DJI Mavic 4 Pro leaks show it could improve my favorite camera drone with a redesigned triple camera module

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro in flight over some mountains
The Mavic 3 Pro has an angular camera module, while leaked images of the Mavic 4 Pro suggest a redesign. (Image credit: DJI)

  • Leaked images seemingly show the rumored DJI Mavic 4 Pro's redesigned bulbous camera module
  • Leakers have spotted that DJI's new LiDAR feature might be missing
  • No suggestions of a launch date, yet

A recently leaked image seemingly gives us the most detailed look at the rumored DJI Mavic 4 Pro drone's camera module, and it takes a new form compared to that of the Mavic 3 Pro.

The Mavic 3 Pro is our favorite premium camera drone and is the first consumer drone with a triple camera module, which we awarded 2023 Camera of the Year. It features an angular module with 24mm, 70mm, and 166mm lenses for different perspectives. The leaked Mavic 4 Pro appears to have a triple camera module, too, but it looks pretty different.

Most apparent from the leaked pictures shared by reliable leaker @QuadroNews on X (formerly Twitter) is that the Mavic 4 Pro's Hasselblad-branded camera module is larger and bulbous. This could mean two things.

One improvement could be improved image quality, though we don't know if there are all-new image sensors for the three cameras. The Mavic 3 Pro has a primary 24mm camera with a large 20MP Four Thirds sensor, a 3x telephoto camera with 1/1.3-inch, plus a 7x telephoto camera with a smaller 1/2-inch sensor. However, the physically larger unit in the leaked images suggests improved lenses, at the least.

The gimbal-mounted camera module in leaked images (see below) also appears to stick out more and looks like it could enjoy a wider range of motion. That's good news for the Mavic 3 Pro owners who have complained about the limits of its gimbal.

Alongside improvements that we might expect from the rumored Mavic 4 Pro, there are also suggestions that it'll miss out on a new feature that debuted in the DJI Air 3S.

Function over form?

DJI leaker @QuadroNews suggests that the Mavic 4 Pro will miss out on LiDAR, a new feature in the Air 3S that improves its object-sensing performance, especially in low light. However, that rumor is based on the leaked image of what might be an early prototype – there's no word on a launch date yet – and that feature could consequently find its way into a final version.

The overall sentiment from DJI fans responding to the leaked images is positive regarding the potential camera improvements – while previous rumors hint at improved battery life, too – but they are less enthusiastic about the rumored Mavic 4 Pro's looks, and I'd have to agree.

Sure, a prototype will lack the finesse of a finished product, but based on the leaked images, DJI has prioritized function over form – the Mavic 4 Pro appears to be a beastly pro drone.

Early talk was that the rumored Mavic 4 Pro would be launched alongside the new DJI Flip. However, the Flip alone was announced today, and the Mavic 4 Pro launch date speculation is quiet for now, suggesting we have a little longer to find out more about its potentially class-leading new camera module.

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Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.