DJI Mavic 4 Pro Firmware Update: Real-World Test Shows How Camera Switching Actually Works

Margate, New Jersey-based drone pilot Ron Brown put the DJI Mavic 4 Pro’s latest firmware update through its paces, revealing exactly how the new camera-switching feature performs in real-world conditions. His hands-on test at Lucy the Elephant demonstrates that while the October 2025 update delivers on its promise, the implementation works differently than many pilots might expect.

“DJI has rolled out a new firmware package for its flagship Mavic 4 Pro, making the already powerhouse drone even more appealing for creators,” Ron explains. “The update — aircraft firmware v01.00.0300, along with new versions for both RC controllers and the DJI Fly app – introduces several features aimed squarely at pilots who value flexibility and cinematic control.”

The firmware update, released in early October 2025, enables pilots to switch between the Mavic 4 Pro’s three cameras during flight without manually stopping and restarting video recording. For content creators capturing dynamic scenes, this addresses a significant workflow frustration—but Brown’s testing shows the feature isn’t quite seamless.

How Camera Switching Really Works

Brown’s real-world testing revealed the practical reality of the new feature. When switching from the main 1x camera to the 2.5x telephoto or 6x telephoto lens, the drone automatically stops the current recording and immediately starts a new recording file with the switched camera. “It does stop the recording, but it started a recording instantly once I switched over to the 2.5,” Brown explained during his test flight.

This means pilots get separate video files for each camera angle rather than one continuous recording. While not the completely uninterrupted shooting some hoped for, Brown noted this is still “an upgrade from manually stopping and manually starting all the modes.” The automatic restart eliminates the risk of forgetting to hit record after switching cameras—a common mistake that has cost pilots crucial footage.

The same automatic stop-and-restart process applies to all three camera transitions: from 1x to 2.5x, 2.5x to 6x, and back again. Digital zoom within each camera mode, however, doesn’t interrupt recording at all.

Vertical Video Gets Range of Motion Boost

Brown also tested improvements to the Mavic 4 Pro’s vertical video mode, which previously limited gimbal movement. The firmware update appears to have increased the vertical range of motion significantly. “They did fix this. Look at that. You can go way up now,” Brown demonstrated, showing the gimbal’s expanded capability to tilt upward while shooting in portrait orientation.

This enhancement makes vertical video capture more practical for social media content creators who need dynamic camera movement. The drone still flies slower in vertical mode—a characteristic that hasn’t changed—but the improved gimbal range opens new creative possibilities for TikTok and Instagram Reels creators.

Master Shots Get Individual Files (Mini 5 Pro Only)

Brown initially believed the firmware update also brought individual file separation for Master Shots to the Mavic 4 Pro, but discovered this feature currently only works on the DJI Mini 5 Pro. The Mini 5 Pro now creates separate files for each component of a Master Shot sequence (droney, circle, rocket, etc.), making post-production editing significantly easier.

The Mavic 4 Pro still outputs Master Shots as single combined files, requiring manual separation during editing. Whether this feature will arrive for the Mavic 4 Pro in a future firmware update remains to be seen.

DroneXL’s Take

Ron Brown’s methodical testing provides exactly the kind of real-world insight pilots need before updating firmware. While the camera-switching feature isn’t the completely seamless transition some imagined, it solves the actual problem: eliminating the manual stop-restart workflow that breaks concentration and risks missed shots.

The separate file approach actually has advantages for post-production. Editors get clean entry and exit points for each camera angle without scrubbing through continuous footage to find transitions. For documentary work or event coverage where you’re constantly adjusting focal length, this could speed up editing significantly.

The expanded gimbal range in vertical mode is the sleeper feature here. As more brands prioritize vertical content, having proper camera movement in 9:16 format becomes essential rather than nice-to-have. The Mavic 4 Pro is evolving into a better tool for the reality of modern content creation.

We’re curious why Master Shot file separation came to the Mini 5 Pro first. It’s possible DJI is testing the feature on their most popular model before rolling it out fleet-wide, or there may be processing differences between the two platforms. Either way, it’s a feature Mavic 4 Pro owners should keep requesting.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.