DJI Mini 4K: This $299 drone is already a #1 best-seller on Amazon — for good reason

Posted by Dronerator

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.

Size matters — for more reasons than you might think

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.

DJI Mini 4K

DJI Mini 4K specs

Here’s a quick rundown of the DJI Mini 4K’s specs:

  • Camera: 4K video recording at 30fps, 2.7K at 60fps
  • Photo: 12MP stills
  • Gimbal: 3-axis motorized gimbal
  • Max flight time: 31 minutes
  • Weight: 249 grams (registration-exempt in most countries)
  • Price: $299 (base model), $449 (Fly More Combo)

Is the DJI Mini 4K right for you?

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.

  • Image quality: The Mini 4K’s camera sensor is smaller than what you’ll find in the other recently-released DJI drones. With that, expect less detail and poorer low-light performance. If you’re primarily posting on social media, the video quality differences shouldn’t matter, but someone sharing videos on a bigger screen should consider an upgrade.
  • Obstacle avoidance: Unlike the Mini 4 Pro, the Mini 4K lacks obstacle avoidance sensors. This means pilots need to be extra aware of their surroundings to avoid collisions.
  • Wind performance: Due to its lightweight design, the Mini 4K can be more susceptible to strong winds than heavier drones. And many common drone-flying spots, like beaches, can be surprisingly windy. Consider where you intend to fly, and if a more powerful drone would result in a better flying experience.

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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Ukrainian Yak-52 Equipped with Machine Gun Shoots Down Russian UAV

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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 […]

Iraqi Air Force Displays Chinese-Made CH-5 UAV

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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 […]

Northrop Grumman Gets $388M US Air Force Global Hawk Logistics Contract

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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 […]

MassDOT Showcases Innovation at Drone Safety Day

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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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Wing Expands Drone Delivery Service in Dallas-Fort Worth

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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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Operationalizing the Defense Innovation Unit and Blue sUAS

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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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Drone pilots soar together for annual Drone Safety Day 2024

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On the heels of news that some U.S. lawmakers want to ban DJI drones, there was no shortage of DJI drones in the air this weekend. That’s because Saturday, April 27 marked the sixth year in a row of Drone Safety Day 2024.

The national ‘drone holiday’ of sorts is orchestrated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It’s all a way to encourage local drone pilots, businesses, first responders using drones, schools and more to come together and fly drones — all with safety in mind.

Groups all around the country put on their own live events to localize the FAA’s promotional campaign. As for me, I headed to my nearest Drone Safety Event, which was a Drone Safety Day & Swap Meet at Treasure Island in San Francisco, California.

Here’s a video recap of the Treasure Island Drone Safety Day 2024 festivities:

The event took place at the GAA Fields on Treasure Island. Those mark one of the best places to fly drones in San Francisco for one key reason: they’re a FAA-approved FRIA site. FRIA is short for FAA-Recognized Identification Areas, which means no Remote ID is required to fly over the GAA fields.

My trusty DJI Avata 2 came along for the ride with me on Drone Safety Day 2024. Beyond capturing some epic footage of the vibrant atmosphere, I also learned some tricks from the pros. Drone events like this are always helpful to pick up tips and tricks. Special thanks to the folks from UAV911 who helped me get comfortable flying with the DJI RC Motion 3. I had kind of been avoiding using it in favor of the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 on my new Avata 2 drone. I’m just so much more comfortable on the sticks, so I didn’t want to learn the motion controller functions. Turns out, you can learn new tricks!

And it’s absolutely great to learn new tricks from drone pilots of all backgrounds, which you can absolutely do here! That included first responders, photographers, professional pilots, teachers and drone racers. With such a range of drone pilots came a range of drones, from the DJI Spark (quite a throwback) to DJI Matrice drones to the new Skydio X10D. Yep, this weekend was actually my first time seeing the American-made Skydio X10 in person).

Turns out, my Avata 2 wasn’t the only one of its kind there. Despite having launched only a few weeks ago, other San Francisco drone pilots are on top of the latest and greatest, too!

Here’s some of the footage I caught on my Avata 2 drone:

The Avata 2 starts at $999.

The entire day was a fantastic blend of education, connection, and pure drone-loving fun. A big shoutout to the sponsors. That includes SF Drone School, Drone of San Francisco, Uncrewed Pro, and Remote Optix, who made this event possible.

If you’re a drone enthusiast in the Bay Area and you missed the Drone Safety Day 2024 shindig, well, let’s just say you’ll have major FOMO (fear of missing out) next year. Trust me, mark your calendars early because this is one event you won’t want to miss in 2025!

And if you’re not in the Bay Area, it’s likely there was a Drone Safety Day 2024 event happening near you. Follow along with the FAA’s website to see what you can plan ahead for next year. Can’t wait until next year? Check out my guide to all sorts of other drone events in 2024 happening around the world.

Well, assuming we can fly DJI drones next year. Alas!

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