or a streaming setup. And the DJI mics can be connected directly and wirelessly for clear sound control.
The integrated flight simulator is a real highlight for beginners and pros alike: you can complete training flights in the app without a drone and familiarize yourself with all the buttons and functions under realistic conditions. Your next aerial adventure will start perfectly prepared.
Conclusion
The rumor mill surrounding the new Mavic generation has long been a source of conversation and DJI is now making a real statement with the Mavic 4 Pro. Over the last two years, all the important adjustments have been made:
- Camera system: from the 100 megapixel main sensor to the new 50 MP telephoto module, you get unprecedented image quality and maximum flexibility.
- Flight features: Longer flight time, up to 90 km/h top speed, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and LiDAR sensor guarantee you safe, agile handling.
- Operation & Workflow: Automatic start-up of the drone and the RC Pro 2 controller, integrated flight simulator and clean-feed HDMI output make the Mavic 4 Pro a professional tool.
In addition, there are fine comfort details that make everyday life easier: the new low-energy Bluetooth connection switches the drone into a transmission mode even when it is switched off, so that you can drag media directly to your smartphone, even if it is still slumbering in your rucksack or car trunk.
All the features may not be needed by everyone who just wants to take a compact drone with them on their next trip - professional photographers and videographers, on the other hand, who work for clients under difficult conditions, should hardly leave anything to be desired with the Mavic 4 Pro.
