Which DJI Drones Have Obstacle Avoidance?

In an era when aerial photography and drone inspections are becoming mainstream in the UK, one feature has shifted from 'nice to have' to essential: obstacle avoidance. For hobbyists flying over scenic Lake District valleys, professionals inspecting telecom masts or infrastructure, and enterprise teams tasked with public safety drone footage, the ability of a drone to sense its surroundings and act accordingly is no longer a bonus. It is a safeguard. In this article we walk through seven current models from DJI that incorporate obstacle avoidance systems, highlighting how each model fits different users in the consumer and professional space in the UK.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro

The Mavic 4 Pro is DJI's flagship consumer drone designed to deliver cinematic image quality while still offering robust safety features. With omnidirectional obstacle avoidance via LiDAR and vision sensors, it is built to handle complex environments. For UK creators flying in wooded areas or near built infrastructure, this is a major plus.

• Ideal for high-end hobbyists and semi-professional cinematographers
• The risk mitigation of obstacle avoidance allows you to focus on creative flight rather than constant worry about collisions
• Given its price point, it sits where the creative enthusiast crosses into professional-grade territory

If your budget allows and you want creative freedom with strong safety systems, the Mavic 4 Pro delivers.

DJI Mini 5 Pro

Weighing in around 249g, the Mini 5 Pro punches above its weight. Crucially for our topic, it boasts omnidirectional obstacle sensing built around vision sensors plus forward-facing LiDAR, which enhances collision protection even in lower light conditions.

• Ideal for travel enthusiasts and hobbyists who demand strong imaging plus portability
• The obstacle avoidance gives added confidence when flying near trees, buildings or uneven terrain
• Being under 250g helps with UK CAA registration thresholds

If you want near-professional imaging in a compact frame with real safety smarts, this is a compelling choice.

DJI Air 3S

The Air 3S sits between mainstream consumer and more serious prosumer models. It offers dual cameras and a notable obstacle-avoidance suite that DJI markets as 'Nightscape Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing'.

• Suitable for creators who want more capability than entry-level drones but without enterprise-grade cost
• Obstacle avoidance gives extra protection when flying in challenging light or near complex structures
• Also a viable travel-friendly model given its foldable design and feature set

If you want strong creative firepower plus real safety tools in one package, the Air 3S hits the sweet spot.

DJI Matrice 350 RTK

For users in surveying, inspections, infrastructure and enterprise workflows, the Matrice 350 RTK is a serious platform. It delivers high-precision flight, multi-payload support and enhanced safety systems. It features six-direction positioning and detection sensors.

• Ideal for roof inspections, industrial sites or mapping tasks where safety and reliability matter
• Obstacle avoidance is vital when flying near structures, power lines or complex terrain
• Workflow integration, RTK accuracy and payload flexibility go hand in hand with robust avoidance systems

If your business demands reliability, safety and professional integration, the M350 RTK is a strong pick.

DJI Matrice 400

Taking things further into enterprise, the Matrice 400 improves dramatically on avoidance compared to earlier models. It features rotating LiDAR, mmWave radar and invisible yet effective low-light vision systems for obstacle detection.

• Perfect for power-line inspection, wind-turbine operations, utility corridors in the UK
• When you are flying near thin wires, cables or in harsh conditions, you want all the avoidance muscle you can get
• The cost and complexity mean this is for a specialist user, but safety systems are among the best DJI offers

If you are flying in high-risk zones or need enterprise-grade reliability, the M400 offers leading-edge obstacle avoidance.

DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise

The Matrice 4 Enterprise and its sister models in the 4-series represent DJI's compact but powerful enterprise drones. The series emphasises intelligent flight operations with advanced detection, measurement and avoidance capabilities built in.

• Ideal for professional workflow integration in industries like geospatial surveying, infrastructure, emergency response in the UK
• Built-in obstacle avoidance underpins safer operations in tighter or urban environments
• Combines enterprise features with a more compact form than large heavy-lift drones

If you are scaling professional operations where safety, speed and flexibility matter, the Matrice 4 Enterprise delivers a robust option.

DJI Matrice 4 Thermal

For operations requiring thermal imaging, such as building inspections, power-line audits or fire services, the Matrice 4 Thermal brings advanced sensing with strong avoidance capabilities. The 4-series overall emphasises enhanced low-light obstacle avoidance and laser-range detection systems.

• Perfect for UK operators using thermal sensors for inspection or emergency services
• Safety systems allow more confidence flying near structures, in lower light or challenging conditions
• Combines mission-specific sensors with robust platform and avoidance suite

If you specialise in inspection, thermal operations or enterprise services where obstacle collision is a real hazard, this model is built for you.

What Obstacle Avoidance Actually Means

Obstacle avoidance is not simply a buzzword. It covers a range of technologies:

• Vision sensors (front, back, sides, up, down) detect objects visually and prompt automatic responses
• LiDAR or laser sensors add distance measurement accuracy, even in low light
• mmWave radar or advanced low-light sensors handle tougher conditions often found in industrial use

In practice, this means the drone can brake before impact, reroute itself, hover safely or avoid collisions even when the pilot is distracted or the environment is complex. For UK-based users this matters particularly when flying over uneven terrain, near trees, power lines or built environments.

Choosing Based on Your Use Case

Regulatory Reminder for UK Users

While obstacle avoidance gives significant safety benefits, it does not remove the need for responsible piloting or compliance. UK operators must remain aware of:

• The requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for drone airspace use, registration and pilot competence
• Keeping within visual line of sight (VLOS) unless authorised otherwise
• Operating at safe heights, avoiding drone-forbidden zones and respecting privacy
• Using the avoidance systems as a backup, not a primary shield. The pilot must still monitor the environment, wind, terrain and air traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

What does omnidirectional obstacle avoidance mean in DJI drones?

It means the drone has sensing systems on multiple sides (front, back, left, right, up, down) so it can detect obstacles from almost any direction and take avoidance action.

Does obstacle avoidance mean the drone can guarantee no collisions?

No. These systems significantly reduce risk, but they are not foolproof. Factors like poor lighting, smooth reflective surfaces, very thin obstacles or rapid pilot inputs may still cause collisions. Safe operation still relies on pilot awareness.

Are drones under 250g always safe from UK regulation?

No. While drones under 250g often benefit from fewer registration burdens in the UK, you still must obey CAA rules such as respecting airspace, keeping line of sight and following any local restrictions.

Can obstacle avoidance work at night or in low light?

Some models include LiDAR or low-light sensors that improve performance at night. However, performance may still degrade compared to optimal lighting. You should still fly with caution.

Does professional inspection work require enterprise drones with avoidance systems?

In many cases yes. When flying near power lines, large structures or in urban areas, professional users benefit from enterprise-grade avoidance. Models like the Matrice 400 or Matrice 4 series deliver those advanced systems.

Can I disable obstacle avoidance if I want full manual control?

Yes, most DJI drones allow you to toggle avoidance systems, but doing so removes a vital layer of safety. For less experienced pilots, it is strongly advised to leave them enabled.

Conclusion

Obstacle avoidance has evolved from peripheral feature to essential safety technology for drone users in both creative and professional spaces. If you are capturing stunning travel footage, creating high-end cinematic work or carrying out industrial inspections, choosing a drone with strong obstacle avoidance makes a material difference in your peace of mind and mission reliability.

From the compact but capable Mini 5 Pro, through the highly versatile Air 3S and Mavic 4 Pro, to full enterprise platforms like the Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 400, Matrice 4 Enterprise and Matrice 4 Thermal, DJI offers a ladder of platforms built with safety and sensing at their heart. In the UK market, where terrain, structures and regulation can add complexity, the right avoidance system can be a genuine operational advantage.

Ready to explore? Head to the Coptrz official online store now to browse the full DJI drone range with obstacle avoidance and find the perfect model for your UK-based mission or creative endeavour.