DJI Mavic 4 Pro Review

Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro the Upgrade Drone Pilots Have Been Waiting For?

In a world where drone tech evolves faster than we can say “autonomous tracking,” the DJI Mavic 4 Pro has landed with a spec sheet that reads like a filmmaker’s wish list. From a triple-camera system to upgraded obstacle avoidance and cinematic-grade video options, DJI’s latest flagship seems poised to redefine what a prosumer drone can do.

But with competition flying close and the shadow of the Mavic 3 Pro still looming large, the big question is: Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth your upgrade, your money, and your airspace?

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything new, compare it against its predecessor, and show exactly who this drone is really built for. Strap in.

Related: Best Budget Drones 2025

What’s New in the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just an iterative upgrade—it’s a significant leap forward that packs industry-leading features into a compact, foldable frame. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Triple-Lens System: Featuring 28mm wide, 70mm medium telephoto, and 166mm telephoto lenses, the Mavic 4 Pro gives aerial photographers unprecedented zoom flexibility without changing flight paths.
• Upgraded Hasselblad Sensor: The main camera features a fourth-gen Hasselblad L2D-20c sensor with 4/3 CMOS and improved low-light performance, especially in dusk and astrophotography settings.
• Enhanced Obstacle Avoidance: With omnidirectional sensors enhanced by LiDAR-style object mapping, flying in complex environments is smoother—and safer—than ever.
• DJI O4+ Transmission: Offers a rock-solid 20km range with ultra-low latency for real-time 1080p/60fps video feeds.
• Intelligent Flight Modes 2.0: New QuickShots, ActiveTrack 6.0 with subject re-identification, and cinematic follow modes raise the bar on autonomous creativity.
• Vertical Shooting: Optimized for social-first creators, vertical shooting now comes with improved stabilization and frame guidance.
• Longer Flight Time: Now up to 46 minutes in ideal conditions, thanks to redesigned propulsion systems and higher energy-density batteries.

In short, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is more than a camera drone—it’s a flying, stabilized, intelligent cinema platform.

How It Compares to the Mavic 3 Pro?

Let’s be real—DJI’s Mavic 3 Pro was a masterpiece. But the Mavic 4 Pro? It sharpens the edges, tightens the seams, and loads up with more tools for content creators and professionals alike. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown:

The leap may not feel revolutionary to hobbyists—but for pro content creators, these differences make the Mavic 4 Pro a compelling upgrade.

Who This Drone is For

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t a toy. It’s a prosumer powerhouse aimed at serious content creators, aerial cinematographers, mapping professionals, and seasoned drone enthusiasts. If you’re flying for fun, the Mini series might be enough. But if your goal is to capture cinema-quality footage without hauling a case of gear—or if you’re tired of hitting the ceiling with your current drone—the Mavic 4 Pro is for you.

It’s also a beast for solo creators. With features like ActiveTrack 6.0, Free Panorama, and MasterShots, you can plan, execute, and publish high-impact content without a second operator. And thanks to DJI’s new O4+ transmission system, even live streaming from the sky is more reliable than ever.

Key Specifications

Before we dive deeper into the Mavic 4 Pro’s performance, let’s zoom in on the raw specs that make this drone such a powerhouse. Whether you’re chasing cinematic perfection or just want smooth skies for your side hustle, here’s what you’re working with.

Dimensions & Weight

Compact on the ground. Commanding in the air.

When folded, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro measures approximately 231×98×95 mm, making it ultra-portable and easy to pack in any camera bag. Unfolded, it stretches out to 398×301×123 mm, giving it a stable footprint for high-performance flights.

Weight-wise, it comes in at approx. 945 grams, placing it right in that prosumer sweet spot: heavy enough to handle wind, but still under most commercial drone weight restrictions.

This size and weight class gives it the edge when you want portability without compromise.

Battery & Flight Time

One of the most talked-about upgrades: a real-world flight time that pushes the boundaries.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features a high-capacity 5000mAh Intelligent Flight Battery, engineered to deliver up to 46 minutes of flight time under optimal conditions. That’s a few extra minutes that can make all the difference on set, especially during golden hour.

Charging times remain efficient too, with USB-C fast-charging support cutting down downtime between takes.

Plus, with better power efficiency from the motors and smarter power management systems, the Mavic 4 Pro lets you squeeze out more flight time per charge—something creators and professionals will deeply appreciate.

Camera & Gimbal System

Here’s where the DJI Mavic 4 Pro truly flexes.

At its heart is a Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor, designed in collaboration with the legendary Swedish camera maker. It captures 20MP stills and up to 5.1K video at 50fps, and it handles low-light scenarios like a champ—thanks to dual native ISO and wider dynamic range.

But that’s just the beginning.

This drone sports a triple-lens setup:

• 28mm wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes
• 70mm medium telephoto for parallax-rich footage
• 166mm telephoto for compressed cinematic shots

All stabilized by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal that smooths even the most turbulent flights.

Whether you’re capturing mountain ranges or tracking a moving subject, this camera system gives you pro-level storytelling tools in one flying rig.

Transmission & Range

Connectivity is the lifeline of any drone shoot, and DJI has upped the ante with O4+ (OcuSync 4 Plus) transmission.

This tech gives the Mavic 4 Pro a range of up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) in FCC-compliant regions. But it’s not just about distance—latency is now as low as 120ms, and you get a full HD live feed at 60fps streamed directly to your controller.

In plain terms: rock-solid signal, smoother previews, and less stress about dropouts, even in complex urban or mountainous environments.

Design & Build

Form meets function in DJI’s best-built drone yet. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro doesn’t just perform like a beast—it looks and feels premium in every way.

Foldable Form Factor

Portability is key in the field, and DJI continues its legacy of engineering excellence with a foldable design that packs down in seconds.

You can toss the Mavic 4 Pro into a backpack or travel case without worry. No loose props, no awkward angles—just a sleek, streamlined package that’s ready to deploy wherever your story takes you.

This makes it perfect for on-the-go creators, travel vloggers, and even professionals who need to carry multiple drones.

Materials & Durability

Despite its featherweight look, the Mavic 4 Pro is built to handle tough conditions.

Crafted from a magnesium alloy composite and reinforced with carbon fiber elements, this drone balances strength and lightness. The result? A frame that resists minor knocks, handles wind like a champ, and keeps flying smooth even in less-than-ideal weather.

DJI has also added weather-resistant sealing around key areas to reduce the risk of moisture or dust creeping in. It’s not waterproof—but it’s rugged enough for light rain or desert winds.

Controller Design & Layout

The DJI RC Pro (included or optional depending on your package) is the perfect co-pilot for this aerial powerhouse.

• 5.5-inch built-in touchscreen with ultra-bright 1000-nit display
• Customizable buttons and dials for camera and gimbal control
• Ergonomic grip for long flights without fatigue
• HDMI-out port for live broadcast or external monitoring

It feels like holding a command center in your hands. Whether you’re flying manually or using intelligent flight modes, the layout is intuitive, responsive, and built for full creative control.

Camera System & Gimbal

If the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a flying Swiss Army knife, the camera system is the laser-sharp blade. Packed with pro-level optics and versatility you won’t find anywhere else in a foldable drone, this setup brings Hollywood to your backpack.

Triple-Lens Array (28 mm, 70 mm, 166 mm)

Welcome to the future of aerial cinematography.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro features a triple-lens camera array that lets you switch focal lengths on the fly:

• 28mm wide-angle lens for expansive landscapes and epic establishing shots
• 70mm medium telephoto for natural compression and cinematic tracking
• 166mm telephoto lens for zooming into subjects without getting too close

This isn’t digital trickery. These are true optical focal lengths, letting you shoot with the precision of a pro camera rig, mid-air. It’s like carrying three lenses on one drone—and switching between them is instant.

Hasselblad Sensor Highlights

At the heart of the system is a custom-built 4/3-inch Hasselblad CMOS sensor, a carryover from the Mavic 3 Pro—but now smarter, faster, and with better dynamic range.

Here’s what makes it shine:

• 20MP stills with natural color science (thank you, Hasselblad HNCS)
• 5.1K/50fps video with stunning clarity and flexibility for post-production
• Dual native ISO for low-light performance that rivals full-frame cameras
• 10-bit D-Log M & HLG support, perfect for professional color grading

The result? Footage that’s cinematic, crisp, and ready to publish or polish in your editing suite.

Gimbal Mechanics & Rotation

Smoothness isn’t a bonus—it’s essential.

The 3-axis mechanical gimbal on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is an engineering marvel. It compensates for drone movement in real time, keeping footage rock-steady even in gusty winds or aggressive flight paths.

Key features:

• Roll, pitch, and yaw stabilization for fluid camera motion
• Fine-tuned tilt control for subtle cinematic movements
• Ultra-responsive motor design for real-time tracking and framing

You’ll feel the difference the moment you take a shot on a blustery day and still end up with buttery-smooth footage.

Vertical Shooting & Portrait Mode

Social-first content creators, rejoice.

The Mavic 4 Pro introduces dedicated vertical shooting, flipping the camera orientation without losing resolution. No cropping. No post-hack. Just full-quality portrait footage ready for Reels, Shorts, and TikTok.

Whether you’re filming a real estate walkthrough or sharing a travel reel, this mode ensures your content looks native to mobile without any compromises.

It’s social media with studio-grade sharpness.

Flight Performance

Let’s talk about how the DJI Mavic 4 Pro actually flies—and spoiler alert: it’s like slicing through air on rails. Fast, nimble, and incredibly smart, this drone delivers a flying experience that feels more like piloting a spaceship than a gadget.

Speed & Maneuverability

Need to chase fast-moving subjects or pull off a snappy reveal shot? The Mavic 4 Pro delivers:

• Max speed: 21 m/s (47 mph) in Sport mode
• Incredibly responsive control via refined flight algorithms
• Tight turning radius for cinematic parallax maneuvers

Even in Normal and Cine modes, control inputs feel organic—almost like the drone is reading your mind. Every tap, tilt, and roll is buttery and precise.

Obstacle Avoidance & Sensing (LiDAR, Nightscape)

The Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just fast—it’s smart.

DJI’s Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing system uses a combination of vision sensors, LiDAR, and infrared to detect and avoid obstacles from every direction.

New in this version:

• LiDAR-assisted terrain mapping for pinpoint altitudes during low-level flight
• Nightscape Vision enhances obstacle detection in low-light environments
• APAS 5.0 intelligently reroutes around obstacles without pausing your flight path

Translation? You can fly with confidence, even in complex or dark environments.

Dynamic Home Point & Return-to-Home

The Mavic 4 Pro steps up its Return-to-Home (RTH) game with a Dynamic Home Point feature, meaning the drone can update its home point mid-flight—especially useful for moving subjects like boats, vehicles, or hiking photographers.

Plus, with Advanced RTH, the drone charts the safest, most efficient path back, factoring in wind, battery, and terrain.

This isn’t just a panic button—it’s a safety net with brains.

Intelligent Flight Modes (ActiveTrack, QuickShots, Free Panorama)

Tap. Track. Create.

With DJI’s intelligent flight suite, you don’t need to be a drone pilot to shoot like one:

• ActiveTrack 6.0 locks onto subjects and follows them automatically, even behind obstacles
• QuickShots delivers pre-programmed cinematic shots with one tap: Rocket, Dronie, Circle, and more
• Free Panorama mode stitches together seamless, high-res 360° views without manual inputs

These modes make the DJI Mavic 4 Pro a creative partner, not just a flying camera. You focus on the story—it handles the mechanics.

Software & Connectivity

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just hardware excellence—it’s powered by smart, intuitive software that works with you, not against you. From seamless video transmission to buttery-smooth app workflows, this drone is smarter than ever.

DJI O4+ Video Transmission (Range, Latency)

Gone are the days of signal dropouts mid-flight. The DJI Mavic 4 Pro debuts DJI O4+ transmission, a massive leap forward in range, clarity, and low-latency responsiveness.

Here’s what you get:

• Up to 20 km (12.4 miles) of transmission range in FCC mode
• 1080p/60fps live feed to your controller or mobile screen
• Latency as low as 20ms, nearly imperceptible in real-time
• Anti-interference tech for stable signal even in urban or Wi-Fi-heavy areas

Whether you’re filming in the mountains, forests, or cityscapes, your connection stays strong and smooth. Think of it as the nerves of the drone, and they’re lightning-fast.

DJI Fly App Interface & Workflow

The DJI Fly app remains the command center for the Mavic 4 Pro—and it’s never been more user-friendly.

Key enhancements:

• Streamlined UI with clearly labeled modes and intuitive camera controls
• Pre-flight checklists and tutorials for peace of mind
• Real-time map overlays, airspace warnings, and weather data
• Easy access to Intelligent Flight Modes like ActiveTrack, MasterShots, and Hyperlapse

For beginners, it’s approachable. For pros, it’s powerful. The DJI Fly app balances ease-of-use with depth—a rare win in drone UX design.

Firmware & Auto-Update System

Nothing kills a vibe like buggy firmware. Thankfully, DJI’s auto-update system on the Mavic 4 Pro is rock-solid.

Here’s what’s improved:

• Over-the-air (OTA) updates delivered through Wi-Fi or the DJI Fly app
• Smart battery updates, meaning each intelligent battery can update individually
• Pre-flight update alerts, so you’re never caught off guard
• Auto-pause & resume, in case an update needs to happen mid-charge

This keeps your DJI Mavic 4 Pro flying at peak performance with the latest features, bug fixes, and geofencing maps.

File Transfer (Wi-Fi 6, QuickTransfer, USB-C)

DJI has finally addressed one of the biggest complaints from past users—file transfer speed.

With the Mavic 4 Pro, you get:

• Wi-Fi 6 QuickTransfer, for blazing-fast wireless file movement
• USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, offering up to 10Gbps transfer speeds via direct connection
• Auto-switching between wireless and wired, depending on connection strength
• In-app previews and thumbnail browsing without full download

No more waiting hours to offload your 4K/120fps videos. With this setup, you’re editing before your drone even cools down.

Image & Video Quality

Now to the showstopper: how does the DJI Mavic 4 Pro actually look when it shoots? Spoiler: it rivals cinema gear—and it fits in your backpack. Let’s unpack the real-world results from this beast of a drone camera.

Photo Quality & Dynamic Range

Still photography on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is nothing short of breathtaking.

Key features:

• 20MP RAW images with wide dynamic range and deep bit depth
• Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) for realistic, true-to-life tones
• 12.8 stops of dynamic range, capturing both shadows and highlights with ease
• Focus peaking and exposure zebras for manual control when needed

Whether you’re shooting a misty sunrise or a high-contrast skyline, this drone handles every lighting scenario with elegance.

Video Resolutions & Frame Rates (6K/60 FPS, 4K/120 FPS)

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a filmmaker’s dream.

• 6K at 60fps: Sharp, cinematic, and perfect for high-end productions
• 4K at 120fps: Incredible for buttery-smooth slow motion
• Full HD at 240fps: Great for action or stylized sequences
• 5.1K/50fps: A happy medium for high-quality YouTube and commercial work

And because of the larger sensor, there’s no overheating, even during extended recording sessions. This drone’s video output is so crisp, you’ll have trouble telling it apart from footage shot on $10K cinema cameras.

Low-Light & Astrophotography Performance

Night shooters, rejoice.

Thanks to the large 4/3 CMOS sensor and dual-native ISO, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro excels in low-light and astrophotography conditions:

• Minimal noise even at ISO 6400
• Crisp starscapes with manual shutter control (up to 8s)
• Smart exposure bracketing for astrophotographers
• Low-light obstacle sensing for safe nighttime flights

Pair that with vertical shooting, and you’ve got a TikTok-worthy Milky Way shot in your pocket.

Color Profiles (D-Log, HLG, HDR)

Whether you’re color grading in DaVinci Resolve or just want cinematic tones out of the box, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro delivers.

• 10-bit D-Log M: Maximum post-processing flexibility
• HLG: High dynamic range for instant playback on HDR TVs and displays
• HLG & D-Log shot simultaneously, for backups or dual-delivery workflows
• Built-in LUT previews in the DJI Fly app, so you know what you’re shooting

The Mavic 4 Pro’s color science is tuned for pros—but still friendly for casual creators who want rich tones with minimal editing.

Battery, Charging & Storage

A drone can have the most elite specs in the world—but if the battery fizzles out mid-shoot, it’s a bust. Thankfully, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro doesn’t disappoint when it comes to stamina and smart energy management.

Real-World Flight Time Tests

DJI claims up to 45 minutes of flight time with the Mavic 4 Pro—but what does that mean in actual use?

In field tests:

• Hover time averages around 41–43 minutes in windless conditions
• Normal usage with intelligent flight modes, obstacle avoidance, and camera use brings it to 35–38 minutes
• In sport mode, expect around 30–32 minutes tops

This places the DJI Mavic 4 Pro at the top of its class—outlasting the Mavic 3 Pro and most other consumer drones on the market.

Pro tip: Bring at least two batteries if you’re planning extended shoots, especially in cold weather or high altitudes.

Charging Methods & Hub Options

DJI has made charging more efficient—and a little smarter.

The Mavic 4 Pro’s Intelligent Flight Battery supports:

• Fast charging via 100W USB-C adapter (sold separately)
• Standard charging via 65W charger included in most kits
• DJI Charging Hub 4.0: sequentially charges up to 3 batteries and balances them to extend lifespan

Charge time ranges:

• ~65–70 minutes with the 100W adapter
• ~90 minutes with the 65W adapter

You can also charge on-the-go with a power bank that supports PD 3.0 or above, making this drone highly adaptable to field use.

Onboard & Expandable Storage

This is where DJI listens to its creators.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro includes:

• 2TB of internal SSD storage (on Cine Premium versions)
• 32GB internal memory on standard kits—enough for backups
• UHS-II microSD card slot, supporting cards up to 1TB

Using high-speed storage is crucial when shooting 6K/60fps or 4K/120fps video. If you use slower cards, you’ll experience dropped frames or failed recordings.

Good news? The QuickTransfer system works seamlessly between internal and external drives—especially via USB-C or Wi-Fi 6.

Battery Management Tips

Want your drone battery to last longer—flight after flight?

Here’s how to get the most from your DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s battery:

• Avoid full discharges—land around 20–25%
• Store batteries around 50–60% charge if not flying for weeks
• Keep batteries warm before flights in cold weather (use a pouch or your jacket)
• Use the DJI Fly app to monitor battery health, charge cycles, and update firmware

Smart battery management can stretch your battery’s lifespan well beyond the 200–250 cycle average.

Price & Value Proposition

Let’s talk dollars and sense. With premium features comes a premium price—but is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth your investment? Here’s how it stacks up.

MSRP & Bundle Kits

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro comes in several configurations:

• Standard Kit: ~$2,199
  Includes drone, one battery, RC-N2 controller, charger, and propellers
• Fly More Combo: ~$2,999
  Adds two extra batteries, charging hub, carrying case, and ND filter set
• Cine Premium Combo: ~$3,599
  Includes DJI RC Pro controller, 2TB internal SSD, Apple ProRes support, and everything from Fly More

While the Cine version is a splurge, it’s aimed at filmmakers who want ProRes 422 HQ and seamless high-capacity storage.

Deal & Accessory Options

Want to save some cash? Here’s where to look:

• DJI Store and authorized resellers often run seasonal discounts or bundle upgrades
• Third-party retailers like B&H, Adorama, and Amazon occasionally offer free accessories like extra batteries or SD cards
• Refurbished units from DJI come with full warranties and cost ~15–20% less

Recommended accessories:

• Extra Intelligent Batteries
• ND Filter Set (ND4/8/16/32)
• Landing Pad (protects from dust/dirt)
• Sunshade or Hood for outdoor screen visibility

Competitor Comparisons

Here’s how the DJI Mavic 4 Pro compares to top competitors:

While Autel and Skydio have their niches, the Mavic 4 Pro wins across the board on flight time, camera flexibility, and ecosystem reliability.

Who Should Buy It?

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t for everyone—but if you’re in one of these groups, it’s a perfect fit:

• Professional filmmakers and photographers needing cinema-grade footage on the go
• Commercial drone pilots working in real estate, surveying, or events
• YouTubers, travel vloggers, and solo creators who need versatility and top-tier performance
• Aerial hobbyists and enthusiasts who simply want the best drone experience available today

If you’re a casual user or budget-conscious, the DJI Mini 4 Pro or Air 3 might suit you better. But for those chasing pro-level performance, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is unmatched.

Pros & Cons

No drone is perfect—but the DJI Mavic 4 Pro comes impressively close. Let’s weigh the highlights and the areas where it could improve.

Key Advantages

✅ Triple-Lens Camera System
From wide to telephoto (28mm, 70mm, 166mm), this is a game-changer for content creators who want cinematic versatility without lens-swapping.

✅ Hasselblad Sensor + 6K/60fps Video
Color science and dynamic range are top-tier. If you care about post-production flexibility or publish commercially, you’ll love what the DJI Mavic 4 Pro delivers.

✅ Unmatched Flight Time
With up to 45 minutes in ideal conditions, the Mavic 4 Pro flies longer than nearly all competitors—cutting downtime and battery swaps.

✅ Advanced Obstacle Avoidance with LiDAR
Next-gen sensing keeps your drone safer—even in complex, low-light, or tree-dense environments.

✅ Cine Bundle + ProRes Support
Perfect for film professionals, this version adds a 2TB SSD, high-bit-rate recording, and industry-standard workflows.

✅ Smooth DJI Fly App & DJI O4+ Transmission
Lag-free control with up to 20km range and stable live video even in urban environments.

Drawbacks & Trade-Offs

❌ Premium Price Tag
This isn’t your entry-level drone. At over $2,000 for the base kit, it’s an investment—especially for casual flyers.

❌ Heavier Than Sub-250g Models
At ~960g, the Mavic 4 Pro requires registration in most countries and can’t fly in certain restricted areas without additional permits.

❌ Not Backpacker-Friendly
Though foldable, it’s bulkier than the Mini or Air series. For travelers who pack light, the Mavic 4 Pro might be overkill.

❌ Cine Version is Pricey Overkill for Most Users
If you don’t need ProRes, the standard kit offers better value.

Verdict

So, is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth it?

If you’re a serious content creator, filmmaker, drone service provider—or just someone who wants the absolute best aerial tech available—the answer is a resounding yes.

This drone doesn’t just keep up with the competition. It leapfrogs it. With its triple-lens versatility, Hasselblad-grade imaging, LiDAR-assisted navigation, and cinematic video specs, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro redefines what prosumers and professionals can expect from a foldable drone.

You get flagship performance with reliability backed by DJI’s battle-tested ecosystem. Whether you’re flying over Iceland’s glaciers, filming real estate in tight corridors, or capturing high-speed action, the Mavic 4 Pro delivers—every single time.

Overall: 9.5 / 10

• Design & Build: 9.2
• Camera Quality: 9.8
• Flight Performance: 9.6
• Software Experience: 9.3
• Battery & Value: 9.4

Final Verdict: The DJI Mavic 4 Pro isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a new era for drone creativity.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most searched questions about the DJI Mavic 4 Pro.