DJI Mavic 4 Pro Redefines Aerial Photography

DJI, a leader in the drone industry, is set to push the boundaries of aerial creativity with the launch of its innovative Mavic 4 Pro drone. Building upon its pioneering work with multi-camera drones, the Mavic 4 Pro boasts a sophisticated triple-camera array mounted on a revolutionary 360-degree gimbal.

This advanced system is designed to empower aerial videographers and photographers, enabling them to capture content with unparalleled flexibility and dynamic movement.

 

A Versatile Triple-Camera System

The core of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s appeal lies in its versatile triple-camera system, meticulously designed to offer “aerial narrators” a range of perspectives for creative storytelling. This integrated setup provides three distinct focal lengths: a 28mm wide-angle, a 70mm medium telephoto, and a 168mm long telephoto.

 

This ability to switch between focal lengths with a simple tap on the controller allows creators to easily transition between sweeping landscapes, compressed perspectives that highlight subjects, and detailed close-ups of distant elements, all from a single aerial position.

 

The trio of cameras is mounted on a new Infinity Gimbal, a significant advancement that offers full 360-degree rotation and can tilt 70 degrees up or down. This freedom of movement enables “unprecedented angles” during capture, facilitating smooth panning shots, dynamic upward tilts, and complex tracking sequences that were previously challenging or impossible with more restrictive gimbal designs.

 

Camera Specifications and Imaging Prowess

Each camera within the Mavic 4 Pro’s system is equipped with impressive specifications tailored for high-quality imaging:

• Hasselblad Main Camera: The star of the show is the Hasselblad main camera, featuring a large 100-megapixel four-thirds image sensor. This sensor promises exceptionally sharp and detailed captures, benefiting from Hasselblad’s renowned Natural Color Solution for accurate and vibrant color rendition. Its variable aperture, ranging from F2.0 to F11, provides flexibility for both photography in varying lighting conditions and low-light videography, allowing control over depth of field and exposure.
• Medium Telephoto Camera: This camera utilizes a 48-MP 1/1.3-inch sensor and taps into a brand-new processing engine for enhanced image quality. Its 70mm focal length is specifically recommended by DJI for creating compelling compressed perspectives that effectively isolate and highlight subjects within the frame, adding a cinematic feel to aerial shots.
• Long-Range Tele Camera: Completing the trio is a long-range tele camera built around a 50-MP 1/1.5-inch sensor with a wide F2.8 aperture. This lens is perfect for bringing distant subjects into sharp focus, offering a new dimension to aerial photography and videography. It can also be used to capture incredibly detailed panoramas, revealing expansive skylines when zoomed out or intricate details of cityscapes when zoomed in, all from a safe distance.

 

All three cameras are equipped with dual ISO capabilities for improved dynamic range and reduced noise in challenging lighting, as well as raw image stacking of up to five frames for enhanced photographic detail. For video, they are all capable of capturing stunning 4K footage at 60 frames per second with professional-grade 10-bit D-Log, D-Log M, and HLG color profiles, providing extensive flexibility for color grading in post-production.

 

The main Hasselblad camera further elevates video capabilities with the option for 6K resolution at 60 fps in HDR with an impressive 16 stops of dynamic range. For capturing dramatic slow-motion sequences, the main and medium tele cameras can record 4K video at 120 fps, while the long telephoto camera achieves 100 fps at the same resolution.

 

Flight Performance and Safety Features

The Mavic 4 Pro is not just about cameras; it also boasts robust flight performance and advanced safety features. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph), while its combination of six low-light-capable fish-eye sensors and dual processing units enables effective omnidirectional obstacle avoidance at speeds up to 18 m/s (40 mph), ensuring safer flight paths even in complex environments.

 

The drone is powered by a 95-Wh battery, providing an impressive flight time of up to 51 minutes under optimal conditions. This extended battery life translates to a potential flight range of up to 41 km (25.4 miles) with an economical flight profile, allowing for extensive coverage during a single flight.

 

Control is handled by the included remote controller utilizing DJI’s advanced O4+ transmission system. This system is capable of transmitting a high-quality 10-bit HDR video feed from the drone from distances up to 30 km (18.6 miles), providing reliable long-range control and monitoring. For shooting farther out or simply for backup, the drone offers internal storage options, with a standard 64GB module and an upgrade path to a substantial 512GB of onboard storage.

 

Market Availability and Pricing

At the time of writing, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro has not yet launched in the United States market. DJI has indicated that the drone will not be available for sale in the US upon its global launch on May 13th, citing the need to adjust its market strategy based on evolving local conditions and industry environments. The company is actively monitoring the situation and exploring potential solutions for a future US release but has not provided a specific timeline.

 

For those outside the US, European pricing provides a benchmark. The basic package, including the drone with a 64GB storage module, one battery, and the RC 2 controller, is priced at £1,879 (approximately US$2,485 based on direct conversion). A Fly More bundle, offering two additional batteries and a charging hub, is available for £2,459 (~US$3,250).

 

The top-tier Creator Combo package, aimed at professional users, increases the storage to 512GB and includes the more advanced RC 2 Pro controller, a parallel charging hub, and a more powerful adapter, priced at £3,209 (US$4,245). These bundles offer varying levels of accessories to cater to different user needs and budgets.

 

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro, with its innovative triple-camera system, flexible gimbal, and advanced flight capabilities, is poised to become a powerful tool for aerial cinematographers and photographers seeking to elevate their creative output.

 

While its availability is currently limited in some key markets, its technical specifications and features clearly demonstrate DJI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerial imaging.