DJI, a renowned leader in consumer drones, has unveiled its latest innovation, the DJI Mini 4 Pro, designed to take the world of miniature drones to new heights. This release comes on the heels of Skydio’s exit from the consumer drone market, leaving enthusiasts eagerly looking for alternatives. The DJI Mini 4 Pro is poised to capture the attention of drone enthusiasts with its groundbreaking features and capabilities.

One of the standout features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle sensing technology, making it the first Mini drone to offer this level of awareness in every direction. Unlike its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro, which could only detect obstacles in forward, backward, and downward directions, the Mini 4 Pro now boasts binocular vision for comprehensive obstacle detection. This enhancement has the potential to significantly improve flight safety and expand creative possibilities for drone users.

The omnidirectional obstacle sensing is particularly valuable for navigating through tight spaces, such as between trees or branches. With its smaller wingspan compared to the DJI Air 3, the Mini 4 Pro becomes a versatile tool for capturing aerial footage in challenging environments.

In terms of specifications, the Mini 4 Pro aligns itself closely with its larger counterpart, the DJI Air 3, despite being more affordably priced at $759. It features a similar primary camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 48-megapixel resolution, f/1.7 aperture, and an 82-degree field of view. The drone offers an impressive battery life of over 40 minutes, ensuring extended flight time for capturing stunning aerial shots.

Furthermore, the Mini 4 Pro introduces several noteworthy upgrades, including the ability to shoot 100fps in 4K and 200fps in 1080p, providing drone enthusiasts with enhanced videography capabilities. The Ocusync 4 video transmission technology offers an extended range of 20 kilometers, a significant improvement from the previous 12-kilometer range, further elevating the drone’s performance.

Battery options for the Mini 4 Pro include the standard battery, which delivers a solid half-hour of flight time, and the larger “Intelligent Flight Battery Plus” for nearly 40 minutes of uninterrupted flight. However, it’s worth noting that the latter is not available in Europe due to weight restrictions exceeding the allowed 249 grams.

For those who prioritize vertical shooting, DJI promotes “True Vertical Shooting” as a standout feature, although this capability was already present in the Mini 3 Pro and the budget-friendly Mini 3.

In terms of battery life, the Mini 3 Pro holds an advantage, offering an additional four to six minutes of flight time depending on the battery type used. However, if speed is a critical factor, the DJI Air 3 is the preferred choice as it boasts twice the ascent and descent speed of the Mini 4 Pro, ascending and descending at five meters per second compared to the Mini’s slower pace.

For those seeking versatility in photography, the DJI Air 3 stands out with its second f/2.8 70mm-equivalent telephoto camera, offering expanded creative possibilities.

As drone enthusiasts explore their options, DJI provides a convenient side-by-side comparison tool on its website, allowing users to compare the Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, and DJI Air 3 to make informed decisions.

For existing Mini 3 Pro owners, the good news is that the Mini 4 Pro is compatible with the same batteries, offering a seamless transition. However, due to the upgraded Ocusync 4 video transmission, users will need a new controller to fully unlock the potential of the Mini 4 Pro.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is poised to make a significant impact in the consumer drone market, offering advanced features and capabilities at an attractive price point. As drone technology continues to evolve, DJI remains at the forefront of innovation, catering to the needs of drone enthusiasts and creators worldwide.