The DJI Mini 4 Pro feels like a smartphone camera with wings, making it a fantastic entry-level drone for beginners and casual flyers on a budget. Lightweight and highly portable, this drone offers intuitive controls, built-in safety features, and enough smart functions to make anyone feel like a pro.

Compact and Travel-Friendly

Weighing under 249 grams, the Mini 4 Pro doesn’t need registration in many countries. It easily fits in a camera bag or even a small messenger bag. Despite its size, it’s packed with features that simplify flying and improve safety.

Beginner-Friendly Features

• Omni-Directional Obstacle Sensing: One of the standout features. It helps prevent collisions by detecting obstacles in all directions.
• Built-In Tutorials: The DJI Fly app walks you through setup and flying basics, making it easy for first-time users.
• Safety Protocols: Features like return-to-home, airspace warnings, and geofencing add peace of mind.

Camera Performance

The Mini 4 Pro uses a 1/1.3-inch Quad Bayer sensor. It captures bright and colorful JPEGs perfect for social media or small prints. You can shoot in 12MP or 48MP resolution, but in most cases, the 12MP mode produces cleaner, sharper images.

• JPEGs: Well-balanced in color and contrast but show softness and grain when zoomed in.
• 48MP Mode: Offers higher resolution but introduces noticeable noise, even at ISO 100.
• 12MP Mode: Better detail retention and less noise; best for everyday use.
• RAW Support: Available for those who want more editing flexibility, although the files tend to be slightly underexposed by default.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

The drone is easy to set up with folding arms and a redesigned gimbal cover that’s less frustrating than previous versions. The back of the drone holds the battery, USB-C port, and microSD slot. The controls are responsive, and depending on your kit, you get either a screen-equipped RC 2 controller or a phone-connected RC-N2.

Flight Experience

Thanks to the improved transmission system, the Mini 4 Pro maintains a strong connection even at longer distances. Its 34-minute flight time (on the standard battery) is more than enough for casual sessions, though extra batteries are recommended for extended use.

The obstacle detection system significantly boosts confidence during flights, especially for beginners. The drone can stop or hover when it senses an object, reducing the risk of crashes. However, it’s not foolproof—small branches or high-speed movement may still cause issues. Always keep visual contact.

Build and Durability

To stay under 249g, DJI used lightweight plastic for the drone’s body. While it won’t survive a major crash, it can handle minor falls. DJI Care insurance is a wise investment for unexpected mishaps—it covers replacements and accidental damage.

Advanced Features for Growing Skills

• Manual Exposure and Pro Modes: Allows creative control for more experienced users.
• Waypoint Missions: Lets you pre-program flight paths, great for capturing seasonal changes or consistent shots.
• Auto Flight Modes: Includes features like QuickShots to capture cinematic movements with ease.

Limitations

While the drone delivers excellent performance for its price, its camera is more comparable to a high-end smartphone than a professional mirrorless camera. Details get soft at high ISOs, and dynamic range can be limited. Pros and pixel peepers should consider upgrading to the Mavic 3 or Mavic 3 Pro.

Conclusion: Who Should Buy It?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is perfect for:

• Beginners who want to learn how to fly safely.
• Casual flyers who want high-quality aerial photos and videos without breaking the bank.
• Travelers looking for a lightweight, portable drone.

It’s not ideal for:

• Professionals seeking high-end image quality.
• Those needing detailed shots for commercial use.

Despite a few limitations, the Mini 4 Pro hits the sweet spot between performance, portability, and price. If you’re looking for a capable, safe, and easy-to-use drone to start your aerial journey, this is one of the best options out there.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)

Design and Portability

The Mini 4 Pro maintains DJI’s signature foldable design, allowing it to fit comfortably in a small bag. Its lightweight build doesn’t compromise on durability, though it’s advisable to handle it with care. The improved gimbal cover is user-friendly, offering better protection for the camera during transport.

Camera Performance

Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, the Mini 4 Pro captures 12MP and 48MP still images. While the 48MP mode offers higher resolution, it can introduce noticeable noise, especially in low-light conditions. The 12MP mode generally provides cleaner images with better detail retention.

For video, the drone supports up to 4K at 60fps, delivering sharp and vibrant footage suitable for social media and personal projects. However, professionals seeking cinema-grade quality might find it lacking compared to higher-end models.

Flight Features and Safety

One of the standout features of the Mini 4 Pro is its omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a first for DJI’s Mini series. This system enhances flight safety by detecting and avoiding obstacles in all directions.

• Waypoints: Plan and save flight paths for consistent shots over time.
• Return to Home: Automatically brings the drone back to its takeoff point if the connection is lost
• Flight Tutorials: Guides new users through the basics of drone operation.

These features make the Mini 4 Pro particularly user-friendly for those new to drone piloting.

Battery Life and Controllers

The standard battery offers up to 34 minutes of flight time under optimal conditions. For extended sessions, DJI offers an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, though it increases the drone’s weight beyond the 249g threshold, potentially subjecting it to additional regulations.

The drone can be paired with either the RC-N2 controller, which requires a smartphone, or the RC 2 controller, which has a built-in screen for a more streamlined experience.

Image Quality Considerations

While the Mini 4 Pro produces bright and colorful JPEGs, especially in good lighting, its image quality is comparable to that of high-end smartphones. RAW files offer more flexibility in post-processing but may require exposure adjustments, as they tend to be underexposed straight out of the camera.

High ISO settings can introduce significant noise, so it’s best to keep the ISO as low as possible, particularly in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a well-rounded drone that balances portability, ease of use, and advanced features. It’s an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists looking to explore aerial photography without a hefty investment. While it may not meet the demands of professional cinematographers, it offers impressive capabilities for its size and price point.

What are your thoughts on the DJI Mini 4 Pro? Do you think it strikes the right balance between portability and performance, or would you prefer a drone with more advanced features despite the increased size and cost?