When DJI announces a new Matrice model, I get excited. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing what the new Matrice 400 RTK (M400) would bring to the table. Unfortunately, after digging through the specs, watching detailed breakdowns, and comparing it with the M350 RTK (which I’ve used and liked), I’m left disappointed.

Let’s break down what’s new, what’s good, and what’s not.

✅ What I Like

• Longer Flight Time: DJI claims up to 59 minutes with the H30T. Realistically, 40-45 minutes seems achievable in optimal conditions.
• Improved Obstacle Avoidance: Built-in Lidar and millimeter wave radar can detect 12mm wires at 38 km/h – no need for the CSM radar add-on.
• Better Video Transmission: The new O3 Enterprise system provides up to 25 miles (40 km) range.
• Higher Payload Capacity: Supports up to 13 lbs (6 kg) and up to 7 simultaneous payloads (e.g., speakers, spotlights, payload drop kits).
• Cruise Mode + AR Map: AR overlays and automated waypoint navigation for hands-off inspections.
• Tethered Power Support: First DJI platform to support the TB100C tethered station for extended hovering.
• Manifold 3 Support: AI compute onboard for advanced mission workflows.

❌ What I Dislike

• Single Battery Design: M400 uses a top-mounted TB100 battery. It supports online swap (<45s), but I prefer dual TB65s for redundancy.
• Top Battery Mount: Like the old Mavic series. I’ve seen top batteries fall mid-flight due to swelling or poor alignment.
• No Backward Payload Compatibility: Legacy payloads like XT2, Z30, and H20 aren’t supported. That’s a big problem for existing M300/M350 owners.
• Charging Workflow Downgrade: BS100 can only charge one TB100 at a time. That’s slower than BS60’s dual TB65 charging.
• RC Plus 2 Limitation: While I do like the RC Plus 2, it doesn’t support the DJI Mavic 3 Series. That’s frustrating for mixed drone teams.

🔍 M350 RTK vs M400 RTK – Comparison Table

💰 Price (US Estimate)

• Matrice 350 RTK: $11,500-$13,000 depending on payload/bundle.
• Matrice 400 RTK: $14,900-$16,000+ depending on configuration. TB100 battery and BS100 charger sold separately.

🧊 Final Thoughts

The M400 brings serious upgrades in certain areas, especially in obstacle sensing, payload support, and range. But if you’re already using the M300 or M350, there’s not enough to justify a switch especially if you’ve invested in older payloads and ground gear.

🟦 Recommendation: Stick with the M350 RTK unless you specifically need the M400’s longer range, AI compute, or radar capabilities.

I’m sticking with the M350.

-Kobi

So, what do I think about the new DJI Matrice 4 Series (Matrice 4E and Matrice 4T)?

Let’s start with the fact that I don’t like the name. It might be a nice drone, even an enterprise-grade one but in my opinion – it’s not a real Matrice drone.

Naming Confusion

Traditionally, DJI’s Matrice series has been synonymous with high-end industrial drones like the M300 RTK and M350 RTK-large, highly customizable, built for extreme conditions, and capable of handling complex payloads.

The Matrice 4 Series? It looks more like an oversized Mavic than a Matrice. And that’s a problem-this new model feels like it sits somewhere between Mavic Enterprise and Matrice, making it unclear who this drone is really for.

Don’t get me wrong, I like both the Mavic and the Matrice series, but they are different and should stay that way.

It’s Not Waterproof!

One of the biggest disappointments is that the Matrice 4 Series is NOT waterproof.

The real Matrice drones (M300 RTK, M350 RTK) come with IP55 weather resistance, making them rainproof and reliable in extreme conditions.

The Matrice 4 Series? No such rating. That’s a huge step backward for a drone that claims to be part of the Matrice lineup.

The DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise Remote Controller – Limited Compatibility

I do like that the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise Remote Controller is included, but I have a major complaint:

❌ It doesn’t support the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Series drones.

• This isn’t specific to the Matrice 4 Series, but it’s still frustrating.
• DJI should allow enterprise users to use one high-end remote across multiple drones.

No Dual Operator Mode Like the M300/M350

One of the biggest advantages of the real Matrice drones is dual operator mode – one person flies while another operates the camera and sensors.

The Matrice 4 Series? It doesn’t support dual controls.

That’s a huge limitation for professional users who need this feature for complex operations.

The Pricing & Accessories Problem

Now, let’s talk about the price.

• Matrice 4E: $4,799
• Matrice 4T: $7,299

At first, I thought DJI finally included the spotlight in the package, but no – it’s still a separate accessory that costs $339. Same for the speaker, which costs $215.

For a drone that’s already expensive, charging extra for basic accessories feels wrong.

Camera & Sensors

To be fair, the camera system on both models is impressive.

• Matrice 4E: Comes with three cameras: Wide (20 MP), Medium Telephoto (48 MP), and Telephoto (48 MP).
• Matrice 4T: Same as the 4E but adds a thermal camera (640×512 resolution, 30Hz frame rate).
• Laser Rangefinder: Available on the 4T, can measure distances up to 1,800 meters.

Battery Life & Flight Performance

One of the biggest advantages of the Matrice 4 Series is the flight time – up to 55 minutes per battery. That’s impressive and better than the Mavic 3 Enterprise Series.

It also has a new omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system, which should help with safety and autonomous operations.

Final Thoughts – A Matrice in Name Only

The DJI Matrice 4 Series is a powerful drone, but it’s not a real Matrice.

What I Like:

✅ Supports the DJI RC Plus 2 Enterprise controller
✅ Great camera system, especially on the 4T
✅ Long battery life (55 minutes per flight)

What I Don’t Like:

❌ Not waterproof, unlike real Matrice drones
❌ No dual operator mode like the M300/M350
❌ DJI RC Plus 2 doesn’t support Mavic 3 Enterprise drones (general complaint)
❌ Essential accessories (spotlight, speaker) still cost extra
❌ Naming is misleading – it’s more like a Mavic Enterprise than a Matrice

Would I buy it? Not at this time.

Kobi.

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Hi,

I wanted to share my initial thoughts on the new DJI Matrice 350 RTK (I will call it M350 from now on).

Let’s get started with the things I like about it:
– IP Rating (IP55 vs IP45 for the aircraft & IP55 vs none for the controller)
– The fact the controller is compatible with M300.
– The battery station charging modes (especially the ready-to-fly mode).
– The fact that the new TB65 batteries can be used with M300 and vise-versa (I really really liked to hear this one!).
– The night vision FPV camera.
– Backward compatibility with M300 payloads.

The things I dislike (so far) are:
– Lack of support for the XT2 and Z30 cameras.
– No improvement in the flight time (compared to M300).

Note: I read in some places that the new battery station is only compatible with the TB65 and WB37 batteries and in some other places that it is compatible with TB60 batteries as well. I hope and tend to think it is compatible with the TB60 batteries.

Kobi.

Hi,

I wanted to share my thoughts on what I like and what I dislike about the DJI Matrice 300 RTK drone after using it for almost two years.

Let’s get started with the things I dislike about it:
1. The controller (DJI Smart Controller Enterprise) – Maybe it’s the screen size, maybe it’s the sticks but DJI Cendence with a CrystalSky monitor is just better.
2. Undetachable propeller blades – It just takes more spaces in the suitcase.
3. The controller (DJI Smart Controller Enterprise) – Having a WB37 Battery as a backup power source is great but why is it only charging the main controller battery when the controller is on? it had the potential of being a great feature.

Now, let’s move on to the things I like about this drone:
1. Flight time of ~45 minutes (with H20T camera).
2. IP45 Rating (for the aircraft itself, the H20/H20T cameras are only IP44).
3. H20T Camera – it’s just a great camera.
4. Emergency Landing with 3 propellors.
5. Battery Hot Swap.
6. Being able to use multiple controllers.
7. Smart Track.
8. Triple gimbal support – I don’t think I’ll use the triple gimbal but it’s good to have the option.
9. The batteries lock – I feel it’s more secure.
10. BS60 Battery Station – I like it, the only downside is that it can’t charge both TB60 and TB55 batteries which would have been amazing. I know there is a dedicated battery station for TB50/TB55 what I wanted one thing that can cover both.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the DJI Matrice 300 RTK is a great drone and I do like it. I just wish there would be a better controller for it (DJI Matrice 300 RTK V2?) and detachable propellers like we had with DJI Matrice 200/210 V1/V2.

Kobi.