DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Finally, the Mavic We Were Waiting For (But Not in the U.S. Yet)

DJI finally stopped teasing and actually released the Mavic 4 Pro. Not a half-step. Not a firmware-fueled refresh. A real upgrade. After years of small changes dressed up in big language, DJI has delivered something built for working creators and image professionals.

Of course, U.S. buyers will have to wait a little bit—thanks to Remote ID compliance, import delays, and—you guessed it—tariffs. But in regions where it’s already launching, this drone has raised the bar for what a folding camera drone can do.

I haven’t flown it yet, but the specs alone are worth unpacking—and if they perform as advertised, this one could be a real staple for pro shooters.

The Camera System: Hasselblad Color, Dynamic Range, and Detail

The Mavic 4 Pro’s main camera is a 4/3″ CMOS sensor with 100MP resolution. It captures full 100MP stills or 25MP binned images and offers an adjustable aperture from f/2.0 to f/11. According to DJI, you’ll get up to 16 stops of dynamic range when shooting in D-Log.

That’s a serious number, and if it holds up in real-world shooting, this drone might start replacing larger, more expensive platforms in a lot of workflows.

But beyond the numbers, the key is Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution (HNCS). It delivers a more natural, less digitally processed look, especially in mixed lighting. Skies look right. Shadows hold detail. It’s color science that leans cinematic, not synthetic.

Also worth noting: DJI now enables 100MP panoramas, taking full advantage of that high-res sensor. These images should be printable at massive scale and ideal for landscape work that needs fine detail edge-to-edge.

Infinity Gimbal: Fully Unlocked Movement

The Infinity Gimbal is a re-engineered three-axis gimbal unique to the Mavic 4 Pro. It allows:

• 360° yaw (pan) rotation
• +70° upward tilt, –90° downward tilt
• True vertical orientation for portrait content

It’s not just for stabilization. You can now hold composition on a subject while the drone orbits or tracks from any angle. It also lets you film upward—great for cityscapes, cliffs, or architectural work that previous Mavics couldn’t handle without awkward repositioning.

Focal Lengths and Resolution: Three Real Lenses

Each lens is fixed, optically stabilized, and delivers real resolution—not digital zoom.

• Main (28mm equiv.)
  • 4/3″ CMOS
  • 100MP
  • Adjustable f/2.0–f/11
  • 6K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow motion
  • D-Log, D-Log M, HLG HDR
  • Up to 16 stops DR
• Medium Telephoto (70mm equiv.)
  • 1/1.3″ CMOS
  • 48MP, binned to 12MP
  • Fixed f/2.8
  • 4K/60 HDR, 4K/120 slow motion
  • ~14 stops DR
• Telephoto (168mm equiv.)
  • 1/1.5″ CMOS
  • 50MP, binned to ~12.5MP
  • Fixed f/2.8
  • 4K/60 HDR, 4K/100 slow motion
  • ~13 stops DR

That long lens is especially exciting for cinematographers. It enables real parallax motion, where the background shifts independently from foreground elements. It’s a more controlled, cinematic look—especially when layered with slow tracking or orbiting shots.

Built-in SSD: Pro Workflow, Less Fuss

In the Creator Combo, the Mavic 4 Pro ships with a built-in 512GB SSD. That unlocks All-Intra 4:2:2 recording at up to 400Mbps. Translation: you get intra-frame compression for better editing, cleaner color fidelity, and no need to transcode before grading.

It’s a big step forward from previous Mavics, which topped out with Long-GOP codecs and required external recorders or conversion steps.

Still Missing: Built-in ND Filters

One obvious omission: no internal ND filters. You’ll still need to carry and manually swap external NDs to control shutter speed. That’s extra fiddling during setup, and a missed opportunity considering DJI’s experience with variable aperture and automated camera systems.

It’s manageable—but not ideal for fast-paced shoots.

Speed and Flight Time: Big Wins

Two areas where DJI didn’t hold back:

• Top Speed:
  • Up to 60.4 mph (97 km/h) in Sport Mode
  • Tracks subjects at up to 40 mph in normal mode with sensors active
• Flight Time
  • Claimed: 51 minutes (hovering in ideal conditions)
  • Real-world use: 35–42 minutes depending on wind, maneuvers, and camera use
  • 95 Wh battery, redesigned props, and better efficiency all help extend airtime

This is the longest, most capable flight profile in any foldable drone to date. You can shoot real sequences without constantly watching your battery too much.

RC Pro 2: No More Squinting

The RC Pro 2 smart controller (included in the Creator Combo) comes with a 7-inch mini-LED screen that punches out 2000 nits of brightness.

Yes, it’s actually usable in direct sunlight. No more shade hoods or cloth over your head. You open it, it turns on, and you’re ready to fly. It also includes:

• 128GB internal storage
• HDMI output
• Built-in mic + support for DJI Mic
• Rotating screen for vertical video

Setup time is near zero. The sticks even deploy automatically.

Intelligent Modes and Autonomy

• ActiveTrack 360: Tracks subjects from any angle using full gimbal rotation. Reliable even with brief occlusions or low light.
• Waypoints 3.0: Lets you pre-program flight paths and camera movements. Still unclear if the waypoint accuracy is tight enough for professional survey work, but it’s promising.
• Panoramas, Hyperlapse, and MasterShots: Improved and compatible with all three lenses.

Obstacle avoidance is now bolstered by a front-mounted LiDAR scanner, alongside six fisheye sensors and downward IR. It detects objects in near-darkness (as low as 0.1 lux) and maintains avoidance at up to 40 mph.

Ideal Users

• Cinematographers: Real lenses. Real dynamic range. All-Intra codec. Native vertical. FAST Tracking! Everything you need in a compact platform.
• Photographers: 100MP RAW stills, better lens choice, and panoramic capture that isn’t just for marketing.
• Content Creators: Native social formats, fast setup, and automation modes that actually work.
• Survey + Inspection: Long lens reach is great for distant targets. Waypoint system potential for repeatable missions—though that’s still an open question.

Pricing + Packages

• Standard Kit: $2,699 – Drone, one battery, RC2 controller
• Fly More Combo: $3,549 – Adds batteries, filters, hub, bag
• Creator Combo: $4,649 – Adds 512GB SSD, RC Pro 2, full kit

Final Word

The Mavic 4 Pro isn’t a minor refresh. It’s a clear jump forward. DJI finally gave us the pro features that many of us have been asking for—higher-res stills, real lenses, better codecs, longer flight time, and smarter automation.

It’s not perfect. There’s still no built-in ND. Waypoints for pro survey use remain unproven. And if you’re in the U.S., you’ll have to wait a bit longer to get your hands on one.

But this drone looks like it was built for people who care about footage that holds up in post—not just for Instagram. If you’re flying one already—or planning to—let me know how it’s working for you. Send samples, thoughts, or questions to [email protected].

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