DJI Mavic 4 Pro Test Unit Reveals Redesigned Hasselblad Camera System

A newly leaked photograph offers a detailed look at DJI’s upcoming Mavic 4 Pro camera system, showcasing a redesigned Hasselblad-branded imaging module. The image, shared by reliable Drone Industry insider Igor Bogdanov (@Quadro_News), reveals a test unit with a distinctive bulb-shaped camera housing.

Camera System Evolution

The Mavic 4 Pro continues the triple-lens configuration introduced with the Mavic 3 Pro, maintaining the same focal lengths: 24mm wide-angle, 70mm medium telephoto, and 160mm telephoto. However, the redesigned camera module suggests DJI has focused on improving image quality and potentially expanding the gimbal’s range of motion. The bulbous housing represents a departure from the Mavic 3 Pro’s more angular design, possibly indicating internal engineering changes to enhance stabilization and optical performance.

Notable Design Changes

One surprising aspect of the test unit is the apparent absence of the LiDAR sensor array, a feature present in the upcoming DJI Air 3S visible in the background of the test setup. While the final production version of the Mavic 4 Pro is expected to include obstacle avoidance sensors in all six directions, these are not clearly visible in the leaked photograph. The decision to potentially omit LiDAR from what will likely be DJI’s flagship proconsumer drone raises interesting questions about the company’s sensor strategy across its product line.

Comparative Position

The test environment captured in the photograph provides valuable context, with both the Mavic 4 Pro and what appears to be a DJI Air 3S mounted for comparison. Two controller units visible in the frame suggest ongoing interface testing, likely including DJI’s latest smart controller variations. The Mavic 4 Pro’s camera module appears more substantial than its predecessor’s, indicating DJI may have prioritized imaging capabilities in this iteration.

Technical Implications

While maintaining the same focal length range as the Mavic 3 Pro, the redesigned camera system could signal improvements in sensor size, image processing, or stabilization capabilities. The distinctive shape of the new housing might also accommodate enhanced thermal management for improved performance during extended professional use.

The absence of visible obstacle avoidance sensors in this test unit shouldn’t be taken as final, as DJI typically conceals or modifies certain features during the testing phase. However, the apparent lack of LiDAR integration, if carried through to production, could indicate a shift in DJI’s approach to sensor technology in its consumer lineup.

As development continues, this test unit offers intriguing hints at DJI’s design priorities for its next flagship drone. While maintaining proven features like the triple-lens configuration, the company appears to be pursuing meaningful improvements in image quality and camera system performance rather than simply adding new focal lengths or sensors.