I recently published several videos about different aspects of the Mini 4k, the most affordable DJI lightweight model for videography and photography
In this article I will compare it to the top model of the lightweight DJI line, the Mini 4 Pro, in terms of photo quality to help them choose which model to buy
You can check the updated prices of the different configurations, it is an affiliate link, so I get a small commission in case of purchase:
Other related articles you may find interesting:
If you prefer to watch this as a video, you will find my YouTube version at the end of this article
Specs and features
Specs for Photo
| Mini 4k | Mini 4 Pro | |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3 | 1/1.3 |
| Aperture | f 2.8 | f 1.7 |
| Photo resolution | 12 MP | 12 MP |
The Mini 4k has a ½.3” sensor, which is small for today’s standard, a fixed aperture of f 2.8, and a photo resolution of 12 MP
The Mini 4 Pro sensor is bigger, at 1/1.3”, with an extensive aperture of f 1.7, and the same photo resolution of 12MP. A 48 MP photo mode is available but used only in some specific situations
From the specs, we should expect much better results from the Mini 4 Pro due to its up-to-date technology, bigger sensor, and much wider aperture capable of gathering more light
In recent models, DJI has put a big effort into the quality of the lenses, which have improved massively
The performance of the Mini 4 Pro must justify the important difference in price between the two models
Features for Photos
Regarding features, the Mini 4 Pro is a true powerhouse, while the Mini 4k has only a few elementary ones. However, most of these functionalities are meant for video and are not crucial for photos
The Mini 4k can save photos in JPEG or JPEG plus Raw formats
It can shoot three Automatic Bracketed Photos at different exposure values. The images can be merged to HDR for better results, especially in high dynamic range situations
I use bracketed photos most of the time to avoid occasional exposure mistakes. I would prefer the opportunity to shoot at least five bracketed photos, while the Mini 4 Pro has a choice of three, five, or seven
Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 4k cannot rotate the camera to take photos in Portrait mode, which is useful for social media. However, this feature is more important for footage, as it is easier to crop images to the vertical format without a major loss of resolution
Both models can shoot Panorama Photos, although the mode Vertical is not available in the Mini 4k
The only major photo functionality missing in the Mini 4k compared to the Mini 4 Pro is Hyperlapse
RAW or JPEG
For all the images in this video, I used RAW files, edited them, and exported them as JPEG
If we compare the same photos taken in RAW and then in JPEG on the Mini 4k, we notice a massive difference. RAW files have more detail and color information, especially in the shadows. Notice how different is the structure of the sky
In the last generation of DJI prosumer drones, the quality of JPEG files has considerably improved, thanks to a more sophisticated processing algorithm. JPEG photos taken with the Mini 4 Pro are almost as good as the ones taken in RAW
For editing, I have used Luminar Neo, my favorite program for photo post-processing. You will find here info about it together with a discount coupon (code Vicevideopic). It is an affiliate link, so I receive a small commission
You can watch my video about Luminar Neo
Easy light conditions
All the images were taken an hour before sunset to avoid harsh shadows, with less than ten minutes of difference between the two models
It was a cloudy day with plenty of moisture in the air, not the best situation for a photo shoot, but it is a positive thing for our test to check how the two models tackle more challenging conditions
Mini 4k
The Mini 4k behaves surprisingly well for its price
The detail is almost the same as in the more expensive model as we can appreciate from this top-down image with vegetation and geometrical features
The colors are acceptable, however, there is often some color cast not easy to adjust while editing
The structure of the sky is decent, although it lacks a bit of contrast in hazy conditions. There is often a hint of noise in the sky and the shadows, but Luminar Neo has an excellent denoising tool
Despite the low price, the Mini 4k produces photos perfectly suitable for social media or to share with friends
Mini 4 Pro
The Mini 4 Pro is in a different league, as we should expect
The colors are very rich and respond perfectly to post-processing, it is easy to adapt them to the color scheme of any project
The contrast and the structure of the sky are excellent and the shadows contain plenty of information. The images are always noise-free
Toward the sun
Images taken in the sun’s direction are the hardest test for the quality of sensors and lenses. They are not made for beginners, requiring good exposure and editing skills
Mini 4k
The performance of the Mini 4k is better than expected, but the difference compared to the top model is more noticeable
In this image with the sun just outside the frame, we notice some haze and loss of detail near the left edge
If we avoid burning the highlight, the amount of information in the shadows is quite limited and they are rather dark, the structure of the sky is decent, but nothing to write home about
In this image containing the full sun in the middle of the frame half an hour before sunset, the lens of the Mini 4k avoids nasty flares, loss of detail, and chromatic aberrations
The elements in the ground have a decent detail and luminosity with limited noise. But the contrast is weak, there is some haze all over the buildings and vegetation and it is not easy to edit the colors
It is a decent result considering the price, but the comparison with the Mini 4 Pro is embarrassing
Mini 4 Pro
The more expensive model has a sensational sky structure, and the elements in the ground have perfect detail, colors, and contrast. This is not far from what we would get with a full-frame traditional camera
In some high dynamic range images, better results are obtained by merging several photos into HDR
The improvement compared to the single shot is more evident for the Mini 4k, as with the Mini 4 Pro the result was already outstanding
Night
In my test of the two models for video, we noticed that the Mini 4k is practically unusable in low light, as the small sensor cannot gather enough light
Mini 4k
In photography, we can use slower shutter speeds to increase the luminosity and the performance of the Mini 4k is more than acceptable. Even when using low ISO values there is an acceptable amount of info in the shadows
The noise is limited and can be kept under control with Luminar Neo
The structure of the sky is good, but the color palette is limited and it is not easy to modify the mood of the image
Mini 4 Pro
I shot the images with each model in successive days at exactly the same time, during the blue hour after sunset
When I used the Mini 4 Pro the sky was was hazy, with low visibility. Even in these horrible conditions, the results are astonishing: this model can gather so much light that it is hard to believe that it was very dark
Editing the photos is a joy, as the files contain so much information that it is possible to add contrast and modify the colors in every possible way
Summing Up
The Mini 4k is suitable for users who are starting with drone photography, or for casual ones who want to post images on social media or share them with friends
For photography, this model has fewer limitations compared to video. Considering the very affordable price it is great value as an introduction to drone photography
The photo quality of the Mini 4 Pro is outstanding, suitable for professional use in all light conditions. It is an ideal tool for advanced users or professionals who are mostly active in urban situations and live in areas without strong winds
It is also the best choice for users who already own a bigger model like the Mavic 3 or the Air 3 and need a second one for urban shooting and for traveling
If You Prefer To Watch This As a Video