The Mavic 3 Pro is still one of the top consumer drones in DJI’s lineup. But information is starting to fly about the successor — the DJI Mavic 4 Pro. We understand that this is different from the rumored Mavic NEO drone, which DJI is reportedly hoping to make the lightest drone in its entire collection.
Speculations suggest the next Pro drone will boast impressive capabilities, including an enhanced camera system, larger sensors, and artificial intelligence.
Although there is still a lot of noise around the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, we’ve been able to gather and sum up what to expect next. Allow us to drone on…
What is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro?
Fourth Generation DJI Drone in the Mavic Pro Lineup
The upcoming Mavic 4 Pro is rumored to be a high-end drone from DJI, the Chinese drone manufacturer that hovers above the rest in reputation. If this drone launches as expected, it will be the fourth generation DJI drone, replacing the current Mavic 3 Pro released in April 2023.
While DJI may decide to release its next Pro series drone in the standard version first, just like they did with the third-generation model, it is also possible that it might go back to the style of its first two Mavic Pro releases and just roll out the Mavic 4 Pro.
Unlike other DJI drone product lines, including the Mini and Air series, the Mavic 4 Pro is reportedly designed for professional aerial photography, videography, and content creation.
When is the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Coming Out?
Expected Release Date: April 2025
DJI consistently releases at least one drone each year in either the Mavic Air, Mini, or Mavic Pro series.
Since releasing the standard Mavic 3 in 2021, the Chinese drone maker has gone on to release two extra drones in the Mavic 3 lineup, and we expect the next iteration to be a new generation.
The last upgrade in the series was introduced in April 2023, and looking at the consistency in the previous releases each year, we can expect the Mavic 4 Pro to launch in April 2024.
What to Expect From the DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Specs and Features
Larger Sensors, Enhanced Camera System, and Advanced AI Capabilities
DJI is known for improving each generation of Mavic drones. Analyzing a recent social media buzz that shows a video of what is believed to be a prototype of the upcoming Mavic 4 Pro, we can see a quadcopter drone with a new, larger gimbal design, a larger triple camera setup, and larger sensors than the Mavic 3 Pro.
New gimbal pic.twitter.com/1BlMQoAjyA
— OsitaLV (@OsitaLV) July 19, 2024
To accommodate these changes, DJI may increase the Mavic 4 Pro’s weight and size again, along with adding a larger battery. This will likely push the company close to the limits of what it can achieve with the current Hasselblad design.
DJI could use the latest Sony Lytia series sensors in the three telephoto cameras anticipated in the Mavic 4 Pro. These larger sensors could mean that the Mavic 4 Pro will have improved low-light performance and image quality along with additional features such as on-chip HDR, all-pixel autofocus, and in-sensor zoom.
Drone publisher DroneXL also hints that we may see some improvements in the Mavic 4 Pro AI functions—think obstacle avoidance, tracking features, and autonomous flight.
Another leaker on X claims that the Mavic 4 Pro comes with Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance and will weigh under 900g (58 grams less than the Mavic 3 Pro).
Getting the drone’s weight down could be a response to users who complained that the Mavic 3 Pro is not as aerodynamic as expected. If DJI can reduce the weight (larger gimbals and sensors notwithstanding), it could improve not only the maximum flight time from the 43 minutes we have in the Mavic 3 Pro but its aerodynamic capabilities as well.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro Price
Estimated Launch Price: $2,199
At launch, the standard bundle for the original Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 Pro with the DJI RC was priced at $2,199, while the Fly More Bundle cost $2,999.
We expect the upcoming DJI Mavic 4 Pro to debut at a similar or slightly higher price, depending on the new features it offers.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 4 Pro
The Mavic 3 Pro brought good upgrades to the Mavic Pro series, including a triple-camera system with a 20MP Four Thirds Hasselblad main camera, a 70mm mid-telephoto camera, and a 166 mm telephoto camera.
If the leaked prototype videos currently circulating represent the Mavic 4 Pro, we could be looking at even more improvements in camera technology and flight capabilities.
Below is a summary of how the upcoming Mavic 4 Pro could compare to its predecessor.
Specs/Features | Mavic 3 Pro | Mavic 4 Pro (Rumored) |
---|---|---|
Camera setup | Triple camera setup with Hasselblad camera, Medium tele camera, and Tele camera |
Could feature the triple camera setup, but the cameras might be larger |
Extended Flight Time | 43 minutes | Likely more than 43 minutes |
HD Transmission Range | O3+ 15 km range | Might cover a wider range |
Battery Capacity | 5000mAh | Larger battery, probably more than 5000mAh |
Takeoff Weight | 958g | Could weigh lighter at 900g |
Camera Sensors | Hasselblad Camera: 4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MPTele Camera: 1/2″ CMOS, Effective Pixels: 12 MPMedium Tele Camera: 1/1.3″ CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
Expected to have larger Sony Lytia sensors with improved low-light performance and image quality |
Starting Price | $2,199 | Likely to start at $2,199 or above |
The Bottom Line
While the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is still one of the newest drone models in DJI’s lineup, a newer version of the Mavic 4 Pro could bring users some necessary software and hardware improvements.
Users want to see an improvement in battery life for more flight time, better aerodynamics, and less weight.
However, DJI will find a tougher market in 2024 or 2025, with competition in the skies from Anzu Raptor, Skydio, and Freefly Astro.