Many users often ask me which affordable model to buy to get started in drone videography
Until a few months ago, the Mini 4 K was significantly cheaper compared to other DJI models, but recently, things have changed with the arrival of the DJI Flip, an excellent model for videography, offered at a competitive price
In this video, I will analyze the two models in terms of video quality and functionalities to help you make an informed decision. I have already put these two models face to face for photography in this article
Prices and functionalities for video
You can check here the updated prices of the Mini 4K and the Flip. These are affiliate links, so I receive a small commission if a purchase is made, which helps support this blog
DJI also offers a considerably cheaper model, the Neo. It should not be considered an affordable alternative for videography, as it is designed for different purposes, like close-range vlogging and an introduction to FPV flying
Mini 4k
The Mini 4k is a rebranded version of the Mini 2, which was released at the end of 2020, almost five years ago, a geological era in terms of drone technology
At the time, maintaining the weight below the crucial threshold of 250 grams was a major challenge; every gram had to be shaved, so this Mini 4k only offers the most basic functionalities
The only intelligent feature for video is Quickshots, a series of automated, pre-defined moves:
- Dronie
- Rocket
- Circle
- Helix
- Boomerang
Like most DJI models designed more than a couple of years ago, the camera has an annoying jump when the aircraft comes to a halt after a move. The redesign of the gimbal in the Mini 3 Pro and subsequent lightweight models like the Flip has resolved this issue.
The announced battery life of the Mini 4k is 31 minutes, the same as the Flip
The transmission system is Ocusynch 2 for a reliable signal even in urban areas with interference, versus the updated and slightly more performant Ocusynch 4 for the Flip
The cheaper model doesn’t offer obstacle sensors, a crucial safety feature
Flip
On the other hand, the Flip offers an array of video functionalities for flowless cinematic moves and tracking moving targets, like:
- Mastershots
- Cruise Control
- Spotlight
- Point of Interest
- Active Track
For manu users these intelligent features justify the higher price, as they enable a variety of precise and creative movements
The Flip is equipped with a sensor above the camera to detect obstacles in front of the aircraft, offering some basic protection; however, the detection system is not omnidirectional like in DJI’s more expensive models; therefore, some care is needed when planning your moves
The fixed propeller guards are an additional safety feature, useful when filming at low altitude close to a target. They also protect nearby people in case of collisions.
Video Specs
| Mini 4k | Flip | |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ | 1/1.3″ |
| Aperture | f 2.8 | f 1.7 |
| Max bitrate | 100 Mbps | 150 Mbps |
| Video resolution | 4k at 30fps | ak at 100bps |
| Color profiles | Normal | Normal, D-Log M |
The sensor size in the Mini 4k is 1/2.3”, very small by today’s standard, with a fixed aperture of f2.8, and the max bitrate is 100 Mbps
The frame rates available are up to 30 fps at 4k and up to 60 fps at 2.7k; therefore, slow-motion is not available at the higher resolution.
A single color profile is available, the 8-bit Normal mode, which can be used right out of the camera without editing, although a touch of extra contrast and saturation is beneficial
The Flip has a bigger 1/1.3” sensor with a wide aperture of f1.7 and a video bitrate of 150Mbps
It can shoot 4k video at a maximum frame rate of 100 fps for extreme slow motion, another major advantage, especially for scenes containing action
Besides Normal, the Flip has a second profile, the 10-bit D-Log M. This flat profile performs very well in high-dynamic range situations and can withstand heavy post-processing, making it an ideal choice for integrating the footage into the color scheme of a specific project.
Easy Light Conditions
The Mini 4K should not be considered a toy despite its small sensor and aged technology. The image processor was a major improvement over the previous Mavic Mini model and can produce decent footage in friendly light conditions
Let’s see some face-to-face footage of the two models shot in daylight with the sun behind the aircraft, in moderate dynamic range situations
The Mini 4k has a decent amount of detail in the building and the vegetation, the colors are pleasing, and the noise is almost absent. Considering the very affordable price, in easy light conditions, the Mini 4k produces footage that can be used on social media and shared with friends
But even in these easy conditions, it cannot compete with the Flip. With the more expensive model, there is more detail, especially in faraway elements, the colors are richer, and the structure of the sky is more engaging with better contrast
Against the Sun
In more challenging light conditions, the tiny sensor of the Mini 4k shows its age and seriously struggles. Footage taken in the sun’s direction is the stress test for sensor, processor, and lens quality
When the sun is just outside the frame, there’s a noticeable drop in detail and contrast near its edge
Once the sun enters the frame, the dynamic range becomes overwhelming, making it impossible to balance exposure between highlights and shadows. The region around the sun is affected by flaring, detail loss, and chromatic aberration
Shooting anywhere in the direction of the sun should be avoided with this model
The Flip handles the situation much better, especially when using D-Log M color profile. If the conditions are not too extreme, it is possible to render both the shadows and the highlights properly, although shooting footage in the sun’s direction requires some experience
Night Footage
The improvement of DJI’s models in low-light footage has been massive in the last few years, and sadly, a dated entry model like the Mini 4k falls apart as the small sensor with a narrow aperture is unable to collect enough light
Very high ISO values are needed to get some information in the shadows; this translates into loss of detail and excessive noise
Shooting after sunset should be avoided, and this is a major limitation of this model
Under the same conditions, the Flip yields astonishing results, in part due to the wide aperture of the lens. The quality of the footage is so good that it is often hard to believe it was taken in very dark conditions
Summing Up
The Mini 4k has had a long career, including the period under the name Mini 2. Given the current state of drone technology, this model is ready for well deserved retirement
For users who want to start with drone videography, I suggest opting for the Flip, if they can afford the price difference. Maybe DJI could replace the Mini 4k with a cheaper version of the Flip, taking away a few functionalities