DJI Matrice 400 vs DJI Matrice 350 RTK: Which Enterprise Drone is Right for You?
- sales426017
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
DJI continues to raise the bar in enterprise drone technology, and its latest release, the DJI Matrice 400, is no exception. With increased payload capacity, advanced obstacle sensing, and a significantly extended transmission range, the M400 positions itself as a next-generation flagship for demanding operations.
But how does it compare to its predecessor, the DJI Matrice 350 RTK, which has become the workhorse of many professional drone fleets worldwide? At GeoAerospace, we’ve operated both platforms across diverse missions, from powerline inspections to emergency response and this side-by-side comparison will help you decide whether the upgrade is worth it.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | DJI Matrice 400 | DJI Matrice 350 RTK |
Price | From €9,807 | From €9,799 |
Max Payload | 6 kg (up to 7 payloads) | 2.7 kg (up to 3 payloads) |
Dimensions(LxWxH) | Unfolded, with landing gear:980×760×480 mm (L×W×H) Folded, with landing gear and gimbal:490x490x480 mm (L×W×H) | Unfolded, without propellers:810x670x430 mm (L×W×H) Folded, with propellers:430x420x430 mm (L×W×H) |
Weight | 9.74 kg | 6.47 kg |
Max PayloadWeight | 6 kg | 2.7 kg |
Max TakeoffWeight | 15.8 kg | 9.2 kg |
Flight Time | Up to 59 min | Up to 55 min |
Video Transmission | O4+ Enterprise (20 km) | O3 Enterprise (8 km) |
Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR + mmWave radar + fisheye vision (detects power lines) | 6-direction vision + infrared sensors |
Ingress Protection | IP55 | IP55 |
Special Features | Vessel-based takeoff/landing, AI-assisted mapping, AR overlays | Hot-swappable batteries, proven third-party payload integration |
Obstacle Avoidance: The Game-Changer
The Matrice 400 introduces a breakthrough in obstacle detection: a rotating LiDAR, mmWave radar, and full-colour fisheye sensors working together to detect even fine power lines in poor visibility conditions. This enables operations in fog, rain, or near reflective surfaces like glass buildings, where older systems often struggle.
By comparison, the Matrice 350 RTK features solid six-directional sensing and infrared support, plus optional CSM radar, but it falls short of the M400’s precision and power-line-level detection. For missions where safety is critical, urban flights, powerline surveys, offshore inspections, the M400 offers unmatched reliability.
Flight Time & Range
Matrice 400: Up to 59 minutes (single payload), 44 minutes with 3 kg, and 31 minutes at max load. Its O4 Enterprise Enhanced system doubles transmission distance to 20km (CE), with cellular dongle failover and drone-to-drone relay capability.
Matrice 350 RTK: Up to 55 minutes (light load), 32 minutes at max payload. Its O3 system supports stable 8km (CE) transmission but lacks relay and cellular backup options.
For operators covering wide geographies, emergency response, search and rescue, or large-scale mapping, the extra range and endurance of the M400 represent significant operational value.
Payloads and Mission Versatility
Matrice 400 compatible payloads include:
Zenmuse H30 Series (multi-sensor: zoom, thermal, wide, rangefinder, NIR)
Zenmuse L2 (LiDAR with integrated RGB mapping camera)
Zenmuse P1 (full-frame photogrammetry)
Zenmuse S1 spotlight and V1 loudspeaker (public safety applications)
Manifold 3 onboard computing (AI processing)
Third-party payloads via E-Port V2
Matrice 350 RTK payload options include:
Zenmuse L2 and P1
Zenmuse H20/H20N (thermal + starlight sensors)
SDK payloads such as gas detectors, loudspeakers, or multispectral cameras
The M400 wins on versatility, it supports more payloads simultaneously, making it possible to capture multiple data layers in a single flight.
Operational Practicalities
Why the Matrice 400 Outperforms the 350
1. Payload Powerhouse
M400: Up to 6 kg, supporting 7 payloads simultaneously.
M350: 2.7 kg, max 3 payloads.
This huge increase in capacity unlocks more advanced payload combos—thermal, LiDAR, zoom, spotlight, all in one flight. From detailed mapping to public safety, the M400 lets you do more, faster.
2. Smarter, Safer Obstacle Detection
M400: Combines rotating LiDAR, mmWave radar, and fisheye vision to detect tiny obstacles like powerlines, even in rain, fog, or low light.
M350: Standard 6-directional vision and infrared sensors.
For missions near infrastructure or in poor visibility, the M400’s “power-line-level” detection is a safety breakthrough.
3. Longer Flight Times
M400: Up to 59 minutes (with a single payload).
M350: Up to 55 minutes.
Even under heavy payload, the M400 stays airborne longer—meaning fewer swaps, more coverage, and higher efficiency.
4. Twice the Transmission Range
M400: O4 Enterprise Enhanced system - 20km range, cellular backup, and drone-to-drone relay capability.
M350: O3 Enterprise, max 8km range.
Whether you’re inspecting powerlines across vast landscapes or coordinating emergency response, the M400 ensures stronger, more reliable connectivity.
5. Mission Versatility
The M400 supports the latest payloads—Zenmuse H30, L2, P1, spotlight, loudspeaker, and Manifold 3 onboard AI processing—plus third-party integration.
The M350 is compatible with proven older payloads, but the M400 opens the door to next-generation workflows: AI-enhanced inspections, multi-payload data capture, and advanced safety features.
What This Means for Your Operations
The DJI Matrice 350 RTK remains a capable drone but the DJI Matrice 400 is built for the future. Its superior safety, flight time, range, and payload versatility make it the go-to choice for:
Utilities – powerline inspections with unrivalled detection safety
Emergency response – longer endurance and night-ready payloads
Security – multi-sensor missions in complex environments
Mapping & Surveying – LiDAR, photogrammetry, and real-time 3D capture
At GeoAerospace, our field teams are already leveraging the M400’s capabilities. The difference is clear: where the M350 met expectations, the M400 exceeds them.
GeoAerospace Verdict
The DJI Matrice 400 is clearly designed for operators pushing the limits of drone capability. Its obstacle detection, extended range, and payload versatility make it the go-to choice for powerline inspections, offshore wind, security monitoring, and emergency response.
That said, the Matrice 350 RTK remains a trusted workhorse, particularly valuable for organisations with existing fleets or where its proven payloads (like the H20N) already meet mission requirements. For many, the decision will come down to whether you’re expanding operations into more demanding environments or simply maintaining a reliable fleet.
In short:
Already own the M350? Keep it, it’s still a solid performer.
Looking to expand into tougher, more complex missions? The M400 is the clear upgrade.
Learn More with GeoAerospace
As Ireland’s trusted DJI enterprise partner, GeoAerospace has hands-on experience operating both the Matrice 350 and Matrice 400 across real-world missions. We support customers with:
Live demo flights
Expert consultation on payloads and workflows
Full DJI product sales and aftercare support
To book a live demo, contact us at GeoAerospace or sales@geoaerospace.com