Phantom 4 vs Mini 4K

I bought a Phantom 4 back in 2017 and used it just for recreational video stuff but haven’t used it for a few years. I would like to use it again this summer to film a Fliteboard moving at sea but when I got it out recently neither of the batteries now work. From a bit of research they’re not easily fixable. I was looking at new batteries and can get non-original ones from BatteryBuy for about £62 inc delivery, but I noticed that I could just buy a new Mini 4K for £269. I know they’re not comparable prices but my experience with non-original batteries is that they start to deteriorate within a year, and I’m guessing technology has moved on since 2017 and there may be advantages to the Mini, and I’m guessing the weight makes it a bit easier (and safer?) to bring back onto the boat.
I’d be very grateful to hear your advice, and specifically your thoughts about the relative stability of the 2 drones as there will almost certainly be some wind out on the water.
Thanks in advance…

1 Like

An awful lot has changed with regards to drones and airspace regulations.

In particular around the types of registration you must now have in place before flying.

Grab a coffee, it’s bit of a read :blush:

1 Like

Pingpsikes very good point not withstanding.

Maybe try leaving the batteries on charge for a day or 2. In a safe place ofc.

I know apparently dead macbooks from around that time could be revived this way.

1 Like

If you do decide to go for a new drone you might try advertising your P4 for sale on here.

There might be a deal to be made.

1 Like

A point to be aware of; if you’re used to a Phantom, a Mini 4K will be much harder to keep sight of in the air, which the CAA demands, especially below the skyline. Factor in the cost of a Strobon light (with GADC discount, of course)!

1 Like

There’s a cracking deal on DJI mini 4 pro (DJI store) at the moment, 5 must be imminent!

1 Like

Six months isn’t really imminent :grimacing:

DJI have sales all the time :person_shrugging:t2:

1 Like

39% off their power 1000

1 Like

Thanks - I tried that but sadly they remain lifeless!

1 Like

Thanks - will do that. I’m back up in Scotland next week and will photograph it all then.

1 Like

Check eBay - non-genuine (sometimes “genuine” - but I’m even more suspicious if that’s claimed :laughing:) batteries can be bought on there.

Recently bought one for my P2.

1 Like

I did that too. Just sell the phantom as is and get yourself a 249g dji drone.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/DJI-Mini-5-Pro-New-sub-250-g-drone-revealed-ahead-of-schedule-with-huge-battery-gains.1023494.0.html