News
Published on 28 Feb 2025
Ian Johnson
DJI M4TD vs M4T vs M30T
heliguy compares the DJI Matrice M4TD, M30T and M4T to assess which DJI thermal drone is best
The Matrice M4TD is the latest DJI Enterprise drone;
It was released in late-February 2025 alongside the DJI Dock 3;
heliguy has compared it against both the M4T and the M30 to see how it stands up against two of the leading enterprise drones and see which thermal drone is best.
They are among the finest drones on the market.
And with the arrival of the Matrice 4TD, DJI’s enterprise range has become even more impressive.
Launched alongside the DJI Dock 3 in February 2025, the IP-rated 4TD boasts some incredible specs, with an eye-catching 54 minute flight time - and the ability to operate in extreme conditions.
However, this blog will see how it stands-up against two genuine flying heavyweights: The Matrice 4T and Matrice 30T.
Key Specs at a glance
Performance
Spec | Matrice 4TD | Matrice 4T | Matric 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
IP Rating | IP55 | Unrated | IP55 |
Max Flight Time | 54 minutes | 49 minutes (standard propeller) - 46 minutes (silent propeller) | 41 minutes |
Transmission Capability | 04 transmission (25km max) | 04 transmission (25km max) | 04 transmission (25km max) |
Max Payload | 240g | 200g | 300g |
Max Wind Resistance | 12 m/s | 12 m/s (during operation and takeoff + landing) | 12 m/s |
Operating Temperature | -20° to 50° C (-4° to 122° F) | Not available | -20° to 50° C (-4° to 122° F) |
Charging Speed (0 to 100%) | 50 minutes | 76 minutes | 50 minutes |
Battery Cycle Count | 400 charges | 200 charges | 400 charges |
Design
Spec | Matrice 4TD | Matrice 4T | Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
Foldable Arms | No | Yes | Yes |
Diagonal Wheelbase | 498.5mm | 438.8mm | 688mm |
Weight (with battery) | 1850g | 1219g | 3770g |
Wide-angle Camera
Spec | DJI Matrice 4TD | DJI Matrice 4T | Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
Image Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
Lens | FOV: 82° Equivalent Focal Length: 24 mm Aperture: f/1.7 Focus: 1 m to ∞ | FOV: 82° Equivalent Focal Length: 24 mm Aperture: f/1.7 Focus: 1 m to ∞ | FOV: 84° Focal Length: 4.5 mm (Equivalent Focal Length: 24 mm) Aperture: f/2.6 Focus: 1 m to ∞ |
Night-scene Mode | Full-Color Night Scene | Full-Color Night Scene | Not available |
ISO Range | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-409600 | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-409600 | 100-25600 |
Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Auto Mode: Photo: 1/2-1/8000 s Video: 1/30-1/8000 s M Mode: Photo: 8-1/8000 s Video: 1/30-1/8000 s |
Medium Tele Camera
Spec | DJI Matrice 4TD | DJI Matrice 4T | DJI Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
Image Sensor | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | Not available |
Lens | FOV: 35° Equivalent Focal Length: 70 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 3 m to ∞ | FOV: 35° Equivalent Focal Length: 70 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 3 m to ∞ | Not available |
Night Scene Mode | Full colour | Full colour | Not available |
ISO Range | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-409600 | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-409600 | Not available |
Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Not available |
Tele Camera
Spec | DJI Matrice 4TD | DJI Matrice 4T | Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
Image Sensor | 1/1.5-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | 1/1.5-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP | 1/2-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 48 MP |
Lens | FOV: 15° Equivalent Focal Length: 168 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 3 m to ∞ | FOV: 15° Equivalent Focal Length: 168 mm Aperture: f/2.8 Focus: 3 m to ∞ | Focal Length: 21-75mm (Equivalent Focal Length: 113- 405 mm) Aperture: f/2.8 - f/4.2 Focus: 5 m to ∞ |
Night Scene Mode | Full-Color Night Scene Black-and-White Night Scene | Full-Color Night Scene Black-and-White Night Scene | Not available |
ISO Range | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-819200 | 100-25600 Night Scene Mode: 100-819200 | 100-25600 |
Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Electronic Shutter: 2-1/8000 s | Auto Mode: Photo: 1/2-1/8000 s Video: 1/30-1/8000 s M Mode: Photo: 8-1/8000 s Video: 1/30-1/8000 s |
Infrared Thermal Camera
Spec | DJI Matrice 4TD | DJI Matrice 4T | DJI Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
Lens | DFOV: 45°; Equivalent focal length: equivalent: 53 mm; Aperture: f/1.0; Focus: 5 m to ∞ | DFOV: 45° Equivalent Focal Length: 53 mm Aperture: f/1.0 Focus: 5 m to ∞ | DFOV :61° Focal Length: 9.1mm (Equivalent focal length: 40 mm) Aperture: f/1.0 Focus: 5 m to ∞ |
Temperature Measurement Range | -20℃ to 150℃ (High Gain), 0℃ to 550℃ (Low Gain) | High Gain Mode: -20° to 150° C (-4° to 302° F) Low Gain Mode: 0° to 550° C (32° to 1022° F) | High Gain Mode: -20° to 150° C (-4°to 302° F) Low Gain Mode: 0° to 500° C (32°to 932°F） |
Video Resolution | 1280×1024@30fps (Super Resolution enabled, Night Mode not activated) 640×512@30fps | 1280×1024@30fps (UHR Infrared Image function enabled, Night Scene mode not enabled) 640×512@30fps | UHR Infrared Image Mode: 1280×1024 Normal Mode: 640×512 |
Digital Zoom | 28× | 28× | Not available |
Accessories + Features
Spec | DJI Matrice 4TD | DJI Matrice 4T | Matrice 30T |
|---|---|---|---|
DJI Speaker | Available | Available | Not available |
DJI Spotlight | Available | Available | Not available |
Smart People - Vehicle Boat - Detection | Supported | Supported | Not supported |
Smart Track | Supported | Supported | Supported |
Laser Range Finder | Supported | Supported | Supported |
How does the Matrice 4TD compare to the Matrice 4T series?
The most glaring difference is the IP rating.
When the Matrice 4T was launched, it was held up by some as the ideal drone - with the lack of an IP rating viewed as the only real stumbling block.
But even without it, the 4T is an outrageously crafted - and noticeably lighter - piece of hardware. Crucially, it is also more affordable, making it an ideal option for customers working with a budget.
In terms of camera payload, both share a tri-camera system which includes wide-angle, medium and telephoto options making both solid options for imaging tasks and inspections.
However, while the 4TD comes at a higher cost, the stats show that it delivers a higher performance.
Boasting a noticeably superior flight and charging time, it can also carry a bigger payload (although both pale in comparison compared to the far-stronger M30T) while the arms aren't foldable.
From a technical perspective, the 4TD also supports airborne relay which is a gamechanger in tough terrain such as mountains, with one drone flying higher in order to boost the signal of the other.
How does the Matrice 4TD compare with the Matrice 30T?
Both these IP55-rated drones are versatile and powerful and capable of reaching a full charge in less time than it takes to watch an episode of Game of Thrones.
One notable difference though is size; the Matrice 30T is twice as heavy, which does give it more oomph when it comes to carrying payloads.
However, from a technical perspective, the more recent Matrice 4TD holds a lot of the aces.
For one, flight time; the Matrice 4TD can stay in the air an impressive 13 minutes longer.
However, it is perhaps those extra bells and whistles that gives the Matrice 4TD the upper hand.
A lot of the Matrice 4TD's cool features - such as the full-colour night mode and the NIR Auxiliary light, both really beneficial for first responders - are missing from the 30T, while the former has on-board relay capability, which again could prove highly beneficial during something like a rescue mission.
Additionally, the Matrice 4TD's laser range finder is effective for up to 1,800m - a full 50 per cent longer than the 30T's 1,200m range - while unlike the 30T, it can be equipped with DJI's speaker and spotlight (although the M30T is compatible with the GL60 spotlight and LP12 searchlight and speaker).
And while the ever-robust 30T is still an exceptional piece of kit, the Matrice 4TD's superior imaging capabilities and longer endurance give it the clear advantage.
Summary
While all three drones remain at the forefront of the industry, the new Matrice 4T marks yet a further evolution in DJI's enterprise series - certainly compared to the M30T.
While the M4T is the budget-friendly alternative (and works wonders for those seeking a more portable option given it is foldable), the IP-rated M4TD will fly longer, charge quicker and is notably lighter - making it the ideal first option for most drone operators.
All three drones are available at heliguy™, and our expert in-house team of specialists will happily advise you on which model is best for your needs. To view the full DJI Enterprise range, click here, or contact us.
