DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Review: A Budget-Friendly Gateway to Aerial Photography

The DJI Mini 4K positions itself as an entry-level drone that strikes a delicate balance between cost and capabilities. While it excels in portability and ease of use, offering 4K video capture and stable flight performance, it does make some compromises in advanced features and low-light photography. For beginners in India’s growing drone market, these trade-offs might be worth considering against its attractive price point.

Camera Quality

The drone sports a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that captures 12MP stills and 4K/30fps video through an 83° FOV, 24mm equivalent lens with a fixed f/2.8 aperture. The 100Mbps video bitrate surpasses the DJI Mini 2 SE’s capabilities, though it falls short of the Hubsan Zino Mini SE’s 150Mbps. Daylight performance impresses, but dynamic range limitations cause highlight clipping. Low-light results remain underwhelming compared to the similarly priced Ruko F11 Pro.

Flight Performance

At under 249g, the Mini 4K handles well in winds up to 38 kmph, matching the Holy Stone HS720E’s stability. Real-world flight time ranges from 18-22 minutes, competitive with the Potensic Dreamer Pro’s 20 minutes. The O2 transmission system’s 10km range outperforms the ZLRC SG906 Pro 2’s 8km. While GPS accuracy is reliable, the absence of obstacle avoidance – a feature present in the pricier Hubsan Zino Mini Pro – remains notable.

Smart Features and Tracking

QuickShots modes include Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang, though it lacks the advanced tracking features found in competitors like the ZLRC Beast SG906 Pro 2.

Build and Portability

The lightweight, foldable design prioritizes portability, though its plastic construction feels less premium than the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro.

Battery and Charging

The 2,250mAh Intelligent Flight Battery delivers up to 31 minutes of flight time, though real-world performance typically reaches 18-22 minutes. Charging takes 82 minutes with the included 18W charger, comparable to the Ruko F11 Pro’s charging time. The battery outperforms the Holy Stone HS720E’s flight time by roughly 5 minutes, though extra batteries are recommended for extended sessions.

Connectivity and Controller

The DJI RC-N1C controller and DJI Fly app provide intuitive control and stable 10km transmission.

Legal Compliance in India

As a sub-250g drone, it falls under India’s Nano category, requiring no remote pilot license under current DGCA regulations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Lightweight and highly portable design
  • Affordable 4K video capabilities
  • Stable flight characteristics
  • User-friendly app interface
  • Decent battery performance

Cons

  • No obstacle avoidance system
  • Poor low-light camera performance
  • Limited tracking capabilities
  • Less durable plastic construction

Market Buzz

User reviews consistently praise its portability and ease of use, though some express concern about the missing obstacle avoidance.

Pricing

  • Standard Combo: ₹46,990
  • Fly More Combo: ₹56,990

Value for Money

Despite lacking advanced features, the Mini 4K offers excellent value for beginners, providing essential capabilities at a competitive price point compared to similarly priced drones like the Ruko F11 Pro and Holy Stone HS720E.

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