DJI has released two new drones of the DJI Matrice 4 series. They have several cameras, intelligent control, support for artificial intelligence systems, and one of the models has a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds image sensor for more detailed shots with a wide dynamic range. The manufacturer notes that the DJI 4T and DJI 4E drones promise improved performance at night thanks to higher-aperture optics.
It is worth mentioning right away: unlike the latest drone models (for example, DJI Neo), the DJI Matrice 4 series is designed for industrial use, including security services, law enforcement, search and rescue operations and agricultural monitoring. However, the advanced series of copters often demonstrates the capabilities that may soon appear in more budget models.
The new DJI Matrice 4T and Matrice 4E are more compact, easier to use and more versatile in terms of shooting capabilities, DJI says.
“ With the Matrice 4 series, DJI is ushering in a new era of intelligent aerial operations. By equipping our leading enterprise drones with AI systems, search and rescue teams can save lives faster ,” said Christina Zhang, senior director of corporate strategy at DJI.
“ What’s more, the Matrice 4 series’ intelligence will be taken to the next level, enabling enterprise drones to better handle growing operational demands in a variety of complex scenarios ,” DJI explains.
Both drones are equipped with two telephoto modules with 48-megapixel matrices. The medium-telephoto camera has a focal length (equivalent) of 70 mm and F / 2.8, as well as a CMOS sensor of optical format 1 / 1.3 inches.
The second telemodule has a much “longer” 168mm F/2.8 lens and a 1/1.5-inch matrix. This drone camera module, according to DJI, can capture details at a distance of up to 250 meters. In addition, it has a laser rangefinder that can measure distances up to 1,800 meters.
The DJI Matrice 4T is designed for emergency response and public safety applications.
That’s why the DJI Matrice 4T drone also comes with an infrared thermal imaging camera that takes photos up to 1280 x 1024 pixels. The built-in auxiliary NIR light can illuminate objects up to 100 meters away. It also comes with an additional camera with a 24mm wide-angle lens (48-megapixel sensor, 1/1.3 optical format) and an IR filter.
The second drone, the DJI Matrice 4E, is designed for surveying, mapping, construction, and inspection applications where resolution is of the utmost importance. The manufacturer says the drone supports high-speed surveying with an advanced module with a 24mm wide-angle lens, which works in tandem with a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds image sensor and a mechanical shutter (in addition, there are two TV modules listed above).
This M4/3 camera can shoot in orthophoto (this is a digitally transformed image of the terrain (object), created from overlapping original photographs) and oblique shooting modes with a flight speed of up to 21 meters per second during mapping.
The enabled Smart 3D Capture mode allows the drone to create rough models and precise mapping routes on the connected remote controller, allowing users to measure irregular buildings.
Both new Matrice 4 series drones include new software for various applications. The drones can perform surveillance and search using cruise control mode.
When paired with the DJI Pilot 2 app, the exact location where the Matrice 4 drone has previously searched can be visualized on a map, making it easier to plan a timely route during urgent operations.
DJI also provides an SDK for the drones so users can create tools that suit their needs. Both drones also feature a new AI-powered object detection feature , allowing users to quickly identify objects such as vehicles and animals.
The new DJI Matrice 4 drones feature extensive improvements to night mode. They also feature six high-definition fisheye lenses for low light, which improve visual positioning. Obstacle avoidance, rerouting, and return home in the dark work better than before. When visibility is poor due to fog, haze, or humidity, the new Electronic Dehazing feature can improve image clarity (similar to the Dehaze feature in Adobe Lightroom).
DJI also introduced new accessories, including the DJI AL1 SpotLight (see image below) for illuminating objects from a distance and the DJI AS1 Speaker, which can transmit sound up to 300 meters away.
The new D-RTK 3 multi-function station improves positioning and image transmission accuracy at high altitudes and in areas without cellular networks. The D-RTK 3 can also mark ground control points for the drone.
“ Any personal data submitted to register an account is further protected by AES-256 encryption. Operators can easily delete any data they have shared through their DJI account or by contacting DJI support. Since 2017, we have regularly submitted our products for third-party security audits and certifications, including Booz Allen Hamilton, FTI Consulting, and Kivu Consulting ,” explains DJI.
Earlier, DJI released a new compact microphone system DJI Mic Mini. The company decided to meet modern trends and reduce the functionality of microphones (for example, remove 32-bit recording) to achieve maximum compactness. The microphone of the DJI Mic Mini system weighs 10 grams, and in terms of dimensions it turned out to be half the size of the advanced DJI Mic 2 system. It has: double noise reduction, Safety Track (a backup track with a recording 6 dB less than the main one), adjustable gain and a fairly long operation on a single charge. The system can connect to smartphones and compact DJI cameras without a receiver.
