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Here is our Comparison Table first
| Feature | DJI Mavic 3 Pro | DJI Mavic 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 958 g | 1063 g (C2‑class) (Wikipedia, DJI Official) |
| Main Camera | 20 MP 4/3 CMOS, 5.1K/50 fps | 100 MP 4/3 CMOS, 6K/60 fps HDR, variable aperture (f/2–11) |
| Tele & Medium Tele | 48 MP (1/1.3”), 12 MP (1/2”), 4K/60 fps | 48 MP (1/1.3”), 50 MP (1/1.5”), both 4K/60 fps |
| Dynamic Range | Very good | Up to ~16 stops on main, 14/13 stops on tele lenses |
| Gimbal | 3-axis, 35° upward | “Infinity” gimbal with 360° rotation & 70° upward tilt |
| Flight Time | ~43 minutes | Up to 51 minutes (95 Wh battery) |
| Max Speed | ~21 m/s | ~25 m/s |
| Transmission | OcuSync 3+, 15 km (FCC) | O4+, 30 km (FCC), 10-bit HDR video |
| Obstacle Sensing | Omnidirectional vision | + Front LiDAR & 0.1 lux low-light sensing |
| ISO & Shutter | Fixed ISO steps, slower speeds | Dual native ISO, shutter to 1/16000 s |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB + microSD | Standard 64 GB or 512 GB SSD (Creator Combo) |
| Price | Lower | Premium; depends on kit/combo |
| Best For | Strong all-rounder; lighter, more affordable | Top-tier image, versatility, creative options |
Choosing between the DJI Mavic 3 Pro and the new Mavic 4 Pro is a decision that many drone enthusiasts, professionals, and filmmakers in the UK are currently weighing up. At Drone Sales UK, we’ve seen a surge in interest following the release of DJI’s latest flagship drone. With so many impressive features packed into both models, it can be tricky to decide which one truly suits your creative goals, flight needs, and budget.
To help make that decision a little easier, we’ve pulled together a detailed, real-world comparison between these two industry leaders. While the technical table offers a snapshot, this article goes further—providing a grounded UK perspective for buyers trying to choose the best fit for their aerial ambitions.
What’s Changed Since the Mavic 3 Pro?
When the Mavic 3 Pro launched, it set a new standard in consumer drones. Its 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad sensor brought cinema-quality imaging into a foldable drone that could be packed into a rucksack and flown nearly anywhere in the UK. With triple-lens flexibility, it quickly became a favourite among content creators, aerial photographers, and professionals working on commercials and wedding shoots.
But with the Mavic 4 Pro, DJI hasn’t just raised the bar—it’s reshaped it. This isn’t a simple upgrade; it’s a rethinking of what a compact drone can do, especially when it comes to professional-grade footage, creative flexibility, and long-distance reliability. With the addition of a 100MP main sensor, 6K/60fps HDR capture, and a fully redesigned “infinity” gimbal, the Mavic 4 Pro represents a leap forward in both capability and ambition.
Camera Technology: Resolution, Sensors, and Image Control
The camera systems are where these two drones diverge the most. While both use a 4/3 CMOS sensor on the main camera, the Mavic 4 Pro’s sensor shoots at a much higher resolution—up to 100 megapixels compared to the Mavic 3 Pro’s 20MP. For high-resolution landscape work, large-format prints, or cropping flexibility in post, this jump is significant. More importantly, the 6K/60fps HDR video capture allows users to film with exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and cinematic colour depth—even in high-contrast lighting conditions.
Variable aperture from f/2 to f/11 remains a shared feature, but image processing and noise handling have been greatly improved in the Mavic 4 Pro, thanks to the dual native ISO system. Low-light performance has also taken a step up, especially when paired with the drone’s new LiDAR-assisted obstacle sensing.
Both drones include triple-camera systems, but the telephoto setups on the Mavic 4 Pro are more refined. You now get two secondary lenses: a 48MP 1/1.3″ sensor and a 50MP 1/1.5″ sensor—both capable of 4K at 60fps. That gives you greater creative flexibility and smoother transitions between focal lengths. Whether you’re filming wildlife in the Scottish Highlands or capturing a dramatic reveal over a London skyline, the 4 Pro gives you more control without compromising on quality.
Gimbal and Stability: The New “Infinity” Advantage
The Mavic 3 Pro uses a traditional 3-axis mechanical gimbal that has served DJI’s drones well for years. It provides stable footage, upward tilt to 35°, and smooth transitions for cinematic moves. It’s still excellent and offers more than enough for most users.
However, the Mavic 4 Pro introduces a reengineered “infinity” gimbal with 360° rotation and an upward tilt of up to 70°. This opens up completely new angles and possibilities for drone shots, especially vertical or orbiting motions that previously required post-production tricks or complex flying. The 4 Pro’s gimbal effectively blurs the line between drone and handheld rig, giving filmmakers in the UK more freedom to shoot creatively without needing a second unit.
Flight Time and Speed: Staying in the Sky Longer
Flight endurance is always a concern, especially with UK weather often turning unpredictable at short notice. Here, the Mavic 4 Pro offers a distinct edge. With a maximum flight time of up to 51 minutes thanks to its 95Wh battery, the 4 Pro outpaces the Mavic 3 Pro’s ~43 minutes. This 8-minute gain might not seem major on paper, but in the air, it gives you that extra time to compose, reposition, and complete your shot before the wind or rain rolls in.
The Mavic 4 Pro is also faster, reaching speeds up to 25m/s compared to the Mavic 3 Pro’s 21m/s. For dynamic tracking or fast-paced action scenes—say, filming a rally car in the Welsh hills or a fast-moving boat off the Cornish coast—that speed boost can be the difference between nailing the shot or missing it entirely.
Transmission, Control, and Real-Time Feedback
DJI has also upgraded the video transmission system on the Mavic 4 Pro. It now features OcuSync 4+ (O4+), delivering a 30km range under FCC standards and supporting 10-bit HDR live feeds. While UK regulations won’t allow you to fly that far, the improvement in signal strength and stability matters. If you’re flying in challenging areas—urban centres, coastal cliffs, or mixed forest—the extra range and resilience of the O4+ system can keep your feed clean and responsive.
The RC Pro 2 controller available in the Creator Combo also gives professionals a serious toolkit: a brighter screen, faster processing, and customisable buttons to streamline complex workflows. The Mavic 3 Pro still uses the capable OcuSync 3+ system, and for most UK flyers, it’s more than sufficient. But for those working in commercial or high-pressure settings, the enhanced transmission and control capabilities of the Mavic 4 Pro add another layer of reliability.
Obstacle Avoidance and Safety
Flying safely is essential, especially here in the UK where drone regulations are tightly enforced and airspace around cities and infrastructure is closely monitored. Both drones feature omnidirectional obstacle avoidance using multiple vision sensors. However, the Mavic 4 Pro takes this even further with a front-facing LiDAR sensor and enhanced low-light obstacle detection down to 0.1 lux.
This means better safety in night operations or during dawn and dusk flights when natural light is limited. It also reduces the risk of accidental collisions in woodland environments or crowded filming sets. Whether you’re navigating around Snowdonia’s rugged terrain or threading through architectural structures for real estate footage, the Mavic 4 Pro offers peace of mind and precision in every flight.
Internal Storage and Workflow Considerations
When it comes to internal storage, DJI has made it easier to handle large files directly on the Mavic 4 Pro. The standard model includes 64GB of internal memory, but the Creator Combo includes a 512GB SSD that integrates seamlessly with DJI’s video editing pipeline, especially useful for Apple ProRes workflows. That’s a major plus for creators dealing with high-resolution footage on tight turnaround times.
The Mavic 3 Pro also offers a version with a 1TB SSD in the Cine Premium Combo, but at a higher price point. For everyday users or those with external drives and well-managed workflows, the base 64GB plus microSD option is still practical and flexible enough. But if you’re frequently working with massive files or in fast-paced commercial environments, the SSD-equipped Mavic 4 Pro is the more future-proof choice.
Pricing and Value in the UK Market
Budget always plays a role in drone decisions, and there’s no avoiding the fact that the Mavic 4 Pro is the more expensive of the two—particularly when opting for the Creator Combo with the RC Pro 2 and 512GB SSD. However, you’re also getting significantly more in terms of imaging power, intelligent flight, and transmission reliability.
The Mavic 3 Pro, on the other hand, continues to offer tremendous value for money. It’s lighter, cheaper, and still packs professional-grade capability into a foldable frame. For many photographers, filmmakers, and solo creators in the UK, this balance of performance and affordability makes it a sweet spot.
Who Should Choose Which?
If you’re a filmmaker, a content creator working with agencies, or someone pushing the limits of what’s possible with drone cinematography in the UK, then the Mavic 4 Pro is the drone to own. The 100MP imaging, the 6K HDR, the advanced gimbal, and the superior battery life all support a serious production workflow.
On the other hand, if you’re a traveller, a creative freelancer, or a photographer who needs excellent footage without the bulk or premium price tag, the Mavic 3 Pro remains a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for landscapes, real estate, weddings, and general creative content, with all the image quality you’d realistically need for most commercial and social media work.
Where to Buy in the UK – Trusted Stock
At Drone Sales UK, we carry full UK stock of both drones and all relevant accessories. Whether you’re ready to step up to the Mavic 4 Pro or are just starting out with a Mavic 3 Pro kit, we’re here to support your flying journey with honest advice, fast shipping, and ongoing support.
Explore our best-sellers:
- Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo – top-tier kit with SSD and advanced controller
- Mavic 4 Pro Fly More Combo – extended flight time and essential extras
- Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo RC Pro – great all-rounder kit at a strong value
And if you’re unsure which model best suits your goals, contact us and our UK-based drone experts will be happy to help.
Final Thoughts from Drone Sales UK
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is undoubtedly one of the most advanced consumer drones ever made. It’s designed for creators who need uncompromising image quality, exceptional flexibility, and intelligent tools to bring ambitious ideas to life. From cinematic video to ultra-detailed stills, it delivers top-shelf performance across the board.
That said, the Mavic 3 Pro still holds its own. It’s lighter, more affordable, and covers the needs of 80% of aerial shooters. For everyday content, travel work, and professional-grade photography without the pro-level price, it remains an excellent investment.
At the end of the day, both are incredible machines. It comes down to your style, your budget, and what you’re planning to create in the skies above Britain. Contact the team of experts at Drone Sales UK.