Comparison DJI Mini 4 Pro (RC2) vs DJI Mini 3 Pro RC

The highest speed that a quadcopter can achieve in horizontal flight. It is worth considering that in most cases this parameter is indicated for optimal operating conditions: a fully charged battery, low air temperature, minimum weight, etc. However, it is quite possible to rely on it both when choosing and when comparing different models of copters with each other.

Note that quadcopters were originally designed as stable and maneuverable aerial platforms, and not as high-speed vehicles. Therefore, you should specifically look for a fast quadcopter only in cases where the ability to quickly move from place to place is critical (for example, when the device is supposed to be used for video recording of fast-moving objects over large areas).

The maximum resolution and frame rate supported by the aircraft camera when shooting in Full HD (1080p).

The traditional resolution of such a video is 1920x1080; this is what is most often used in drones, although occasionally there are more specific options — for example, 1280x1080. In general, this is far from the most advanced, but more than a decent high-definition video standard, such an image gives sufficient detail for most cases and looks good even on a large TV screen — 32 "and more. At the same time, achieve a high frame rate in Full HD It is relatively simple and takes up less space than higher resolution content, so Full HD shooting can be done even on aircraft that support more advanced video formats like 4K.

As for the actual frame rate, the higher it is, the smoother the video turns out, the less motion is blurred in the frame. On the other hand, the shooting speed directly affects the requirements for the power of the hardware and the volume of the finished files. In general, values up to 24 fps can be called minimal, from 24 to 30 fps — medium, from 30 to 60 fps — high, and speeds over 60 fps are used mainly for slow motion Full HD.

The maximum resolution and frame rate supported by the aircraft camera (built-in or bundled) when shooting in Quad HD.

This standard is intermediate between Full HD (see above) and UltraHD 4K (see below); in cameras of modern drones, the Quad HD frame size can be from 2560 to 2720 pixels horizontally and from 1440 to 1530 pixels vertically. In some situations, such a video turns out to be the best option: it gives better detail than Full HD, while it does not require such powerful “hardware” and capacious drives as 4K.

As for the actual frame rate, the higher it is, the smoother the video turns out, the less motion is blurred in the frame. On the other hand, the shooting speed directly affects the requirements for the power of the hardware and the volume of the finished files. In general, values up to 24 fps can be called minimal, from 24 to 30 fps — medium, from 30 to 60 fps — high. Speeds of more than 60 fps are mainly used for shooting slow-motion video, however, for a number of reasons, such a possibility is rarely provided for in the QuadHD standard: relatively simple devices would require too powerful and expensive hardware for this, and in advanced copters, where the cost of electronics not particularly important, manufacturers prefer to use slow motion at higher resolutions.

The location of the obstacle sensors that the quadcopter is equipped with.

Such sensors allow the drone to recognize foreign objects in the immediate vicinity in advance and avoid collisions with them; however, many models even provide the possibility of automatic avoidance of obstacles. Such equipment will definitely be useful when flying in a confined space, but it can also come in handy in open areas — they reduce the risk of bumping into wires, flying into tree branches, etc.

In terms of location, the most advanced option is full coverage, in which sensors are installed on all sides: front, rear, sides, top and bottom. However, more modest options are not uncommon. At the same time, we note that the front sensor can be provided even in models equipped with a camera and having the ability to live broadcast (see above): such a sensor usually covers the dead zone of the camera, providing, again, additional insurance against collisions.

The range of the drone is the maximum distance from the control device at which a stable connection is maintained and the device remains controlled. For models that allow operation both from the remote control and from a smartphone (see "Control"), this item indicates the maximum value — usually achieved when using the remote control.

When choosing according to this indicator, note that the range is indicated for perfect conditions — within line of sight, without obstacles in the signal path and interference on the air. In reality, the control range may be somewhat lower; and when using a smartphone, it will also depend on the characteristics of a particular gadget. As for specific figures, they can vary from several tens of metres in low-cost models to 5 km or more in high-end equipment. At the same time, it should be said that the greater the range of communication, the higher its reliability in general, the better the control works with an abundance of interference and obstacles. Therefore, a powerful transmitter can be useful not only for long distances, but also for difficult conditions.

A special display that can display the image from the drone's camera in the live broadcast (FPV) mode.

The display for FPV broadcasting is usually placed on the remote control: this allows you to view the image from the camera without being distracted from the control. At the same time, the specific design of such a screen may be different: in some models it is built directly into the remote control, in others it is placed on a special mount and can be removed (or even work separately from the remote control). However, anyway, this feature means that viewing live broadcasts from the copter is available in the original configuration, for this you do not need to look for additional devices such as smartphones or tablets.

An alternative to the display in some drones is an FPV broadcast helmet. It has its advantages (see below), but the traditional screen is cheaper, moreover, it is easier and more versatile to use: so, it can be viewed without problems even with glasses, and the image can be seen by several people.

The capacity of the battery supplied with the quadcopter.

Theoretically, a larger battery can provide a longer charge time. However, keep in mind that this time also depends on the power consumption of the copter — and it is determined by the power of the engines, dimensions and weight, as well as a number of other features. In addition, the actual battery capacity is determined not only by ampere-hours, but also by its nominal voltage. Therefore, only quadcopters with the same battery voltage and similar operating characteristics can be compared by amp-hours; and it is best to evaluate battery life by directly claimed flight time (see below).

The operating voltage of the battery supplied with the quadcopter. This information is not particularly important for everyday use, but may be useful in some specific cases — for example, if you need to pick up a charger or a spare battery. In addition, voltage data is needed for a correct comparison in terms of capacity (see above): recall that only batteries with the same voltage can be compared by ampere-hours, with a different number of volts, you need to use a special formula.

General dimensions of the device. A fairly obvious parameter; we only note that for models with a folding structure (see above), in this paragraph, the dimensions in the working (unfolded) position are given, and the dimensions in the folded form are specified separately.