DJI Mavic 4 Pro

DJI's latest triple-camera model takes prosumer drones to a new height. Angela Nicholson has been at the controls for our review

- Angela Nicholson

While the previous Mavic 3 Pro's specification list was impressive at the time of launch, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro takes things to a whole new level. It retains the familiar folding design and triple-camera layout, but almost everything else has been overhauled. This includes its headline features: a 100MP Hasselblad main camera and a 360° rotating gimbal that opens up new avenues for framing and filming.

However, before getting swept up in the excitement of the specifications, it's worth noting that the Mavic 4 Pro weighs 1,063g, meaning it's subject to greater regulation than sub-250g drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. In the UK, you'll need to hold an A2 Certificate of Competency to fly it within 150m of areas used for recreational, residential, industrial or commercial purposes.

So why choose the Mavic 4 Pro over a sub-250g drone? The extra weight affords a more robust, stable platform that can cope with windier conditions, faster flying, a far more advanced camera system and a larger battery for longer flights.

Like the Mavic 3 Pro, the main camera in the Mavic 4 Pro's triple-camera array features a Four Thirds-type sensor. However, its default resolution is 25MP (up from 20MP) and thanks to DJI/Hasselblad's Quad Bayer technology, this can be transformed into 100MP images. The same technology is used in the other two cameras. Consequently, the medium telephoto camera, which has a 1/1.3in CMOS sensor and a 70mm equivalent focal length, outputs 12MP or 48MP images. Meanwhile the 168mm telephoto camera uses a 1/1.5in sensor to deliver 12.5MP or 50MP stills.

The main camera has a 28mm equivalent focal length, which is 4mm longer than that of the Mavic 3 Pro. But in flight, it's hardly noticeable; you just need to back off slightly to maintain your usual framing. It's the intended go-to lens on this drone, though the 70mm and 168mm lenses are also very handy for tighter framing and capturing distant detail.