DJI Mavic 4 Pro night mode and low-light video: what to expect

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro doesn't have a separate Night video mode like the Mavic 3 Pro. Instead, Normal video reaches ISO 12800 on all three cameras, the 28 mm Hasselblad opens to f/2.0, and the sensors use DJI's Dual Native ISO Fusion for cleaner shadows. For flying, it has omnidirectional obstacle sensing rated down to 0.1 lux plus a forward LiDAR for near darkness. It has no thermal or infrared camera, so it can't see in the dark like night vision.

Mavic 4 Pro after dark — DJI's figures for the Mavic 4 Pro in low light. It relies on a large sensor, a bright lens and low-light sensing rather than a separate Night mode.

Low-light camera features

ISO 12800 in Normal video on all three cameras. D-Log M and HLG reach 6400 on the 28 mm and 3200 on the teles.
f/2.0 aperture on the Hasselblad camera, a full stop brighter than the Mavic 3 Pro's f/2.8.
Dual Native ISO Fusion in most modes, which DJI says blends two gain circuits for more dynamic range.
25 MP photo mode with simulated long exposures up to 16 seconds.

Low-light flight features

Nightscape omnidirectional sensing: DJI rates obstacle sensing at speeds up to 18 m/s in light as low as 0.1 lux, such as streetlit areas.
Forward LiDAR: below 0.1 lux, it can still detect obstacles ahead and brake.
Nighttime RTH: the LiDAR helps the drone detect tall buildings and climb around them on the way home. If it reaches its altitude limit while climbing, it hovers.

These features have limits. DJI notes the LiDAR doesn't work well in bright light and must be kept clean, and vision sensing needs textured surfaces. Don't count on them in open darkness over water or fields.

Best night video settings

Camera: 28 mm Hasselblad. Its Four Thirds sensor gathers the most light.
Resolution: 4K at 24, 25 or 30 fps. Lower frame rates allow a slower shutter.
Shutter: 1/50 at 24 or 25 fps, 1/60 at 30.
Aperture: f/2.0.
ISO: as low as the scene allows. ISO 400 is a dual native step where fusion is off; above 1600, noise climbs.
White balance: fixed, around 3200K to 4500K for city lights.
Color: Normal for the highest ISO ceiling, D-Log M if you grade and the scene isn't too dark.

Night photo settings

25 MP RAW for low light. 100 MP is limited to ISO 3200 and 8-second exposures.
ISO 100 to 400, f/2.0 to f/2.8, with a long shutter. Over 2 seconds, DJI uses simulated long exposure.
AEB of 5 or 7 frames for bright signs against dark sky.
Hover in calm air and wait a moment before each shot.

Safety and rules

Scout the area in daylight and note wires, trees and towers.
Set RTH altitude above every obstacle before takeoff.
Keep the drone in sight; the front LEDs help with orientation.
Recreational pilots need lighting that shows the drone's position and orientation. Part 107 pilots need current training and anti-collision lights visible for 3 statute miles. See can you fly a drone at night.
Check airspace with LAANC before every flight.

Compared with the Mavic 3 Pro

The Mavic 3 Pro has a dedicated Night mode that reaches ISO 12800 but turns off obstacle sensing. The Mavic 4 Pro gets to the same ISO in Normal video and keeps sensing active, which makes night flying more practical.

For more settings, see best Mavic 4 Pro settings, or shop the DJI Mavic 4 Pro.