Ah, the DJI Air 3 Mini SE, I mean the Mini 4 Pro.
In all seriousness, the Mini 4 Pro appears to be a squatter, slimmed-down, and less suntanned version of the Air 3.
With as many similarities in looks, there are also similarities in how the Mini 4 Pro flies when compared to its bigger sibling, the DJI Air 3.
This review will examine what’s new with the Mini 4 Pro, its technical specs, new obstacle avoidance system, and tracking abilities, and whether current Mini 3 Pro owners would want or even need to upgrade.
To help, we’ve identified and reviewed the best drone courses for beginners and professionals.
New Stand-Out Features on the Mini 4 Pro
When looking at the Mini 4 Pro for the very first time, there might initially appear to be hardly anything different from the Mini 3 Pro.
Looking closely at the Mini 4 Pro we see there are now newly added obstacle avoidance sensors as well as landing gear added to the front arms.
Additionally, something that is appearing with the new batch of DJI drones is the new O4 (OcuSync 4.0) transmission system, which the Mini 4 Pro benefits from.
» MORE: DJI Mini 4 Pro – Initial Setup (Unboxing to First Flight with Video)
Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance
When the Mini 3 Pro was released, it hit the market with 3-way obstacle avoidance. This was something never seen prior in a Mini DJI drone, ever.
Speculation at the time had been that it was impossible to implement, due to the added weight of the sensors.
Fast forward to the release of the Mini 4 Pro and that 3-way system has been upgraded, even past the level of the much loved DJI Air 2S’ 4-way system, and is now omnidirectional, meaning 360-degree protection:
- Front
- Back
- Left/Right Sides
- Top
- Bottom
While the Mini 4 Pro benefits from the added protection of 360-degree obstacle sensing, it is never suggested to fully rely on automated obstacle avoidance.
An added benefit of the new omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system is the ability to use advanced tracking functions, which we’ll cover shortly.
» MORE: Obstacle Avoidance in DJI Drones (Explained for Beginners)
Landing Gear
A much-talked-about omission from the Mini 3 Pro was the landing gear on the front arms that every Mavic and foldable DJI drone had before it.
With the landing gear gone, there was the added benefit of not having to employ any sort of folding or unfolding sequence before flying.
You could fold/unfold the arms and legs in any order you’d like.
The downside to this was, as many reported, that the Mini 3 Pro was unstable when landing. As I hand-catch every drone I have, this wasn’t an issue for me.
The Mini 4 Pro has returned to the land of the landing gear.
The landing gear has been readded, as the two additional antennas for the new O4 transmission system are located in the front arm landing gear.
Again, with the addition of the landing gear, there is a renewed folding/unfolding sequence for the arms and legs, but, more importantly to some, there is also the added stability when landing.
» MORE: 27 Best Drone Accessories (I Can’t Live Without)
O4/Ocusync 4 Transmission System
The upgraded Ocusync 4 transmission system enables the Mini 4 Pro to stream video from the Mini 4 Pro to either the DJI RC 2 or RC-N2 remote controller at 1080p/60fps, whereas previously this was 1080p/30fps on the Mini 3 Pro.
Additionally, due to the upgraded O4 transmission system, DJI advertises that the Mini 4 Pros transmission distance is 20 km or 12.4 miles, on a much improved and stronger signal.
Because of the new transmission system, the DJI RC 2 remote controller now has 2 additional external antennas, reminiscent of the ones found on the more expensive DJI RC Pro.
» MORE: DJI OcuSync 3.0 (Explained For Beginners)
Things To Be Aware Of
There is one positive and one negative we thought we would mention here with the new Mini 4 Pro.
Batteries
Thankfully, the Mini 4 Pro uses the exact same batteries as the Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro. This is a great thing, as we know when moving from the Mini 2 to Mini 3 line, that option was not there.
The Mini 4 Pro can use both versions of the Mini 3s intelligent flight batteries: Standard and Plus.
The only downside associated with the batteries is that the flight time is a little bit less with the same batteries used with the Mini 3 Pro on the Mini 4 Pro, with the Mini 4 Pro exhibiting this, particularly with the Plus-sized battery option.
The differences in battery life are no big surprise as the Mini 3 Pro likewise had different flight times than the less advanced Mini 3, as we see below:
| Battery Option | Mini 3 | Mini 3 Pro | Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 38 minutes | 34 minutes | 34 minutes |
| Plus | 51 minutes | 47 minutes | 45 minutes |
ND Filters
Interestingly, although using what appears to be the same 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera as the Mini 3 Pro before it, ND filters for the Mini 4 Pros camera will not fit.
If looking closely at the grooves and tabs on both cameras, slight differences can be seen.
When heading down to the Gulf to get some footage with both the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro, I was highly disappointed that the Mini 3 Pro filters would not fit on the Mini 4 Pro, whatsoever.
I thought I was doing something wrong, even going through three different manufacturer-branded filter sets I had on hand.
Because I always follow the 180-degree shutter rule when filming video, where the shutter speed should be double the FPS (frames per second) you are filming in, my Mini 4 Pro footage is not quite where I’d like it to be when editing.
Thankfully, there are a lot of ND filter options available now that the Mini 4 Pro has been out for a little while.
It’s just a shame that if upgrading from the Mini 3 Pro, using the Mini 3 Pro ND filters is not an option.
» MORE: A Simple Guide to ND Filters
Pricing
The Mini 4 Pro comes in the following Packages:
Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2)
- 4K HDR Video Camera
- Under 0.549lbs/249g
- 34 Mins Flight Time
- 20 km Max Video Transmission Distance
- Omnidirectional Vision Sensing
Includes:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller
- 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
- USB-C Cable
- Android and iOS Control Cables
- Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
- Propeller Holder
- 2 Sets of Spare Props and 6 Screws
- Screw Driver
Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2)
- 4K HDR Video Camera
- Under 0.549lbs/249g
- 34 Mins Flight Time
- 20 km Max Video Transmission Distance
- Omnidirectional Vision Sensing
Includes:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
- 1 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
- USB-C Cable
- Android and iOS Control Cables
- Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
- Propeller Holder
- 2 Sets of Spare Props and 6 Screws
- Screw Driver
Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2/Standard Battery)
- 4K HDR Video Camera
- Under 0.549lbs/249g
- 2 Extra Batteries for 34-Min Flight Time
Includes:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Standard)
- Battery Charging Hub
- Carrying Bag
- USB-C Cable
- USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
- Android and iOS Control Cables
- Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
- Propeller Holder
- 6 Sets of Spare Props and 18 Screws
- Screw Driver
Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo Plus (DJI RC 2/Plus Battery)
- 4K HDR Video Camera
- 2 Extra Intelligent Flight Batteries Plus for 45-Min Flight Time
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance
Includes:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- DJI RC 2 Remote Controller
- 3 x Intelligent Flight Battery (Plus)
- Battery Charging Hub
- Carrying Bag
- USB-C Cable
- USB-C to USB-C PD Cable
- Android and iOS Control Cables
- Front Sensor and Gimbal Guard
- Propeller Holder
- 6 Sets of Spare Props and 18 Screws
- Screw Driver
Technical Specs
| SPECS | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Weight: | < 249 g With the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, the aircraft will weigh more than 249 g. |
| Dimensions: | Folded (without propellers): 148×94×64 mm (L×W×H) Unfolded (with propellers): 298×373×101 mm (L×W×H) |
| Maximum Speed: | 35.7mph |
| Ascent/Descent Speed: | 11mph/6.7mph |
| Wind Resistance: | 23.9mph |
| Battery Capacity: | Intelligent Flight Battery: 2590 mAh Intelligent Flight Battery Plus: 3850 mAh |
| Maximum Flight Time: | 34 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery) 45 minutes (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
| Sensing Type: | Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with a 3D infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft |
| Remote Controllers Compatibility: | DJI RC 2, RC-N2 |
| Transmission Distance: | 20 km/12.4 miles |
| Maximum Flight Distance: | 11 miles (with Intelligent Flight Battery) 15.53 miles (with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
| Camera | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Wide-Angle Camera: | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP Format Equivalent: 24mm Aperture: f/1.7 Still Photography Modes Single Shot: 12 MP and 48 MP Burst Shooting: 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames 48 MP, 3 frames Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 12 MP, 3/5/7 frames at 0.7 EV step 48 MP, 3 frames at 0.7 EV step Timed: 12 MP, 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s 48 MP, 5/7/10/15/20/30/60 s Video Resolution H.264/H.265 4K: 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/100*fps FHD: 1920×1080@24/25/30/48/50/60/100*/200*fps |
» MORE: DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mini 3 Pro (Here’s My Choice)
Mini 4 Pro Hardware
Like all of the previous versions of the DJI Mini line, the Mini 4 Pro is made from lightweight plastic.
When first picking up a Mini 4 Pro, if you’ve never picked up a DJI Mini drone prior, the drone feels more like a toy, than a Pro device, as the name describes.
Once flying the Mini 4 Pro any ideas that it is a cheap drone go right out the window.
While, no, the Mini 4 Pro doesn’t fly like the heavier and much more expensive Mavic 3 Pro, or exactly like the 25 percent larger DJI Air 3, the Mini 4 Pro flies extremely well.
The little motors on the Mini 4 Pro propel it around effortlessly and purposefully. When there is no wind present the Mini 4 Pro doesn’t even wobble. It stays planted.
When there is wind, it handles it quite well, considering how small of a drone it is.
Speaking of wind, the Mini 4 Pro is rated for 23.9 mph winds.
On my recent outing to the Gulf Coast of Florida, the winds were gusting well into the lower 20 mph range over the water, and the Mini 4 Pro did a great job taking video as well as churning out 3 image AEB (auto exposure bracketed) photos, with limited blurring.
Although affected somewhat by the wind, when stationary, the 3-axis gimbal ensures that video footage will turn out smooth, regardless of the wind condition the Mini 4 Pro might be experiencing at the time.
I will mention, though, that on one run, when manually tracking a fast-moving boat from the side, I received a battery voltage error, basically telling me I was putting too much strain on the Standard battery that was currently in the Mini 4 Pro at the time.
While that only occurred one time, I am going to keep an eye on it, to ensure it doesn’t become a common issue when flying in windy conditions.
Like the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 4 Pro is actually very fun to fly. It flies very similarly to the larger Air 3, but just not as fast on the higher ends of top speed and ascent and descent speeds.
As someone who flies regularly for business purposes, and rarely gets to fly recreationally, the Mini 4 Pro encourages me to take a little bit of “me” time and just fly for fun.
It really is a joy to fly.
With the DJI RC 2 all-in-one controller, I can get up and flying quickly and easily.
Because of the small size and addition of the new omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, the Mini 4 Pro is perfect even for beginners.
The obstacle avoidance sensors will ensure new drone owners can fly confidently without crashing into anything, while enthusiasts can enjoy added autonomous flight features.
When referring to those new to flying drones in general, like with previous iterations of DJI drones, if the sticks are too sensitive in any flight mode (Cine, Normal, or Sport), they can be adjusted within the DJI fly app to lessen or even increase their response.
Pretty much anyone’s flying style can be accommodated with the Mini 4 Pro.
Something most will appreciate about the Mini 4 Pro is that the propellers are extremely quiet. When up about 50 feet, they are almost non-discernable.
This is great for anyone concerned about bringing too much attention to themselves when flying.
I found the stealth approach to work quite well when I was flying from a fairly crowded area in beach access parking.
I simply opened the driver window, turned on the drone and RC, and hand-launched, all while sitting at the wheel of my SUV.
The people talking in the car next to me didn’t even look over, it was that quiet.
When flying in busy downtown Orlando parks, likewise, no one batted an eye or acknowledged the drone in any way.
Because I fly in many urban and crowded downtown locations on a regular basis, the addition of the Ocusync 4 Transmission System is highly appreciated.
This new system is an upgrade to the transmission system previously seen on the Mini 3 Pro.
Ocusync 3.0 was in no way lacking in any regard. However, this new system transmits an HD 60fps image that is literally crystal clear, especially when viewed on the DJI RC 2.
OcuSync 4.0 not only has a clearer viewing stream, but it is even stronger than previous iterations.
While many like to talk about how far a drone can fly, in all honesty, when flying in the United States, it is illegal to fly BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight).
Because of this, we never encourage anyone to test out how far any drone can fly.
Instead, we appreciate the strength of the signal between the DJI RC 2/RC-N2 and the Mini 4 Pro.
Because the signal is so strong and not overly affected by outside interference, the Mini 4 Pro can fly in WiFi and signal-congested areas better than previous systems.
This is ideal for flying in suburban or downtown environments.
Remote Controllers
As the Mini 4 Pro now comes with the newly released Ocusync 4.0 (O4) transmission system, like with the Air 3, there is new hardware to accommodate this.
To use the new O4 system, there are an additional 2 antennas added to the Mini 4 Pro remote controllers, as follows:
- RC-N2 (stronger internal antennas)
- DJI RC2 (2 additional external flip forward antennas)
One downside to the new O4 transmission system is that, currently, previous versions of DJI remote controllers will not work, as there is no backward compatibility, meaning the Mini 4 Pro cannot be flown with the:
We have yet to see if this is something DJI addresses in the future, or if they just release a DJI RC Pro 2 or something along that line.
DJI RC 2 Controller
The DJI RC 2, like the original DJI RC released with the Mini 3 Pro, is a very much appreciated addition to the all-in-one DJI remote controller space.
Although substantially cheaper than the DJI RC Pro and almost the same price as the original DJI RC, the DJI RC 2, running Android, also has a bright 5.5″ integrated screen at 700 nits.
Even though it is not a full 1000 nits of brightness like the DJI RC Pro, the DJI RC 2 does quite well in direct sunlight.
If you opt to use a matte screen protector (though not mandatory), the viewing experience will be even better.
» MORE: DJI RC 2 Review (Everything You Need to Know)
The face of the DJI RC 2
- Flight Pause/Return to Home button (RTH)
- When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Pro will automatically return to the location marked as home in the DJI Fly app. RTH options can be adjusted.
- Press once to make the aircraft brake and hover in place
- Cine, Normal, and Sport mode switch
- Cine – slow smooth flight with dampened controls. Tailored for getting cinematic shots
- Normal – straight out of the box, standard control speed
- Sport – allows the Mini 4 Pro to fly at speeds up to 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
- Power button (press then long-press-hold to turn on)
- 4 LED indicator/status lights and a Power On LED
- 4 green LED: 75% – 100% battery life
- 3 green LED: 50% – 75% battery life
- 2 green LED: 25% – 50% battery life
- 1 green LED: 0% – 25% battery life
- 2 Removable Control Sticks
The back of the DJI RC2
- C1 and C2 buttons. Can be customized as follows:
- C1 Button
- Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
- Follow/FPV
- Auxilliary Lights
- Cruise Control
- AE Lock On/Off
- Increase EV
- Decrease EV
- Camera Settings
- Switch Cameras
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- C2 Button
- Recenter/Tilt Gimbal Down
- Follow/FPV
- Auxilliary Lights
- Cruise Control
- AE Lock On/Off
- Increase EV
- Decrease EV
- Camera Settings
- Switch Cameras
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- C1 Button
- 2 Slots to store the removable control sticks
- 2 recessed mounting holes
- Vent
The top of the DJI RC2
- 2 scroll wheels/dials.
- Left dial
- Gimbal up/down
- Right Wheel/Dial. Can be customized as follows:
- Zoom In/Out
- Adjust Focal Length
- Adjust EV
- Adjust Shutter Speed
- Adjust ISO
- Left dial
- Video record button
- Photo shutter button
- 2 internal/integrated antennas
- 2 rabbit ear adjustable antennas
Button/Dial Modifiers
Additionally, there are modifiers or button and dial combinations that perform certain functions as well and can be changed:
- C1 Button + Right Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Adjust Focal Length
- Adjust EV
- Adjust Shutter Speed
- Adjust ISO
- C2 Button + Right Dial
- Zoom In/Out
- Adjust Focal Length
- Adjust EV
- Adjust Shutter Speed
- Adjust ISO
The bottom of the DJI RC2
- SD Card Slot
- Can accept SD cards up to 256GB
- USB-C Charging Port
- Mounting Holes – for lanyard clasps, etc.
RC-N2 Controller
The RC-N2 is a carbon copy of the original RC-N1 that is used for the Mini 2 line, Mavic 2, Air 2S, Mini 3 line, and Mavic 3 line, just with a stronger signal.
The design, ergonomics, and button layout of the RC-N1 have been successful, so seeing it in a 2.0 version with the Mini 4 Pro is not only expected but appreciated.
The face of the DJI RC-N2
- Power button
- 4 LED indicator/status lights and a Power On LED
- 4 green LED: 75% – 100% battery life
- 3 green LED: 50% – 75% battery life
- 2 green LED: 25% – 50% battery life
- 1 green LED: 0% – 25% battery life
- Cine, Normal, and Sport mode switch
- Cine – slow smooth flight with dampened controls. Tailored for getting cinematic shots
- Normal – straight out of the box, standard control speed
- Sport – allows the Mini 4 Pro to fly at speeds up to 35.7mph. This mode turns off all obstacle-avoidance
- Flight Pause/Return to Home button (RTH)
- When pressed and held, the Mini 4 Pro will automatically return to the location marked as home in the DJI Fly app. RTH options can be adjusted.
- Press once to make the aircraft brake and hover in place
- FN (Function) button which can be customized as such:
- Single Press
- Recenter Gimbal
- Auxiliary LED
- Toggle Map/Live View
- Gimbal Follow/FPV Mode
- Camera Settings
- AE Lock/Unlock
- Increase EV
- Decrease EV
- Portrait/Landscape Mode Switch
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- Cruise Control
- Double Press
- Recenter Gimbal
- Auxiliary LED
- Toggle Map/Live View
- Gimbal Follow/FPV Mode
- Camera Settings
- AE Lock/Unlock
- Increase EV
- Decrease EV
- Portrait/Landscape Mode Switch
- Plan Waypoint Flight
- Cruise Control
- Single Press
- Photo/Video Toggle
- Press once to switch between photo and video mode.
- 2 Removable Control Sticks
The back of the DJI RC-N2
- Heat vent
- 2 Ergonomic Hand Grips
The top of the DJI RC-N2
