The DJI Mavic 4 Pro has arrived, and the question on every drone enthusiast's mind is clear: Is it worth upgrading from the Mavic 3 Pro? After extensive testing with both drones side-by-side, I've compiled everything you need to make an informed decision—whether you're a Mavic 3 Pro owner considering an upgrade or a newcomer deciding between the current champion and its predecessor.
"The Mavic 4 Pro isn't just an iteration—it's a generational leap. But that doesn't automatically make the Mavic 3 Pro obsolete. For many users, the predecessor remains the smarter buy."
— Hans Wiegert, Professional Aerial CinematographerQuick Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mavic 4 Pro If:
- ✓ You need the ultra-wide 15mm camera
- ✓ 50+ minute flight time is essential
- ✓ You require LiDAR obstacle sensing
- ✓ 8K video is part of your workflow
- ✓ Budget isn't the primary concern
- ✓ You're buying your first flagship drone
Buy the Mavic 3 Pro If:
- ✓ You want flagship quality at a lower price
- ✓ 43-minute flight time is sufficient
- ✓ You don't need ultra-wide shots
- ✓ 5.1K video meets your needs
- ✓ You're upgrading from an older drone
- ✓ Finding deals on the outgoing model
Complete Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Mavic 4 Pro | Mavic 3 Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Count | 4 cameras | 3 cameras | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Main Sensor | 4/3" Hasselblad 50MP | 4/3" Hasselblad 20MP | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 15mm f/2.8 (Yes) | Not available | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K/30fps | 5.1K/50fps | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Slow Motion | 4K/240fps | 4K/120fps | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Max Flight Time | 52 minutes | 43 minutes | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Transmission Range | 20km (O5) | 15km (O3+) | Mavic 4 Pro |
| LiDAR | Yes (forward) | No | Mavic 4 Pro |
| Weight | 958g | 958g | Tie |
| Starting Price | $2,199 | $1,599 (sale) | Mavic 3 Pro |
Camera System: The Biggest Difference
The camera is where the Mavic 4 Pro makes its most compelling argument for the upgrade. While both drones feature Hasselblad-tuned imaging, the improvements are substantial.
Main Camera: 50MP vs 20MP
Both drones use a 4/3" sensor, but the Mavic 4 Pro jumps to 50 megapixels compared to the Mavic 3 Pro's 20MP. In practice, this means significantly more cropping flexibility in post-production and larger print sizes without quality loss. For landscape photographers and those who frequently crop, this is a meaningful upgrade.
The Ultra-Wide Advantage
The Mavic 4 Pro's new 15mm ultra-wide camera is a game-changer for specific use cases. Interior real estate photography, dramatic landscape establishing shots, and architectural work all benefit enormously. The Mavic 3 Pro simply can't compete here—if ultra-wide is part of your workflow, the decision is made.
📸 Camera System Breakdown
Mavic 4 Pro (4 Cameras)
- Main: 4/3" 50MP, 24mm eq., f/2.8-f/11
- Medium Tele: 1/1.3" 48MP, 70mm eq.
- Super Tele: 1/2" 12MP, 166mm eq.
- Ultra-Wide: 1/2" 12MP, 15mm eq.
Mavic 3 Pro (3 Cameras)
- Main: 4/3" 20MP, 24mm eq., f/2.8-f/11
- Medium Tele: 1/1.3" 48MP, 70mm eq.
- Super Tele: 1/2" 12MP, 166mm eq.
- Ultra-Wide: ❌ Not available
Video Capabilities: 8K vs 5.1K
The Mavic 4 Pro shoots 8K at 30fps while the Mavic 3 Pro maxes out at 5.1K/50fps. But here's the nuance: how much does 8K actually matter for your workflow?
8K Makes Sense If:
- • You need massive reframing flexibility
- • You deliver 4K but want future-proofing
- • You crop heavily in post-production
- • You work with large displays (8K TVs, billboards)
- • You have the storage and processing power
5.1K Is Enough If:
- • Your final delivery is 4K or below
- • You prefer smaller file sizes
- • Your editing hardware is limited
- • You don't crop aggressively
- • Storage costs are a concern
The Mavic 4 Pro also introduces 4K/240fps slow motion compared to 4K/120fps on the Mavic 3 Pro. For action sports and wildlife cinematographers, this is a significant improvement that enables super slow motion without resolution compromise.
Flight Performance: 52 vs 43 Minutes
The Mavic 4 Pro delivers a claimed 52-minute flight time compared to the Mavic 3 Pro's 43 minutes. In my real-world testing, I achieved 46-48 minutes on the Mavic 4 Pro versus 38-40 minutes on the Mavic 3 Pro with mixed flying styles.
⏱️ Real-World Flight Time Comparison
Mavic 4 Pro
Mavic 3 Pro
That extra 8-10 minutes per battery translates to roughly 20-25% more flying time. Over a day of shooting with multiple batteries, that's potentially an extra hour of footage—not insignificant for professionals billing by the hour.
Obstacle Avoidance: LiDAR Changes Everything
Both drones feature omnidirectional obstacle sensing, but the Mavic 4 Pro adds a forward-facing LiDAR module that works in complete darkness. This is a substantial safety upgrade for night operations and low-light environments where vision sensors struggle.
| Obstacle Sensing | Mavic 4 Pro | Mavic 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Vision Sensors | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
| LiDAR | Yes (forward) | No |
| Night Operation | Excellent (LiDAR-assisted) | Limited (vision only) |
| Max Detection Range | 50m (forward) | 40m (forward) |
| APAS Version | APAS 6.0 | APAS 5.0 |
Intelligent Features Comparison
The Mavic 4 Pro introduces ActiveTrack 5.0 with improved subject recognition and the ability to track up to 10 simultaneous subjects. The Mavic 3 Pro's ActiveTrack 4.0 remains excellent for most use cases, but the newer system handles complex scenarios more gracefully.
🎯 Subject Tracking
Mavic 4 Pro wins
ActiveTrack 5.0 tracks 10 subjects vs 3 on Mavic 3 Pro, with better occlusion handling.
🎬 MasterShots
Similar performance
Both drones execute automated cinematic sequences with comparable quality.
🖐️ Gesture Control
Mavic 4 Pro wins
12 gestures recognized vs 6, with faster response times and better accuracy.
Price Analysis: Is the Upgrade Worth $600+?
At launch, the Mavic 4 Pro starts at $2,199 while the Mavic 3 Pro has dropped to around $1,599 (sale price) to clear inventory. That's a $600 difference—significant enough to warrant careful consideration.
💰 Price Breakdown
Mavic 4 Pro Pricing
- Standard: $2,199
- Fly More Combo: $3,399
- Cine Premium: $4,099
Mavic 3 Pro Pricing (Current)
- Standard: $1,599 (was $2,199)
- Fly More Combo: $2,599 (was $3,199)
- Cine Premium: $3,199 (was $4,799)
The Value Calculation
For professionals who can monetize the additional capabilities—real estate photographers who need ultra-wide, cinematographers who require 8K, or operators who benefit from 20% longer flights—the Mavic 4 Pro pays for itself quickly. For hobbyists and semi-professionals, the discounted Mavic 3 Pro offers extraordinary value.
Regulatory Considerations
Both drones fall under the same DJI regulatory considerations. If you're restricted from using DJI products due to federal contracts or NDAA compliance, neither drone is an option. Consider Skydio or Parrot alternatives instead.
Final Verdict: The Right Choice Depends on You
Mavic 4 Pro
The new benchmark for prosumer drones. Justifies the premium for professionals who need cutting-edge capabilities and can monetize the improvements.
Best for: Professionals, content creators, real estate photographers, those buying their first flagship.
Mavic 3 Pro
Still an exceptional drone that delivers professional results. Current discounts make it an incredible value proposition for most users.
Best for: Budget-conscious professionals, hobbyists, those upgrading from older drones.
If you're starting fresh with no existing DJI investment, the Mavic 4 Pro is the logical choice—you're getting the latest technology that will remain relevant longer. If you're a Mavic 3 Pro owner, hold off unless the ultra-wide camera or LiDAR specifically address gaps in your current workflow.
📖 Related Reading
Choose based on your needs, not the marketing hype. Both drones are exceptional.
— Hans Wiegert