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DJI: The Unstoppable Force in Tech

2024-11-27

DJI has been on an extraordinary journey, emerging as a dominant force in the tech industry. In the TechRadar Choice Awards, it has been named the Camera Brand of the Year for the past two consecutive years, leaving behind renowned names like Sony and Canon. Beyond drones, DJI has also made a mark with its exceptional action cams, vlogging cameras, gimbals, and more. The Black Friday period is particularly exciting as it offers great opportunities to pick up new DJI gear at discounted prices. I have dedicated significant time to find the best DJI deals that I have personally used, and I am excited to share them with you below.

Unbeatable DJI Deals for the Tech Enthusiast

DJI's New Drone for Beginners

The DJI Mini 4K, already a great value, has now become even more affordable. In the US, it is available at Amazon for just $239 (was $299), and in the UK at Amazon for £209 (was £269). During our in-depth review, this 4K drone truly charmed us. Its compact size and excellent performance make it an ideal choice for beginners looking to enter the world of drone photography.Another aspect that makes the Mini 4K stand out is its ease of use. With intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface, even novice pilots can quickly get the hang of it. It captures stunning 4K footage with remarkable clarity and detail, allowing users to capture every moment with precision. Whether it's capturing landscapes, wildlife, or family gatherings, the Mini 4K delivers exceptional results.

The Lowest-ever Price for the Osmo Action 4

DJI's Osmo Action 4 is a recently updated action cam that competes directly with GoPro. During the summer holidays, I had a great time using it and was amazed by its performance. Now, it is available at an unbeatable price. This action cam is designed to withstand extreme conditions and capture high-quality footage in any environment.One of the standout features of the Osmo Action 4 is its 4K60fps recording capability. This allows users to capture fast-moving action with smooth and clear footage. Additionally, it has a wide-angle lens that captures a vast field of view, ensuring that no important moment is missed. The camera also has excellent image stabilization, which reduces shake and provides stable footage even when shooting in challenging conditions.

No Deal for the Top-ranked Vlogging Camera Yet

Although there is no deal available for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, which is our top-ranked vlogging camera, there are still plenty of other DJI deals to explore. The Osmo Pocket 3 is known for its compact size and portability, making it ideal for vloggers on the go. It has a built-in screen and a variety of shooting modes, allowing vloggers to create professional-looking videos with ease.While we wait for a deal on the Osmo Pocket 3, there are other DJI products that can still enhance your vlogging experience. For example, the DJI Gimbals provide smooth stabilization, ensuring that your footage remains steady even when you are on the move. With these gimbals, you can capture smooth and professional-looking videos that will impress your viewers.Today's best DJI deals in the US:Amazon: TVs, smart home & air fryers from $12.99Apple: AirPods, iPads, MacBooks from $89.99Best Buy: $1,000 off 4K TVs, laptops & headphonesCheap TVs: smart TVs at Best Buy from $69.99Christmas trees: top-rated trees from $54.99Dell: best-selling Inspiron & XPS laptops from $279.99Dreamcloud: mattress deals from $349 + free shippingHoliday: decor, lights, Christmas trees & PJs from $10.99Home Depot: 40% off tools, appliances & furnitureLowe’s: holiday decor, appliances & tools from $17.31Nectar: up to 50% off all mattressesNordstrom: 46% off boots, coats, jeans & jewelrySamsung: $1,500+ off TVs, phones, watches & appliancesTarget: save on furniture, tech & clothingWalmart: cheap TVs, robot vacs, furniture & appliancesToday's best DJI deals in the UK:Amazon: up to 68% off toothbrushes and TVsAO: savings on games consoles and appliancesArgos: up to 50% off toys, Lego, TVs and giftsBoots: up to 50% off Dyson, Oral-B and PhilipsCurrys: early deals on TVs, appliances, laptopsDell: laptops, desktops, monitors from £299Dyson: up to £150 offEbay: up to 50% off refurbished techEE: up to £600 off Samsung and AppleJohn Lewis: up to £300 off appliances and TVsLG: £1,000 or more off TVs and appliancesSamsung: up to £600 off TVs, phones and tabletsVery: up to 30% off phones, appliances & clothing

DJI has made a significant mark in the world of audio accessories with the introduction of its tiniest wireless mic, the Mic Mini. Weighing just 0.35oz / 10g, this mic pairs effortlessly with smartphones and cameras, providing on-the-go users with enhanced audio quality. In contrast to the recently announced Rode Wireless Micro, which is specifically designed for smartphones, DJI has taken a unique approach by creating a Bluetooth mic that works seamlessly with cameras as well. Although the receiver may be a bit chunkier, as seen in the attached picture with it attached to a smartphone, its functionality is undeniable.

Product Details and Pricing

The mics, also known as transmitters, attach easily using a clip or magnetic mount. They are like a shrunk-down version of DJI's Mic 2, which was crowned the best camera accessory in the TechRadar Choice Awards 2024. DJI sells the components individually and also as kits. The transmitters (mics) are available in Infinity Black or Arctic White. One transmitter costs $59 / £49 / AU$69. A transmitter with a receiver costs $89 / £79 / AU$125, and a kit that includes two transmitters, a receiver, and a charging case costs $169 / £145 / AU$245. If you're starting from scratch, the complete kit is likely the best choice. The receiver includes a USB-C connector. However, if you're using an iPhone with a Lightning port, you'll need to purchase the adapter separately, which costs $19 / £19 / AU$39. Despite the Mic Mini's greater versatility, the list price for the kit is similar to that of the Rode Wireless Micro. It is also around half the price of DJI's Mic 2.

Comparing DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2

Both the Mic Mini and Mic 2 are compatible with smartphones and cameras. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth or to a phone or camera via a wireless receiver that connects directly through USB-C. The main difference is that the pricier Mic 2 features 32-bit float audio, which can better avoid clipping when the audio suddenly gets loud. It also has internal storage for direct recording, allowing you to use it independently of a camera or as a backup. Additionally, its receiver features a display to monitor audio levels. On the other hand, the Mic Mini is a much simpler device. Its receiver offers ±12db audio level control, providing a straightforward user experience. It is a reliable mic system that we have been testing for several weeks and will be publishing our review soon. Spoiler alert: DJI has once again delivered a slick, glitch-free, and well-built mic.

Which Model is Best for You?

For those who need a simple experience and mainly use their phone for content creation, I would recommend the Mic Mini. It is half the price and twice as easy to use. However, if you are a serious creator who cares about audio quality, the Mic 2 offers seriously powerful audio features and would be the better option. Both mics are excellent choices for use with the best mirrorless cameras and make a perfect pairing with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, a top-rated vlogging camera. When comparing the Rode Wireless Micro and Mic Mini, it's a tougher call. If you're only creating video with a smartphone, Rode's offering makes more sense as its receiver is smaller and fits snugly into the USB-C charging port. However, you don't have the option to use the Rode Wireless Micro with a camera if you decide to upgrade. In conclusion, both DJI's Mic Mini and Mic 2, as well as the Rode Wireless Micro, offer unique features and benefits, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs.

The Sony A7 IV has long been regarded as one of the most comprehensive mirrorless cameras on the market. It masterfully combines exceptional photo and video quality with lightning-fast performance. However, historically, it came with a higher price tag compared to its competitors. But now, that has changed with its most significant price cut ever. At Jessops, the Sony A7 IV body only is available for just £1,699 (was £2,399), a whopping £700 off. And if you need a lens to go with it, the Sony A7 IV with the FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens is priced at £2,299 (was £3,199), a savings of £900. This makes the three-year-old A7 IV more affordable than ever, even as it awaits an update. The new Nikon Z6 III has seen its first price cut, which you can find in our Black Friday camera deals 2024 roundup, but it still costs £500 more. For a wider range of deals, check out our Black Friday deals live hub where the best offers are constantly being updated.

Impressive Performance in Our In-Depth Review

During our in-depth review, the Sony A7 IV truly left a mark. (Image credit: Future) Its full-frame 33MP sensor, along with its ability to capture 4K video and its speedy autofocus, make it an excellent choice for both photography and video. For a long time, it held the top spot in our best mirrorless cameras buying guide. Although it has recently been dethroned by the Nikon Z6 III in terms of video performance, the Sony A7 IV still maintains its advantage in photography, producing higher-resolution images. It is the full-frame Alpha camera that makes the most sense for most people. It boasts Sony's renowned autofocus system, and even the more expensive A7R V with its latest AI processing chip offers even better subject recognition. As a capable video shooter, it may have some features that seem a bit dated, like its heavily cropped slow-motion 4K video at 60fps. Competitor models do offer faster shooting speeds for action photography. But even after three years, we still stand by our verdict that the A7 IV could be the only mirrorless camera you'll ever need. Considering its features and age, the price drop is a significant factor. With more than 25% off, it becomes an even more attractive option. And with a vast selection of lenses available, it could be the perfect camera system for your investment.

Photo and Video Capabilities

The Sony A7 IV's full-frame 33MP sensor is a key feature that allows for stunningly detailed photos. It captures every nuance and color with precision, making it a favorite among photographers. In video mode, the 4K recording quality is top-notch, providing smooth and clear footage. The speedy autofocus system ensures that you never miss a moment, whether it's a fast-moving subject or a static one. This camera truly excels in both stills and motion, offering a versatile shooting experience. It allows you to capture those precious moments with ease and quality.

Autofocus and Subject Recognition

Sony's autofocus system in the A7 IV is highly regarded. It quickly and accurately locks onto subjects, making it ideal for a variety of shooting situations. Even in challenging lighting conditions, it performs admirably. The latest AI processing chip in the more expensive A7R V takes subject recognition to the next level, but the A7 IV still holds its own. Its ability to focus quickly and accurately helps you capture the perfect shot every time. Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, the autofocus system in the A7 IV is up to the task.

Lens Selection and Compatibility

One of the great advantages of the Sony A7 IV is the wide range of lenses available. From wide-angle to telephoto, there is a lens to suit every shooting need. This allows you to customize your camera setup and get the exact look and feel you desire. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, the lens options make the Sony A7 IV a versatile camera system. You can choose from a variety of brands and focal lengths, giving you the flexibility to explore different styles of photography.