Can’t buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S.? Here’s what to do next

So the DJI Mavic 4 Pro has been officially announced. But unless you live outside the U.S., good luck getting your hands on DJI’s spiffiest new camera drone yet. You currently cannot buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S.

As I shared yesterday, the Mavic 4 Pro is not currently available for sale in the U.S. Well, technically you can pre-order it from some retailers, such as B&H Photo, which allows you to lock in your drone does for $2,700. However, it’s unclear when it’ll ship, and DJI itself has said it has no estimated timeline for if or when it will be. That leaves a lot of American drone pilots in limbo — especially creative professionals eager to get their hands on that 100MP Hasselblad camera or game-changing 360° Infinity Gimbal.

So what can you do right now if you’re in the U.S. and itching to fly the Mavic 4 Pro? Here’s your roadmap for how to cope — and how to possibly (legally) get your hands on one.

1. Don’t import without doing your homework

It might be tempting to try and order a Mavic 4 Pro from a reseller overseas. But tread carefully before you buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro outside the U.S. There are a number of considerations to be made before trying to import a drone sold by a company that’s not DJI.

• Customs: The DJI Air 3S recently ran into trouble clearing U.S. customs. There’s a real risk your drone could be held — or rejected outright — at the border.
• Firmware updates: DJI drones sold outside the U.S. may not be compatible with U.S.-specific firmware or geofencing policies.
• Support and repairs: DJI’s U.S. repair centers may not service drones not officially sold here, and it may be difficult to get replacement parts should you need them.

In short, think twice before buying from a third-party “gray market” retailer.

2. Traveling internationally? You might be able to buy it abroad

If you’re traveling internationally — say to Canada, Mexico, or anywhere in Europe or Asia — you might be able to walk into a DJI-authorized store and purchase a Mavic 4 Pro there.

But even that comes with heavy caveats. Again, do your research before you buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro abroad.

You’re legally required to declare the drone at customs upon returning to the U.S. (yes, really). From there, you’ll have to pay a Customs Duty, which is a tariff or tax on goods transported across international borders, aka your drone. Learn more about paying Customs Duty from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Sure, there is all sorts of information online about dodging the import tax, but The Drone Girl does not recommend you do that.

Buy it abroad, and pay the tax. This is currently the most legitimate way for U.S.-based pilots to buy a Mavic 4 Pro. It’s just not the easiest. Flying the DJI Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S. is not banned in the U.S. It’s just that DJI isn’t selling the drone here.

Here are the DJI Mavic 4 Pro prices in other countries:

Note that prices vary by country, but also considered that some of the prices in that table include tax, while others don’t. For reference, €2,099 (which is what you’ll pay to buy a DJI Mavic 4 Pro in countries that use the euro) is about $2,400.

3. Wait it out

No one wants to hear “be patient,” but it could pay off. According to sources at DJI, they want to sell the drone in the U.S. — and they’re actively working to make that happen. Sure, there is all sorts of red tape holding things up, but this could change quickly.

If you want to be among the first people to get the drone shipped in the U.S. (whenever that happens), you can pre-order the DJI Mavic 4 Pro for $2,700 from B&H Photo. Just understand that we don’t know when it’ll ship.

4. Max out what you’ve got (or buy one of DJI’s other drones)

It might not have a 100MP sensor or a rotating gimbal, but that drone already in your bag can still create amazing footage. Here are a few tips to get more from what you already own:

• Use ND filters to create cinematic motion blur
• Practice manual gimbal movements to mimic that new Infinity Gimbal fluidity
• Film in D-Log or HLG and color grade for a pro look
• Use third-party apps like Litchi or DroneLink for advanced mission planning

Skill matters more than gear — and you can level up while you wait.

For what it’s worth, DJI drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Air 3S are still available in the U.S., and they’re excellent alternatives while we wait. If you’re already on the Mavic 3 Pro, you’re still flying with serious power.

If you’re bummed that you can’t buy the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, you’re not alone. And if you’re hopeful? You’re in good company.

And how’s this for my hot take of the day: You don’t need the newest drone to be a great drone pilot. You just need to keep doing what you do best: telling stories from the sky.

Related