Comparing DJI's Thermal and Night Vision Drones and Payloads

Written by: Maria Zavarce

Contributor: Lukas Wilgosh

Created on: January 16, 2024 | Last Updated: February 5th, 2025.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Matrice 4 Thermal

Mavic 3 Thermal

Matrice 30T

Zenmuse H30T

Comparison Table

In today's dynamic technological landscape, thermal drones are essential tools that reshape how industries approach critical tasks. Going beyond the capabilities of traditional cameras, these drones leverage thermal imaging to reveal crucial insights previously invisible to the naked eye. From bolstering situational awareness in public safety to optimizing industrial inspections and environmental monitoring, thermal drones play a pivotal role across diverse sectors. In this blog, we explore key features of DJI thermal drones and highlight their transformative impact on efficiency, safety, and data collection across a range of applications.

Matrice 4 Thermal: Multi-Sensor Intelligence for Critical Missions

The Matrice 4T is the thermal drone of the Matrice 4 Series. Its rugged build, advanced multi-sensor payload, and AI-powered features make it the ultimate compact tool for high-stakes operations.

Key Features:

• 48MP wide-angle, medium tele, and tele cameras, plus a 640 × 512 infrared thermal camera.

• Night Vision Performance: NIR auxiliary light (100m range), full-colour night vision, and smart low-light photo capabilities.

• Intelligent Operations: Built-in AI for real-time tracking, Cruise, FlyTo, POI, and Smart Track for hands-free, efficient missions.

• Automated flight adjustments, precise subject tracking, and emergency response functions.

• Extended Flight Time: Up to 49 minutes for longer, uninterrupted missions.

• Supports DJI Pilot 2, FlightHub 2, and DJI Terra for enhanced mission planning and data analysis.

Mavic 3 Thermal: Rapid Situational Awareness

The Mavic 3 Thermal is a multi-purpose, compact drone built for public safety, inspection, search and rescue operations, and more. It boasts up to 45 minutes of flight time, an integrated camera, and exceptional data quality for enterprise tasks.

Key Features:

• Thermal Resolution: 640 × 512, 30 Hz

• Wide: 1/2" CMOS, 48 MP

• Zoom: 1/2" CMOS, 12 MP

• Max Hybrid Zoom: 56×

• Flight Time: 45 Minutes

• Centimeter-level positioning (with RTK)

• Features: health management system, high-res grid photo

The Mavic 3 Thermal is designed to offer next-generation performance, providing a powerful combination of thermal imaging and zoom capabilities for various applications.

Matrice 30T: Power Meets Portability

The M30T combines the portability of the Mavic 3 Thermal with the sophisticated sensors and uncompromising durability of the M350 RTK. It is lightweight, easy to pack, and quick to deploy.

Key Features:

Max Flight Time: 41 Minutes

Thermal Resolution: 640 × 512

48MP 1/2” CMOS sensor zoom camera

12MP wide-angle camera (4K video at 30 fps)

Laser rangefinder (3-1200 m)

• Thermal Resolution: 640 × 512, 30 Hz

• Wide: 1/2" CMOS, 12 MP

• Zoom: 1/2" CMOS, 48 MP

• Flight Time: 41 Minutes

• Camera Features: smart PIN & track, smart inspection, high-res grid photo

The M30T offers a powerful tool well-suited to a range of industrial applications, with thermal operations enabled for public safety and inspection crews.

Matrice 350 RTK: Performance, Reliability & Payload Options

The Matrice 350 RTK is the flagship DJI Enterprise platform, offering advanced power and performance in a rugged airframe built for advanced operations. With a 55-minute flight time, IP55 protection, and a maximum flight altitude of 7000m, it sets new standards for endurance and weather resistance.

Key Features:

• Max Flight Time: 55 Minutes

• Max Payload: 2.7 kg

• IP55 Protection Rating

• Max Flight Altitude: 7000m

• O3 Enterprise Transmission System

Equipped with the latest transmission system, advanced obstacle avoidance, and a multi-layered redundancy design, the M350 RTK ensures stability and safety during complex missions.

Thermal and Night Vision Payload

Zenmuse H30T: Advanced Situational Awareness

The DJI Zenmuse H30T is a versatile, payload designed to elevate aerial surveillance and inspection tasks. It offers high-resolution imaging, exceptional night vision, and advanced thermal capabilities, ensuring precise monitoring across diverse environments. Its intelligent features, robust design, and superior zoom capabilities make it an excellent tool for critical operations in any lighting or weather condition.

Key Features:

• 48 MP Wide Camera with 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor

• 40 MP Zoom Camera with up to 34x optical and 400x max zoom

• High-Resolution Thermal Camera (1280 × 1024) with 32x digital zoom

• Night Vision Mode with Enhanced Noise Reduction, IR Light, and NIR Auxiliary Light

• Laser Range Finder (LRF): 3–3000 m measurement range

• IP54 Rating for all-weather performance

• AI Smart Features: Smart Track, AI Spot Check, Panorama, High-Res Grid Capture

Comparison Table

DJI Matrice 4T vs Mavic 3T vs Matrice 30T vs Matrice 350 RTK with H30T

The table shows a detailed comparison of DJI's thermal drones, showcasing how each model excels in different mission scenarios. If you’re looking for a compact and budget-friendly option, the Mavic 3 Thermal delivers thermal imaging in a portable package for quick deployments in public safety and inspections.

For high-stakes missions that require precision, the Matrice 4T stands out with its AI-powered features, multi-sensor setup, and extended flight times, making it an ideal choice for critical operations.

The Matrice 30T strikes a perfect balance between portability and industrial grade performance, offering enhanced capabilities for inspections and public safety.

When it comes to large scale, demanding tasks, the Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H30T shines with its advanced thermal resolution, long endurance, and substantial payload capacity, making it the go-to choice for complex, high-performance missions.

Feature	DJI Matrice 4T	DJI Mavic 3T	DJI Matrice 30T	DJI Matrice 350 RTK + H30T
Weight	1219 g	3770 g	~3.7 kg	~6.47 kg (without payload)
Flight Time	Up to 49 min	Up to 45 min	Up to 41 min	Up to 55 min
Max Wind Resistance	12 m/s	12 m/s	12 m/s	12 m/s
Thermal Camera	640 × 512 @ 30Hz	640 × 512 @ 30Hz	640 × 512 @ 30Hz	1280 × 1024 @ 30Hz
Zoom Camera	48MP, 16x digital zoom, 112x hybrid zoom	12MP, 8x digital zoom, 56× hybrid zoom	48MP, 16× optical, 200× digital zoom	40MP, 34× optical, 400× digital zoom
Wide Camera	48MP, 1/1.3" CMOS	48MP, 1/2" CMOS	48MP, 1/2" CMOS	48MP, 1/1.3” CMOS
RTK Support	Yes (built-in)	Optional	Yes (built-in)	Yes (built-in)
IP Rating	No official rating	No official rating	IP55	IP54
Max Transmission Range	25 km	15 km	15 km	20 km
Controller	DJI RC Plus Enterprise	DJI RC Pro Enterprise	DJI RC Plus	DJI RC Plus
Payload Capacity	201 g	130 g	289 g	2.7 kg
Operating Temperature	-10℃ to 40℃	-10° to 40°C	-10° to 40°C	-20° to 50° C
AI Features	Yes	N/A	N/A	Yes

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Comparing DJI's Thermal and Night Vision Drones and Payloads

Matrice 4 Thermal: Multi-Sensor Intelligence for Critical Missions

DJI Matrice 4T

Mavic 3 Thermal: Rapid Situational Awareness