Antigravity A1 vs DJI Mini 4 Pro
BIKMAN TECHAntigravity A1 vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro: A New Era of Aerial Videography?
Welcome to the BIKMAN TECH blog, where we explore the latest and greatest in technology. Today, we're diving into a fascinating matchup in the world of consumer drones: the innovative Antigravity A1 versus the established powerhouse, the DJI Mini 4 Pro. This blog aims to break down the key differences between these two sub-249g drones, helping you understand which flying camera might be the perfect fit for your creative needs. We'll explore everything from camera philosophy to flight experience, giving you a clear picture of what each model brings to the sky.
A Tale of Two Cameras: 360° Freedom vs. Gimbal Perfection
The most significant difference between the 🟨 Antigravity A1 and the 🟦 DJI Mini 4 Pro lies in their approach to capturing video. They represent two fundamentally different philosophies in aerial imaging.
The 🟨 A1 is built around a revolutionary 8K 360-degree dual-lens camera system. With one lens on top and one on the bottom, it captures a complete spherical view of its surroundings. This "capture everything, frame later" approach means you never have to worry about missing the perfect shot while flying. The drone itself is cleverly stitched out of the final footage, making it completely invisible. This offers unparalleled flexibility in post-production, allowing you to reframe your video, create dynamic camera movements, and even export multiple unique shots from a single flight.
In contrast, the 🟦 Mini 4 Pro utilizes a more traditional, yet highly refined, setup. It features a high-quality 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of shooting stunning 4K/60fps HDR video and 48MP RAW photos. This camera is mounted on a sophisticated 3-axis mechanical gimbal, ensuring incredibly smooth and stable footage, even in windy conditions. A standout feature is its ability to rotate the camera 90 degrees for True Vertical Shooting, perfect for creating content for social media platforms without losing quality.
Flight Experience: Immersive FPV vs. Precision Control
Flying the Antigravity A1
The 🟨 A1 is designed for an immersive and intuitive flight experience, especially for beginners. It's primarily flown using the Vision Goggles and a one-handed Grip motion controller. This setup provides a first-person view (FPV) that makes you feel like you're truly in the sky. A unique feature called FreeMotion technology allows you to look around freely in any direction using head movements without changing the drone's flight path, which is controlled by simple hand gestures with the Grip. This separates the act of piloting from the act of filming, making it easier to explore your environment.
Flying the DJI Mini 4 Pro
The 🟦 Mini 4 Pro offers a classic, precise, and reliable piloting experience. It uses a traditional dual-stick remote controller, like the DJI RC 2, which features a built-in screen. This gives the pilot a stable and clear live feed of what the camera sees. The control is tactile and precise, appealing to both beginners and experienced pilots who demand full control over the drone's movements. This setup is ideal for executing deliberate, cinematic camera shots with accuracy.
Design and Build: Innovation Meets Refinement
Both drones are engineering marvels, packing incredible technology into a lightweight frame that weighs less than 249 grams (8.8 ounces). This is a critical advantage, as it exempts them from drone registration requirements in many countries.
The 🟨 A1 features a unique design to accommodate its 360° cameras, including automatically deploying landing gear to protect the bottom lens. Its build is focused on making the drone's body as minimal as possible to ensure it remains invisible in the final video footage.
The 🟦 Mini 4 Pro showcases DJI's years of refinement in drone design. It has a familiar foldable design that makes it incredibly compact and portable. Despite its light weight, it feels solid and is built to handle moderate wind speeds, with a maximum wind speed resistance of 10.7 m/s (24 mph).
Safety and Intelligent Features
When it comes to safety, the 🟦 Mini 4 Pro has a distinct advantage. It is equipped with an omnidirectional obstacle sensing system. This means it has sensors on the front, back, top, bottom, and sides, allowing it to detect and avoid obstacles from all directions. This provides incredible peace of mind, especially when flying in complex environments. It also boasts DJI's advanced intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack 360°, which allows the drone to automatically follow subjects in a variety of dynamic ways.
The 🟨 A1 features forward and downward obstacle avoidance sensors. This system is designed to work with its forward-flight-focused motion controller. While helpful, it is not as comprehensive as the omnidirectional system on the 🟦 Mini 4 Pro. The 🟨 A1 includes safety features like return-to-home and a unique payload detection system to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Performance and Specifications
Here's a breakdown of the key technical specifications for a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | 🟨 Antigravity A1 | 🟦 DJI Mini 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Takeoff Weight | Under 249 g | Under 249 g |
| Max Video Resolution | 8K/60fps (360°) | 4K/100fps (Slow Motion), 4K/60fps HDR |
| Camera Sensor | Dual-Lens System | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, 48MP |
| Gimbal | N/A (Electronic Stabilization) | 3-Axis Mechanical Gimbal |
| Max Flight Time | Up to 29 minutes (claimed) | 34 mins (Standard) / 45 mins (Plus Battery) |
| Obstacle Sensing | Forward + Downward | Omnidirectional |
| Video Transmission | Up to 7 km (approx. 4.35 miles) | Up to 20 km (12.4 miles) - O4 System |
Consumer Feedback and Real-World Use
Since the 🟨 A1 is a pre-production model set for a 2026 release, consumer feedback is based on early hands-on reviews. The general consensus is one of excitement for its innovative technology. Testers praise the immersive flight experience and the creative freedom of 360° video. However, some have expressed concerns about the reliance on the motion controller, desiring a traditional dual-stick option for more precise control.
The 🟦 Mini 4 Pro, being on the market, has extensive consumer feedback. It is widely regarded as one of the best all-around drones for its size. Users love its outstanding image quality, rock-solid stability, and advanced safety features. Its reliability and ease of use make it a favorite for both hobbyists and professionals who need a compact and capable drone.
Who Is It For? The Creator vs. The Cinematographer
Ultimately, the best drone for you depends on your goals. Choose the 🟨 A1 if you are a social media creator, a creative experimenter, or a beginner who is more excited about the possibilities in the editing room than the technicalities of flying. If you value workflow efficiency and the ability to create countless unique videos from a single flight, the A1 is a revolutionary tool.
Choose the 🟦 Mini 4 Pro if you are a photographer, videographer, or traveler who demands the best possible image quality in the smallest package. If you prioritize capturing pristine, high-resolution footage with perfect stability and color right in the field, and you are comfortable with traditional drone controls, the Mini 4 Pro is the undisputed champion of cinematic precision.
Which Drone Is Right For You?
Choosing between the 🟨 Antigravity A1 and 🟦 DJI Mini 4 Pro depends entirely on your creative goals. If you are a storyteller who loves to experiment in post-production, values an immersive flight experience, and wants the ultimate flexibility to reframe your shots, the Antigravity A1 presents a groundbreaking new tool. It's for the creator who wants to capture everything and decide on the final product later.
If you prioritize pristine image quality straight out of the camera, require robust safety features for challenging environments, and prefer a precise, reliable flight controller for crafting deliberate cinematic shots, then the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the undisputed choice. It is a refined and powerful tool for capturing professional-grade aerial photos and videos.
Ultimately, BIKMAN TECH believes both drones push the boundaries of what's possible in a small package. The 🟨 A1 introduces a new paradigm of 360° aerial capture, while the 🟦 Mini 4 Pro perfects the traditional drone formula. We're excited to see how creators use these incredible tools. Click to see the latest deals on the market's best drones and let us know in the comments which one you would choose!
1 comment
The only problem with the A1 is you need to have a spotter so legally you can’t fly it by yourself you have to have two people.