DJI Mavic 4 Pro Review: The Next Evolution in Drone Technology
The highly anticipated DJI Mavic 4 Pro has made a bold statement in the drone market, setting a new benchmark for aerial photography and videography. With a host of advanced features, stunning camera quality, and remarkable improvements in flight performance, the Mavic 4 Pro looks set to become the preferred choice for both hobbyists and professionals worldwide.
An Unmatched Step Forward: What's New in the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
DJI has a history of pushing the boundaries, but the Mavic 4 Pro is a true leap ahead. One of the most striking upgrades is its all-new 360-degree rotating 'Infinity Gimbal.' This engineering marvel enables effortless vertical, tilted, and even off-angle shots, empowering content creators to achieve dynamic results. Combine this with 51 minutes of battery life—the longest ever for a DJI consumer drone—and you've got a game-changer.
The Mavic 4 Pro also boasts a triple-camera system, anchored by a 100-megapixel Hasselblad camera capable of shooting up to 6K video at 60 frames per second. Accompanying this are two additional telephoto lenses (70mm and 168mm equivalents), giving photographers unmatched versatility in a compact package. The drone's battery pack has seen a significant upgrade, supporting longer flights and quicker charging times.
To dive deeper into what sets the DJI Mavic 4 Pro apart, check out this in-depth review on Engadget, where experts highlight its superb flight range, upgraded tracking, and the impressive new controller.
Design and Usability: Beyond Looks
The design of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro builds on the familiar folding mechanism, but with a more aerodynamic frame and larger propellers for even smoother flights. The new gimbal and camera assembly stand out for their unique spherical appearance and provide robust stabilization across all movements. Users will appreciate the smart RC 2 controller's large, high-brightness touchscreen that can swivel for seamless portrait orientation filming.
Flight convenience has been given a makeover, too. Both the drone and its controller power on automatically when unfolded—helping pilots get airborne with minimal delay. The DJI RC Pro 2 controller, with its HDMI and USB-C ports, brings even more functionality for advanced users.
Camera Features and Performance
The crown jewel of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is undoubtedly its camera array. The main wide Hasselblad lens sports an adjustable aperture (f/2.0 to f/11), unlocking new creative opportunities for both daylight and low-light shooting. If you're shooting video, you can capture jaw-dropping 6K HDR footage or utilize the advanced D-Log and HLG color profiles for maximum post-production flexibility.
Both additional cameras have seen upgrades, with the 70mm and 168mm lenses supporting sharp 4K video and high-resolution stills. The drone's dual native ISO and refined noise reduction ensure clean images even when shooting at dusk or dawn. According to Space.com's detailed hands-on review, this camera system is equally adept at capturing vivid landscapes or fast-moving subjects.
Intelligent Flight and Safety Features
DJI has raised the bar on intelligent flight with the Mavic 4 Pro. The drone sports omnidirectional obstacle sensing thanks to six fisheye sensors, a forward-facing LiDAR, and an infrared bottom sensor. This setup offers reliable obstacle avoidance, even in challenging low-light conditions.
One of the most remarkable updates is the enhanced Return-to-Home (RTH) feature, now using real-time vision positioning and map construction. The Mavic 4 Pro can find its way home even without GPS—ideal for complex environments or when signal loss occurs. Tracking modes like ActiveTrack 360 allow for precise subject tracking, smoothly following cars or bikes, and even adjusting on the fly as subjects move behind obstacles.
For further performance insights and a breakdown of pricing and availability, The Verge's official launch coverage offers valuable details and the latest updates.
Market Availability and Pricing
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro debuted with a starting price of around $2,000 to $2,500, depending on region and configuration. The basic kit includes the drone, the advanced RC 2 controller, and essential accessories. For professionals, the Creator Combo adds 512GB of storage, a powerful charger, and more.
A significant caveat: due to ongoing tariff and import concerns, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not yet officially available in the United States. It's already for sale in global markets like Canada, Mexico, and Europe. DJI has indicated they are assessing the situation and hope to bring the drone stateside in the future.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is not just a minor upgrade—it redefines what a consumer drone can do. With its revolutionary camera system, extended flight time, and dependable safety features, it is ideal for seasoned drone pilots, content creators, and professionals who demand the very best.
If you are looking for a compact, sub-250g model or need a drone specifically available in the US, consider alternatives like the Mini 4 Pro or the Avata 2. But for those who want the pinnacle of current consumer drone tech, the Mavic 4 Pro stands in a class of its own.
Ready to elevate your aerial imaging? Stay tuned for US release updates and, in the meantime, explore overseas options or more comprehensive reviews on trusted outlets like Engadget and Space.com.