DJI has quietly introduced the Mini 4K, a budget-friendly drone that isn’t even listed on their official website but is available exclusively on Amazon. As a tech enthusiast and experienced drone operator, I was curious about this entry-level drone, seemingly aimed at making aerial photography more accessible. After spending some time testing the Mini 4K, here’s my in-depth review.
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Table of Contents
Where to Buy
You can purchase the DJI Mini 4K from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eiY53i
Design and Build
The Mini 4K follows the design legacy of its predecessors, like the Mini 2 SE, with a lightweight and compact build. At just under 250 grams, it offers a significant advantage for recreational pilots, as many regions have less restrictive regulations for drones under this weight limit.
The build quality feels solid for such a small drone, and the folding design makes it highly portable. One downside, however, is that it uses DJI’s older O2 transmission technology, which isn’t as advanced as the O3 system found in newer models. But considering the price, this is a reasonable compromise.
Camera and Performance
The camera is the highlight of the Mini 4K, capable of shooting 4K video at 30 frames per second with a 100 Mbps bitrate. The 1/2.3-inch sensor may not be the largest available, but it delivers sharp, vibrant footage, ideal for aspiring aerial photographers without stretching their budget.
Despite its lightweight design, the Mini 4K performs admirably in moderate wind conditions, thanks to its level 5 wind resistance. Flight time is also impressive, offering up to 31 minutes per battery under ideal conditions—though, in real-world use, you can expect closer to 25 minutes.
Features and Usability
While the Mini 4K lacks obstacle avoidance—a feature missed by more advanced users—its omission helps keep the cost down. However, the drone still includes useful automated flying modes like QuickShots and panoramas, making it easy to capture dynamic footage without much manual effort.
The user interface is simple and intuitive, making the Mini 4K beginner-friendly. The included remote control, though basic, is reliable and supports a range of up to 10km in FCC mode (with shorter ranges in regions with stricter regulations, like Europe).
Price and Value
With a price tag of $299 for the drone-only package, the Mini 4K offers great value for those new to drones or hobbyists on a budget. I recommend opting for the Fly More Combo at €439, which includes two additional batteries, offering more flight time and excellent value for extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion
The DJI Mini 4K is a solid option for beginners or casual drone users who want to explore aerial photography without breaking the bank. While it lacks more advanced features like obstacle avoidance and uses slightly older technology, its affordability, ease of use, and reliable camera performance make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start their drone journey. You can purchase the DJI Mini 4K from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4eiY53i