I've been flying DJI drones since the original Phantom 1 back in 2013. I've watched this company evolve from a niche manufacturer to the undisputed king of consumer and prosumer aerial platforms. And after six intensive weeks with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, I can confidently say: this is the drone that separates DJI from everyone else by a margin that's almost uncomfortable to witness.
"The Mavic 4 Pro isn't just an incremental upgrade—it's DJI throwing down the gauntlet and daring competitors to even try. The Hasselblad quad-camera system alone would be groundbreaking. Combined with 50+ minute flight times and AI subject tracking that borders on clairvoyance? This is the new benchmark."
— Simon Mauerklang, Drone Nomad Editor-in-ChiefWhat Makes the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Revolutionary?
Let's cut through the marketing speak and get to what actually matters. The Mavic 4 Pro represents DJI's first major platform overhaul since the Mavic 3 series, and they've clearly been listening to professional feedback. Every pain point I've documented over years of testing? Addressed. Every feature request from the creator community? Implemented—and then some.
| Specification | DJI Mavic 4 Pro |
|---|---|
| Main Camera Sensor | 4/3" Hasselblad CMOS, 50MP |
| Secondary Cameras | 70mm Tele (3x) + 166mm Tele (7x) + Ultra-Wide 15mm |
| Video Resolution | 8K/30fps, 5.1K/120fps, 4K/240fps |
| Max Flight Time | 52 minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Pro) |
| Transmission Range | 20km (FCC) / 10km (CE) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional + Forward LiDAR |
| Weight | 958g (with standard battery) |
| Price | $2,199 (Standard) / $3,399 (Fly More Combo) |
The Hasselblad Quad-Camera System: Four Eyes Are Better Than One
Here's where the Mavic 4 Pro truly flexes. Instead of the dual-camera setup we saw on the Mavic 3 Pro, DJI has gone all-in with a four-camera array that covers everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate wildlife portraits—without ever needing to land and swap lenses.
📷 Main Wide Camera
4/3" Hasselblad CMOS • 50MP • f/2.8-f/11
The workhorse. This sensor captures staggering detail with that signature Hasselblad color science. The adjustable aperture is a game-changer for golden hour shoots.
🔭 3x Medium Telephoto
1/1.3" CMOS • 48MP • 70mm equivalent
Perfect for real estate, architecture, and portrait-style compositions. Maintains excellent sharpness across the entire frame.
🎯 7x Super Telephoto
1/2" CMOS • 12MP • 166mm equivalent
Wildlife photographers, rejoice. This lens brings distant subjects impossibly close while maintaining safe standoff distances. Up to 28x hybrid zoom available.
🌐 15mm Ultra-Wide
1/2" CMOS • 12MP • 108° FOV
The new addition that cinematographers will love. Dramatic establishing shots and interior real estate work just became significantly easier.
52-Minute Flight Time: The End of Battery Anxiety
DJI claims 52 minutes with the new Intelligent Flight Battery Pro. My real-world testing? I consistently achieved 46-48 minutes with mixed flying styles including hovering for photography and moderate wind conditions. That's not marketing fantasy—it's genuinely transformative.
For context, the DJI Mini 5 Pro maxes out around 36 minutes, and most prosumer drones hover in the 30-35 minute range. Having nearly an hour of airtime means fewer battery swaps, more creative opportunities, and the ability to actually complete complex shots without racing the clock.
AI Subject Tracking 5.0: Borderline Sorcery
I was skeptical. Every drone manufacturer promises "AI tracking" and most deliver glorified face detection that loses lock the moment your subject turns away. The Mavic 4 Pro's ActiveTrack 5.0? It's operating on a completely different level.
🧠 ActiveTrack 5.0 Features
Who Should Buy the Mavic 4 Pro?
Professional Content Creators
If you're shooting for clients, the quad-camera system and ProRes recording make this a legitimate production tool.
Real Estate Photographers
The ultra-wide camera and extended flight time mean you can complete entire property shoots on a single battery.
Hobbyists & Beginners
This is a lot of drone for casual use. The Mini series offers better value for recreational flying.
Final Verdict: The New King of Consumer Drones
After six weeks and thousands of photos and hours of footage, my conclusion is simple: the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the best consumer/prosumer drone ever made. Period. The quad-camera system eliminates creative compromises, the 52-minute flight time eliminates battery anxiety, and the AI subject tracking eliminates the need for a dedicated camera operator.
What We Love
- • Revolutionary quad-camera system
- • Industry-leading 52-min flight time
- • AI tracking that actually works
- • LiDAR obstacle avoidance
- • ProRes and RAW video options
What Could Improve
- • Heavy at 958g
- • Expensive Fly More Combo
- • Regulatory uncertainty in US
- • Complex for beginners
Is it expensive? Yes. Is it overkill for casual use? Absolutely. But if you're serious about aerial content creation and you're not bound by regulatory restrictions, the Mavic 4 Pro is the clear choice. DJI hasn't just raised the bar—they've vaulted over it and kept running.
Fly creative. Fly responsible. And if you do fly a Mavic 4 Pro—prepare to be spoiled.
— Simon Mauerklang
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro worth the upgrade from Mavic 3 Pro?
If you need the ultra-wide 15mm camera, 50+ minute flight time, or LiDAR obstacle sensing, yes. For many users, the Mavic 3 Pro remains excellent value.
Can Americans still buy the Mavic 4 Pro?
Yes, for now. The Mavic 4 Pro is available through current inventory. However, future DJI products may face import restrictions due to the FCC ban.
Is the Mavic 4 Pro good for beginners?
While the safety features are excellent, this drone is overkill for beginners. The DJI Mini series offers better value and a gentler learning curve.