DJI Mini 4 Pro Night Scene Test: Performance and First Impressions

As someone who owns both the Mavic 3 Pro and Mini 3 Pro, I can confidently say that for everyday shooting, the newly launched Mini 4 Pro is the most convenient. Here are my initial impressions:

1. Despite retaining the same CMOS as the Mini 3 Pro, the night scene performance has been significantly refined. With an aperture of f/1.7, while it doesn’t match the detail resolution of the Mavic 3 Pro, the visuals look stunning on a smartphone screen. After all, no matter how large the sensor or how high the resolution, streaming platforms will ultimately compress everything down to 1080p.

2. The Mini series remains unparalleled in portability, making it far more likely to be carried around regularly. This iteration’s propellers feel noticeably quieter—about half as loud as those of the previous model—with takeoff noise so minimal it hardly draws attention. In contrast, launching the Mavic 3 Pro tends to gather curious onlookers due to its more pronounced sound.

3. For videography enthusiasts, the addition of D-LogM and 10-bit color grading opens up greater possibilities for post-production. While these features might seem basic compared to what the Mavic offers, they’re a welcome inclusion for the beginner-friendly Mini series. It’s clear that DJI’s engineers have worked tirelessly to extract every ounce of potential from this familiar CMOS setup.

4. Full-directional obstacle avoidance has been incorporated, adding a layer of safety and ease for newcomers. Moreover, the availability of log mode caters to professional-grade color correction workflows—even if you don’t plan to use it, having the option is reassuring.

5. A new range of slow-motion settings has been introduced, including 1K at 200fps and 4K at 100fps. These capabilities make capturing fast-moving objects like trains or extreme sports exhilarating. It remains unclear whether NTSC and PAL modes will be supported, which could potentially unlock even higher frame rates like 4K at 120fps and 1K at 240fps.

6. Additional design touches include reinforced front legs and a built-in propeller holder, enhancing both durability and convenience.

Of course, there are some downsides to consider. Reports suggest that the Mini 4 Pro may not be compatible with the Mini 3 series batteries, though updates addressing this issue might come later. Furthermore, camera module filters aren’t interchangeable between models, meaning buyers looking for discounted accessories should proceed cautiously.

While it’s true that DJI employs incremental improvements—a strategy reminiscent of Apple—it’s commendable that each generation builds upon its predecessor. As things stand, the Mini 4 Pro continues to reign supreme as the top choice for lightweight, portable drones available today.