THE UNTESTED WONDER (IN 6K)
DJI Innovates Aerial Cinematography with Mavic 4 Pro's 360-Degree Stabilizer
In the realm of drone innovation, a product occasionally breaks the mold, redefining possibilities in aerial photography. DJI's fresh offering, the Mavic 4 Pro, stands out as a rare groundbreaker, introducing an unprecedented 360° rotating "Infinity Gimbal" that reimagines creative expressions. Whether you can successfully land one of these game-changing devices depends on your location, given trade tensions.
TECHNOLOGICAL TITAN (IN 6K)
Nestled at the heart of the Mavic 4 Pro lies a triple-camera unit led by a mighty 100MP Hasselblad shooter adorned with an aperture range from f/2.0 to f/11. This offers exceptional low-light performance and the elusive 10-ray starburst effect when shooting into light sources. This main sensor captures 6K/60fps HDR video featuring up to 16 stops of dynamic range, making filmmakers capable of pulling usable footage from virtually any lighting scenario.
Two telephoto alternatives join the main unit: a 70mm medium tele with a 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor and a drastically improved 168mm telephoto boasting a 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor. Both facilitate 4K/120fps recording, bringing dramatic slow-motion sequences to realms previously inaccessible to consumer drones. The new design streamlines the process of lens transition, ensuring that golden opportunities don't slip away during a camera shift.
REVOLUTIONARY ROTATION
The real showstopper is arguably the introduction of the previously unheard-of 360° rotating Infinity Gimbal. This engineering marvel opens up creative angles precluded in the drone industry. Dutch angles, upside-down shots, and stunning transitions, once requiring extensive post-processing, are now attainable. The innovative mechanism also allows for a 70° upward tilt, marking a watershed moment for aerial cinematography, sweeping aside constraints bounding creative expression.
SAFETY AND STAMINA
To power its groundbreaking features, DJI has inserted a 95Wh battery (the largest ever in a consumer drone) into the Mavic 4 Pro's 2.3-pound body, promising an impressive 51-minute maximum flight time - about 20% longer than its predecessor. This remarkable energy reserve accompanies omnidirectional obstacle avoidance that operates at speeds up to 40mph, even in low light. Six fisheye sensors and front-mounted LiDAR further fortify safety, with the drone able to map its return path GPS-free for times when signal strength is low.
The O4+ transmission system provides 18.6-mile range with 10-bit HDR image transmission, enabling operators to maintain crystal-clear visual contact with their drone even amidst signal-congested urban landscapes. Essentially, the Mavic 4 Pro isn't merely the most capable consumer drone on the market, but also one of the most dependable, a rare union that doesn't often occur.
TRADING TARIFFS TROUBLES
Regrettably, U.S. citizens may find themselves excluded from experiencing the Mavic 4 Pro's technical prowess. As tariff issues between nations have escalated, the market for Chinese tech imports has been adversely affected, rendering the Mavic 4 Pro unattainable (for now) for U.S. consumers. The cumulative effects of steep import fees, fluctuations in drone-specific duties, and ongoing customs scrutiny over DJI's supply chain documentation have effectively barricaded the launch of the Mavic 4 Pro in the States.
However, the drone is available in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and various other markets, and you could realistically come across them via online retailers. Nevertheless, DJI has explicitly cautioned that warranty coverage does not extend to products purchased outside their intended market, so be warned.
A GAME CHANGING CONTROLLER
Among the Mavic 4 Pro's supporting actors is DJI's new RC Pro 2 controller, featuring a 7-inch high-brightness Mini-LED display delivering 1,600 nits of sustained brightness, twice that of its precursor. The controller adopts thoughtful design elements such as auto-retracting joysticks and a folding screen that switches on automatically when opened. Vertical shooting is facilitated by the screen's rotation, while "enterprise-level" multibeam antennas offer superior signal transmission.
With 4 hours of battery life, 128GB of built-in storage, and a built-in microphone compatible with the DJI Mic series, the RC Pro 2 marks a substantial upgrade in drone control. However, it's available separately for an impressive €2,699 (~$3,015), a substantial sum compared to the drone itself.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: DJI Mavic 4 ProMain Camera: 100MP Hasselblad (28mm, f/2.0-f/11)Telephotos: 48MP (70mm, f/2.8), 50MP (168mm, f/2.8)Video Resolution: 6K/60fps HDR (main), 4K/120fps (all cameras)Gimbal: 360° rotation Infinity Gimbal with 70° upward tiltMax Flight Time: 51 minutesMax Range: 18.6 milesWeight: 2.3lbsObstacle Avoidance: Omnidirectional with 6 fisheye sensors and front LiDARInternal Storage: 64GB (standard) or 512GB (Creator Combo)Controller: DJI RC 2 or RC Pro 2 (sold separately)
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro retails internationally, starting at €2,099 (~$2,345). As of now, U.S. market availability remains uncertain due to the ongoing tariff and customs issues, with no established timeline provided by DJI for potential domestic launch. The drone is also available as a Creator Combo with 512GB storage and the RC Pro 2 controller, priced at €3,539 (~$3,953).
- The Mavic 4 Pro's lifestyle-transforming features extend to various sectors, including fashion-and-beauty and food-and-drink, as its 6K/60fps HDR video capabilities offer exceptional quality for capturing runway shows or restaurant reviews.
- For tech-savvy individuals with a passion for home-and-garden improvement, the Mavic 4 Pro's 360° rotating Infinity Gimbal can provide unprecedented angles for showcasing remodeling projects or landscaping ideas.
- Gadget enthusiasts and smartphone users can broaden their technology arsenal with the DJI RC Pro 2, featuring a 7-inch display and multibeam antennas for superior signal transmission, perfect for complementing their devices.
- Travel aficionados seeking to document their journeys in stunning detail can bring the Mavic 4 Pro along for aerial shots of iconic landmarks, exclusive travel experiences, and exotic cuisines.
- In the ever-evolving world of fashion, technology, and travel, the Mavic 4 Pro serves as a stylish accessory that redefines aerial photography and democratizes high-quality content creation for enthusiasts.
