Drones have become essential tools for capturing unique perspectives, and DJI’s latest model—the DJI Mavic 4 Pro—is attracting attention for good reason. For those of you exploring ways to elevate your photography, understanding how this new drone performs in real-world conditions matters greatly.
Coming to you from Nigel Danson, this straightforward video takes the DJI Mavic 4 Pro into the striking landscapes of the Faroe Islands, providing practical insights for those considering the upgrade. Danson immediately notes that while the drone is slightly larger than its predecessor, it maintains a manageable weight and is simple to set up quickly. He particularly emphasizes the drone’s shift back to a 28mm lens from a previous 24mm, explaining clearly why this is advantageous for serious photography—particularly panoramic and vertical images. Danson demonstrates these capabilities directly, capturing shots that illustrate the significant improvements made in sensor size and resolution. The ability to rotate the camera to portrait mode directly addresses the growing trend toward vertical shooting, simplifying composition and enhancing the drone’s versatility.
One particularly useful insight from Danson is the improved responsiveness when switching between the drone's three lenses—wide, medium telephoto, and telephoto. This is especially critical for video, where smooth, quick lens changes enhance the final output significantly. Danson provides clear demonstrations of these improvements during his shoot, explaining practical scenarios where rapid lens changes improve workflow. Additionally, he addresses some initial challenges with the drone’s protective cover, offering candid thoughts on its design quirks and practical usability. He expresses mild frustration about its complexity but acknowledges that it becomes easier to handle with regular use.
Here’s a concise look at key specs for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro:
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Flight Time: Up to 51 minutes
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Camera:
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Wide: 100 MP, 28mm equivalent lens, f/2
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Medium Telephoto: 48 MP, 70mm equivalent lens, f/2.8
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Telephoto: 50 MP, 168mm equivalent lens, f/2.8
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Video Resolution: Up to 6,016 x 3,384 at 60 fps (wide lens)
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Sensors: Omnidirectional with Infrared/LiDAR enhancement
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Weight: 2.3 lbs (1,063 g)
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Max Speed: 60.4 mph (97.2 km/h)
Danson also highlights the drone’s dynamic range improvements, showcasing detailed prints that demonstrate how effectively it captures complex lighting conditions with minimal noise, even when shadows are heavily edited. He appreciates the noticeable enhancements in low-light sensitivity and clarity of detail, essential for photographers who regularly shoot in challenging lighting situations. He gives candid feedback on the controller, noting its brighter and larger screen, which makes it significantly easier to operate under bright conditions and allows effortless switching between landscape and portrait modes.
Danson briefly covers minor practical improvements, including reduced noise from larger propellers, better battery charging efficiency, and improved signal reliability with DJI's latest OcuSync technology. He acknowledges that the drone’s size might pose minor packing challenges but ultimately considers these a fair trade-off given its powerful photography capabilities. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Danson.
