DJI Mavic 4 Pro Unboxing & First Flight – A Comprehensive Upgrade
The anticipation is over as the DJI Mavic 4 Pro makes its official debut. This successor to the Mavic 3, which was launched in 2021, embodies nearly four years of innovative development. The release of high-end drones like this one from DJI is infrequent, setting it apart in a market that often sees annual updates from smartphone manufacturers. With its advanced camera technology, revamped body design, and a new remote controller, this launch deserves attention. In this article, we’ll delve into the unboxing of the Mavic 4 Pro and describe its first flight experience.
Watch the unboxing video here.
Unboxing the Mavic 4 Pro
The unboxing reveals the 512 GB Creator Combo, which includes the impressive RC Pro 2 controller. Notably, DJI has eliminated the FlyMore bundle, possibly transitioning to the Creator Combo or offering various bundles tailored to users’ needs and budgets. This piece serves as an initial introduction with a focus on the drone’s first impressions and flight performance.
Drone and Accessories
- Mavic 4 Pro: Slightly larger than the Mavic 3.
- Extra Propellers: Included but not yet unpacked.
- RC Pro 2 Controller: Features a larger, bright screen that turns on when opened, with foldable control sticks.
- Battery Hub and Batteries: Comes with a charging hub, two additional batteries, and one already installed in the drone.
- Power Accessories: Includes a variety of charging plugs suited for Europe, Asia, and the U.S., alongside a 200-watt charging brick for rapid charging.
- Cables: A braided charging cable and a data transfer cable, similar to the previous Mavic model.
First Flight Experience
Conditions are favorable for flying, albeit slightly breezy, providing a true test of the Mavic 4 Pro’s capabilities. The drone appears larger than both the Mavic 3 Pro and the Air 3, complicating hand launches and landings. For this inaugural flight, we will take off from the ground.
Initial Impressions
Operating at a reduced noise level compared to past Mavic models, the drone performs incredibly well. Recording in 6K at 60 frames per second, the live feed excels in clarity with bright colors, making even subtle details like high-tension wires visible in sunny conditions.
Performance in Wind
When confronting headwinds, the Mavic 4 Pro achieves speeds between 18 and 24 mph in sport mode, increasing to 40 mph when altitude is decreased to lessen wind impact. Under such challenging circumstances, typical mini-drones would struggle, but the Mavic 4 Pro displays impressive control.
Camera and Gimbal
There are occasional minor adjustments needed for the gimbal, occasionally resulting in a slight horizon shift. Nonetheless, the camera delivers phenomenal clarity, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range. A new functionality allows for native 6K vertical video by rotating the controller screen, though the gimbal does exhibit minor twitching during these transitions, which may be firmware-related.
Controller and Features
The RC Pro 2 boasts a brilliant 2,000-nit screen that remains legible even in direct sunlight. Its ergonomic build has improved significantly from previous versions, while the vision assist feature provides useful, movable camera feeds for enhanced situational awareness, decreasing dependence on sensors. Zoom lenses (2.5x and 6x) now offer sharper images compared to the Mavic 3’s 3x and 7x lenses.
Handling and Settings
While generally responsive, the yaw control may require minor adjustments for smoothness. The maximum ascent and descent speeds reach 22 mph, and despite robust winds, the Mavic 4 Pro feels akin to a more potent version of the Air 3S.
Final Thoughts
The Mavic 4 Pro undoubtedly meets the high expectations set by its predecessors, featuring an excellent camera, vibrant imagery, and robust flying abilities. Its bright screen and responsive controls provide an elevating user experience, even in urban settings with potential signal disruptions. The battery life impressively lasts through challenging conditions, and the 6K video capabilities are notable for their clarity and detail.
This unboxing and initial flight confirm the Mavic 4 Pro’s status as a remarkable advancement in DJI’s folding drone series. For a deeper insight, keep an eye on additional video content discussing the Mavic 4 Pro over the upcoming months. If you enjoyed this, please like and subscribe for more updates!
