The DJI Flip is a versatile drone often perceived as a model for close-range vlogging and autonomous flying. However, it is also very competent for landscape videography and photography when used with a remote controller
In this article, I will compare it to the more expensive Mini 4 Pro for footage quality and video functionalities
Some related articles you may find interesting:
- DJI Fiip video quality
- Mini 4 Pro video quality
- Photography with the DJI Flip
- Hyperlapse with the DJI Flip
- DJI Flip Mastershots
- Camera settings for video with the DJI Flip
Video Specs
The two models have the same camera specs:
| Sensor size | 1/1.3″ |
| Field of view | 24mm |
| Aperture | f1.7 |
| Resolution | 4k up to 100fps |
| Max bitrate | 150 Mbps |
Since the camera is identical, we might assume that the quality of the footage should be the same, however, the processing platform affects the video quality, as is the case for Mini 3 Pro compared to the Mini 4 Pro, with the flagship model showing slightly more detail and richer colors
DJI constantly tweaks the algorithm over time, so it would not be surprising to spot some differences
Footage Quality
Normal Color Profile
Let’s start with the 8-bit Normal color profile that can be used without editing, although some extra contrast and saturation is beneficial
Both models deliver top-class footage in all light conditions. Detail, contrast, and color renditions are flawless, although the results are not identical
It is hard to tell which one I prefer, so it is better to show you some face-to-face clips shot with the same light conditions
Some users find that footage produced by the Flip with Normal profile has too much detail and is slightly over sharpened
In the Camera tab of the settings, there is a Style option to modify the Sharpness and Noise Reduction values applied to the footage. We can see the result obtained with different Sharpness values in this scene containing vegetation and architectural features. The best results are obtained with values of 0 or -1
The latest DJI lightweight models have a wide lens aperture, delivering excellent results in low light. The Flip does not disappoint: the low-light performance is stunning, even at low ISO values. The Flip does not have the Night Mode present in the Mini 4 Pro, but this feature is not needed
D Log-M Color Profile
Besides Normal, D Log M is also available in the Flip. It is a 10-bit color profile that can display over 1bn colors versus 16ml for Normal
It is a flat profile to preserve the information in the shadows without burning the highlight. A good dose of post-processing is needed
DJI supplies a specific LUT for the Flip, which is an excellent starting point for color grading. This color profile responds well to color grading and makes it possible to adapt the footage to different moods or specific projects
The Mini 4 Pro has a third color profile, HLG, unavailable in the Flip, but it is rarely used
Limitations of the Flip
The Flip is much more affordable than the Mini 4 Pro. Some features are missing compared to the flagship model to compensate for the price difference
The major limitation is the lack of an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system. Only obstacles in front of the aircraft are detected, so extra care is needed. When a frontal obstacle is detected, the Flip cannot bypass it, the only option is Break to stop in front of it
Due to the bulky propeller guards, the Flip is less aerodynamic than the Mini 4 Pro. This translates into a lower horizontal speed, rated at 12 mps vs 16, while ascent and descend speeds are the same. This is limiting when tracking fast-moving targets
For landscape videography, I often switch to Sport mode with good results; however, in frontal medium winds, the advancing speed is limited, and I get better results at a lower altitude
On my first flights with the Flip, I noticed occasional drifting in medium winds at a high altitude. After a firmware update, it looks more stable. Overall, the wind resistance is slightly inferior to the Mini 4 Pro
The announced flight autonomy is 31 minutes, a more than acceptable value, slightly shorter than the 34 minutes of the Mini 4 Pro. I only find it limiting when shooting hyperlapses, as the resulting movies will be shorter
The Flip offers the same intelligent flight modes as the Mini 4 Pro, except Waypoint, a powerful mode reserved for the flagship model. Active Track mode works well on the Flip; however, it is not as powerful as the one of the Mini 4 Pro
Unlike the Mini 4 Pro and the Mini 3, the camera of the Flip cannot rotate to take footage in portrait mode. Vertical content can be automatically created by selecting the vertical 2.7k resolution, which is acceptable for posting on social media.
Advantages of the Flip
As mentioned earlier, the Flip is a versatile drone with extra functionalities compared to traditional models like the Mini 4 Pro
It can fly autonomously without any controller. It turns on and off automatically after opening or closing the wings
It can perform a series of maneuvers controlled by a button on the side of the aircraft:
- Rocket
- Dronie
- Circle
- Helix
- Boomerang
- Spotlight
- Direction Track
- Follow
It is an interesting feature for beginners and bloggers, but there is no control over the moves, and the range is limited to a very short distance
Due to the propeller guards, the Flip is particularly suited for indoor flying and confined spaces surrounded by obstacles. The propellers protect people in case of a crash, making it an ideal choice for introducing children to drone flying
The transmission system is Ocusynch 4, the same as the Mini 4 Pro. In my tests, the Flip performed even better: this area has strong interferences due to several telecommunication aerials. There are also some buildings and trees between the controller and the aircraft. I never managed to fly this far with any other DJI prosumer drone
The Flip displays a higher satellite count, which may be due to a more efficient antenna or GPS connection