Regretting my Mini 4K Purchase… Anyone else have this issue?

Buying Advice Forum
1

Bought the Mini 4K a few days ago, and I’m really starting to feel like it was a mistake.

On bright days, the video is way overexposed, even in auto mode. When I switch to manual mode, I set the ISO at 100 and increase the shutter speed, which helps a little but ends up underexposing parts of the video that aren’t in direct sunlight.

Feeling like I should’ve just gone for the Mini 4 Pro instead. Anyone else had a similar experience with this model?

Edit:
I added a link to a video I shot in auto mode with no ND filters. Take a look:

:sun_with_face::national_park: Sunny Days Over the Hill: Drone View of a Quaint Small Town shot using DJI Mini 4K

2

You might want to try some ND filters. I used to have the Mini 4K, and with the right ND filter, it took some amazing shots!

3

Xander said:
You might want to try some ND filters. I used to have the Mini 4K, and with the right ND filter, it took some amazing shots!

Thanks! I just updated the post with a link to a video. Would love to hear your thoughts.

4

@Reese
Feels like you’re just looking for views now with that link! But okay, I’ll check it out.

5

Yeah, small sensors can struggle with dynamic range. A gradient ND filter might help a bit—higher density on the top and lighter on the bottom to balance things out.

6

Drew said:
Yeah, small sensors can struggle with dynamic range. A gradient ND filter might help a bit—higher density on the top and lighter on the bottom to balance things out.

I just added the video link. Curious if this filter would actually make a difference for shots like that?

7

This is pretty common with the Minis. I usually go with a 32 or 64 ND filter to get the shutter speed under control.

If you’re interested, here’s a set for non-Pro Minis on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ND-Filter-Mavic-Accessories-Pack/dp/B0DDTF153K

Also, here’s a guide from DJI on why ND filters can help: ND Filters for Your Drone and Camera – How They Work and Which Ones to Use - DJI Store

8

Have you tried using a 64 or 256 ND filter yet?

9

Kai said:
Have you tried using a 64 or 256 ND filter yet?

Updated the post with a video link. Let me know what you think!

10

Reese said:

Kai said:
Have you tried using a 64 or 256 ND filter yet?

Updated the post with a video link. Let me know what you think!

Actually, that quality looks decent! But trust me, adding an ND filter will make a big difference. You can pick one up for around $30, totally worth it.

11

@Kai
Just ordered one—excited to try it out. Thanks for the tip!

12

I’ve got the Mini 2, and it worked fine (until I crashed it, haha). Since the Mini 4K is a newer version, it should perform better. Maybe share some screenshots of the issues you’re seeing? If you really think it’s a defect, you could try contacting DJI for a replacement.

13

@Jin
Just updated the post with a link to a video—take a look and let me know your thoughts!

14

I went with the Mini 3 and it’s been awesome for videos. Maybe just got unlucky with the 4K?

15

You’ll also need to color correct in post to make it look its best. Your footage actually doesn’t look too bad.

16

What you’re dealing with sounds like a dynamic range issue. Small sensors can’t handle extreme ranges well. I use a Mini 3 Pro, and I feel it handles it okay for the size.

Just so you know, an ND filter won’t solve dynamic range limits. But shooting in DLog can help if your model supports it; it gives you a little more flexibility with highlights and shadows. If your Mini 4K can’t do DLog, then you’ll need to expose carefully to avoid clipping the brightest parts of your video. If you clip, there’s no way to bring that detail back.

Try exposing for the brightest area and raise shadows in editing—it should help!

17

@Ocean
Does the Mini 4K even have a DLog setting? I’ve looked around and can’t seem to find it.