Comparisons & Buying Guides, News
Which professional DJI drone to choose? A guide by trade
Sep
In short: for visual inspection and mapping, the Matrice 4E. As soon as you need a thermal camera, the Matrice 4T. For automated flights from a ground station, the Matrice 4D or 4TD with the DJI Dock 3. For LiDAR, full-frame photogrammetry or several sensors at once, the Matrice 400.
Drone Parts Center focuses on professional drones. We are an authorised DJI Enterprise dealer in the Benelux, working with professional drones since 2017. This guide starts from your trade, not from the spec sheet.
The right drone for your trade
| Your trade | Recommended drone | What sets it apart | Further reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof, façade and structure inspection | Matrice 4E | 20 MP wide-angle camera with mechanical shutter, telephoto lenses, built-in RTK | Inspection guide 2026 |
| Surveying, land registry, site monitoring | Matrice 4E, or Matrice 400 with Zenmuse P1 or L3 | Orthophotos and 3D models; LiDAR on the Matrice 400 | Surveying pack |
| Thermography, solar PV, energy audits | Matrice 4T | 640 × 512 radiometric thermal camera | Thermal and PV pack |
| Police, fire and rescue | Matrice 4TD in a pack | Thermal, IP55, spotlight and speaker | Police drones |
| Automated site monitoring | Matrice 4D or 4TD with Dock 3 | The drone takes off and recharges on its own on site | DJI Dock 3 guide |
| Power lines, large structures, multiple sensors | Matrice 400 | Up to 7 payloads at once | Matrice 400 or Matrice 350? |
| Precision agriculture | Mavic 3 Multispectral | Four multispectral cameras and a sunlight sensor | Product page |
Building and structure inspection: Matrice 4E
The Matrice 4E covers most visual inspections: roofs, façades, bridges and other structures. Its 20 MP wide-angle camera has a mechanical shutter, so images do not distort while the drone is moving. Two telephoto lenses let you read a detail without flying close to the structure. DJI quotes a maximum flight time of 49 minutes, measured with no wind. The choice by type of inspection is covered in our inspection guide 2026.
Surveying and mapping: Matrice 4E or Matrice 400
With its built-in RTK, the Matrice 4E produces georeferenced orthophotos and 3D models. In Belgium, corrections come from the Walcors and Flepos networks through a 4G dongle. Our surveying pack pairs it with a D-RTK 3 base station and one year of DJI Terra.
Two cases call for the Matrice 400. Under vegetation, photogrammetry cannot see the ground and you need LiDAR: that is the Zenmuse L3 kit. For full-frame photogrammetry, the Zenmuse P1 kit brings a 45 MP sensor.
Thermography and solar PV: Matrice 4T
The Matrice 4T combines a wide-angle camera and two telephoto lenses with a 640 × 512 radiometric thermal camera. It is used for energy audits, solar panel checks and finding hot spots on electrical installations. Our thermal and PV pack is put together for these jobs. For a comparison with the previous generation, see Matrice 4TD or Matrice 30T.
Police, fire and rescue: Matrice 4TD
Our two response packs are built around the Matrice 4TD: Police and Fire and Rescue. The 4TD is IP55 rated. The packs include the AL1 spotlight, the AS1 speaker and five batteries. When you need several payloads at once (thermal, spotlight and speaker), the Matrice 400 Public Safety kit takes over.
We equip the Belgian Federal Police and more than 20 Belgian police zones, as well as 4 emergency rescue zones and the Belgian Civil Protection. The cost of a complete setup is covered in our police drone guide.
Automated monitoring: Matrice 4D or 4TD with Dock 3
The Matrice 4D and Matrice 4TD are designed for the DJI Dock 3. The drone stays on site, takes off according to a flight plan and recharges in the station. The Dock 3 is IP56 rated, operates from -30 °C to +50 °C and is managed remotely in FlightHub 2. The 4TD has a thermal camera, the 4D does not. Since 12 June 2026, both meet class C6 in their standalone version (details).
Our technicians are certified on DJI Dock 2, Dock 3 and Dock Advanced. See the complete Dock 3 guide and the Drone in the box category.
Heavy payloads and multiple sensors: Matrice 400
The Matrice 400 is the modular platform of the range. It has four external E-Port V2 ports and carries up to seven payloads at the same time. The third gimbal connector takes 6 kg at sea level. With a Zenmuse H30T fitted, DJI measures 59 minutes of forward flight and 53 minutes of hovering. It replaces the Matrice 350 RTK: the comparison is in Matrice 400 or Matrice 350.
Precision agriculture: Mavic 3 Multispectral
The Mavic 3 Multispectral combines a 20 MP RGB camera with mechanical shutter and four 5 MP multispectral cameras: green, red, red edge and near infrared. A built-in sunlight sensor compensates for changes in light between flights. It is used to monitor crop vigour and to prepare prescription maps. The RTK module is an accessory that attaches to the drone. DJI quotes a maximum flight time of 43 minutes, measured with no wind at a constant 36 km/h.
Good to know before you buy
- The cameras on the Matrice 4 series are built in: the sensor cannot be swapped. For LiDAR or a full-frame sensor, you need the Matrice 400.
- Class C6 on the Matrice 4D and 4TD is a condition of the STS-02 scenario, not an authorisation. You also need an operator declaration, an STS remote pilot certificate of competency, an operations manual and a controlled ground area in a sparsely populated environment.
- The Matrice 400 is certified C3 in its original configuration (A3 subcategory). Fitted with the AP100 parachute by the operator, it meets the requirements of class C5 (STS-01 scenario).
- DJI flight times are measured in favourable conditions. With wind, cold or accessories, expect less.
- Training on your drone is recommended. It is invoiced separately, on quotation, and takes place in Nivelles or at your premises.
Frequently asked questions
Which DJI drone should I choose for professional use?
It depends on your trade. Visual inspection and mapping: Matrice 4E. Thermal: Matrice 4T. Automated flights from a station: Matrice 4D or 4TD with Dock 3. LiDAR and multiple sensors: Matrice 400.
Which thermal drone should I choose?
The Matrice 4T for piloted use. The Matrice 4TD for response work in bad weather (IP55) and for the Dock 3. The Matrice 400 with a Zenmuse H30T for long missions.
How much does a professional drone cost?
Current prices are on each product page. For a pack, a fleet or a response setup, request a quote.
Where can I buy a professional drone in Belgium?
At Drone Parts Center in Nivelles, authorised DJI Enterprise dealer. The showroom is open by appointment, Monday to Friday. Equipment in stock is delivered within 24 hours in Belgium.