DJI Mini 4K
DJI
The DJI Mini 4 is a compact yet powerful drone tailored for adults, offering an impressive blend of advanced features and user-friendly design. Weighing just under 250 grams, it falls below regulatory weight limits, making it easier to use without extensive licensing in many regions. Key features include 4K video recording, a 1/2-inch sensor that captures vibrant, detailed images, and a 3-axis gimbal that ensures smooth, stable footage even in windy conditions. The Mini 4 also boasts an extended battery life, providing up to 31 minutes of flight time, which is ideal for extended shooting sessions. Intelligent shooting modes such as QuickShots, which include Dronie, Rocket, Circle, and Helix, allow users to capture cinematic shots with just a few taps, while Panorama and SmartPhoto modes offer advanced photo capabilities, including HDR and scene recognition.
For adults looking to invest in a drone, the DJI Mini 4 offers significant benefits. Its lightweight and portable design make it an excellent travel companion, while its advanced features provide high-quality results typically reserved for larger, more expensive drones. The intuitive DJI Fly app enhances the user experience with easy-to-use controls and editing tools, allowing for immediate sharing of photos and videos. For researchers and enthusiasts in photography and videography, the DJI Mini 4 stands out as a versatile and reliable tool. Its ability to capture dynamic aerial perspectives opens up new creative possibilities, from documenting landscapes and events to conducting field research and environmental monitoring. The drone’s high-resolution camera and intelligent modes ensure that both still images and videos are of professional quality, making it a valuable asset for capturing and analyzing visual data. Overall, the DJI Mini 4 combines convenience, advanced technology, and exceptional image quality, making it an ideal choice for those serious about aerial photography and videography.
DJI has introduced a new addition to its Mini drone series, the Mini 4K, and its price will make it an appealing choice for just about everyone, especially beginners.
On the spec sheet, it’s very much an upgraded version of the Mini 2 SE. The Mini 4 is a sub-250 gram drone that features a camera equipped with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and 2.7K footage at 60 frames per second, with video bitrates up to 100Mbps. This camera is attached to a three-axis gimbal camera mount, allowing it to capture super smooth video.
Also: I tested DJI’s new Avata 2 and it’s the fastest, most immersive drone I’ve ever flown
The Mini 4K boasts up to 31 minutes of flight time per DJI’s specifications, though in practical terms, this might be closer to 25 minutes, and it is wind resistant to level 5 (10.7 m/s). Almost impressive on paper, the drone and its controller have a maximum transmission range of up to 10 kilometers, which is often restricted by local regulations requiring drones to remain within visual line of sight.
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Priced at $299 to start, the Mini 4K is just $20 more than its predecessor, the Mini 2 SE, which is limited to 2.7K video. This price point will make it particularly appealing for beginners and hobbyists — you’re getting a stabilized, flying camera for under $300!
DJI Mini 4K controller
DJI
On top of that, drones that are under 250 grams — like the Mini 4K — do not require FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) registration or Remote ID when flown for recreational purposes, making them less legally cumbersome to use.
So, what’s the catch?
The Mini 4K, for the most part, appears to be a direct upgrade of the Mini 2 SE’s camera, adding 4K video and higher video bitrates. Beyond these enhancements, the airframe remains unchanged from when the 2 SE was released a year ago. This means that apart from a downward-facing sensor used for landing, there is no obstacle avoidance technology.
Also: Best drones you can buy: Expert tested
For a beginner, the lack of obstacle avoidance could be a significant — and potentially disastrous — drawback, as it adds an extra layer of challenge and risk to flying.
The other catch is that the $299 price tag is for the base kit of the drone, controller, and one battery . Most users will find the single battery limiting and opt for the Fly More Combo, which comes with three batteries, a carry case, and a few other useful bits such as spare props.
Still, for $299, the new Mini 4K looks like a good drone for hobbyists or maybe realtors wanting to take shots of properties, and buyers can always protect your investment from loss or damage by taking out DJI’s crash and flyaway protection coverage (just be mindful of the small print and charges).
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This 65-inch Insignia 4K Smart Fire TV is just $300 for the 4th of July
Amazon/ZDNET
This Fourth of July, some people will watch fireworks exploding solely on their TV sets, opting against the summer heat and the hassle of large crowds. If you’re looking for a new Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV at a competitive price, the Insignia 65-inch Class F30 Series 4K Smart Fire promises an array of features and a solid viewing experience — and it’s on sale for $300 at Best Buy.
The F30 Series features an LED-backlit LCD screen with 4K Ultra HD resolution (2160p), providing four times the resolution of full HD. It supports a high dynamic range (HDR10), delivering enhanced contrast and a more comprehensive range of colors for a lifelike viewing experience.
DTS Studio Sound technology drives its two-speaker playback to provide realistic and immersive audio. If you need more volume, the F30 includes multiple HDMI ports to offer versatile connectivity options for external devices, including ARC and eARC support for advanced audio formats like soundbars.
Also: The 51 best 4th of July sales: TVs, laptops, Apple products, and more
The product’s full name indicates that Insignia’s F30 Series LED has a built-in Fire TV operating system, allowing access to streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more. With Alexa compatibility, you can launch apps, search for content, and manage other smart home devices using the integrated voice assistant. Further, you can seamlessly share videos, photos, and music from your Apple devices to the TV using Apple AirPlay.
Also: The best 4K TVs: Expert tested and reviewed
You won’t get OLED or QLED quality from any LCD, but if you’re in the market for an affordable TV that’s on sale for an even better price, the Insignia F30 Series can put on a vibrant fireworks show.
When will this deal expire?
Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on this deal, but don’t fret — we’re constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.
What’s the best 4K TV right now?
Based on our extensive testing, our pick for the best 4K TV overall is the Samsung S95D, thanks to its updated QD-OLED panel, its Dolby Atmos support, and its stunning, glare-free display. Read on for the rest of our 4K TV picks.
Samsung S95D
Best 4K TV overall
pros
- Updated QD-OLED panel
- Dolby Atmos
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support
cons
- Pricey (especially for larger screens)
Samsung has consistently ranked within the top three picks of our TV best lists, and the S95D is no exception. It won the best TV at CES 2024 not only for its incredible glare-free display, but also its stunning video. ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner said the S95D provided “the best combination of color, detail, contrast, dynamic range, and picture quality of the TVs at CES” — and that’s saying something. It comes in screen sizes ranging from 55 to 77 inches, offers a deep suite of features, has incredible gaming performance, and has a beautiful design. If you enjoy movies, you’ll love Samsung’s object tracking sound, which creates audio that follows the on-screen action for a more immersive experience. Dolby Atmos means you’ll get room-filling, virtual surround sound as well.
Samsung is usually among the best gaming TVs, and this one raises the bar even higher. With a 144Hz refresh rate, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support, plus an excellent gaming hub to fine tune settings and a low input lag, it has everything gamers want.
Reviews from Best Buy customers repeatedly mention that while this TV may be a little expensive, it’s worth the price. Several reviews call it “incredible” and “the best TV I’ve ever owned.”
Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55 to 77 inches | HDR: Quantum HDR, HDR OLED+ | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 100Hz | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Panel type: QD-OLED | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google, Bixby
pros
- Affordable
cons
- Somewhat low refresh rate
If you’re looking for the most affordable 4K TV, look to one of the newest names in the game — Roku. Roku is synonymous with streaming and has become probably the default OS for most smart TVs, but the company recently started manufacturing its own TVs. And when I tested one last fall, I was shocked by how capable it was for the price.
The 65-inch model is only $399 at the time I’m writing this, and that gets you a brilliant picture, automatic brightness, HDR10+ color, an enhanced voice remote, and more. The LED panel has local dimming, meaning you’ll get better contrast and more vibrant colors. It does only have a 60Hz refresh rate, but only very serious gamers will notice the difference.
Since this is a value-focused option, it does lack some of the high-end features of other sets, but if you’re just looking to get your foot in the 4K door with a great TV at a low cost, you won’t find many better options. Reviews on Amazon echo these sentiments, with users consistently praising how good it looks and how easy it is to use.
Roku Select Series specs: Screen size: 43 to 75 inches | HDR: HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Audio: Dolby Digital Plus | Panel type: LED | Voice controls: Hey Google
pros
- Great audio and picture quality
- Optimized for PlayStation 5
- Bravia Cam video calling is available
cons
- Expensive
- No object tracking sound
If you think bigger is truly better, the answer is easy. The LG G2 OLED evo is actually the biggest OLED available at a dazzling 97 inches. Of course, it carries an equally big price tag of $19,999, comparable to the price of a small car. If you want a still very large but somewhat more affordable option, look to the 83-inch version at $6,499.
Even though the G2 has been replaced by the G3, the latter doesn’t come in the 97-inch size, so we’ll stick with the G2 here. If you’re fine with an 83-inch version, you can opt for the newer G3 at $4,699.
The G2 is a high-end TV, and it looks and sounds like it. It doesn’t have a backlight, meaning you get near-perfect black colors, and it has super vibrant colors the rest of the time. The a9 Gen5 AI processor makes any content sparkle, especially older shows. If you’re a movie watcher, you’ll be happy to know this set has Dolby Vision and Filmmaker Mode to make films look as good as possible.
There are certainly more affordable options, but if you want to go big, this is your best bet.
LG G2 OLED evo specs: Screen size: 97 or 83 inches | HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | Resolution: 4K | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Panel type: OLED | Voice controls: Hey Google
Factors to consider when choosing a 4K TV
While shopping for a new 4K TV, there are several factors to keep in mind:
- Price: Not all budgets are created equal. And if you’re working with a limited budget, that shouldn’t mean you have to settle for a sub-par TV. Each TV model on this list has been chosen across a variety of price points to help accommodate different needs.
- Screen size: The most important factor to consider, after price, when shopping for a new TV is whether it will fit into your space. Each best TV on this list was chosen because they are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit different rooms.
- Picture and audio quality: A new TV doesn’t mean much, even if it costs an arm and a leg, if it doesn’t provide a great picture and clear audio. Each TV on this list has been ensured to support various HDR codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as enhanced audio software like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object tracking sound.
How did we choose these 4K TVs?
While testing and researching each TV featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:
- Hands-on testing: At ZDNET, we go hands-on with TVs in both home and lab settings to determine their quality for ourselves, digging into their displays, features, and more.
- Brand integrity: While it’s tempting to snap up that ultra-cheap TV from a smaller or unknown brand in order to save money, you may end up paying more in the long run. And you could run into customer service issues when trying to make a return or troubleshoot an issue. Each TV on this list was chosen from a trusted brand with verified customer service options.
- Smart features: Customers have come to expect smart features like streaming apps and virtual assistants as-standard in their TVs. Each model on this list was chosen because it offers a host of features like preinstalled streaming apps, virtual assistant support, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Reasons to upgrade: Brands may release model updates almost yearly, but they don’t always give you a real reason to upgrade. Each TV we chose offers upgraded panels, brighter pictures, and in some cases better online security.
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