Don’t miss Zipline on the Drone Radio Show! Keenan Wyrobek and Juan Albanell of Zipline talk about the company’s long-distance Platform 1 delivery service and the company’s plans to scale short-distance Platform 2 home delivery services. Drone Radio Show · Flying Forward: Zipline and the Future of Drone Deliveries: Keenan Wyrobek and Juan Albanell of […]
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It’s only been on sale for a day, and it’s already Amazon’s No. 1 best-selling drone. That’s the DJI Mini 4K, and it’s a new release from DJI offering an update to the Mini 2 SE drone.
The quiet release is fairly limited. The DJI Mini 4K (at least for now) is not even available on DJI’s site, though you can purchase it through third-party retailers like Amazon. And it’s unsurprisingly why this drone is already performing killer sales on Amazon — as it’s a fantastic entry-level drone that ticks all sorts of boxes including ability to shoot 4K video, sub-250 gram weight, ease of flight and approachable price point.
The most significant upgrade in the Mini 4K versus the DJI Mini 2 SE is, as the name suggests, its camera. It boasts 4K video recording at up to 30fps, a step up from the 2.7K capabilities of the Mini 2 SE. The 3-axis motorized gimbal ensures smooth, stable footage.
Sure, the Mini 4K doesn’t pack the same punch as DJI’s higher-end offerings like the Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro, which have better sensors and longer flight times. The DJI Mini 4 Pro also has omnidirectional obstacle sensig, making it effectively crashproof.
But, like all consumer drones as of late from DJI, the Mini 4K retains many of DJI’s user-friendly features. One-tap takeoff and landing, GPS-guided return to home, and a variety of pre-programmed flight modes make it easy to get airborne and capture professional-looking shots.
The Mini 4K also boasts a respectable battery life of up to 31 minutes, allowing for extended flight times. It’s available in two packages: a base model for $299 and a Fly More Combo that includes extra batteries and a charging hub for $449. This competitive price point makes the Mini 4K an attractive option for cost-conscious flyers.
And perhaps most importantly for pilots — particularly those new to drones — is the fact that it weighs 249 grams. Drones under 250 grams are a big deal because many federal drone regulations do not apply to drones that small. Within the U.S., drones under 250 grams do not need to be registered with the FAA for recreational operations. They also do not need to be Remote ID compliant.
Of course, size certaintly does matter for more reasons than just that. The Mini 4K’s foldable design and sub-250 gram weight make it incredibly easy to transport. Tuck it in your backpack or carry-on suitcase and take it anywhere, perfect for capturing travel footage or spontaneous adventures. By the way, yes, you can take this drone on a plane.
Here’s a quick rundown of the DJI Mini 4K’s specs:
The DJI Mini 4K is an excellent choice for beginner drone pilots looking for a compact, affordable option to capture high-quality aerial footage. With its sub-250 gram weight, easy-to-use features, and excellent image quality, the Mini 4K makes drone flying accessible to a wider range of consumers.
However, if you’re looking for more advanced features like obstacle avoidance or longer flight times, consider a better camera drone like the DJI Mini 3 or Mini 4 Pro. Here are some areas where the Mini 4K falls flat compared to DJI’s higher-end models.
Overall, the DJI Mini 4K is a solid entry into the world of drone videography. Its combination of affordability, portability, and user-friendly features make it a great choice for beginners and experienced flyers alike. Just beware of the trade-offs in image quality, obstacle avoidance, and wind resistance.
Buy the DJI Mini 4K now from Amazon for just $299.
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On Apr. 27, 2024, a Ukrainian Yak-52 training aircraft, shot down a Russian Orlan-10 drone over Odessa, according to several reports by the Ukrainian media, in an engagement reminiscent of WWII dogfights. Ukrainian media mentioned that the Orlan-10 was likely shot down by the copilot of the Yak-52, as the trainer aircraft lacks the capability […]
On April 24, 2024, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense commemorated the 93rd anniversary of the Air Force’s establishment with a ceremony attended by notable figures including the Prime Minister, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Minister of Defense, among other senior leaders and officers. A significant highlight of the day was the first […]
The three contractors not chosen for the first increment of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program say they’re staying in the arena and will compete for other autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign governments, and in the classified domain. But only two said definitively they will compete for Increment 2 of the Air Force’s CCA. […]
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, was awarded a $387,545,690 definitized contract action for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. This contract provides for contractor logistics support services. The locations of performance are Sacheon Air Base, Republic of Korea; Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; Misawa Air Base, Japan; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy; and […]
In July 2023 I ordered the Autel EVO 2 Pro Enterprise V3 from Amazon. It was on sale @ $500 off for $3,500. It flew perfectly, but I had two issues. Spoke with customer service about it. One was I couldn’t get it to orbit around on object. I was used to DJI drones and […]The MassDOT Aeronautics Division hosted their first public-facing Drone Safety Day, showcasing the innovation, technology and safety culture that the department has developed to deliver a wide variety of drone services across the state. Held at the agency’s UAS training field, the event featured speakers and pilots discussing the broad range of applications that MassDOT […]
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Alphabet’s Wing and Walmart extend drone delivery to additional locations. Wing, a drone delivery company and part of Alphabet, is broadening its service area in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, increasing accessibility for customers. Initially introduced to the region in 2022, the company collaborates with Walmart to offer swift drone delivery directly from stores to homes. […]
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Advancing Defense Innovation: Defense Innovation Unit 3.0 Focuses on Rapid Deployment of Commercial Technologies By DRONELIFE Contributor Dawn Zoldi (Colonel USAF, Ret.) In the realm of defense innovation, XPONENTIAL shined a spotlight on operationalizing DIU 3.0. A fireside chat discussion between Doug Beck, Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and Courtney Albon of Defense […]
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