Is Mini 4k better than orig Mavic Air?

[Topo]

My trusty ancient Air is still flying, but I’m wondering if this new Mini model is a significant upgrade. For sure fly time is double. I can’t seem to find any data on obstacle avoidance. Anyway, what are the thoughts?

 

[GFields]

Yes it is an improvment

 

[Droning on and on...]

My trusty ancient Air is still flying, but I’m wondering if this new Mini model is a significant upgrade. For sure fly time is double. I can’t seem to find any data on obstacle avoidance. Anyway, what are the thoughts?

Mini 4K has no OA, so it's inferior in that respect, if that's a necessary feature for you.

Also, it's much much lighter than your Mavic Air, so won't handle windy/gusty conditions as well.

Also, you must use the included RC, can't be controlled directly from your phone via wifi, like the Air. No hand gestures if you use this feature. So the Air is more compact in the little drone-only case that came with it.

Advantages over the Air include easier sub-250g rules (no RID required, for example), better gimbal (Air will show braking pitching under performance limits), better sensor (lower noise), and of course price.

IMO, it's generally an inferior drone. If you're looking to upgrade and can afford it, an Air 3 is a better choice. If that's too expensive, an Air 2S... Refurbished units from DJI are $599. The 1" sensor will be a huge upgrade.

 

[Thelastosirus]

I think the Mini 4K would compare better to the Mini 2. Might be worth getting the Mini 2 instead..?

 

[Topo]

Mini 4K has no OA, so it's inferior in that respect, if that's a necessary feature for you.

Thanks for that overview. I didn't know it could not be controlled with my iPhone. Is the same true with the Mini 4 Pro, in terms of less stability in the wind? Probably, since it's the same weight. I've been very happy with the air...maybe a newer Air would be better.

 

[Thelastosirus]

Thanks for that overview. I didn't know it could not be controlled with my iPhone. Is the same true with the Mini 4 Pro, in terms of less stability in the wind? Probably, since it's the same weight. I've been very happy with the air...maybe a newer Air would be better.

The M4p has a wind resistance of 10.7 m/s which is the same as the Air line. The Inspire & the Mavic lines are only 12m/s. You think the bigger the more stable..? It's a double edged sword. The bigger they are then it takes more effort to destabilize the hovering mass. But the heavier mass is also slower to respond and takes more effort. That's why the Mini's aren't any less capable because they are very fast to respond.

 

[Droning on and on...]

The M4p has a wind resistance of 10.7 m/s which is the same as the Air line. The Inspire & the Mavic lines are only 12m/s. You think the bigger the more stable..? It's a double edged sword. The bigger they are then it takes more effort to destabilize the hovering mass. But the heavier mass is also slower to respond and takes more effort. That's why the Mini's aren't any less capable because they are very fast to respond.

There are specs, and there is real-world experience. The Minis are consistently reported as having more trouble in gusty winds than the heavier, more powerful Airs and Mavics.

This too has been my experience with the Mini 2, 3P, and 4P.

 

[MARK (LI)]

There are specs, and there is real-world experience. The Minis are consistently reported as having more trouble in gusty winds than the heavier, more powerful Airs and Mavics.

This too has been my experience with the Mini 2, 3P, and 4P.

There really is no comparison how much more aerodynamic the AIRs are compared to the MINIs

 

[Riteguy]

I went from the Mavic Pro to the Mini 4 Pro and was prepared to worry about the wind just picking up the Mini 4 and taking it away. I was amazed how well it performed in the wind and believe it to be just as good as the Mavic Pro. I assume that OA means obstacle avoidance which was noted above, and a comment was made that the Mini 4 Pro didn't have it. I don't know what he's talking about as mine has great obstacle avoidance and has been helpful in a few instances. I don't have a lot of hours on the Mini 4 Pro, but so far it's a very solid drone considering the size. I'll be taking it to Hawaii in a couple of months to test out the range.

 

[Droning on and on...]

@Riteguy, go back and read that again... Mini 4K doesn't have OA.

 

[Riteguy]

@Riteguy, go back and read that again... Mini 4K doesn't have OA.

I've learned there is a difference between a Mini 4K and a Mini 4 Pro.

 

[MARK (LI)]

I just saw on FB market a guy trying to sell a 4K...says it is brand new, and he can't return it...he thought he was buying a Mini 4Pro at a great price

 

[Droning on and on...]

I've learned there is a difference between a Mini 4K and a Mini 4 Pro.

Yes... enormous differences

 

[Droning on and on...]

Reading this thread again, it occurred to me a distinction between "wind resistance" in terms of horizontal movement performance – i.e. what's the strongest wind the drone can reliably hold position, or make progress flying upwind – and there is attitude stability, i.e. how violently the drone gets perturbed from level with gusts.

The first is all about classic flight forces – drag and thrust. The weight of the aircraft is largely irrelevant. The ability to "resist" wind is chiefly a matter of how much forward thrust the drone can produce.

It is this IMO the specs are referring to.

Attitude stability is almost entirely about the weight of the aircraft. The lighter it is, the less inertia it has, so lighter wind gusts will more easily toss it around.

IMO I don’t think DJI addresses this aspect of stability in the specs.

While the Mini class has really good gimbals, and the redesign on the 3 carried over to the 4 is a big improvement, I would not use a Mini in high wind, gusty environments because the risk of a shot getting messed up by too big a gust is greater than for an Air or Mavic.