DJI Mini 4 Professional Evaluation (Is It Price to Improve?) – Droneblog

Consists of:

• DJI Mini 4 Professional
• DJI RC 2 Distant Controller
• 1 x Clever Flight Battery (Normal)
• USB-C Cable
• Android and iOS Management Cables
• Entrance Sensor and Gimbal Guard
• Propeller Holder
• 2 Units of Spare Props and 6 Screws
• Screw Driver

Mini 4 Professional Fly Extra Combo (DJI RC 2/Normal Battery)

Consists of:

• DJI Mini 4 Professional
• DJI RC 2 Distant Controller
• 3 x Clever Flight Battery (Normal)
• Battery Charging Hub
• Carrying Bag
• USB-C Cable
• USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
• Android and iOS Management Cables
• Entrance Sensor and Gimbal Guard
• Propeller Holder
• 6 Units of Spare Props and 18 Screws
• Screw Driver

Mini 4 Professional Fly Extra Combo Plus (DJI RC 2/Plus Battery)

Consists of:

• DJI Mini 4 Professional
• DJI RC 2 Distant Controller
• 3 x Clever Flight Battery (Plus)
• Battery Charging Hub
• Carrying Bag
• USB-C Cable
• USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
• Android and iOS Management Cables
• Entrance Sensor and Gimbal Guard
• Propeller Holder
• 6 Units of Spare Props and 18 Screws
• Screw Driver

Technical Specs

» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Professional vs. Mini 3 Professional (Right here’s My Alternative)

Mini 4 Professional {Hardware}

Like all the earlier variations of the DJI Mini line, the Mini 4 Professional is constructed from light-weight plastic.

When first choosing up a Mini 4 Professional, in case you’ve by no means picked up a DJI Mini drone prior, the drone feels extra like a toy, than a Professional system, because the identify describes.

As soon as flying the Mini 4 Professional any concepts that it’s a low-cost drone go proper out the window.

Whereas, no, the Mini 4 Professional doesn’t fly just like the heavier and way more costly Mavic 3 Professional, or precisely just like the 25 p.c bigger DJI Air 3, the Mini 4 Professional flies extraordinarily effectively.

The little motors on the Mini 4 Professional propel it round effortlessly and purposefully. When there isn’t any wind current the Mini 4 Professional doesn’t even wobble. It stays planted.

When there is wind, it handles it fairly effectively, contemplating how small of a drone it’s.

Talking of wind, the Mini 4 Professional is rated for 23.9 mph winds.

On my latest outing to the Gulf Coast of Florida, the winds have been gusting effectively into the decrease 20 mph vary over the water, and the Mini 4 Professional did an awesome job taking video in addition to churning out 3 picture AEB (auto publicity bracketed) images, with restricted blurring.

Though affected considerably by the wind, when stationary, the 3-axis gimbal ensures that video footage will end up easy, whatever the wind situation the Mini 4 Professional could be experiencing on the time.

I’ll point out, although, that on one run, when manually monitoring a fast-moving boat from the facet, I acquired a battery voltage error, mainly telling me I used to be placing an excessive amount of pressure on the Normal battery that was at the moment within the Mini 4 Professional on the time.

Whereas that solely occurred one time, I’m going to keep watch over it, to make sure it doesn’t grow to be a typical concern when flying in windy situations.

Just like the Mini 3 Professional, the Mini 4 Professional is definitely very enjoyable to fly. It flies very equally to the bigger Air 3, however simply not as quick on the upper ends of high velocity and ascent and descent speeds.

As somebody who flies often for enterprise functions, and infrequently will get to fly recreationally, the Mini 4 Professional encourages me to take just a little little bit of “me” time and simply fly for enjoyable.

It truly is a pleasure to fly.

With the DJI RC 2 all-in-one controller, I can rise up and flying rapidly and simply.

Due to the small measurement and addition of the brand new omnidirectional impediment avoidance system, the Mini 4 Professional is ideal even for learners.

The impediment avoidance sensors will guarantee new drone house owners can fly confidently with out crashing into something, whereas fanatics can take pleasure in added autonomous flight options.

When referring to these new to flying drones basically, like with earlier iterations of DJI drones, if the sticks are too delicate in any flight mode (Cine, Regular, or Sport), they are often adjusted inside the DJI fly app to reduce and even improve their response.

Just about anybody’s flying type might be accommodated with the Mini 4 Professional.

One thing most will admire concerning the Mini 4 Professional is that the propellers are extraordinarily quiet. When up about 50 ft, they’re nearly non-discernable.

That is nice for anybody involved about bringing an excessive amount of consideration to themselves when flying.

I discovered the stealth strategy to work fairly effectively once I was flying from a pretty crowded space in seashore entry parking.

I merely opened the motive force window, turned on the drone and RC, and hand-launched, all whereas sitting on the wheel of my SUV.

The individuals speaking within the automobile subsequent to me didn’t even look over, it was that quiet.

When flying in busy downtown Orlando parks, likewise, nobody batted a watch or acknowledged the drone in any method.

As a result of I fly in lots of city and crowded downtown areas frequently, the addition of the Ocusync 4 Transmission System is extremely appreciated.

This new system is an improve to the transmission system beforehand seen on the Mini 3 Professional.

Ocusync 3.0 was by no means missing in any regard. Nevertheless, this new system transmits an HD 60fps picture that’s actually crystal clear, particularly when seen on the DJI RC 2.

OcuSync 4.0 not solely has a clearer viewing stream, however it’s even stronger than earlier iterations.

Whereas many like to speak about how far a drone can fly, in all honesty, when flying in america, it’s unlawful to fly BVLOS (past visible line of sight).

Due to this, we by no means encourage anybody to check out how far any drone can fly.

As a substitute, we admire the energy of the sign between the DJI RC 2/RC-N2 and the Mini 4 Professional.

As a result of the sign is so robust and never overly affected by exterior interference, the Mini 4 Professional can fly in WiFi and signal-congested areas higher than earlier methods.

That is very best for flying in suburban or downtown environments.

Distant Controllers

Because the Mini 4 Professional now comes with the newly launched Ocusync 4.0 (O4) transmission system, like with the Air 3, there may be new {hardware} to accommodate this.

To make use of the brand new O4 system, there are a further 2 antennas added to the Mini 4 Professional distant controllers, as follows:

• RC-N2 (stronger inner antennas)
• DJI RC2 (2 further exterior flip ahead antennas)

One draw back to the brand new O4 transmission system is that, at the moment, earlier variations of DJI distant controllers is not going to work, as there isn’t any backward compatibility, which means the Mini 4 Professional can’t be flown with the:

We’ve got but to see if that is one thing DJI addresses sooner or later, or if they only launch a DJI RC Professional 2 or one thing alongside that line.

DJI RC 2 Controller

The DJI RC 2, just like the authentic DJI RC launched with the Mini 3 Professional, is a really a lot appreciated addition to the all-in-one DJI distant controller area.

Though considerably cheaper than the DJI RC Professional and nearly the identical value as the unique DJI RC, the DJI RC 2, operating Android, additionally has a brilliant 5.5″ built-in display at 700 nits.

Although it’s not a full 1000 nits of brightness just like the DJI RC Professional, the DJI RC 2 does fairly effectively in direct daylight.

In case you decide to make use of a matte display protector (although not necessary), the viewing expertise can be even higher.

» MORE: DJI RC 2 Evaluation (All the pieces You Have to Know)

The face of the DJI RC 2

• Flight Pause/Return to House button (RTH)
  • When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Professional will robotically return to the placement marked as residence within the DJI Fly app. RTH choices might be adjusted.
  • Press as soon as to make the plane brake and hover in place
• Cine, Regular, and Sport mode swap
  • Cine – sluggish easy flight with dampened controls. Tailor-made for getting cinematic photographs
  • Regular – straight out of the field, commonplace management velocity
  • Sport – permits the Mini 4 Professional to fly at speeds as much as 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
• Energy button (press then long-press-hold to activate)
• 4 LED indicator/standing lights and a Energy On LED
  • 4 inexperienced LED: 75% – 100% battery life
  • 3 inexperienced LED: 50% – 75% battery life
  • 2 inexperienced LED: 25% – 50% battery life
  • 1 inexperienced LED: 0% – 25% battery life
• 2 Detachable Management Sticks

The again of the DJI RC2

• C1 and C2 buttons. Will be personalized as follows:
  • C1 Button
    • Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
    • Observe/FPV
    • Auxilliary Lights
    • Cruise Management
    • AE Lock On/Off
    • Enhance EV
    • Lower EV
    • Digicam Settings
    • Change Cameras
    • Plan Waypoint Flight
  • C2 Button
    • Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
    • Observe/FPV
    • Auxilliary Lights
    • Cruise Management
    • AE Lock On/Off
    • Enhance EV
    • Lower EV
    • Digicam Settings
    • Change Cameras
    • Plan Waypoint Flight
• 2 Slots to retailer the detachable management sticks
• 2 recessed mounting holes
• Vent

The highest of the DJI RC2

• 2 scroll wheels/dials.
  • Left dial
  • Proper Wheel/Dial. Will be personalized as follows:
    • Zoom In/Out
    • Alter Focal Size
    • Alter EV
    • Alter Shutter Pace
    • Alter ISO
• Video file button
• Picture shutter button
• 2 inner/built-in antennas
• 2 rabbit ear adjustable antennas

Button/Dial Modifiers

Moreover, there are modifiers or button and dial mixtures that carry out sure features as effectively and might be modified:

• C1 Button + Proper Dial
  • Zoom In/Out
  • Alter Focal Size
  • Alter EV
  • Alter Shutter Pace
  • Alter ISO
• C2 Button + Proper Dial
  • Zoom In/Out
  • Alter Focal Size
  • Alter EV
  • Alter Shutter Pace
  • Alter ISO

The underside of the DJI RC2

• SD Card Slot
  • Can settle for SD playing cards as much as 256GB
• USB-C Charging Port
• Mounting Holes – for lanyard clasps, and so forth.

RC-N2 Controller

The RC-N2 is a carbon copy of the unique RC-N1 that’s used for the Mini 2 line, Mavic 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 line, and Mavic 3 line, simply with a stronger sign.

The design, ergonomics, and button format of the RC-N1 have been profitable, so seeing it in a 2.0 model with the Mini 4 Professional shouldn’t be solely anticipated however appreciated.

The face of the DJI RC-N2

• Energy button
• 4 LED indicator/standing lights and a Energy On LED
  • 4 inexperienced LED: 75% – 100% battery life
  • 3 inexperienced LED: 50% – 75% battery life
  • 2 inexperienced LED: 25% – 50% battery life
  • 1 inexperienced LED: 0% – 25% battery life
• Cine, Regular, and Sport mode swap
  • Cine – sluggish easy flight with dampened controls. Tailor-made for getting cinematic photographs
  • Regular – straight out of the field, commonplace management velocity
  • Sport – permits the Mini 4 Professional to fly at speeds as much as 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
• Flight Pause/Return to House button (RTH)
  • When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Professional will robotically return to the placement marked as residence within the DJI Fly app. RTH choices might be adjusted.
  • Press as soon as to make the plane brake and hover in place
• FN (Perform) button which might be personalized as such:
  • Single Press
    • Recenter Gimbal
    • Auxiliary LED
    • Toggle Map/Reside View
    • Gimbal Observe/FPV Mode
    • Digicam Settings
    • AE Lock/Unlock
    • Enhance EV
    • Lower EV
    • Portrait/Panorama Mode Change
    • Plan Waypoint Flight
    • Cruise Management
  • Double Press
    • Recenter Gimbal
    • Auxiliary LED
    • Toggle Map/Reside View
    • Gimbal Observe/FPV Mode
    • Digicam Settings
    • AE Lock/Unlock
    • Enhance EV
    • Lower EV
    • Portrait/Panorama Mode Change
    • Plan Waypoint Flight
    • Cruise Management
• Picture/Video Toggle
  • Press as soon as to change between photograph and video mode. 
• 2 Detachable Management Sticks

The again of the DJI RC-N2

• Warmth vent
• 2 Ergonomic Hand Grips

The highest of the DJI RC-N2

• The slide-out built-in antenna and smartphone holder/mount
• The digicam/video set off button
  • Press as soon as to take images or begin or cease recording
• Plastic Scroll-wheel
  • adjusts the pitch of the digicam gimbal
• 2 indented pads to lock the smartphone in
• Android or iOS Management Cable

The underside of the DJI RC-N2

• USB-C Charging Port
• Management Stick Holder

» MORE: Greatest Drone Controllers

Impediment Avoidance & Monitoring

With Skydio initially operating the automated tracking-a-subject present previous to leaving the buyer market, over the previous yr or so, impediment avoidance and topic monitoring have been the main target of many within the drone group.

DJI has absolutely stepped up and made drones with higher and higher impediment avoidance.

Not solely that, they’ve managed to squeeze a full omnidirectional system into one thing as small because the Mini 4 Professional.

With higher and higher impediment avoidance, topic monitoring has grow to be a actuality for nearly all ranges of drone operators, together with these completely new to flying.

As a result of the Mini 4 Professional has facet sensors now, with its 360-degree safety, the Mini 4 Professional can safely fly sideways, which is important for the upgraded Lively Observe features that enable the Mini 4 Professional to trace topics from all 4 sides: entrance, again, left, and proper.

When just lately taking the Mini 4 Professional and Mini 3 Professional out on the Florida Gulf Coast, I used to be really happy with how effectively the monitoring labored on the Mini 4 Professional.

Prior, I by no means used the monitoring features on the Mini 3 Professional, because it didn’t have sensors on the perimeters.

Nevertheless, I did use the upgraded energetic monitor on the Air 3, and the Mini 4 Professional does an equally spectacular job when monitoring topics.

One thing I’ve been doing just lately with the upgraded energetic monitor on all of our new DJI drones is attempting to see if I can get the drone to lose me.

In actually excessive circumstances the energetic monitor was unable to reacquire me as a topic.

This was when strolling or using behind strong objects (like partitions) and dense bushes and timber.

All in all, when doing regular actions, like monitoring bikes and autos, in common environments (with some timber and bushes), energetic monitor labored very effectively.

Picture High quality

The Mini 4 Professional makes use of a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, at a focal size of 24mm and an f/1.7 aperture.

This is similar sized digicam because the earlier Mini 3 Professional and the identical primary digicam as on the brand new Air 3.

As a result of the aperture is f/1.7 versus the overall f/2.8 most fastened aperture shopper drones use, the Mini 4 Professional (just like the Air 3 and Mini 3 Professional earlier than it) has pretty first rate low-light imagery, although a bit noisy within the darker areas, particularly noticeable when taking night time AEB’s like under.

Photographs

The Mini 4 Execs digicam takes two various-sized images. The primary is 12 MP, which is equal to the scale of images many cell telephones take.

These are good high quality and look nice on social media.

The second photograph possibility is 48 MP. This mode is finished by manipulating the pixels within the Mini 4 Execs digicam, quadrupling the picture decision.

Regardless if some love or hate it, this selection is used incessantly by many and produces nice outcomes.

It’s good to see that the Mini 4 Professional continues to take, not solely JPEG or RAW pictures but additionally JPEG and RAW pictures, concurrently.

For anybody severe about pictures, RAW picture recordsdata are important as they collect and retain extra picture data than typical JPEG recordsdata, permitting the top person the flexibility to deliver this data out when absolutely enhancing their images.

Nowadays of social media content material creation, it’s good to see that the Mini 4 Professional has retained the true vertical mode capturing that was made fashionable by the Mini 3 Professional, the place the bodily digicam rotates 90 levels to take portrait-orientated images, rendering the best high quality images and movies.

When capturing vertically, it’s simpler to publish portrait-oriented images to Instagram and TikTok, as no sizing, resizing, or cropping is required.

If there was a destructive to notice, it will be that the Mini 4 Professional, just like the Mini 3 Professional and numerous different drone cameras and floor cameras, randomly suffers from excessive chromatic aberration.

That is the place there may be inexperienced or purple fringing, oftentimes on areas of excessive element or strains.

This may be mitigated some in publish, however continues to be one thing to concentrate on, particularly when capturing 48 MP images.

An instance of this may be seen above within the sundown shot. If pixel-peeping, chromatic aberration is clear within the tree branches and lake grass.

However then the randomness of this prevalence involves gentle when chromatic aberration is completely absent from the Florida Polytechnic School shot.

» MORE: Learn how to Produce Vertical Content material with a Drone (That Isn’t the Mini 3)

Movies

For those who shoot lots of video, there may be fairly a bit to love right here with the Mini 4 Professional.

The Mini 4 Professional may be very able to producing high-quality movies, movies that may even be used for shopper work, equivalent to actual estate-related.

This is because of the truth that the Mini 4 Professional can shoot as much as 4k 100fps (frames per second), in both h264 or h265, all within the 10-bit D-Log M shade profile.

This implies wonderful high quality video that may be absolutely color-graded with out simply destroying the colour within the video.

It’s superb that drones as small because the Mini 4 Professional are able to capturing high-quality movies like this.

Though there could also be those that argue that the Professional within the identify is untimely, because the digicam shouldn’t be a 1″ sensor, the video side of it greater than makes up for this.

For a lot of video shooters, it’s refreshing to see that the Mini 4 Professional continues the Mini 3 Professional’s custom of with the ability to shoot exterior the Regular shade profile.

The Mini 4 Professional permits you to shoot within the flat D-Log M profile in 10-bit shade.

The Mini 4 Professional capturing at a better bit-rate allows the Mini 4 Professional to seize exponentially extra colours (1 billion) over that of 8-bit counterparts, at 16 million colours.

For people like me, who do lots of color-grading and enhancing for paying purchasers, the flexibility to match drone photographs with mirrorless and DSLR digicam photographs is nearly a requirement.

As talked about beforehand, the digicam on the Mini 4 Professional is mainly the identical 24mm 1/1.3-inch CMOS digicam utilized by the bigger DJI Air 3.

Do you have to Improve?

That is the massive query on the minds of many. Does the Mini 4 Professional provide sufficient new options over the Mini 3 Professional to truly improve?

DJI Mini 3 Professional

If you have already got a DJI Mini 3 Professional, you could ask your self what are you trying to do with the Mini 4 Professional that you just can’t already do with the Mini 3 Professional.

Whereas each Minis take the identical decision images, as well as, the Mini 4 Professional has:

• Omnidirectional impediment avoidance
• Ocusync 4.0
• D-Log M image profile
• 4k 100fps video

If these are options you require, then the transfer from the Mini 3 Professional to the Mini 4 Professional would possibly show to be an awesome concept.

In case you can stay with out these upgrades, then the transfer would possibly solely be a sidegrade, an expense that isn’t wanted.

For all these with the Mini 2, Mini 2 SE, and Mini 3, who could be contemplating upgrading to a Professional-badged Mini, transferring proper into the Mini 4 Professional could be the logical alternative, particularly contemplating the Mini 4 Professional with DJI RC 2 combo is at the moment solely $50 greater than the Mini 3 Professional with DJI RC combo.

» MORE: Greatest Drones for Night time Time Use (Images & Video)