DJI Mini 4K, Drone with 4K UHD Camera for Adults, Under 249 g, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization, 10km Video Transmission, Auto Return, Wind Resistance, 1 Battery for 31-Min Max Flight Time, Intelligent Flight
DJI Mini 4K (GL) Drone with 4K UHD Camera is priced at Kes 48,000 here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya
Key Specifications at a Glance
Feature | Specification |
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Model | DJI Mini 4K (GL) |
Weight | <249 g (Ultra-lightweight, no registration required in many regions) |
Camera Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 12 MP |
Max Video Resolution | 4K @ 30fps (Key upgrade over Mini 2 SE) |
Video Transmission | O2 (OcuSync 2.0) – 10km max range, 1080p/30fps live feed |
Max Wind Resistance | Level 5 (10.7 m/s) |
Battery Life | Up to 31 minutes (in ideal conditions) |
Stabilization | 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal |
Max Speed | 16 m/s (Sport Mode) |
Key Features | QuickShots, Return-to-Home, CineMode, Lightweight Design |
Detailed Information Breakdown
1. Camera & Image Quality (The 4K Upgrade)
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4K/30fps Video: This is the headline feature. It allows you to capture highly detailed footage suitable for sharp playback on 4K TVs and monitors, and provides flexibility for cropping in post-production. This is a significant step up from the 2.7K resolution of the Mini 2 SE.
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12MP Photos: Capable of capturing clear, detailed still images. Features like Panorama mode help create wide, scenic shots.
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3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal: This is crucial for smooth, stable footage. It actively compensates for the drone’s movements, eliminating jitters and shakes to produce professional-looking video that is a world apart from non-gimbal drones.
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CineMode: Slows down the drone’s movements for smoother, more cinematic camera pans.
2. Flight Performance & Safety
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Weight (<249g): This is a major legal advantage. In many countries (like the USA, Canada, and throughout the EU), drones under 250g are exempt from certain regulations, such as mandatory pilot registration. Always check local laws.
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DJI O2 (OcuSync 2.0) Transmission: Provides a stable and reliable HD (1080p) video feed from the drone to your remote controller up to a maximum of 10km (in unobstructed, FCC-compliant areas). Real-world range is typically 2-4km, which is more than sufficient.
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GPS & Return-to-Home (RTH): Essential safety features. The drone uses GPS to hold its position steadily (hovering). If the signal is lost, the battery is low, or you command it, the drone will automatically fly back to and land at its takeoff point.
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Wind Resistance: Level 5 wind resistance allows it to handle breezy conditions, which is impressive for such a light drone.
3. Ease of Use & Features
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QuickShots: Pre-programmed cinematic shot modes that make professional-looking videos easy. Just select a subject, and the drone will fly automatically to capture a clip like:
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Dronie: The drone flies back and up, revealing the landscape.
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Helix: The drone spirals upward around the subject.
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Rocket: The drone flies straight up with the camera pointed down.
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Circle: Circles smoothly around the subject.
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DJI Fly App: The intuitive mobile app is the control center. It provides a simple interface for flight controls, camera settings, access to QuickShots, and editing tools.
4. Who Is This Drone For?
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Complete Beginners: Its ease of use, safety features, and lightweight design make it the perfect first drone.
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Travelers & Hikers: The lightweight and compact design (folding arms) make it incredibly easy to pack and carry.
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Casual Users & Family: Anyone who wants to capture beautiful aerial photos and videos without the complexity or cost of a professional drone.
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Content Creators on a Budget: Vloggers and social media creators who need a simple, portable tool for adding high-quality B-roll to their content.
5. Who Is It NOT For?
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Professional Photographers/Videographers: Those who need higher-end features like a larger sensor (e.g., Mini 4 Pro’s 1/1.3-inch sensor), 10-bit color, or ActiveTrack 360° for complex subject following.
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Users Needing Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 4K does not have forward, backward, or downward obstacle sensors. The pilot must be vigilant.
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Those Wanting 4K/60fps or High Bitrate Video: It is limited to 4K/30fps, which is great for most users but may not suffice for professional slow-motion or heavy color grading.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros | Cons |
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✅ No registration required in many regions (<249g) | ❌ No obstacle avoidance sensors |
✅ True 4K video recording at an affordable price | ❌ 4K/30fps only (no 60fps option) |
✅ Excellent stability with a 3-axis gimbal | ❌ Smaller 1/2.3″ sensor (less performance in low light) |
✅ Long battery life (up to 31 minutes) | ❌ Basic photo/video controls compared to Pro models |
✅ Very easy to fly with intuitive DJI Fly app | ❌ Fixed aperture (f/1.7) – less control over exposure |
Verdict
The DJI Mini 4K (GL) is a strategically brilliant drone that offers incredible value. It takes the proven, reliable platform of the Mini 2 SE and adds the most requested feature: 4K resolution.
Recommendation: If you are a beginner, a traveler, or a casual user looking for your first drone or a simple upgrade from a 1080p model, the DJI Mini 4K is arguably the best choice on the market. It delivers the core DJI experience—stable flight, a great transmission system, and easy-to-create cinematic shots—at an unbeatable price point. Its lack of obstacle avoidance means you must fly responsibly, but its lightweight design and capable camera make it a fantastic tool for capturing your adventures.
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