The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the latest release from DJI’s highly regarded Mavic series, emerging as a significant leap forward in aerial cinematography and operational efficiency, presenting a compelling tool for comprehensive coverage of dynamic events such as airsoft and milsim scenarios.

This advanced drone integrates a sophisticated triple-camera system, uniquely configured within an innovative Infinity Gimbal that allows complete 360-degree rotation alongside enhanced stabilization, unlocking unprecedented creative possibilities for capturing unfolding action below. The primary 28mm Hasselblad camera stands out with its remarkable 100MP resolution and adaptable f/2-f/11 aperture, complemented by 70mm and 168mm telephoto lenses that provide crucial versatility for acquiring intricately detailed perspectives from varying distances.

A big selling point of the Mavic 4 Pro is its capacity for recording exceptionally high-quality video, achieving 6K resolution at 60 frames per second, thereby ensuring remarkable clarity and a broad dynamic range in the captured footage. Furthermore, the drone supports 4K video recording at frame rates up to 120fps, a capability particularly advantageous for capturing the rapid movements inherent in airsoft and milsim gameplay, allowing for stunning slow-motion replays that underscore pivotal moments. DJI has also significantly enhanced the drone’s safety and operational reliability through the incorporation of a LiDAR sensor, which substantially improves low-light obstacle detection, enabling safer and more confident flights even within the complex and often dimly lit environments where these events typically unfold.

Performance in the air has been refined in the Mavic 4 Pro, featuring a more streamlined aerodynamic design coupled with enlarged propellers. This combination translates to increased flight speed and overall energy efficiency, allowing for more agile manoeuvrings and extended periods of operation. While the theoretical maximum flight time reaches up to 51 minutes per battery charge, practical usage during active filming typically yields around 37 minutes, still providing ample duration for capturing significant portions of an event. The accompanying RC Pro 2 controller introduces a notable ergonomic improvement with its foldable screen, which can be rotated 90 degrees, specifically catering to the growing demand for vertically oriented content creation, a feature increasingly relevant for contemporary digital platforms.

In terms of data management, the standard Mavic 4 Pro is equipped with a substantial 64GB of internal storage, while the Creator Combo variant significantly expands this capacity to 512GB of high-speed storage, accommodating extensive footage. Both options include a microSD card slot, offering users the flexibility to further augment their storage capabilities as needed. The drone’s comprehensive omnidirectional obstacle sensing system is crucial for navigating the often intricate landscapes of airsoft game sites and milsim AOs, ensuring smooth and collision-free movement through potentially cluttered environments.

The advanced tracking functionalities embedded within the Mavic 4 Pro position it as an exceptionally asset for documenting the dynamic nature of airsoft events. The ActiveTrack 360 system allows the drone to intelligently follow players in real-time, maintaining consistent focus on fast-moving subjects as they navigate the playing field. The high-resolution cameras ensure that every nuance of the action, from precise manoeuvres to critical engagements, is captured with remarkable detail and clarity, providing a rich visual narrative of the event.

Airsoft and milsim matches often occur within densely vegetated areas, such as forests, or in complex urban simulations, presenting significant navigational challenges for aerial platforms. The integration of LiDAR-assisted obstacle detection in the Mavic 4 Pro is therefore crucial, enabling the drone to autonomously perceive and avoid obstacles like trees, buildings, and other environmental features, ensuring both the safety of the equipment and the continuity of the filming process. Furthermore, the extended battery life allows for prolonged aerial coverage of matches without the need for frequent landings and battery swaps, maximizing the capture of crucial gameplay moments.

The innovative Infinity Gimbal, with its unrestricted rotational capability, offers a unique advantage in capturing diverse and engaging perspectives of airsoft and milsim events. It allows for the seamless acquisition of shots, immersing viewers directly in the action, as well as dynamic overhead views that provide a comprehensive understanding of the tactical layout and player movements across the battlefield. This flexibility in camera angles significantly enhances the storytelling potential of the footage, offering a richer and more immersive viewing experience.

Moreover, the high-speed frame rate capabilities of the Mavic 4 Pro can be instrumental in creating dramatic and impactful visual sequences. The ability to record in 4K at up to 120fps allows for the creation of stunning slow-motion replays of key in-game events, such as successful manoeuvres, close-quarters engagements, or decisive objective captures, adding a layer of visual drama and highlighting the intensity of the competition. The intuitive design of the RC Pro 2 controller further streamlines the operator’s workflow, providing easy access to critical settings and allowing for swift adjustments to shooting modes, ensuring seamless transitions between tracking individual players and capturing broader perspectives of the unfolding battlefield.

DJI offers a range of pricing options for the Mavic 4 Pro, catering to various user requirements. The entry-level configuration, which includes the RC2 controller, starts at €2,099 or £1,879 (approximately $2,360). Stepping up, the Fly More kit with the RC2 controller offers enhanced value with a bag, three batteries, and a charger for £2,459 or €2,699 (around $3,040). At the top end, the Creator Combo, priced at €3,539 (£3,209) or about $3,980, delivers a comprehensive package including the Fly More kit contents, the professional-grade RC2 Pro controller, a substantial 512GB of storage, and All-I video capture capabilities. For those interested in just the advanced controller, the RC2 Pro is available separately for €999 or £879 (roughly $1,125).

Overall, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro stands as a powerful and versatile drone ideally suited for the demanding task of covering airsoft and milsim events with journalistic precision and cinematic flair. Its suite of cutting-edge technologies, including advanced aerial imaging capabilities, extended flight time, and sophisticated tracking features, collectively empower content creators to capture the dynamic action and intricate details of these events with unparalleled accuracy and visual impact, ensuring that every significant moment of an event is recorded and presented with compelling clarity.