DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) Review: The Ultimate Lightweight Drone for Creators

 The DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) has arrived, offering an impressive blend of portability, high-quality imaging, and intelligent flight features. Weighing under 249g, it comfortably fits within aviation regulations in many regions, making it ideal for enthusiasts and professionals alike. With 4K HDR video, 34 minutes of flight time, omnidirectional vision sensing, and an upgraded 20km transmission range, this drone is an absolute powerhouse in the compact drone category. But does it truly live up to its promise? Let’s explore in this in-depth review.

Design and Build Quality

DJI has perfected the art of designing compact drones, and the Mini 4 Pro continues this legacy. It retains the familiar foldable form factor, allowing it to fit into a small bag or even a pocket. Despite its lightweight build, the drone doesn’t feel fragile. The high-quality plastic construction ensures durability while keeping the weight under 0.549 lbs (249g), an essential factor for compliance with regulations in the UK, EU, and other regions where weight limits dictate whether a drone needs registration.

One of the standout aspects of the Mini 4 Pro is the DJI RC 2 controller, which enhances the flying experience. Unlike the standard remote, this one comes with a built-in screen, eliminating the need to connect a smartphone. The ergonomics are excellent, with well-placed buttons and a smooth, responsive interface.

Camera Performance: Stunning 4K HDR Capabilities

For content creators and drone enthusiasts, camera performance is often the most critical factor. The DJI Mini 4 Pro impresses with its 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, delivering 4K HDR video at 60fps. This allows for crisp, detailed footage, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Key features include:

  • 10-bit D-Log M: Provides more colour depth, making post-production edits much easier.

  • HDR video recording: Enhances dynamic range, allowing for stunning contrast between highlights and shadows.

  • 48MP still photos: Ideal for capturing breathtaking aerial shots with exceptional clarity.

Low-light performance has seen notable improvements compared to its predecessor, thanks to dual native ISO technology, which helps maintain high image quality in various lighting conditions. Whether you’re shooting sunrise landscapes or cityscapes at night, the Mini 4 Pro handles it remarkably well.

Flight Performance and Stability

DJI has integrated omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a feature usually reserved for its high-end models. With sensors covering all directions, the Mini 4 Pro can detect and avoid obstacles effectively, making it one of the safest mini drones to fly. This is especially useful for beginners or those flying in complex environments like forests or urban areas.

Flight performance is smooth and stable, even in moderate winds. The drone’s powerful motors and intelligent flight systems ensure a top speed of 16m/s (35.8 mph) in Sport Mode, while normal and cine modes provide more controlled movement for cinematic shots.

Another impressive addition is Advanced Return to Home (RTH), which calculates the safest route back, avoiding obstacles along the way. This is a game-changer, particularly when flying in unpredictable environments.

Intelligent Flight Modes and Features

DJI has packed the Mini 4 Pro with a suite of intelligent flight modes designed to make filming easier and more professional:

  • ActiveTrack 360°: Allows the drone to track a subject while intelligently avoiding obstacles.

  • Waypoint Flight: Enables automated flight paths, ideal for replicating shots in multiple takes.

  • MasterShots: An automated filming feature that captures a variety of shots with a single tap.

  • QuickShots: Includes pre-programmed flight patterns like Dronie, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang.

  • Slow Motion Video: Capable of recording at 4K 100fps, adding dramatic slow-motion effects.

For beginner pilots, DJI’s Fly App provides an intuitive interface with easy-to-follow tutorials and automatic editing tools, making aerial filmmaking more accessible than ever.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any drone, and the Mini 4 Pro delivers an impressive 34 minutes of flight time per battery under ideal conditions. While real-world flight times tend to be slightly lower due to wind and aggressive manoeuvres, it still offers excellent endurance for a mini drone.

For those who need extended flight times, DJI offers an Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, pushing flight duration up to 45 minutes. However, using this larger battery increases the drone’s weight beyond the 249g limit, potentially requiring registration in some countries.

Charging is also more convenient with USB-C fast charging, allowing batteries to be replenished quickly, reducing downtime between flights.

Transmission and Connectivity

DJI has upgraded the Mini 4 Pro with OcuSync 4.0, increasing the maximum transmission distance to 20km (in FCC regions). While this is beyond what most users will ever need, the real benefit comes in the form of stronger, more stable connectivity, ensuring a seamless experience even in environments with signal interference.

The DJI RC 2 controller enhances this experience, providing a built-in display for lag-free video feedback, which is a major upgrade over traditional smartphone-based controllers.

Pros and Cons

Pros: ✅ Ultra-lightweight (under 249g) and foldable ✅ Excellent 4K HDR camera with improved low-light performance ✅ Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for safer flights ✅ 34-minute battery life (extendable to 45 minutes with Plus battery) ✅ Advanced intelligent flight modes (ActiveTrack 360°, Waypoints, MasterShots, etc.) ✅ OcuSync 4.0 for strong and stable long-distance transmission ✅ DJI RC 2 controller with built-in screen

Cons: ❌ Larger Intelligent Flight Battery Plus exceeds 249g weight limit ❌ Slightly higher price point than previous Mini models ❌ Lacks built-in ND filters, requiring additional accessories for professional videography

Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) is undoubtedly one of the most feature-packed compact drones on the market today. Its lightweight design makes it accessible to a broader audience, while its professional-grade camera and intelligent flight features cater to experienced drone users and content creators alike. The addition of omnidirectional obstacle sensing significantly enhances safety, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned pilots.

If you’re looking for a powerful yet portable drone that delivers stunning 4K HDR video, robust flight performance, and intelligent tracking features, then the DJI Mini 4 Pro is well worth the investment. Despite a few minor drawbacks, its versatility and cutting-edge technology make it a standout option in its category.

Final Rating: 9.5/10 – Highly Recommended!

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