The DJI Mini 4 Pro: A Mini Drone with Binocular Vision
Introduction
The DJI Mini 4 Pro, recently announced by DJI, is generating a lot of buzz in the consumer drone market. Priced at $759, this mini drone promises to deliver omnidirectional obstacle sensing, making it the first of its kind in the mini drone category. The addition of binocular vision in every direction is expected to enhance safety and maneuverability, creating a potentially significant upgrade for drone enthusiasts. In this article, we will discuss the features of the DJI Mini 4 Pro and its comparison to its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro, and the DJI Air 3.
Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
The standout feature of the DJI Mini 4 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle sensing. With “Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems (APAS),” the drone is equipped with automatic braking and bypassing capabilities during flight. This technology aims to provide an added layer of safety by minimizing the risk of collisions. The inclusion of bug-like eyes sticking out in every direction allows the drone to detect and avoid obstacles effectively.
Potential Benefits
The omnidirectional obstacle sensing technology introduces the potential for improved flight experiences. The smaller wingspan of the Mini 4 Pro, compared to the DJI Air 3, may enable smoother navigation between trees and branches. This feature is particularly appealing for drone enthusiasts who enjoy capturing footage in densely populated areas or natural environments. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the drone’s tree-dodging capabilities has yet to be thoroughly tested.
Feature Parity with DJI Air 3
In many ways, the DJI Mini 4 Pro brings the capabilities of its predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro, closer to those of the higher-priced DJI Air 3. Both the Mini 4 Pro and the Air 3 boast a similar main camera with a 1/1.3-inch sensor, 48-megapixel resolution, and an f/1.7 aperture. Additionally, the Mini 4 Pro matches the Air 3’s battery life of over 40 minutes and offers improvements in shooting capabilities, including the ability to shoot 100fps 4K videos and 200fps 1080p videos. The Mini 4 Pro also receives a significant boost in video transmission range, with Ocusync 4 providing a transmission range of up to 20 kilometers, compared to the Air 3’s 12-kilometer range.
Battery Life and True Vertical Shooting
The DJI Mini 4 Pro maintains the Mini 3 Pro’s battery life of approximately 30 minutes with the included battery. However, it is worth noting that the Mini 4 Pro does not support the “Intelligent Flight Battery Plus,” which would have extended the flight time to nearly 40 minutes. This decision was likely made to adhere to weight restrictions, as exceeding 249 grams would limit the Mini 4 Pro’s usage in certain regions. Another feature highlighted by DJI is “True Vertical Shooting,” but this feature was already present in both the Mini 3 Pro and the budget-friendly Mini 3.
Speed and Flexibility
While the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers improved features, it still falls short in certain areas compared to the DJI Air 3. The Mini 4 Pro has a maximum ascent and descent speed of five meters per second, which is slower than the Air 3’s double the speed. The Air 3 also possesses a second telephoto camera with a 70mm-equivalent focal length, providing users with more flexibility in capturing a variety of shots. It is essential for potential buyers to consider their specific needs and use cases before making a purchasing decision.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini 4 Pro introduces exciting advancements in the mini drone market with its omnidirectional obstacle sensing capabilities. By combining the features of the Mini 3 Pro and the DJI Air 3, DJI has created a mini drone that offers a well-rounded set of features for enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to evaluate whether the added capabilities of the Mini 4 Pro align with individual requirements. Potential buyers should consider factors such as flight speed, shooting options, battery life, and budget constraints when making a purchasing decision. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the DJI Mini 4 Pro compares to upcoming competitors in the mini drone market.
<< photo by Craig Adderley >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
