DJI Mini 4 Pro Review (2026): Best Camera Drone Under 250g?

DJI Mini 4 Pro Review (2026): Best Camera Drone Under 250g?

Have you ever felt limited by the cumbersome size and weight restrictions of larger drones? Imagine capturing stunning 4K/60fps HDR video and 48MP RAW photos with a drone so compact it fits in the palm of your hand. That’s the promise of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. As Hans Wiegert, I've spent the last week putting this marvel of engineering through its paces. Here's my comprehensive review for DroneNomad.info.

The sub-250g drone market is fiercely competitive, but DJI has consistently led the pack with its Mini series. The Mini 4 Pro arrives in 2026 as a mature product, building upon the successes (and addressing the shortcomings) of its predecessors. Is it the best camera drone under 250g? Let's dive in.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Design

The DJI Mini 4 Pro's packaging is typical DJI: clean, efficient, and reassuringly premium. Opening the box, the drone itself is even smaller than I anticipated. It feels incredibly light yet solid in hand. The included accessories – battery, spare propellers, screwdriver, and cables – are neatly organized. My review unit came with the DJI RC-N2 remote controller, which feels comfortable and familiar. I appreciate that DJI has stuck with a proven design for their controllers. If you are looking for something different, consider looking at the DJI Flip.

The design is refined compared to the Mini 3 Pro. The obstacle avoidance sensors are more seamlessly integrated into the body, giving it a cleaner, more professional look. The arms fold out smoothly and securely, and the battery clicks into place with a satisfying snap. Overall, the Mini 4 Pro exudes quality craftsmanship.

Flight Performance: Nimble and Reliable

The moment that changes everything is when you first take off. The DJI Mini 4 Pro's flight performance is remarkable. It's incredibly stable, even in moderate winds. The responsiveness of the controls is crisp and precise, making it a joy to fly. The drone's small size and agility allow it to navigate tight spaces with ease, opening up creative possibilities that larger drones simply can't match. Pilot Mike from Austin discovered this when filming in a dense forest; the Mini 4 Pro allowed him to capture shots he never thought possible.

One of the biggest improvements over previous Mini models is the omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system. This provides a significant boost in safety, especially for beginner pilots. The drone can detect and avoid obstacles in all directions, reducing the risk of crashes. This is a huge confidence booster, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot. Just remember, obstacle avoidance isn't foolproof – always maintain visual line of sight and fly responsibly.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and responsiveness
• Effective omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
• Sport mode offers surprisingly agile flight

Cons:

• Wind resistance, while improved, is still limited compared to larger drones

Camera System: A Pocket-Sized Powerhouse

The camera is where the DJI Mini 4 Pro truly shines. It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with a wide f/1.7 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light performance. The camera captures stunning 4K/60fps HDR video with vibrant colors and impressive dynamic range. The ability to shoot 48MP RAW photos provides ample detail for post-processing. The moment you see the RAW images, you will understand the upgrade.

The Mini 4 Pro also supports D-Log M color profile, providing more flexibility for color grading in post-production. The camera can rotate for true vertical shooting, perfect for social media content. The results? A $1,000 video looks like it was shot with a $5,000 setup.

Compared to the DJI Air 3, the Mini 4 Pro's camera sensor is smaller, resulting in slightly less dynamic range and low-light performance. However, the difference is often negligible, especially for casual users. The Autel EVO Nano+ also offers a similar camera system, but the Mini 4 Pro's superior software and obstacle avoidance give it the edge.

Pros:

• Exceptional 4K/60fps HDR video quality
• 48MP RAW photo capture
• True vertical shooting

Cons:

• Smaller sensor compared to some competitors

Battery Life and Range: Extended Flight Times

DJI claims a maximum flight time of 34 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro. In my testing, I consistently achieved around 30 minutes of flight time in real-world conditions (moderate winds, active obstacle avoidance). This is a significant improvement over previous Mini models, allowing for more time to scout locations and capture the perfect shot. If you need more flight time, consider exploring our Long Endurance Drones (2026): US Buyer's Guide.

The transmission range is also excellent, thanks to DJI's O4 transmission system. I was able to maintain a stable connection at distances well beyond what's legally allowed in most areas. Always adhere to local regulations and maintain visual line of sight.

Pros:

• Impressive flight time for a sub-250g drone
• Reliable transmission range

Cons:

• Flight time is reduced in windy conditions

DJI Fly App: Intuitive and Feature-Rich

The DJI Fly app remains one of the best drone control apps on the market. It's intuitive, easy to navigate, and packed with features. The app provides real-time telemetry data, intelligent flight modes (such as ActiveTrack and QuickShots), and access to camera settings. The moment you open the app, you know you are in control.

The app also includes helpful tutorials and safety features, such as geofencing and altitude limits. Keeping your drone and yourself safe is paramount. Remember to review Remote ID Compliance regulations before your flight.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface
• Comprehensive features and settings
• Helpful tutorials and safety features

Cons:

• Requires a DJI account

Value and Recommendation: Is It Worth the Price?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is not the cheapest sub-250g drone on the market. However, its exceptional camera quality, flight performance, obstacle avoidance, and user-friendly app make it worth the investment. For both beginner and experienced drone pilots seeking a portable and capable camera drone, the Mini 4 Pro is an excellent choice.

Who is it for?

• Beginner drone pilots seeking a safe and easy-to-fly drone with excellent camera capabilities.
• Experienced drone pilots who need a portable and discreet drone for travel or situations where larger drones are not permitted.
• Content creators who want to capture high-quality aerial footage for social media or professional projects.

Who is it not for?

• Pilots who require maximum wind resistance or extreme flight performance.
• Users on a very tight budget.

Pro Tip: Always calibrate the compass before each flight, especially in new locations. This ensures accurate GPS positioning and stable flight.

Conclusion: The King of Sub-250g Drones?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a remarkable achievement. It packs an impressive amount of technology into a tiny package, delivering exceptional camera quality, flight performance, and safety features. While it's not the cheapest option, its overall value and versatility make it the best camera drone under 250g in 2026. Highly recommended.