DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs DJI Mavic 3 Pro - drone comparison

Is it worth switching to a new model? DJI Mavic 4 Pro officially debuted on May 13, 2025, and is immediately generating huge interest among professional drone operators. It is the successor to the popular Mavic 3 Pro - The device that has been the benchmark for premium consumer drones for the past few years. Does the Mavic 4 Pro really offer enough new features to make it worth considering buying it or replacing an older model? Check out the key differences between these drones.

Mavic 4 Pro/Mavic 3 Pro cameras and image quality

One of the key elements that determine the choice of a drone in the professional segment is image quality. DJI The Mavic 3 Pro already stood out in this regard - its Hasselblad main camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor offered 20 MP resolution and recording in 5.1K at 50 fps./s. It was a satisfactory solution for both landscape photographers and filmmakers. In addition, there are two telecams at the operator's disposal - one with a 1/1.3 inch sensor and the other with a focal length of 166 mm, offering hybrid zoom up to 28x.

In the case of DJI Mavic 4 Pro, there is a major technological leap. Hasselblad's main camera is equipped with a 4/3 sensor with a resolution as high as 100 MP, which is a fivefold increase in resolution over its predecessor. The drone is capable of recording video in 6K at 60 fps./s in HDR mode, with an impressive 16-stop dynamic range. There are also two advanced tele cameras - one with a resolution of 48 MP with a focal length of 70 mm and the other, 50 MP, for very long close-ups. All three cameras support Dual Native ISO, so that the image remains clear even in low light. In terms of optical quality, the Mavic 4 Pro clearly wins over the Mavic 3 Pro.

Mavic 3/4 Pro gimbal and flight control

The gimbal on the Mavic 3 Pro is a classic, robust 3-axis system that allows stable camera guidance in each of the three axes. Although it works very well, its movement capabilities are limited to the standard range of tilt and rotation.

DJI The Mavic 4 Pro introduces a whole new quality here in the form of the infinity gimbal. This innovative system allows full 360° camera rotation and upward tilt up to 70°, which gives you much more framing freedom - especially for dynamic low-angle shots or in tight spaces. As a result, the drone is able to capture frames previously impossible to capture without specialized equipment. It is one of the most revolutionary solutions to appear on the drone market in recent years.

Mavic 4 Pro vs Mavic 3 Pro - flight time and range

DJI The Mavic 3 Pro performs very well in terms of flight time, as it offers as much as 43 minutes continuous flight, allowing you to comfortably record longer sequences or explore large areas without having to change batteries frequently. The video transmission range is up to 8 km, which in CE standard is already a very good result.

The Mavic 4 Pro, on the other hand, performs even better. Its maximum flight time is as long as 51 minutes, which makes it one of the most efficient drones in its class. With a larger battery capacity (95 Wh) and optimized aerodynamics, the drone is more energy-efficient while being faster and more stable in the air. The image transmission range is as long as 15 km thanks to o4+ system - Nearly double that of the Mavic 3 Pro. Importantly, the signal is stable even in harsh urban conditions with lots of radio interference.

Security systems and sensors

DJI Mavic 3 Pro features an omni-directional obstacle detection system using eight wide-angle vision sensors. The drone can avoid collisions with great efficiency, even in difficult terrain. In addition, the RTH (Return to Home) function works very efficiently and intelligently selects a safe route for return.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro goes a step further and uses a more advanced chip. In addition to omnidirectional vision system, it has a LiDAR sensor on the front and an infrared sensor located at the bottom of the fuselage. This combination enables even more effective obstacle detection, even in low light or complete darkness. Automatic update of the starting point even without GPS further enhances safety when flying in difficult terrain or indoors.

Support, memory and controllers DJI Mavic 3/4 Pro

The Mavic 3 Pro is offered as standard with the DJI RC controller, which has a built-in high-brightness screen. Operation is intuitive, and the DJI Fly app allows for efficient configuration and mission planning.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro introduces the new RC Pro 2 controller - more ergonomic, equipped with a mini-LED screen with as much as 2,000 nits of brightness. This makes it possible to work in full sunlight without the need for a sunshade. The screen can also be rotated and the drone can be used vertically - something that short-form video creators will appreciate. Fast data transfer (up to 80 MB/s) via Wi-Fi 6 and larger built-in memory (64 GB in the standard version or 512 GB in the Creator Combo) are other conveniences that significantly speed up work in the field.

Comparison of specifications DJI Mavic 4 Pro vs DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Below is a table showing the key specifications of the Mavic 4 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro drones Mavic 3 Pro. Check out the key specifications of these models.

*The price listed above is valid as of 13/05/2025 and is subject to change.

Price and cost-effectiveness of DJI Mavic 4 Pro kits

The price of the Mavica 3 Pro after its release was around £10,000 for the basic kit. The Mavic 4 Pro starts at £9,899, but more elaborate kits, such as the Fly More Combo (£12,699) and Creator Combo (£16,599), are noticeably more expensive. In return, however, we get a device with much greater capabilities and commercial potential.

The final purchase decision should therefore depend on the needs of the user. If you are planning professional productions and want to work with the best quality available, the Mavic 4 Pro will definitely be a better choice. If, on the other hand, you want a good compromise between quality and price - the Mavic 3 Pro still remains a very solid option.

Mavic 4 Pro and Mavic 3 Pro purpose and use

DJI Mavic 3 Pro was already a drone oriented towards the professional user. It was great for filming landscapes, events, real estate or promotional videos. Professionals and enthusiasts of high quality shots were also eager to use its capabilities.

The capabilities of the Mavic 4 Pro place it almost on the borderline between the professional and cinema segments. Superb image quality, 6K HDR capability, three cameras and a revolutionary gimbal make it a tool for filmmakers, content creators, technical inspectors, videographers at weddings and events, as well as documentary filmmakers. This is equipment that can replace several devices at once.

Summary

DJI Mavic 4 Pro is undoubtedly a milestone in the development of premium consumer drones. Compared to the Mavica 3 Pro, it not only offers noticeably better image quality and a more advanced camera system, but also an innovative 360° gimbal, longer flight time, a more modern transmission system and more comprehensive safety sensors. This is equipment that not only improves the operator's work, but realistically expands his creative capabilities.

On the other hand, DJI Mavic 3 Pro - despite the fact that it is inferior to the newer model - still remains a very good and fully professional tool, which in many cases will meet the expectations of the advanced user, especially if the priority is a more affordable price.

DJI bet on modernity, listening to the real needs of users, and the result is impressive. For professionals who earn money through aerial shots or want to achieve cinematic quality without lugging big equipment - this model will be a great investment for years.