The sub-250g drone category has long been a battleground of compromises, but DJI’s latest entry feels like a declaration of victory. The Mini 4 Pro packs a professional-grade feature set into a frame that neatly sidesteps regulatory headaches. It’s the drone many have been waiting for, blurring the lines between a casual hobbyist tool and a serious creative instrument.
DJI has perfected the art of the foldable, sub-249-gram drone, and the Mini 4 Pro is the culmination of that effort. Unfolded, it’s a familiar, well-proportioned quadcopter, but its true magic lies in its travel-friendly size and weight. This featherlight classification is crucial, as it exempts the drone from many of the registration and licensing requirements that apply to its larger siblings in numerous regions. Build quality is solid despite the lightweight plastics, feeling robust enough to handle the rigors of travel. The design isn’t a radical departure from the Mini 3 Pro, but the subtle refinements, particularly the new sensor placements, hint at the significant upgrades under the hood.
The camera system is where the “Pro” moniker truly earns its keep. The 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, with its f/1.7 aperture, captures stunningly detailed 48MP photos and crisp 4K/60fps HDR video. The real game-changer for serious creators, however, is the inclusion of 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profiles. This provides immense flexibility in post-production, allowing for professional-level color grading that was previously reserved for DJI’s more expensive Air and Mavic series. The ability to shoot true vertical video by rotating the gimbal is a brilliant touch for social media creators, and the 4K/100fps slow-motion capability opens up a world of creative possibilities. While low-light performance is respectable, some noise is still visible in the shadows, a minor but noticeable limitation of the sensor size.
If the camera is the creative heart of the Mini 4 Pro, its new safety system is the brain. For the first time in the Mini series, we have true omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This is a monumental upgrade, transforming the flying experience from cautious navigation to confident exploration. The drone sees and avoids obstacles in every direction—front, back, sides, above, and below. This system enables the remarkably sophisticated ActiveTrack 360°, which allows the drone to autonomously and artfully circle and follow subjects while intelligently navigating its environment. Flight time is excellent, hovering around the 30-minute mark with the standard battery, and stability even in moderate winds is impressive for such a small aircraft.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is not a minor refresh; it’s a significant leap forward that effectively brings flagship features to the masses. The combination of its regulatory-friendly weight, a truly professional camera system, and a comprehensive safety net of sensors creates an almost unbeatable package. That said, this capability comes at a premium price, positioning it well above its still-very-capable predecessor, the Mini 3 Pro. For casual flyers, the older model might offer better value. But for content creators, prosumers, and serious enthusiasts who demand maximum performance in the smallest possible package, the Mini 4 Pro is in a class of its own. It’s the ultimate travel drone that asks for virtually no compromises.
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DJI Mini 4 Pro Quick Summary
Key Scores:
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Value:
85% -
Design:
92% -
Performance:
95% -
Quality:
90% -
Popularity:
93%
Top Pros
- ✅ Omnidirectional sensors provide unparalleled flight safety and confidence.
- ✅ Its camera system captures professional-grade 10-bit video footage.
- ✅ The sub-249g weight avoids most cumbersome aviation regulations.
- …
Key Cons
- ❌ The premium price is a significant jump over its predecessor.
- ❌ Low-light video performance still shows some noticeable image noise.
- ❌ The extended battery pushes the drone over the 250g limit.
