Preview: DJI Matrice 4

This blog is brought to you by Drone Class, your drone trainer for flying in the open and specific category.

DJI is kicking off the new year 2025 with the announcement of the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise and Thermal. These devices are considered the successors to the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise and Mavic 3 Thermal released in 2022.

Two different aircraft

As with previously released compact aircraft, DJI distinguishes between mapping (where a mechanical shutter is important) and general visual inspections on one side and thermal inspections (with a thermal imaging camera) on the other.

DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise

The Matrice 4E is designed for applications such as 3D mapping and construction site mapping. The device has a wide-angle lens on board with mechanical shutter. New is Smart 3D Capture, which allows route maps and measurements to be generated directly on the also new ‘DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise’ remote controller.

New is also a second long-range lens, which is also present on the Matrice 4T.

A brief comparison with the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise:

Features	Matrice 4E	Mavic 3E
Sensor size	Main camera: 4/3‘ Medium telephoto lens: 1/1.3’ Telephoto: 1/1.5"	Main camera: 4/3" Lens: 1/2
Mega Pixels	Main camera: 20 MP Medium telephoto lens: 48 MP Telephoto: 48 MP	Main camera: 20 MP Lens: 12 MP
Video (RGB)	4K (30 fps)	4K (30 fps)
Laser range finder	Yes (1800 m)	No
RTK	Yes	No
Flight time (max.)	49	45

The Matrice 4E feels complete in its execution and can be supplemented with accessories.

DJI Matrice 4 Thermal

The Matrice 4T is designed for search and rescue operations, surveillance in the dark and inspections of solar panel farms, for example. The device has a wide-angle lens with IR-Cut filter.

When buying a thermal camera, NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) is important. NETD is a measure of how well a thermal image detector is able to distinguish small differences in thermal radiation in the image. Both devices are similar in this respect, with the Matrice 4T able to provide higher resolution software-wise.

A brief comparison with the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal:

Characteristics	Matrice 4T	Mavic 3T
Sensor size	Main camera: 4/3‘ Medium telephoto lens: 1/1.3’ Telephoto: 1/1.5"	Main camera: 4/3" Lens: 1/2
Mega Pixels	Main camera: 20 MP Medium telephoto lens: 48 MP Telephoto: 48 MP	Main camera: 48 MP Lens: 12 MP
NETD	≤50 mK@F1.0	≤50 mK@F1.0
Video thermal image	1280 × 1024 @ 30fps (Super Resolution)	640 x 512
Video (RGB)	4K (30 fps)	4K (30 fps)
Laser range finder	Yes (1800 m)	No
RTK	Yes	No
Flight time (max.)	49	45

The Matrice 4T delivers clear images in the dark and, when combined with the DJI Pilot 2 app, can keep a visual map of which areas have already been inspected.

More value in AI

In addition to the extra lens, RTK and laser range finder, the Matrice 4's added value also lies in its use of artificial intelligence. Some of the specifications:

Detection and tracking of vehicles, vessels and subjects during flights
Real-time measurements (distance, area)
Cruise control, automatic flying to final destination

Night operations

The Matrice 4T is designed for night operations and has an enhanced display, allowing you to look at the current recording with ‘RGB image’. Photos in the dark come out better and there is a built-in spotlight.

Required certifications

Both the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise and the DJI Matrice 4 Thermal carry the C2 label. For you as a pilot, this means that you are required to have obtained the A1-A3 and A2 certificates. Within the limits of the open category, you can fly both aircraft in residential areas, among others.

Conclusion

DJI addresses the needs of drone pilots with the DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise and DJI Matrice 4 Thermal, which - very cleverly - include features from the previously released DJI M30(T), such as RTK and a laser range finder. This makes the execution more complete. The application of AI in taking measurements and flying is interesting for the move to the Matrice 4 Series.