Many users want to know which affordable, lightweight drone to purchase for photography and videography
DJI proposes several models in this category, which is understandable, as this is the best-selling segment due to affordability, portability, and more relaxed regulations
I have already compared the DJI Flip to the Mini 3 and the Mini 4 Pro and I am impressed by the performance of this drone in videography and photography
In this article, I will put it face to face for photography with DJI cheapest offer, the Mini 4k
Other related articles you may find interesting:
- Flip vs Mini 4 Pro photography
- Flip vs Mini 4 Pro video
- Flip vs Mini 3 photography
- Flip vs Mini 3 video
Specs and Features
| Mini 4k | Flip | |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3″ | 1/1.3″ |
| Aperture | f 2.8 | f 1.7 |
| Photo resolution | 12 MP | 12 MP (48 MP mode available) |
The Mini 4k was introduced in April 2024, but it is a rebranded version of the Mini 2, released over four years ago, a geological era in terms of drone technology. The sensor size is ½.3”, very small for today’s standards, with a fixed aperture of f2.8. The photo resolution is 12MP
The Flip has the same camera as the Mini 3 and the Mini 4 Pro, with a larger 1/1.3” sensor, a wide aperture of f1.7, capable of gathering plenty of light. The true photo resolution is 12 MP, but a 48MP mode is available
The 48 MP mode works by splitting each pixel into four smaller ones for better results in large prints or deep cropping. However, this mode is very demanding in terms of computer resources
The Mini 4k lacks obstacle avoidance sensors, a crucial safety feature. Extra care is needed when flying in confined spaces or close to the ground. However, obstacle avoidance is not as critical as it is for filming, as the aircraft is stationary while taking photos
The Flip has a forward sensor to detect obstacles in front of the aircraft. The propeller guards protect the drone in confined spaces at low altitude and surrounding people in case of collisions
Both models have an Automatic Exposure Bracketing mode. For each scene, the Flip can take up to seven shots with different exposure values, against three for the Mini 4k. The images can be merged to HDR using some editing programs. The results obtained with the seven images of the Flip are excellent, even against the sun
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Both models can take panorama photos, with four modes for the Flip: Sphere, 180 Degrees, Wide Angle, and Vertical, while the Mini 4k lacks the last mode
The Mini 4k does not support hyperlapse mode, which is available in the Flip. It is a sought-after feature, and for some users, it can be a deciding purchase factor
The transmission system of the Mini 4k is OcuSynch 2, while the Flip has the more recent O4. Signal transmission varies in different geographic locations. Here in Southern Europe, the Flip delivers better results than any other DJI prosumer model
The announced battery life is 31 minutes for both models. The announced wind resistance is also the same at level 5, but the Flip struggles a bit more in medium frontal winds at high altitude, due to the bulky propeller guards. In this case, it is suggested to switch to Sport speed mode and lower the altitude if needed
The camera of the two models cannot rotate to take photos in vertical orientation, a feature available in the Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro, but it is not as relevant as it is for footage, as it is possible to crop a photo without a major loss of resolution
Image Quality
In easy light conditions, the Mini 4k holds its ground quite well, despite the small sensor. The color rendition is acceptable, with a tendency towards a warmish tone
The amount of detail is decent, with a limited amount of noise only in deep crops. It is a good performance considering the outdated technology
In the Flip, I notice more details, especially in elements far away. The colors are richer and respond better to color grading. The structure of the sky is superior. Noise is absent, even in deep crops
The Mini 4k struggles with high dynamic range images taken in the sun’s direction. There is a loss of detail and saturation, and a noticeable amount of chromatic noise
Thanks to the bigger sensor and up-to-date technology, the Flip retains more detail in the shadows and better contrast and saturation near the sun. Chromatic aberrations and noise are almost absent
The difference in image quality between the two models is even more evident in low-light situations. With its wide aperture of f1.7, the Flip collects plenty of light for astonishing noise-free results. It is hard to believe that the images were taken at night
The results obtained with the Mini 4k in low light are unacceptable by today’s standards, with excessive noise, blown-out highlights, and very low detail and saturation
For someone interested in photography, I would not consider the purchase of the Mini 4k, despite the more affordable price. The Flip is in a different league.
For users on a budget, I would suggest the Mini 3, proposed at a price similar to the Mini 4k