Matrice 400 vs Matrice 4 series
An honest and practical comparison between the DJI Matice 4T and DJI Matrice 400.
Overview
Selecting the right airframe for livestock mustering depends heavily on terrain, budget, and the specific "pressure" required to move stock. In the video below, Sky Kelpie’s Luke Chaplain reviews the DJI Matrice 400 (M400) equipped with the H30T payload during a workshop tour in Western Queensland, comparing its performance directly against the industry-standard Matrice 4T.
Video Review
Watch the full field report from Tambo, QLD:
Key Findings: The Matrice 400 & H30T Payload
During field tests in the Mulga country around Charleville and Tambo, the Matrice 400 demonstrated significant advantages for heavy-duty mustering operations.
1. Payload Capabilities (H30T)
The M400 was tested with the H30T payload, which offers two distinct advantages for graziers:
- 400x Zoom: Allows for visual inspection of stock, water, and fences from extreme distances without disturbing animals or flying closer than necessary.
- High-Res Thermal: The thermal resolution is significantly higher than previous models. This is critical for early morning operations to identify stock in thick vegetation (like Mulga scrub) and flush them toward watering points.
2. Flight Performance
Despite its larger size, the M400 is highly maneuverable.
- Speed: In Sport Mode, the aircraft reached speeds of approximately 90km/h, making it capable of keeping up with fast-moving stock or covering large paddocks quickly.
- Presence: The physical size and sound of the drone create more "presence" in the air compared to smaller Mavics or the 4T. This additional pressure is useful for moving stubborn stock or operating in dense terrain where a smaller drone might be ignored.
Comparison: M400 vs. Matrice 4T
The primary decision point between these two units comes down to the balance between performance and value.
FeatureDJI Matrice 400DJI Matrice 4TBest ForThick country, maximum pressure, high budget.General mustering, value for money, portability.CostPremium pricing (High investment).Approx. 1/3 to 1/4 the price of the M400.PerformanceHigh speed, massive zoom, strong aerial presence.Excellent maneuverability, sufficient thermal for most tasks.VerdictThe Performance Choice. Ideal if ROI is clear and budget is not a constraint.The Value Choice. Still does a "banger of a job" for the majority of producers.
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Conclusion
If your operation requires the absolute best in thermal imaging and aerial presence—particularly for dense scrub mustering—the Matrice 400 is the superior machine. However, the Matrice 4T remains the recommended entry point for most producers, offering 80-90% of the capability at a fraction of the cost.
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