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May
Article updated on 11 November 2024
DJI is quietly launching a new entry-level drone for the Mini series, the DJI Mini 4K, a sort of Mini 2 SE with 4K, which it seems destined to replace. Camera, features, battery life… What does this new Mini have to offer? Who is it designed for? Everything you need to know about the Mini 4K in our full presentation!
DJI Mini 4K: design and remote control
The design
| Weight | < 249 g |
| Dimensions (folded, without propellers) (L x W x H) | 138 x 81 x 58 mm |
| Dimensions (unfolded, with propellers) (L x W x H) | 245 x 289 x 56 mm |
The DJI Mini 4K looks just like the Mini 2 SE. It weighs in at just under 249 grams on the scales, with the same dimensions and design.
The Mini 4K resembles its predecessor in every respect: the arms fold in and out, the battery port that snaps in at the rear, under which the USB-C port and memory card slot are located, as well as the power button and two positioning sensors under the fuselage.
🚨 Regulatory update
Like its predecessors in DJI’s Mini range, the Mini 4K belongs to the category of drones weighing less than 250 grams, a weight that allows it to benefit from more flexible regulations in most countries. It will fly over residential, commercial, industrial and recreational areas. It can also fly over people if this is done unintentionally and for a short period of time. Its C0 class limits its flying height to 120 meters, but it is possible to request a change of class via the DJI Fly application to bypass this restriction.
The radio control
| Compatible radio controls | DJI RC-N1C |
| Video transmission system | DJI O2 |
| Max. transmission distance | FCC: 10 km CE: 6 km |
Like the Mini 2 SE, the DJI Mini 4K is compatible with and comes with the DJI RC-N1 radio control system. Strangely enough, it’s called the “RC-N1C”, but it’s exactly the same as the standard DJI remote control we’re all familiar with, with its fold-out mobile stand to which you attach a smartphone in which you’ve previously installed the DJI Fly application.
This model also features the DJI O2 video transmission system , with a range of 10 km FCC and 6 km in Europe. This is more than enough, given that the drone has to fly visually, but it also offers a margin to ensure a more stable connection than the WiFi connections of early Mini models.
Note also that the Mini 4K is compatible only with this remote control. The device cannot be used with the DJI RC remote control and its integrated display, which can be used with the Mini 3.
Our parts & accessories for
DJI Mini 4K
DJI Mini 4K: photo and video
| Sensor | 1/2.3-inch 12 MP CMOS |
| Lens | 24mm equivalent format F/2.8 aperture FOV 83°. |
| Max photo resolution | 12 MP |
| Max video resolution | 4K up to 30 fps 2.7K up to 60 fps 1080p up to 60 fps |
| ISO range | 100 à 3200 |
| Max bit rate | 100 Mb/s |
| Digital Zoom | 4K : 2x 2,7K : 3x 1080p : 4x |
| Photo format | JPEG DNG (RAW) |
| Video format | MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264) |
| Color profile | Normal |
Sensor and resolution
The DJI Mini 4K uses the same sensor as the DJI Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE: a 1/2.3-inch CMOS with 12 MP resolution. However, while this sensor is limited to 2.7K video resolution at 30 fps on the Mini 2 SE, it is fully exploited on the Mini 4K, reaching 4K resolution at up to 30 fps, identical to that of the Mini 2.
Other video features are also identical to those of the Mini 2: resolutions of 2.7K up to 60 fps and Full HD 1080p up to 60 fps, with a maximum bit rate of 100 Mb/s. Photo resolution is 12 MP, and the drone also offers 2X digital zoom in 4K.
As far as image quality is concerned, this sensor is well known for producing more than decent images. However, being smaller than the 1/1.2-inch sensor of the Mini 3, 3 Pro and 4 Pro, it captures less light and reaches its limits in difficult conditions, such as backlighting or low light, where colors appear less vivid and images less detailed. Nevertheless, rendering will be very good in good lighting conditions, as in daylight.
Photo and video features
As far as photo and video functions are concerned, don’t expect to find advanced features such as subject tracking or route planning, as on the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 4K is an entry-level model. We’re back to something more traditional, with the modes already present on the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE.
On the photo side, you can choose between Single Shot, AEB (to take three shots at different exposures), or Interval modes, available in JPG or DNG (the RAW format, for those who wish to retouch the colorimetry of their images in post-production).
On the video side, QuickShots, present on all Minis, such as Dronie, Spiral, Rocket, Circle and Boomerang modes, are available. In these fully automated modes, the drone performs a specific aerial circuit while capturing video. You can also create panoramas, choosing from 180°, Sphere (360°) and Wide-Angle modes.
For color profiles, only the Normal profile is available; the Mini 4K doesn’t include a flat profile like D-Cinelike, which lets you adjust color grading during editing.
The QuickTransfer function is also missing. Although available on the Mini 2, DJI chose to withdraw it from the Mini 2 SE, and this is also the case for this new Mini 4K.
OUR BEST SELLERS - DJI MINI 4K
DJI Mini 4K: in flight
| Maximum speed | 16 m/s |
| Max. ascent speed | 5 m/s |
| Max. descent speed | 3.5 m/s |
| Max. wind resistance | 10.7 m/s (level 5) |
Flight performance
At the price at which the DJI Mini 4K is offered, you can’t expect to find what DJI now offers in terms of automated flight modes or safety. We’re back to more traditional, yet equally valuable functions.
There is no obstacle detection, and the sensors on the underside of the drone serve only to ensure greater stability in flight, especially when flying close to the ground. On the other hand, there’s the famous RTH (Return to Home) mode, which ensures the drone’s safe return to its point of departure, whether triggered manually via the dedicated button, or automatically in the event of signal loss or low battery.
For the rest, features are similar to those of the Mini 2 and 2 SE, with three flight modes : Cine, where the drone moves more slowly to ensure better image capture, Normal, and Sport, where the drone can reach its maximum speeds of 5 m/s (18 km/h) upwards, 3.5 m/s (12.6 km/h) downwards, and 16 m/s (57.6 km/h) horizontally.
As for wind resistance, there’s nothing new here either: the Mini 4K can withstand level 5 winds, i.e. 10.7 m/s (approx. 38.5 km/h).
As we’re used to with DJI, their drones are a sure bet when it comes to flight behaviour, and the Mini 4K, like its predecessors, is no exception to the rule: although very light, its flight behaviour is exemplary, and the drone is very stable, so there’s nothing to complain about. Only when the weather turns bad will the drone reach its limits, which is to be expected given its weight.
Autonomy
| Batteries | 2250 mAh Li-ion |
| Autonomy | 31 minutes |
As for autonomy, there’s no change from the Mini 2 and Mini 2 SE either: the same 2250 mAh battery is already present on these two models, offering a theoretical autonomy of 31 minutes, according to the manufacturer’s data.
It should be noted that this range is a maximum estimate measured under ideal conditions of use. Actual autonomy will depend on external conditions, your flying style, and how you use the camera during the flight. In practice, you can expect a flight time of 20 to 25 minutes before having to return the drone to its take-off point.
For recharging, the DJI Mini 4K is equipped with a USB-C port on the rear, very practical for recharging the drone directly without having to remove the battery. You can also use the charging station, available as part of the Fly More package or sold separately, which recharges three batteries.
DJI Mini 4K: price
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| Standard package | 299€ |
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| Fly More Pack | 439€ |
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This is the highlight of the new Mini, as it’s the first drone in the range to offer 4K at under €300. For €299 for the standard package, you’ll get the drone with the DJI RC-N1C radio control system, a battery, spare propellers, a nacelle protector and some cables for recharging and data transfer.
As usual, DJI is also offering the Mini 4K in a Fly More bundle pack, including additional batteries and accessories. The Mini 4K Fly More package includes the drone, the DJI RC-N1C radio control, three batteries, a charging station, a propeller guard and a shoulder bag for storage. This pack is available for €439.
Initially offered for sale only on Amazon Europe and Amazon USA, the DJI Mini 4K is now also available from the DJI online store.
Our parts & accessories for
DJI Mini 4K
Conclusion DJI Mini 4K: for whom?
To conclude, the DJI Mini 4K is somewhere between the DJI Mini 2 and the DJI Mini 2 SE: it’s an upgraded Mini 2 SE, with the Mini 2’s camera, 4K resolution up to 30 fps and 100 Mb/s video throughput. Or it’s simply a Mini 2 without the QuickTransfer function.
Be that as it may, at 299€, it’s now the cheapest 4K mini drone on the market, and therefore excellent value for money. Given the quality and reliability of DJI drones, this is clearly the ideal drone for beginners, all without breaking the bank.
Read our full review of the DJI Mini 2 SE:
➡️ DJI Mini 2 SE: what is it worth? Our complete test
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