Key Points
- The DJI Mavic 4 Pro and RC Pro 2, launched today, seem to offer advanced features for aerial photography.
- Research suggests the Mavic 4 Pro includes a 360° rotating gimbal and a triple-camera system with 6K video.
- It appears likely that the RC Pro 2 has a high-brightness screen and supports third-party apps for enhanced control.
- The evidence leans toward improved flight performance and obstacle avoidance, but availability in the US is controversial due to trade issues.
Drone Features
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro, introduced on May 13, 2025, appears to be a significant upgrade for drone enthusiasts. It features an Infinity Gimbal with 360° rotation, allowing for unique aerial perspectives, and supports upward filming up to 70° and vertical shooting. The camera system is a standout, with a Hasselblad 4/3 sensor capable of 6K/60fps HDR video, 4K/120fps for slow motion, and 100MP photos with 16 stops of dynamic range. It includes three cameras: a wide-angle, a 70mm telephoto, and a 168mm telephoto, all supporting advanced color profiles like D-Log and HLG.
Flight performance seems enhanced with a 51-minute flight time, a top speed of 25 m/s, and a 30 km range using the O4 Plus transmission system. Obstacle avoidance is upgraded with high-resolution cameras and LiDAR, enabling safe flights in low light. The Active Track system now offers automatic and manual modes for precise tracking, and the Return-to-Home feature can operate without satellite connectivity by building a real-time map.
Controller Features
The DJI RC Pro 2, launched alongside the Mavic 4 Pro, appears designed for professional use. It features a 7-inch mini-LED screen with 2000 nits peak brightness, rotatable for vertical filming, and powers on instantly when unfolded with auto-deploying joysticks. It includes a built-in microphone, supports the DJI Mic ecosystem, and offers noise cancellation options. With 128 GB internal storage (expandable), it supports third-party apps and video editing, and includes a built-in flight simulator for training. The controller uses O4+ transmission for a 30 km range, enhancing control in complex environments.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of DJI Mavic 4 Pro and RC Pro 2 Features
On May 13, 2025, DJI unveiled the Mavic 4 Pro and RC Pro 2, marking a significant advancement in consumer drone technology. This survey note provides a comprehensive overview of the features, drawing from recent announcements and reviews to ensure a thorough understanding for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Background and Context
The launch, covered by sources like Heliguy DJI Mavic 4 Pro Review and DroneXL DJI RC Pro 2 Specs, coincides with X posts from users like @Techmeme indicates the drone won’t launch in the US due to trade tensions, adding a layer of complexity to its global availability.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Detailed Features
The Mavic 4 Pro introduces several innovative features, as detailed in the Heliguy review and Shawn Air Photography’s coverage:
- Gimbal and Camera System:
- The Infinity Gimbal supports 360° rotation, controlled manually via a dial on the controller or through intelligent flight modes like Quickshots. It allows upward filming up to 70°, ideal for capturing under tree canopies or around tall structures, and supports true vertical filming, a first for the Mavic series, with all three cameras functional. In vertical mode, a cropped option provides 4K vertical format video, enhancing social media content creation.
- The camera system is a triple setup:
- Main Hasselblad Wide-Angle: 4/3 sensor, 100MP photos, 6K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps for slow motion, with dual native ISO and f/2 aperture, offering 16 stops of dynamic range compared to 12.8 stops on the Mavic 3.
- 70mm Telephoto: 1/1.3-inch sensor, 2.5x zoom, 4K/60 or 120fps.
- 168mm Telephoto: 1/1.5-inch sensor, 6x zoom, new for detailed close-ups.
- All cameras support normal color profiles, HLG, D-Log, and D-Log M, facilitating easier color grading. The Explorer Mode allows up to 24x digital zoom, useful for scouting, though image quality degrades at higher zooms.
- Flight Performance and Safety:
- Design enhancements include quick deployment, powering on automatically when unfolded (disableable in settings), and auto power-off when folded. The new RC Pro 2 controller mirrors this with instant connectivity.
- Obstacle avoidance is upgraded with three high-resolution cameras on top and bottom, plus front-facing LiDAR on the arms, offering four times the resolution of the Air 3, detecting smaller obstacles in low-light or near-dark conditions. It excels at identifying low-texture surfaces like glass or white walls, allowing flight at 18 m/s while detecting obstacles.
- The next-generation Return-to-Home functionality, similar to the Air 3S, builds a real-time map during outbound flight, ensuring safe returns in complex environments like balconies or under tree canopies.
- Performance specs include an ultra-wind-resistant design, 25 m/s (90 km/h) speed, and 51 minutes of flight time, supported by a high-powered battery.
- Intelligent Flight and Tracking:
- Active Track now offers automatic and manual modes. Manual mode allows customization from eight directions using a trace wheel for cinematic shots like circling or pulling away, while auto mode adjusts paths based on environment and aesthetics, ideal for activities. It can track vehicles at 100 meters and humans at 25 meters, with improved trajectory planning for vehicles.
- Other intelligent features include MasterShots, QuickShots, waypoint missions, panoramas, FocusTrack (ActiveTrack, Point of Interest, Spotlight), and cruise control, all supported by the drone.
- Battery and Connectivity:
- The new battery system supports a 240-watt charger, charging three batteries simultaneously in 90 minutes via a charging hub, or a single battery in 51 minutes. USB-C charging is supported, with the drone’s USB-C port able to charge batteries directly.
- Wi-Fi 6 enhances content transfer speeds to mobile devices, and off-state quick transfer allows footage offloading even when the drone is powered off and stored.
DJI RC Pro 2: Detailed Features
The RC Pro 2, detailed in the DroneXL article and Heliguy review, is a game-changer for drone control:
- Display and Design:
- Features a 7-inch high-brightness Mini-LED screen with 2000 nits peak brightness and 1600 nits sustained, ensuring clear viewing in bright sunlight. The screen is rotatable, enhancing convenience for vertical filming, and adjusts the Fly app and camera settings accordingly.
- Design includes foldable control sticks, no assembly required, and powers on with one motion (unfold = on, fold = off), with quick sleep and wake-up functions. The adjustable screen stands and collapsible design make it slightly larger than the RC2 but highly portable.
- Audio and Controls:
- Includes a built-in microphone and supports the DJI Mic ecosystem via USB-C or Bluetooth, with audio embedding options in screen recordings or videos. Noise cancellation offers natural mode (retaining ambient sound) and pure mode (isolating voices).
- Controls feature a new rotary dial with five-way buttons on both sides for quick parameter settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, shot selection), comfortable for glove use, and a 5D button for lens switching.
- Storage, Transmission, and Functionality:
- Offers 128 GB internal storage (approximately 100GB available), expandable via microSD, and supports third-party apps for live streaming and video editing, powered by robust hardware for smooth experience.
- Uses O4+ transmission with enterprise-grade high-gain multi-beam antennas, achieving up to 30 km transmission distance (FCC, outdoor open environment, no interference), with 10-bit HDR transmission and dynamic home point support for vehicle shooting. Transmission adjusts based on region (SRRC standard max 15 km in mainland).
- Includes a built-in flight simulator with tutorials, mimicking real flights including obstacle avoidance, battery usage, and camera settings, with detailed crash playback for learning. An HDMI port supports image output (no audio).
- Battery and Compatibility:
- Up to 4 hours battery life (tested at 25°C, connected to DJI Mavic 4 Pro, 1080p/60fps), ensuring extended use.
- Compatible with DJI Mavic 4 Pro, Air 3S , requiring drones with vertical shooting function for full capabilities.
Accessories and Configurations
The Mavic 4 Pro is available in multiple packages:
- Base package: Drone, one battery, RC2 controller.
- FlyMore kit: Three batteries, charging hub, carrying case, RC2 controller.
- Creator Combo: RC Pro 2, 512 GB internal storage, memory card slot.
Accessories include a shoulder bag (darker and larger than Air 3S’s) and a redesigned gimbal guard that snaps on easily, enhancing portability and protection.
Conclusion and Implications
The Mavic 4 Pro and RC Pro 2 empower creators with unprecedented capabilities, from the Infinity Gimbal’s dynamic shots to the RC Pro 2’s professional control features. However, the US market exclusion, as noted in X posts, may limit accessibility for American users, potentially affecting global adoption. This launch, covered extensively by Shawn Air Photography YouTube Channel, promises to be a benchmark for future drone technology, with in-depth coverage expected in the coming weeks.
| Feature Category | Mavic 4 Pro Details | RC Pro 2 Details |
|---|---|---|
| Camera/Gimbal | 360° Infinity Gimbal, triple-camera (Hasselblad 4/3, 70mm, 168mm), 6K/60fps HDR, 100MP photos | N/A |
| Display | N/A | 7” Mini-LED, 2000 nits peak, rotatable for vertical filming |
| Flight Performance | 51 min flight time, 25 m/s speed, 30 km range, LiDAR obstacle avoidance | N/A |
| Controls and Audio | N/A | Built-in mic, DJI Mic support, rotary dial, 5D button for lens switching |
| Storage and Apps | N/A | 128GB storage, expandable, supports third-party apps, built-in simulator |
| Transmission | O4+ transmission, 30 km range | O4+ transmission, up to 30 km, dynamic home point support |
| Battery and Charging | 240W charger, 3 batteries in 90 min, USB-C charging | Up to 4 hours battery life |
| Compatibility | Compatible with RC Pro 2, RC2 | Compatible with Mavic 4 Pro, Air 3S, Air 3, Mini 4 Pro |
