Has anyone tried the DJI Matrice 4 for DFR programs?

So I’ve been reading about the new DJI Matrice 4 Series, and it seems like it’s going to be a game-changer for public safety and Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs. The 4T has thermal imaging, while the 4E focuses on mapping, and both sound pretty impressive. Anyone here used it yet or have thoughts on how it compares to other drones like Skydio or BRINC?

I haven’t used it yet, but the 15-second takeoff time sounds insane for emergency situations. That’s a huge upgrade for DFR teams.

yuvinaliz said:
I haven’t used it yet, but the 15-second takeoff time sounds insane for emergency situations. That’s a huge upgrade for DFR teams.

Right? Imagine how much time that could save in a critical situation. Do you think the 4T’s thermal imaging makes it worth the extra cost?

yuvinaliz said:
I haven’t used it yet, but the 15-second takeoff time sounds insane for emergency situations. That’s a huge upgrade for DFR teams.

Definitely. Thermal imaging is a lifesaver for search and rescue at night or during fires. It’s pricey, but worth it.

I’ve seen the 4T in action during a demo. The thermal camera’s resolution is wild. It picked up heat signatures from pretty far away.

Clove said:
I’ve seen the 4T in action during a demo. The thermal camera’s resolution is wild. It picked up heat signatures from pretty far away.

That sounds amazing. Did they show how the obstacle avoidance works? I read it uses fisheye lenses.

Clove said:
I’ve seen the 4T in action during a demo. The thermal camera’s resolution is wild. It picked up heat signatures from pretty far away.

Yeah, the obstacle avoidance is solid. It even works in low-light conditions, which is great for night ops.

For the price, I feel like Skydio might still be a better choice for indoor navigation. Their autonomous scanning tech is top-notch.

Indigo said:
For the price, I feel like Skydio might still be a better choice for indoor navigation. Their autonomous scanning tech is top-notch.

True, but DJI’s ecosystem is unmatched for versatility. The Matrice 4T is more of an all-rounder.

Indigo said:
For the price, I feel like Skydio might still be a better choice for indoor navigation. Their autonomous scanning tech is top-notch.

Fair point. I guess it depends on what you need it for. The 4T seems built more for outdoor emergencies.

Anyone else think the privacy mode is a big deal? Cutting off internet connections mid-mission seems like a must for government use.

Weston said:
Anyone else think the privacy mode is a big deal? Cutting off internet connections mid-mission seems like a must for government use.

Totally agree. It’s good to see DJI addressing the data privacy concerns that always come up with their drones.

Weston said:
Anyone else think the privacy mode is a big deal? Cutting off internet connections mid-mission seems like a must for government use.

For sure. Hopefully, it helps reduce the political push to ban DJI drones in the U.S.

DFR programs are blowing up right now. Did you see that stat about drones arriving before ground units 74% of the time? Wild.

yuvinaliz said:
DFR programs are blowing up right now. Did you see that stat about drones arriving before ground units 74% of the time? Wild.

Yeah, that’s crazy. Makes you wonder how much more effective they’ll get as tech keeps improving.