DJI Mavic 4 Pro: 5 Reasons to Reconsider Buying this Camera Drone

Today, we’ll discuss five factors that might deter you from purchasing the new DJI Mavic 4 Pro camera drone. Disclaimer: I believe this drone is exceptional and the best foldable drone DJI has ever produced. If you’re unfamiliar with its capabilities, check out my full review video, cinematic 4K footage, and vlog documenting my first week with the drone, where I explore its features in depth. However, I’ve noticed a few issues that I want to highlight to help you make an informed decision about whether to buy it.

1. DJI Mavic 4 Pro Pricing and Availability Challenges

The primary drawback is the drone’s pricing and availability. It hasn’t been publicly released in the US, the largest market for drones like this, which is disappointing given its status as DJI’s best foldable drone. Many are frustrated by the lack of information and availability. My DJI representative mentioned it’s cheaper to buy the drone in Mexico and travel back to the US than to purchase it in the US, where tariffs significantly inflate the price compared to similar drones like the Mavic 3 Pro. While the base price isn’t the main issue, additional costs can substantially increase the total. Check local retailers for stock, but beware of artificially inflated prices before buying.

2. Infinity Gimbal Limitations

The Infinity Gimbal, which I praised in my main video, is a highlight, but it has drawbacks. If you’re worried about missing out on its rotational capabilities for unique shots, don’t be—its novelty wears off quickly. Many, including myself, have used it extensively, but the dizzying motion becomes repetitive and isn’t justified in every scenario. It’s excellent for vertical shots, a first for the Mavic series, but the vertical rotation is limited, especially with telephoto cameras, offering only a -10 to +10-degree range. If you rely heavily on vertical video, these limitations might disappoint. As I don’t shoot vertical content, this doesn’t affect me much, but it’s worth noting.

3. Inconsistent Camera Performance

The medium telephoto and telephoto cameras have been significantly upgraded, but I’ve noticed inconsistent performance. In some conditions, footage appears mushy and soft, while in others, it’s crystal clear and sharp. This could be a software glitch or an issue fixable with firmware updates, but it’s noticeable when shooting detailed scenes like trees, forests, or mountains during golden hour. Minor artifacts occasionally appear, which may bother those who shoot extensively. It’s not a major issue, but it’s worth considering.

4. Marginal Photography Upgrades

For photographers considering an upgrade from the Mavic 3 Pro, the Mavic 4 Pro’s improvements may not justify the cost. While it offers 25-megapixel photos (upscaled to 100 megapixels) compared to the Mavic 3 Pro’s 20 megapixels, the boost in sharpness and quality isn’t significant. For video, the Mavic 4 Pro is a substantial leap forward, but for photography, the upgrade lacks a “wow” factor. If you primarily shoot photos, you might not find the jump compelling.

5. RC Pro 2 Remote and Drone Design Flaws

The RC Pro 2 is the best remote I’ve used, with a bright 2,000-nit peak (1,600-nit sustained) screen, quick power-on, and excellent quality. However, it has flaws. The screen unfolds easily, which is convenient but risky—if you grab it in a rush, it can open unintentionally, as happened to me while hurrying to capture a shot, nearly causing me to drop it. Without a screen protector, the exposed screen is prone to scratches, especially in a backpack. The antennas, when unfolded, make the remote unstable on uneven surfaces like rocks, risking damage or loss if wind knocks it over.

Additionally, two minor drone design issues arise with frequent use. Occasionally, when folding the drone after powering it off, the last arm triggers it to power on—a potential software bug that’s happened five or six times. Also, the new arm design makes removing the battery tricky, as you must partially unfold the drone to access the latches, which is mildly annoying.

Final Thoughts on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Camera Drone

Are these issues dealbreakers? For me, no. I can live with them, even without software fixes, because the Mavic 4 Pro is a masterpiece. I’m not advising you to buy or avoid it—form your own opinion based on footage and reviews, including mine. No drone of this size matches its capabilities, earning it my strong approval. These are simply observations from my experience that might slightly impact yours, but they don’t overshadow its excellence.

Dji Mavic 4 Pro: 5 Reasons To Reconsider Buying This Camera Drone

Check out my Mavic 4 Pro video playlist in the description for more content. If you’re considering a purchase, use the affiliate link in the description to buy from DJI’s website—it costs you nothing extra but supports my work.