Make. Art. Now. has uncovered a hidden feature in the DJI Mavic 4 Pro: Dual Gain ISO Fusion, achieving 17.7 stops of dynamic range in D-Log M. This unadvertised technology, found through extensive testing, blends two sensor readouts for superior highlight recovery and low-noise shadows, surpassing standard HDR methods. After watching their video below, it seem to be quite the breakthrough for aerial videography for drone professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Advanced Dynamic Range Technology: Dual Gain ISO Fusion

Dual Gain ISO Fusion works on all three of the Mavic 4 Pro’s cameras—28mm (100MP, 4/3 CMOS), 70mm (48MP, 1/1.3-inch CMOS), and 168mm (50MP, 1/1.5-inch CMOS)—to deliver exceptional dynamic range. Unlike quad Bayer HDR, which introduces noise, DJI’s method combines dual gain readouts with dynamic processing, preserving detail with minimal noise.

Make. Art. Now.’s Xyla 21 dynamic range chart tests showed D-Log M with auto ISO reaching 17.7 stops, compared to 14.7 stops in D-Log at 6K resolution. “There it is. 16 stops… It’s like the noise floor is non-existent,” said Gerald Undone during testing.

A sunset shot in D-Log M with auto ISO retained vivid cloud details and smooth highlight rolloff at 1.3 stops overexposed, a capability absent in D-Log. This performance rivals cinema cameras, ideal for high-contrast aerial scenes like cityscapes or sunrises.

D-Log M Surpasses D-Log

Make. Art. Now.’s tests reveal D-Log M outperforms D-Log on the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, challenging standard practices. D-Log, a logarithmic profile, reaches 14.7 stops but struggles with noisy shadows. D-Log M, a pseudo-log curve, simplifies grading and retains more color data.

“DLOG M is superior than DLOG in pretty much every scenario,” the he stated, noting cleaner shadows and better highlight recovery, even in underexposed night shots.

Auto ISO in D-Log M activates this HDR-like fusion, optimizing exposure for detail retention across all lenses and codecs (H.265 and ALL-I), ensuring consistent results at 6K/60fps or 4K/120fps.

Impact for Drone Pilots with the DJI Mavic 4 Pro

Professionals benefit from Dual Gain ISO Fusion’s streamlined workflow, producing cinema-grade footage with less post-processing. Enthusiasts will find D-Log M’s grading ease ideal for vibrant videos without advanced skills. H.265’s efficiency reduces file sizes, optimizing the drone’s 64GB (standard) or 512GB (Creator Combo) storage.

Priced around $2,200 USD in the EU, the Mavic 4 Pro offers strong value for aerial creators. U.S. availability is severely limited due to unclear issues with customs, requiring imports through foreign resellers, potentially increasing costs.

Make. Art. Now. suggests DJI’s silence on Dual Gain ISO Fusion may aim to outmaneuver competitors or foster user-driven buzz. Regulatory challenges, like potential U.S. bans, could explain the discreet rollout. With a 51-minute flight time, 18.6-mile (30km) O4+ transmission range, and 0.1-lux night obstacle avoidance, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro excels. Make. Art. Now.’s findings highlight its edge for aerial cinematography, even surpassing the DJI Inspire 3 when it comes to dynamic range.

Photos courtesy of Make. Art. Now.