Choosing the right drone for enterprise operations can be challenging, especially with powerful options like the DJI Matrice 4 Series, DJI M30T, and Autel EVO Max 4T on the market. Each has unique strengths, making them suitable for different use cases. In this blog, I’ll break down their features in detail to help you make an informed decision.
1. Key Features Comparison
Here’s a quick summary of the specifications and features of the three drones:
| Feature | DJI Matrice 4 Series | DJI M30T | Autel EVO Max 4T |
| Camera System | Dual telephoto (70mm, 168mm), 48MP wide-angle | 48MP wide-angle, 200x zoom | Wide-angle and thermal cameras |
| Thermal Resolution | 1280×1024 | 640×512 | 640×512 |
| Zoom Capability | 112x hybrid zoom | 200x (optical + digital) | 160x (optical + digital) |
| IP Rating | None | IP55 | IP43 |
| Flight Time | 45 minutes | 41 minutes | 42 minutes |
| Range | 25 km | 15 km | 12 km |
| Transmission System | O4 Enterprise Transmission | O3 Enterprise Transmission | Autel SkyLink 3.0 |
| Ecosystem and Support | Extensive DJI ecosystem with robust support | Strong DJI ecosystem with support | Growing ecosystem, improving support |
| Software Integration | DJI Pilot 2, SDK support, mapping tools | DJI Pilot, mapping, inspection tools | Autel software, less extensive SDK options |
| Price Range | Premium | Mid-range | Affordable |
2. Camera and Thermal Performance
Matrice 4 Series
- The Matrice 4’s Smart 3D Capture feature allows for real-time 3D modeling directly on the remote controller. This capability streamlines workflows for surveyors and mappers by enabling immediate visualization and measurements without waiting for post-processing.
- The Matrice 4’s dual telephoto cameras (70mm and 168mm) provide unmatched clarity for mid- and long-range inspections. The thermal imaging camera, with a resolution of 1280×1024, is a game-changer for detailed heat detection in surveillance, search-and-rescue, and industrial applications.
M30T
The M30T offers an impressive 200x zoom (optical + digital) and a reliable 640×512 thermal camera. While it doesn’t match the Matrice 4’s clarity, it is still valuable for inspections, surveillance, and mapping and is quite effective at it too. When it comes to thermal imaging, the M30T clearly defines objects at night, allowing you to differentiate them, but sometimes it’s challenging when the objects are too far, or when you are flying at a high altitude. It would be great to see how much of an improvement the Matrice 4 has considering it has a higher thermal resolution.
Autel Max 4T
The Autel Max 4T provides solid thermal capabilities (640×512 resolution) and a 160x zoom. While its camera system is competitive, it doesn’t quite reach the performance or ecosystem integration of DJI’s offerings.
3. Flight Performance and Range
Matrice 4 Series
With a flight time of 45 minutes and a range of up to 25 km, the Matrice 4 excels in long range missions. It comes with the O4 Enterprise Transmission system, an upgrade from the O3 Transmission system in the M30T, ensuring stable communication even in areas with interference.
M30T
The M30T offers a slightly shorter 41-minute flight time and a range of up to 15 KM. It uses the OcuSync 3.0 Transmission system which, even though it’s a little older than the O4 in the Matrice 4, is still capable of a consistent live feed. However, you should still try to fly from an elevated point and avoid structures or objects that could block the signal.
Autel Max 4T
The Max 4T achieves 42 minutes of flight time and a range of 12 km, which is slightly less than DJI’s models. It uses the SkyLink 3.0 transmission system, which is robust but lacks the extensive reliability of DJI’s O3 and O4 Enterprise systems.
4. Ecosystem and Software Integration
Matrice 4 Series
DJI’s extensive ecosystem is a major advantage. The Matrice 4 supports DJI Pilot 2, SDK development, and seamless integration with DJI’s mapping and inspection tools. The DJi Pilot 2 offers seamless mission planning, pinpoint marking, and the ability to share mission data through platforms like Flight Hub. These features enhance team collaboration and make DJI drones highly adaptable for multi-craft operations.
M30T
Similar to the Matrice 4, the M30T benefits from DJI’s mature ecosystem, offering reliable software support for complex operations.
Autel Max 4T
The Autel Max 4T is part of a growing ecosystem that includes Autel’s software tools. However, it lacks the same breadth of third-party integrations and SDK options that DJI offers, which may limit its appeal for enterprises. For instance, the Autel Max 4T is currently limited to waypoint missions. Features like saving pinpoints and sharing mission data between devices, as available in DJI Pilot 2, are still lacking.
5. IP Rating and Durability
Matrice 4 Series
The lack of an IP rating is a drawback for the Matrice 4, making it less suitable for use in extreme weather conditions.
M30T
The DJi M30T’s IP55 rating makes it better suited for harsh environments like rain or dusty conditions. Having used the M30T, I can attest that it does survive after flying it in the rain for some minutes, but you should not push it either.
Autel Max 4T
With an IP43 rating, the Max 4T offers basic protection against dust and water splashes but is less durable than the M30T. This makes it suitable for moderate outdoor conditions but less ideal for heavy rain or extreme environments.
6. Payload Flexibility
Autel Max 4T
- Offers swappable payloads, allowing users to switch between cameras for tasks like multispectral imaging, night vision, or thermal inspections. This flexibility reduces the need for multiple airframes and makes the Max 4T a cost-efficient choice for diverse operations.
DJI Matrice 4 and M30T
- Both DJI models feature fixed payloads, optimized for their specific configurations. While this simplifies operations, it lacks the adaptability that some industries might require. However, the Matrice 4 does come with a speaker and spotlight that can enhance your operations, and third-party options are available for the M30T, but you can’t swap the cameras.
7. Field Performance and File Handling
Thermal Imaging
- The Autel Max 4T outputs thermal data as 640×512 JPGs, which may lack compatibility with some thermal analysis software.
- DJI drones, including the M30T and Matrice 4, are known for producing widely compatible thermal files, ensuring smoother workflows.
Geo-Fencing
- DJI drones implement geo-fencing, which may restrict operations in certain areas without proper permissions.
- Autel drones, including the Max 4T, do not have strict geo-fencing, offering greater operational freedom.
8. Recommendations
- For Advanced Imaging: The Matrice 4 excels with its dual telephoto cameras and high thermal resolution, but it’s best suited for controlled environments due to its lack of an IP rating.
- For All-Weather Operations: The M30T’s IP55 rating and strong all-around performance make it the most versatile choice for fleets operating in diverse environments.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Autel Max 4T offers solid capabilities at an affordable price, though it may lack the ecosystem depth and durability of DJI’s drones.
Conclusion
Each of these drones offers unique advantages, but the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs. The Matrice 4 shines in imaging and AI, the M30T is a versatile workhorse, and the Autel Max 4T is an affordable alternative with solid performance.
Have more questions or insights? Let me know in the comments! A deeper dive into these drones and their applications is always welcome.