DJI Mini 4k vs Mini 4 Pro video quality

The Mini 4k is currently the most affordable DJI model for videography, aimed at users stepping into drone footage and photos for the first time. In this video, I will compare its video quality and functionalities to the top model of the DJI lightweight line, the Mini 4 Pro

The newly released DJI Neo is at the moment the most affordable DJI drone. This interesting model should not be considered an alternative to the Mini 4k for video and photos, as it is designed for different purposes like vlogging and an introduction to FPV flying

Considering the very affordable price, in easy light conditions the Mini 4k produces footage that can be successfully used on social media and shared with friends

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Mini 4 Pro video quality

If you prefer to watch this as a video, you will find my YouTube version at the end of this video

Functionalities for video

Mini 4k

The Mini 4k is a rebranded version of the Mini 2 proposed at a very competitive price. You can check the updated prices in the different countries for the Mini 4k and for the Mini 4 Pro

The Mini 2 was a successful model released at the end of 2020, almost four years ago, a long time in terms of drone technology. At the time maintaining the weight below the crucial threshold of 250 grams was a hard task, so the Mini 4k offers only the most basic functionalities

The only intelligent feature for video is Quickshots, a series of automated pre-defined moves:

Dronie

Rocket
Circle
Helix

Boomerang

Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the camera of the Mini 4k cannot rotate for vertical video and photos, an important feature for users active on social media platforms

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. This issue has been solved with the redesign of the gimbal for the Mini 3 Pro

The frame rates available are up to 30 fps at 4k and up to 60 fps at 2.7k. There are practically no slow-motion capabilities

The announced battery life is 31 minutes vs 34 minutes for the Mini 4 Pro. The transmission system is Ocusynch 2.0 for a reliable signal even in urban areas with interferences

Mini 4 Pro

The Mini 4 Pro is a true powerhouse in terms of features

It is the first drone below 250 grams to offer omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, a major safety feature previously reserved for the Mavic 3 line. With this functionality, it is now possible to track subjects at close range using the improved Active Track 360 mode, Spotlight or Point of Interest

Waypoint mode is another feature traditionally reserved for the top model of the line. It is a very sought-after functionality now available in the Mini 4 Pro. It works by creating a mission based on two or more points

The Mini 4 Pro has a new video transmission system, Ocusync 4

It can shoot 4k video at a maximum frame rate of 100 fps for extreme slow motion, which can be spectacular in certain situations.

Video Specs

	Mini 4k	Mini 4 Pro
Sensor size	1/2.3″	1/1.3″
Aperture	f 2.8	f 1.7
Max bitrate	100 Mbps	150 Mbps
Color profiles	Normal	Normal, D-Log M, HLG

In the Mini 4k, the sensor size is 1/2.3”, which is small by today’s standard, the aperture is fixed at f2.8, and the max bitrate is 100 Mbps

It has only one color profile, 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 Mini 4 Pro has a bigger 1/1.3” sensor with a wide aperture of f1.7 and a video bitrate of 150Mbps

Besides the 8-bit Normal color profile, the Mini 4k has two 10-bit profiles, D-Log M and HLG

The flat D-Log M mode performs very well in high dynamic range situations and can stand heavy post-processing, making it an ideal choice to integrate 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. It has an excellent image processor and can produce more than decent footage in friendly light conditions

In the video above you can watch some face-to-face footage taken in friendly light conditions with the two models

The Mini 4k has a decent amount of detail in the building and the vegetation, the colors are pleasing and noise is almost absent

But it cannot compete with the Mini 4 Pro. With the more expensive model, there is more detail, especially in far-away elements. The colors are richer, and the structure of the sky is more engaging with better contrast

Considering the very affordable price, in easy light conditions the Mini 4k produces footage that can be successfully used on social media and shared with friends

Against the sun

Footage taken in the sun’s direction is the stress test for the sensor, processor, and lens quality

With the sun just outside the frame, the Mini 4k performs decently considering the price, with only a slight loss of detail and contrast in the area close to the sun

But when the sun is inside the frame the dynamic range is too strong, it is impossible to expose both the highlight and the shadows correctly. The area around the sun is ruined by flares, loss of detail, and chromatic aberrations

Shooting in the direction of the sun should be avoided by beginners, as it involves advanced skills in exposure and editing

The Mini 4 Pro handles the situation very well, especially when using D-Log M color profile

Low Light

Night footage is a situation that should be avoided with the Mini 4k

The small sensor is unable to collect enough light. Very high ISO values are needed to get some information in the shadows; this translates into a loss of detail and excessive noise

Under the same conditions, the Mini 4 Pro yields astonishing results, partly due to the wide aperture of the lens

I shot the same scenes with the two drones on successive days at exactly the same time. The Mini 4 Pro footage is so good that it is hard to believe it was taken in the same very dark conditions