Consumers have grown accustomed to drone manufacturers introducing incremental upgrades with each new release, but every so often a product emerges that fundamentally shifts what’s possible in aerial photography. DJI’s newly unveiled Mavic 4 Pro marks that rare paradigm shift, introducing an industry-first 360° rotating “Infinity Gimbal” that completely reimagines creative possibilities. That is, if you can get your hands on one of these devices. While the tech is revolutionary, U.S. consumers might find themselves on the outside looking in due to escalating tariffs.
THE REVOLUTION WILL BE TELEVISED (IN 6K)
At the heart of the Mavic 4 Pro sits a triple-camera system headlined by a monstrous 100MP Hasselblad main shooter with aperture control ranging from f/2.0 to f/11. This flexibility allows for exceptional low-light performance and can also help you achieve those sought-after 10-ray starbursts when shooting into light sources. The main sensor also captures 6K/60fps HDR video with up to 16 stops of dynamic range, essentially giving filmmakers the ability to pull usable footage from virtually any lighting condition.
Accompanying the main unit are two telephoto options: a 70mm medium tele with a 48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor and a substantially upgraded 168mm telephoto housing a 50MP 1/1.5-inch sensor. Both support 4K/120fps recording, allowing for dramatic slow-motion sequences at distances previously impossible with consumer drones. Unlike its predecessor, lens switching is designed to happen much faster, eliminating those frustrating moments where the perfect shot slips away during a camera transition.
DEFYING PHYSICS WITH THE INFINITY GIMBAL
The most transformative innovation is easily the introduction of the aforementioned 360° rotating Infinity Gimbal. This engineering feat enables creative angles previously impossible in the drone world. You can get those dramatic Dutch angles, fully inverted shots, and incredible transitions that would normally require extensive post-processing. You’re also given the ability to tilt 70° upward, which altogether marks a watershed moment in aerial cinematography, opening avenues for creative expression that simply didn’t exist before.
LONG FLIGHT, SAFE FLIGHT
For power, DJI has managed to squeeze a 95Wh battery (the largest they’ve ever put into a consumer drone) into the Mavic 4 Pro’s 2.3-pound frame, delivering an impressive 51 minutes of maximum flight time, which is nearly 20% longer than its predecessor. This substantial power reserve comes coupled with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance that functions at speeds up to 40mph, even in low light. Six fisheye sensors and front-mounted LiDAR further enhance safety, with the drone capable of mapping its return path GPS-free for times when you’re low on signal.
The O4+ transmission system provides a whopping 18.6-mile range with 10-bit HDR image transmission, allowing operators to maintain crystal-clear visual contact with their drone even in signal-congested urban environments. Simply put, the Mavic 4 Pro is not just the most capable consumer drone on the market but also one of the most reliable, which isn’t a combination that always goes together.
TARIFF TROUBLES
Despite its staggering technical capabilities, the Mavic 4 Pro won’t be available in the U.S. any time soon (if at all). As you may have heard, the American tariff situation has become problematic for Chinese tech imports. Factoring in steep import fees, the fluctuation of drone-specific duties, and ongoing customs scrutiny over DJI’s supply chain documentation, the flagship launch Stateside has been effectively halted. And so, the brand has made the decision to bypass the American market entirely, at least for now.
Luckily, the drone is available in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other global markets, and you could reasonably find these popping up on online retailers, but DJI has explicitly warned that warranty coverage doesn’t extend to products purchased outside their intended market, so be advised.
A CONTROLLER WORTHY OF THE DRONE
Accompanying the Mavic 4 Pro is DJI’s new RC Pro 2 controller, featuring a 7-inch high-brightness Mini-LED display that delivers 1,600 nits of sustained brightness, which is impressively more than double the previous model. The controller incorporates clever design elements like auto-retracting joysticks and a folding screen that automatically powers on when opened. Also, the screen rotates for vertical filming, while “enterprise-level” multibeam antennas offer you robust signal transmission.
With 4 hours of battery life, 128GB of built-in storage, and a built-in microphone that pairs with the DJI Mic series, the RC Pro 2 is a substantial upgrade in drone control. However, it’s sold separately for an eyebrow-raising €2,699 (~$3,015), which is more than the drone itself.
SPEC SHEET
Model: DJI Mavic 4 Pro
Main Camera: 100MP Hasselblad (28mm, f/2.0-f/11)
Telephotos: 48MP (70mm, f/2.8), 50MP (168mm, f/2.8)
Video Resolution: 6K/60fps HDR (main), 4K/120fps (all cameras)
Gimbal: 360° rotation Infinity Gimbal with 70° upward tilt
Max Flight Time: 51 minutes
Max Range: 18.6 miles
Weight: 2.3lbs
Obstacle Avoidance: Omnidirectional with 6 fisheye sensors and front LiDAR
Internal Storage: 64GB (standard) or 512GB (Creator Combo)
Controller: DJI RC 2 or RC Pro 2 (sold separately)
PRICING & AVAILABILITY
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is currently available internationally starting at €2,099 (~$2,345). Again, Stateside availability remains uncertain at the time due to tariff and customs issues, with no timeline provided by DJI for potential U.S. market entry. The drone also comes in a Creator Combo with 512GB of storage and the RC Pro 2 controller, priced at €3,539 (~$3,953).
Recap
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Drone
DJI has made arguably the best consumer drone ever with the Mavic 4 Pro, featuring a 360º gimbal, an impressive 18.6-mile range, and improved safety features.
