Get the Matrice 4T if you need thermal for search and rescue, firefighting, security or electrical inspection. Get the Matrice 4E if you map and survey, because its 4/3 wide camera has a mechanical shutter built for photogrammetry. Both share the same 1.22 kg folding airframe, 49 minute rated flight time, two telephoto cameras, laser rangefinder and RTK accuracy, so the choice comes down to the main camera.
Specs side by side
| Matrice 4T | Matrice 4E | |
|---|---|---|
| Takeoff weight | 1,219 g | 1,219 g |
| Max flight time | 49 min (rated) | 49 min (rated) |
| Wide camera | 1/1.3", 48 MP, f/1.7, 24 mm | 4/3, 20 MP, f/2.8 to f/11, 24 mm |
| Shutter (wide) | Electronic, 2 to 1/8000 s | Mechanical, 2 to 1/2000 s; electronic to 1/8000 s |
| Medium tele | 70 mm, 48 MP | 70 mm, 48 MP |
| Telephoto | 168 mm, 48 MP, up to 112× hybrid zoom | 168 mm, 48 MP, up to 112× hybrid zoom |
| Thermal | 640 × 512 (1280 × 1024 Super Resolution) | None |
| NIR auxiliary light | Yes | No |
| Laser rangefinder | Up to 1,800 m | Up to 1,800 m |
| Min photo interval | 0.7 s | 0.5 s |
| Wide-camera RAW | JPEG only | JPEG and DNG |
| RTK fix accuracy | 1 cm + 1 ppm H, 1.5 cm + 1 ppm V | Same |
| Wind resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s |
| IP rating | None | None |
| Price | Quote | Quote |
Specs are DJI's published figures. Both are sold by quote.
Why the 4T wins for public safety
- Thermal. A radiometric 640 × 512 thermal camera with spot and area measurement finds people, hot spots and failing components day or night. High-gain mode reads -4° to 302° F; low-gain reads up to 1,022° F.
- Night work. The NIR auxiliary light and a brighter f/1.7 wide lens help in low light. DJI lists higher night-scene ISO on the 4T's wide camera.
- Find, confirm, locate. Spot heat with thermal, confirm with the 168 mm tele, then send coordinates from the rangefinder.
See best drone for public safety.
Why the 4E wins for mapping
- Mechanical shutter. No rolling-shutter distortion when the drone captures photos while moving, which matters for accurate orthomosaics and 3D models.
- Bigger sensor. The 4/3 wide camera gathers more light and gives cleaner mapping images.
- Faster capture. A 0.5 second interval and RAW (DNG) support on the wide camera.
- Same RTK precision as the 4T, for survey-grade positioning with fewer ground control points.
What they share
- Folding 1.22 kg airframe that fits in a vehicle case
- Omnidirectional vision sensing
- 70 mm and 168 mm 48 MP telephoto cameras
- Laser rangefinder, 1 m blind zone, up to 1,800 m
- RTK module support, 12 m/s wind resistance and -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) operating range
- Built-in beacon, E-Port for accessories, up to 200 g payload
- No IP rating, so neither is for rain. For weather, look at the IP55 Matrice 30T.
Which should you buy?
| Your work | Pick |
|---|---|
| Search and rescue, police, fire | Matrice 4T |
| Roof, solar and electrical inspection | Matrice 4T |
| Construction progress and volumes | Matrice 4E |
| Survey, GIS, orthomosaics, 3D models | Matrice 4E |
| Both thermal and survey-grade maps | Usually both drones, or a larger platform with swappable payloads |
2026 buying notes
Thermal drones carry a 100% Section 232 tariff since September 3, 2026, which affects 4T pricing more than 4E. The FCC's July 2026 proposal on "military-grade" drones covers thermal models and was not adopted as of October 2026.
Quick answers
Can I add thermal to the 4E later? No. Thermal is built into the 4T's gimbal.
Can the 4T make maps? Yes, for rough maps and thermal orthomosaics. For accurate visible-light mapping, the 4E's mechanical shutter is better.
Still unsure? Compare them interactively or ask a drone pilot about your missions.
Related guides
- DJI Matrice 4T vs Mavic 3 Enterprise: which should you buy?
- DJI Mavic 3E vs Mavic 3T: mapping or thermal?
- DJI Matrice 4T thermal camera settings explained
- DJI Matrice 30T vs Matrice 4T: which should you buy?
- DJI Matrice 4E vs Mavic 3 Multispectral: which one do you need?
- DJI Matrice 4E: specs, uses and pricing
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