Can’t purchase the DJI Mavic 4 Professional within the U.S.? Right here’s what to do subsequent

So the DJI Mavic 4 Professional has been formally introduced. However except you reside outdoors the U.S., good luck getting your fingers on DJI’s spiffiest new digital camera drone but. You at the moment can not purchase the DJI Mavic 4 Professional within the U.S.

As I shared yesterday, the Mavic 4 Professional is just not at the moment out there on the market within the U.S. Effectively, technically you possibly can pre-order it from some retailers, similar to B&H Picture, which lets you lock in your drone does for $2,700. Nevertheless, it’s unclear when it’ll ship, and DJI itself has stated it has no estimated timeline for if or when it will likely be. That leaves a whole lot of American drone pilots in limbo — particularly inventive professionals desperate to get their fingers on that 100MP Hasselblad digital camera or game-changing 360° Infinity Gimbal.

So what are you able to do proper now if you happen to’re within the U.S. and itching to fly the Mavic 4 Professional? Right here’s your roadmap for tips on how to cope — and tips on how to presumably (legally) get your fingers on one.

1. Don’t import with out doing all of your homework

It is perhaps tempting to attempt to order a Mavic 4 Professional from a reseller abroad. However tread fastidiously before you purchase the DJI Mavic 4 Professional outdoors the U.S. There are a variety of concerns to be made earlier than making an attempt to import a drone bought by an organization that’s not DJI.

• Customs: The DJI Air 3S not too long ago bumped into bother clearing U.S. customs. There’s an actual danger your drone might be held — or rejected outright — on the border.
• Firmware updates: DJI drones bought outdoors the U.S. is probably not appropriate with U.S.-specific firmware or geofencing insurance policies.
• Assist and repairs: DJI’s U.S. restore facilities might not service drones not formally bought right here, and it might be troublesome to get substitute elements must you want them.

In brief, assume twice earlier than shopping for from a third-party “grey market” retailer.

2. Touring internationally? You would possibly be capable to purchase it overseas

In case you’re touring internationally — say to Canada, Mexico, or anyplace in Europe or Asia — you would possibly be capable to stroll right into a DJI-authorized retailer and buy a Mavic 4 Professional there.

However even that comes with heavy caveats. Once more, do your analysis before you purchase the DJI Mavic 4 Professional overseas.

You’re legally required to declare the drone at customs upon returning to the U.S. (sure, actually). From there, you’ll need to pay a Customs Obligation, which is a tariff or tax on items transported throughout worldwide borders, aka your drone. Study extra about paying Customs Obligation from the U.S. Customs and Border Safety web site.

Certain, there’s all kinds of data on-line about dodging the import tax, however The Drone Lady doesn’t advocate you do this.

Purchase it overseas, and pay the tax. That is at the moment essentially the most professional approach for U.S.-based pilots to purchase a Mavic 4 Professional. It’s simply not the best. Flying the DJI Mavic 4 Professional within the U.S. is just not banned within the U.S. It’s simply that DJI isn’t promoting the drone right here.

Listed here are the DJI Mavic 4 Professional costs in different international locations:

	Canada (tax not included)	UK (consists of tax)	Europe (taxes varies by nation, so precise costs can fluctuate)	Australia (consists of tax)
DJI Mavic 4 Professional	CAD$2,049	£1,879	€2,099	AU$3,099
DJI Mavic 4 Professional Fly Extra Combo (DJI RC 2)	CAD$2,799	£2,459	€2,699	AU$4,039
DJI Mavic 4 Professional 512GB Creator Combo  (DJI RC Professional 2)	CAD$3,459	£3,209	€3,539	AU$5,359
DJI RC Professional 2	CAD$999	£879	€999	AU$1,529

Word that costs fluctuate by nation, but additionally thought-about that a few of the costs in that desk embody tax, whereas others don’t. For reference, €2,099 (which is what you’ll pay to purchase a DJI Mavic 4 Professional in international locations that use the euro) is about $2,400.

3. Wait it out

Nobody needs to listen to “be affected person,” nevertheless it may repay. In accordance with sources at DJI, they need to promote the drone within the U.S. — and so they’re actively working to make that occur. Certain, there’s all kinds of crimson tape holding issues up, however this might change shortly.

If you wish to be among the many first individuals to get the drone shipped within the U.S. (at any time when that occurs), you possibly can pre-order the DJI Mavic 4 Professional for $2,700 from B&H Picture. Simply perceive that we don’t know when it’ll ship.

4. Max out what you’ve received (or purchase considered one of DJI’s different drones)

It won’t have a 100MP sensor or a rotating gimbal, however that drone already in your bag can nonetheless create wonderful footage. Listed here are a couple of tricks to get extra from what you already personal:

• Use ND filters to create cinematic movement blur
• Apply handbook gimbal actions to imitate that new Infinity Gimbal fluidity
• Movie in D-Log or HLG and shade grade for a professional look
• Use third-party apps like Litchi or DroneLink for superior mission planning

Talent issues greater than gear — and you may degree up when you wait.

For what it’s price, DJI drones just like the DJI Mini 4 Professional and DJI Air 3S are nonetheless out there within the U.S., and so they’re glorious alternate options whereas we wait. In case you’re already on the Mavic 3 Professional, you’re nonetheless flying with critical energy.

In case you’re bummed that you may’t purchase the DJI Mavic 4 Professional, you’re not alone. And if you happen to’re hopeful? You’re in good firm.

And the way’s this for my scorching take of the day: You don’t want the latest drone to be an amazing drone pilot. You simply have to hold doing what you do greatest: telling tales from the sky.

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