DJI Mini 4 Pro vs The Gauntlet (Autonomous Tracking Test)

Hey folks, Ray here from DC Rainmaker, and today we're diving into a head-to-head battle between the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the challenging ActiveTrack Gauntlet. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's address the need for DJI Care Refresh – TRUST me, you'll want it.

Now, let's break down the Gauntlet for you. It's divided into four distinct sections, each testing the Mini 4 Pro's mettle. First up, we have the notorious tree tunnel, a dense maze that the drone must navigate. Survive that, and you're on to the more open but still tricky second section.

Things get interesting in the third part, where we crank up the speed and see if the Mini 4 Pro can keep up. And finally, we put that new 360-degree obstacle avoidance to the test in the fourth section, where we explore orbiting and more.

But here's the kicker – only one DJI drone has conquered the Gauntlet before, and that's the Mini 3 Pro. The Mini 4 Pro, however, comes with a new feature: the 360-degree obstacle avoidance, thanks to those fancy front and rear sensors.

Before we dive in, we need to tweak some settings. Make sure you switch the obstacle avoidance setting to “bypass” instead of “break” to keep things moving smoothly. Displaying the radar map can also help you stay aware of obstacles.

Now, let's jump into the action. We'll start with basic mode, guiding the Mini 4 Pro through the challenging tree tunnel. The drone follows me closely, and we can even adjust the direction it follows from. It's a smooth ride, and we're off to a great start.

As we hit the open stretch, you'll notice the radar map highlighting potential obstacles in orange. The drone adjusts its speed to avoid collisions, which is reassuring. But keep in mind that Sport Mode, while faster, sacrifices obstacle avoidance, so use it wisely.

Now, it's time to test that 360-degree feature. With FocusTrack settings, we can define the altitude, distance, and direction of the drone's movement. We can even orbit around objects effortlessly, all while maintaining control.

But don't be fooled; it's not flawless. In tighter orbits, it may struggle a bit, especially in Sport Mode. It might hesitate, but with some patience, it can pull off some impressive moves.

Now, we venture into the challenging bonus round, where we test the Mini 4 Pro's off-roading skills. It handles the rough terrain admirably, proving its mettle once more.

But let's not forget, ActiveTrack isn't without its quirks. Thin branches can be its Achilles' heel, as it may not detect them properly. Also, the new slanted obstacle avoidance sensors, while providing 360-degree coverage, might still miss some obstacles directly in front.

In conclusion, the DJI Mini 4 Pro shines in many aspects of the ActiveTrack Gauntlet. It's durable, tracks well, and boasts impressive 360-degree obstacle avoidance. However, it's not infallible, so be mindful of the surroundings, especially in tricky situations.

Stay tuned for more Mini 4 Pro adventures, including road testing, beginner's guides, and wind testing. Thanks for joining me today, and remember, happy droning, folks!