DrDrone's Verdict
For professionals focused on high-accuracy mapping and surveying under consistent daylight conditions, the Matrice 4E provides a streamlined and budget-conscious platform. Its reliance on a robust camera system with RTK precision ensures that users can confidently execute missions requiring centimeter-level accuracy without overextending their budgets. This makes it an excellent choice for industries such as land surveying, urban planning, or agricultural field analysis, where thermal imaging or multi-sensor payloads are not a necessity. Compared to the Mavic 3E, the Matrice 4E offers superior workflow due to its D-RTK3 support, making it more suitable for applications requiring high-level accuracy. While the Mavic 3E is a solid option for more basic surveying needs, the Matrice 4E’s enhanced performance ensures it stands out for professionals looking to execute high-quality mapping over large areas with pinpoint accuracy.
On the other hand, the Matrice 4T caters to more demanding operational needs with its versatile multi-sensor payload. It combines telephoto, wide-angle, and thermal imaging capabilities, making it a go-to option for professionals involved in search and rescue missions, utility inspections, and environmental monitoring. While it carries a higher price tag, its adaptability and enhanced performance in diverse scenarios justify the investment for those needing more than just precision mapping. When compared to the Mavic 3T, the Matrice 4T brings superior versatility with its ability to seamlessly integrate telephoto and thermal sensors, making it more effective for complex missions that require both detailed optical and thermal data. While the Mavic 3T offers great value for certain applications, such as wildlife monitoring or disaster response, the Matrice 4T excels with its multi-sensor payload with more advanced thermal imaging capabilities, providing a more comprehensive solution for demanding applications.
| DJI Matrice 4E | DJI Matrice 4T | DJI Mavic 3E | DJI Mavic 3T | |
| | | | | |
| Price | Starting at $6,229.00 CAD / $4,799.00 USD Starting at $6,229.00 CAD / $4,799.00 USD | Starting at $9,439.00 CAD / $7,299.00 USD Starting at $9,439.00 CAD / $7,299.00 USD | Starting at $4,489.00 CAD / $3,628.00 USD Starting at $4,489.00 CAD / $3,628.00 USD | Starting at $6,879.00 CAD / $5,498.00 USD Starting at $6,879.00 CAD / $5,498.00 USD |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 307.0×387.5×149.5 mm (L×W×H) | 307.0×387.5×149.5 mm (L×W×H) | 347.5×283×107.7 mm (L×W×H) | 347.5×283×107.7 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | 1219 g | 1219 g | 915 g | 920 g |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 4/3-inch CMOS | 20 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 48 MP | 4/3-inch CMOS | 20 MP | 1/2-inch CMOS | 48 MP |
| Medium Tele Camera | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 48 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 48 MP | N/A | N/A |
| Telephoto Camera | 1/1.5-inch CMOS | 48 MP | 1/1.5-inch CMOS | 48 MP | 1/2-inch CMOS | 12 MP | 1/2-inch CMOS | 12 MP |
| Thermal Sensor | N/A | 640 × 512 Res. | 28x Zoom | N/A | 640×512 Res. | 28x Zoom |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K/100fps |
| Video Transmission | DJI O4 Enterprise | DJI O4 Enterprise | DJI O3 Enterprise | DJI O3 Enterprise |
| Max Flight Time | 49 Minutes | 49 Minutes | 45 Minutes | 45 Minutes |
| Max Wind Resistance | 43.2 km/h | 43.2 km/h | 43.2 km/h | 43.2 km/h |
| Internal Storage | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Operating Conditions | -10℃ to 40℃ | -10℃ to 40℃ | -10° to 40° C | -10° to 40° C |
| Max Flight Speed | 75.6 kph (S Mode) | 75.6 kph (S Mode) | 54 kph (S Mode) | 54 kph (S Mode) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional | Omnidirectional |
DJI has just released its Matrice 4 series, a powerful new upgrade that effectively replaces the Mavic 3 Enterprise series in DJI’s line of commercial drones. The Matrice 4 series is comprised of both an Enterprise and Thermal drone, making use of some of the most advanced technology DJI has ever used. AI-powered tracking features, a laser range finder, built-in RTK positioning, and stellar low-light performance make it a significant upgrade from the Mavic 3 series.
To help you get to know the Matrice 4 series and see how it compares to the Mavic 3 series, here’s a guide to all of its top features, tools, and upgrades.
DESIGN
DESIGN
The Mavic 3E and 3T drones are nearly identical in design, with weights of 915 g and 920 g respectively and folded dimensions of 221x96.3x90.3 mm (LxWxH). Both drones are compact and lightweight, increasing portability while allowing them to stay in the air for longer. This series is pretty durable, although neither drone is water- or dust-resistant, so you can’t fly them in inclement weather.
The new Matrice drones feature a new design for both the camera unit and the aircraft itself. The Matrice 4E and 4T each feature multiple sensors in their payload, designed for a variety of professional applications from inspections to mapping to search and rescue missions. One notable design difference between the Mavic 3 series and the Matrice 4 series is the inclusion of an RTK positioning module. While the Mavic 3 series has an optional RTK accessory, the Matrice 4 series comes with a built-in RTK module for more precise visual positioning.
THERMAL CAMERAS
THERMAL CAMERAS
The Mavic 3T is designed with two cameras: a wide-angle zoom camera and a thermal camera. The wide-angle camera uses a 48 MP 1/2“ CMOS sensor that shoots 4K video at 85 Mbps and FHD video at 30 Mbps. The thermal camera has a resolution of 640 x 512, an aperture of f/1.0, and an equivalent focal length of 40mm. It is equipped with point and area temperature measurements, high-temperature alerts, color palettes, and isotherms. These features help you identify targets within your line of sight and make split-second decisions during life-or-death firefighting scenarios. When using the M3T, you can view a simultaneous split-screen of both cameras, giving you a 28x continuous side-by-side zoom to compare the two images.
The Matrice 4T comes with a lot more bells and whistles than the Mavic 3T, making it a much more versatile camera. The various cameras and sensors give you more details and information with which to pinpoint targets and compare thermal and zoom images. It is equipped with four different cameras, one laser range finder, and one auxiliary light:
● Wide-angle camera: This uses a 1/1.3” CMOS sensor, 48 MP effective pixels, an f/1.7 aperture, and a 24 mm format equivalent lens.
● Medium telephoto camera: This camera features a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, 48MP effective pixels, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 70 mm format equivalent lens.
● Telephoto camera: This camera is equipped with a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor, 48MP effective pixels, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 168 mm format equivalent lens.
● Laser range finder: The laser range finder is designed with a measurement range of up to 1800 meters at 1 Hz and an oblique incidence range (1:5 ratio) of 600 meters at 1 Hz. There is a blind zone of 1 meter and the range finder provides range accuracy calculated as ± (0.2 + 0.0015 × distance in meters).
● Thermal camera: The infrared thermal camera has a resolution of 640 x 512 and an f/1.0 aperture, the same as the M3T. It also has an equivalent focal length of 53 mm slightly higher than that of the M3T. The uncooled VOx microbolometer supports high-resolution mode, giving you the ability to perform a more detailed thermal analysis.
● NIR auxiliary light: The auxiliary light provides a 6° field of view (FOV) and an illumination distance of up to 100 meters, making it easier to perform nighttime missions or fly in inclement weather.
ENTERPRISE CAMERAS
The Mavic 3E drone is designed with two cameras: a wide-angle camera and a zoom camera. The wide-angle camera comes with a 20 MP, 4/3” CMOS sensor that shoots 4K video at 130 Mbps and FHD video at 70 Mbps. The camera is designed with a mechanical shutter to reduce motion blur and enables quick interval shooting at 0.7 seconds. In combination with the intelligent low-light mode, the M3E uses large 3.3 µm pixels to make out the finer details in poor lighting conditions.
The zoom camera takes 12MP photos and supports a maximum hybrid zoom of 56x, allowing you to get extremely close to subjects from a safe distance. The extra features of the M3E also eliminate the need for Ground Control Points when mapping and surveying.
The Matrice 4E is equipped with three cameras and a laser range finder, giving you the ability to film subjects up close, from a medium distance, and from far away. Most of the specs are the same as the Matrice 4T, except for the wide-angle camera. Here are the M4E’s imaging systems:
● Wide-angle camera: This uses a 4/3” CMOS sensor, 20 MP effective pixels, an adjustable aperture range of f/2.8-f/11, and a 24 mm format equivalent lens. It also includes a mechanical shutter to reduce motion blur and capture more precise images.
● Medium tele camera: This camera features a 1/1.3" CMOS sensor, 48MP effective pixels, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 70 mm format equivalent lens. This is identical to the medium telephoto camera on the M4T.
● Tele camera: This camera is equipped with a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor, 48MP effective pixels, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 168 mm format equivalent lens, allowing you to zoom in on faraway subjects. This is also identical to the telephoto camera on the M4T.
● Laser range finder: The laser range finder has the same specs as the one on the M4T, with a measurement range of up to 1800 meters at 1 Hz and an oblique incidence range (1:5 ratio) of 600 meters at 1 Hz. There is a blind zone of 1 meter and the range finder provides range accuracy calculated as ± (0.2 + 0.0015 × distance in meters).
SPECIAL IMAGING FEATURES
SPECIAL IMAGING FEATURES
There are a few features the Matrice 4 series has that the Mavic 3 series lacks. The first is a few powerful imaging features that make the M4T and M4E more powerful than ever before. These features enable you to capture minute details from a distance, giving you crystal-clear imaging and counteracting the effects of challenging environments.
Enhanced Medium Telephoto
The medium telephoto camera is perfect for mid-range inspection tasks when you don’t need the full zoom capabilities of the telephoto camera. You can zoom in up to 10 meters away to identify cracks and loose screws or read instrument data.
Super Resolution Telephoto
The telephoto camera can capture 48 MP stills from up to 250 meters away, significantly improving your ability to perform inspections from afar. This is especially useful when inspecting power stations or towers in remote, hard-to-reach areas. The Matrice 4T also includes an IR-Cut Filter that allows you to film continuously day and night.
Telephoto Imaging Stabilization
If you’re taking photos of subjects in the foreground, you’ll appreciate the telephoto stabilization technology that brings these subjects into clear view. This works even when zooming in at 10x or higher, providing clear details of power lines, bridge beams, and more.
Electronic Dehazing
This feature comes in three modes: low, medium, and high. With electronic dehazing, you can enhance image clarity whenever the environment is obscured by smog, haze, or high humidity.
AI-POWERED FEATURES
AI-POWERED FEATURES
The Matrice 4 series integrates powerful AI technology to enhance the drone’s capabilities and make your mission easier. The AI model can identify various subjects including people, vessels, and vehicles. This can be incredibly helpful whether you’re flying a routine mission or performing a life-and-death search and rescue. You also can switch to alternative models, giving you more flexibility in how you use AI. Lastly, the AI model can capture high-resolution grid images and includes many tracking functionalities that make flying and filming that much easier.
LASER RANGE FINDER
LASER RANGE FINDER
The laser range finder on the M4T and M4E is an excellent tool for gathering real-time, precise measurements when you need them. This sensor includes tools like pinpointing, area calculation, and line drawing, each of which comes in handy for various missions. Whether you’re estimating the size of a fire or marking inspection targets, the laser range finder helps you work intuitively and precisely. You can even share information with your fellow team members via the DJI Pilot QR code or FlightHub 2 app.
INTELLIGENT FLIGHT OPERATIONS
INTELLIGENT FLIGHT OPERATIONS
The Matrice 4 series comes with four different intelligent flight operations that make for a more efficient flight:
● Cruise: Cruise control mode flies the drone in one direction without the need to hold the control sticks.
● FlyTo: In the event of an emergency or a disaster scenario, this allows the drone to automatically change its flight path and speed to reach a predefined location.
● Smart Track: This feature accurately tracks subjects and automatically adjusts the zoom, allowing you to switch back and forth between subjects. It also helps it reacquire a subject after it loses sight of it.
● POI: POI allows you to observe and 3D model a structure while circling the area, helping with fixed-point observation and modeling.
LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE
LOW-LIGHT PERFORMANCE
The Matrice 4 series is a big step up in terms of low-light performance. The Night Scene mode optimizes the IR filter of the lens and the ISP parameters for low-light environments. Smart Low-Light Photo enables the camera to produce bright photos in darker conditions, and the built-in NIR auxiliary light illuminates a wide area to make filming and shooting at night that much easier. Together, these low-light capabilities make the Matrice 4 series much more efficient at performing nighttime missions or finding people during search and rescue missions or disasters.
MAPPING ENHANCEMENTS
MAPPING ENHANCEMENTS
The Matrice 4E also features a lot of improvements in mapping functionalities compared to the Mavic 3E. Here are the biggest enhancements:
● 0.5-second interval shooting: This is faster than the M3E’s 0.7-second interval shooting and allows a surveyor to capture much more data in the same amount of flight time.
● 5-directional oblique capture: Compared to the 3-directional oblique capture of the M3E, this allows you to collect all the data you need in only one flight instead of running two flights.
● 3-directional ortho capture: The M4E can capture lateral images while performing traditional ortho tasks, reconstructing orthomosaic images more accurately and effectively. This reduces lateral overlap and allows you to map up to 2.8 square kilometers in one flight without needing any additional elevation optimization routes.
● Smart 3D capture and precision modeling: The M4E introduces Smart 3D Capture, a stellar new feature where pilots can generate rough 3D models directly on the remote controller. They can then use these models to create precise mapping routes for analyzing close-range surfaces, taking detailed measurements, and modeling irregular structures.
● Distortion correction and precision enhancement: The M4E comes with a Distortion Correction 2.0 system that performs high-precision in-camera corrections to achieve residual distortion of less than two pixels. The wide-angle camera also undergoes factory calibration to ensure the accuracy of your reconstruction.
● Auto-generated survey operation report: DJI Pilot 2 generated automated survey quality reports after you complete an operation with the M4E. This includes details like photo points, photo parameters, and RTK status, helping you identify and address anomalies without the need for extra trips.
SAFETY FEATURES
SAFETY FEATURES
Both the Mavic 3 series and the Matrice 4 series come with several safety features, although the Matrice 4 drones are slightly more advanced. Here’s how the safety features compare:
● Return to home: The Mavic 3 series comes with advanced return to home, which brings the drone back to the starting point in case of low battery or loss of signal. The Matrice 4 series is designed with an RTK module that supports the extended L5 frequency band and uses the GNSS + Vision Fusion Positioning and Navigation System. This fusion positioning system uses visual positioning to update the return-to-home point, allowing you to take off within 15 seconds. This works even in environments where GNSS signals are unavailable or obstructed like urban areas.
● Terrain elevation maps and intelligent guidance: If you use the Matrice 4 drones with the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise RC, then you can access terrain elevation maps through the internet and detailed maps already preloaded. This feature enables automatic flight planning while avoiding obstacles, allowing the drone to fly safely at night or through the mountains.
● Long-range video transmission: Both the Mavic 3 series and the Matrice 4 series have a max transmission distance of 15 km, but this can be extended for the Matrice 4 series using the D-RTK 3 Station.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
● DJI RC Pro Enterprise: A remote controller with a 1.5-hour 65 W quick charge, built-in microphone, and 1,000-nit high brightness screen.
● RTK Module: Enables centimeter-level precision.
● Loudspeaker: Broadcast your message from the skies.
● DJI D-RTK 2 Base Station: The previous iteration from DJI that extends operational range and delivers centimeter-level positioning. Released in 2018.
● DJI AL1 Spotlight: Illuminate up to 100 meters in either Always-On mode or Strobe mode.
● DJI AS1 Speaker: Broadcast up to 300 meters with a volume of up to 114 decibels at 1 meter. Can be used together with the spotlight to aid in rescues or disaster missions.
● DJI D-RTK 3 Base Station: The recently released, upgraded iteration that extends operational range and delivers centimeter-level positioning.
● DJI RC Plus 2: Includes a bright, built-in display that’s readable in direct sunlight. Operates in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C. Supports O4 Enterprise and both SDR and 4G hybrid transmission.
● DJI Terra: DJI’s mapping software.
● DJI Pilot 2: DJI’s app for controlling the drone and payload without a remote controller.
● DJI FlightHub 2: A tool for managing every aspect of your fleet’s drone operations, from real-time annotations to cloudmapping to route planning.
● DJI Terra
● DJI Pilot 2
● DJI FlightHub 2
● DJI Modify: DJI’s first intelligent 3D model editing software. Works with the M4E and DJI Terra to edit 3D models for surveying, mapping, and more.
● DJI Thermal Analysis Tool 3: Used to analyze and process thermal images. Can identify temperature information of specific areas in the image, pinpointing anomalies and aiding inspections.
The Matrice 4 series is designed to be the next evolution of the Mavic 3 series, but does that mean it’s always the better option? The Mavic 3 series runs at about $4,489 CAD for the Enterprise drone and $6,879 CAD for the Thermal drone. The Matrice 4 series is slightly more expensive at $6,229 CAD for the Enterprise drone and $9,439 CAD for the Thermal drone.
Between the two, the Matrice is clearly superior, with more advanced safety features, a much more powerful camera, a laser range finder, better low-light performance, AI-powered capabilities, and enhanced mapping features. It also has the benefit of the built-in RTK module, although you could supplement the M3E or M3T with the RTK accessory.
Because these drones are usually used for inspections, mapping, and surveying, the enhanced accuracy is well worth the higher price tag. But if you currently own a Mavic 3 Enterprise or Thermal drone and it’s served you well, then you may not need to splurge for the upgrade just yet. Anyone looking for a new commercial drone would do better to choose the Matrice series. Whether you’re saving lives during search and rescues or fires, inspecting power lines, or creating 3D models, you’ll benefit from the extra features of the new Matrice 4 series.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.