The DJI Matrice 5T is a substantial upgrade over the Matrice 4T, combining high-resolution thermal inspection and centimeter-level thermal mapping into a single platform. With native 1280x1024 thermal resolution (up from 640x512), a 252 mm telephoto camera, a 3,000 m laser rangefinder, an IP55 weather rating, and tri-sensor obstacle avoidance (LiDAR, mmWave radar, and vision), the M5T is the clear choice for utility inspections, search-and-rescue, and all-weather or night operations. The Matrice 4T remains a capable, lighter (1,219 g), and more budget-friendly option for teams conducting standard daytime thermal inspections that do not require weatherproofing or native thermal mapping.
Beyond its core sensor upgrades, the Matrice 5T consolidates workflows that previously required two separate aircraft in the Matrice 4 series combining the visual surveying and 3D modeling capabilities of the Matrice 4E with advanced thermal analysis. Operators can generate real-time local point clouds, 2.5D models, and GCP-free centimeter-level maps directly in the field. Endurance and connectivity also see major gains, with maximum flight time extending from 49 to 59 minutes and O4 Enterprise Enhanced transmission pushing maximum range from 25 km to 40 km via sub-2G frequencies and dual cellular dongles. Paired with the 2,000-nit RC Plus 3 controller, autonomous LiDAR power-line tracking, moving-vessel takeoff and landing, and onboard AI capable of identifying over 20 target types, the Matrice 5T serves as an all-in-one workhorse for organizations looking to replace multiple specialized drones with a single airframe.
DJI Matrice 5T
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DJI Matrice 4T
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| Matrice 5T | DJI Matrice 4T | |
| | | |
| Price | $11,020.00 CAD / $7,799.00 USD | $10,200.00 CAD / $7,399.00 USD |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 408×507×191 mm (L×W×H) | 307.0×387.5×149.5 mm (L×W×H) |
| Weight | 2239 g | 1219 g |
| Wide-Angle Camera | 1/0.98-inch CMOS | 50MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 48 MP |
| Medium Tele Camera | 1/1.28-inch CMOS | 50MP | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 48 MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 1/1.5-inch CMOS | 50MP | 1/1.5-inch CMOS | 48 MP |
| Thermal Sensor | 2560×2048 (UHR) | 640 × 512 Res. | 28x Zoom |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K/30fps | 4K/30fps |
| Video Transmission | DJI O4 Enterprise Enhanced | 40 km | DJI O4 Enterprise | 25km |
| Max Flight Time | 59 Minutes | 49 Minutes |
| Max Wind Resistance | 43.2 km/h | 43.2 km/h |
| Laser Rangefinder | 3000 m | 1800 m |
| Operating Conditions | IP55 Rated -20° to 50° C | -10℃ to 40℃ |
| Max Flight Speed | 82.8 km/h (S Mode) | 75.6 km/h (S Mode) |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Horizontal rotating LiDAR, Omnidirectional Vision Sensors Three-Directional mmWave Radar (forward, upward, and downward) | Omnidirectional vision sensors with 3D Infrared sensor at the bottom |
DJI continues to outdo itself with its new releases, and the latest Matrice 5T drone is no exception. The combination of thermal and visual imaging has always required some form of compromise, as most thermal imaging drones lack the visual capabilities of their peers. With the new M5T, the need for compromise is gone. It’s the first drone to feature built-in thermal mapping, making it uniquely qualified for a variety of surveying, inspection, and safety missions.
When it comes to performance, the Matrice 5T is a big step up in nearly every respect. The obstacle-sensing system improves with the addition of LiDAR and mmWave radar, while thermal imaging quality quadruples. Night vision gets a boost, the maximum flight time stretches to a staggering 59 minutes, and a series of AI-powered features make it more capable than ever.
To help you understand just how the Matrice 5T compares to its predecessor, we’ve laid out all the major upgrades and how they compare to the Matrice 4T.
The Matrice 5T's visual and thermal quality is a significant improvement over the 4T. Each visual camera, the thermal camera, and the laser range finder each blow their predecessors out of the water. The wide-angle camera features a 1/0.98” CMOS sensor with 50 MP effective pixels, an f/1.8 aperture, and a 23.5 mm format equivalent lens. The combination of the larger sensor and aperture maximizes light gathering in low-light environments, delivering even better Night Vision than the Matrice 4T.
The medium telephoto camera also raises the bar, featuring a 1/1.28” CMOS sensor with 50 MP effective pixels, an f/2.88 aperture, and a 70 mm format equivalent lens. Its 50 MP sensor and 3x optical zoom let it capture mid-range details with incredible clarity. If you’re inspecting infrastructure like a bridge or power line, for example, the camera can accurately identify tiny cracks and pins from 10 meters away while still keeping instrument panels legible.
The telephoto camera features the same 1/1.5” CMOS sensor and f/2.8 aperture of the Matrice 4T, but it delivers 50 MP effective pixels and boosts the equivalent focal length to an astounding 252 mm. This increased focal length allows it to achieve an 11x optical and 176x hybrid zoom, making license plates visible from distances of up to 400 meters. With an RYYB sensor array delivering super high light sensitivity per unit area, the telephoto camera performs brilliantly in low-light conditions. You can even adjust the IR cut filter to lower the operational lux threshold, further raising visibility in extreme darkness.
The thermal camera system is where the DJI M5T really shines, however. For the past decade, drone thermal imaging has been stuck on a 640x512 resolution for small drones. The M5T has a native 1K resolution of 1280x1024, quadrupling the native pixel count of the M4T. The UHR Infrared Image mode takes it even higher by giving operators a real-time view of 2560x2048 footage at 30fps. This incredible clarity ensures thermal signatures show through sharply and clearly against busy and cluttered backgrounds.
Last but not least, the Matrice 5T’s laser range finder boosts the measurement range from 1800 meters to 3000 meters, which is a significant improvement. This makes the drone a useful tool for pinpointing, line drawing, and area calculation when fighting wildfires or performing inspections.
The Matrice 4T comes with three visual cameras, one thermal camera, and a laser range finder. The wide-angle camera features a 1/1.3” CMOS sensor with 48MP effective pixels, an f/1.7 aperture, and a 24 mm format equivalent lens. The medium telephoto camera has a similar sensor and pixel size, but with an f/2.8 aperture and a 70 mm format equivalent lens. The telephoto camera includes a 1/1.5” CMOS sensor, 48MP effective pixels, an f/2.8 aperture, and a 168 mm format equivalent lens.
The infrared thermal camera boasts a resolution of 640x512, which has long been the standard for small thermal drones. It also includes an f/1.0 aperture and an equivalent focal length of 53 mm. In High-Res mode, you can increase the resolution to 1280x1024 for even more detailed thermal analysis.
Lastly, the laser range finder measures objects at 1 Hz at a distance of up to 1800 meters, with an oblique-incidence range of 600 meters at 1 Hz and a blind zone of 1 meter.
The M4T is equipped with an omnidirectional vision assist system, which combines with a 3D downward infrared sensor to visually detect obstacles in all directions. It features a reliable return-to-home process, bringing the drone back to its starting point even when buildings or signal interference block GNSS signals.
The M5T incorporates LiDAR, mmWave Radar, and an omnidirectional vision system for even more comprehensive obstacle detection. It’s the first DJI compact enterprise drone to integrate all three technologies, allowing you to safely pilot the drone day and night. The fisheye sensors can maintain stable visual positioning even in lighting conditions as low as 0.5 lux, while vision assist provides full-color imagery.
In full darkness, the LiDAR will spot thin obstacles and hazards such as power lines from a distance of up to 32 meters. The mmWave radar cuts through distractions like rain, dust, or fog to maintain spatial awareness no matter what environmental conditions you’re flying in. The integrated ADS-B and RID receivers provide active airspace awareness, minimizing the risk of collision with other aircraft.
Lastly, the IP55 rating keeps the Matrice 5T operational through dust and rain and in temperatures ranging from -20° to 50° C (-4° to 122° F).
The M4T weighs 1219g and features a max flight time of 49 minutes. It relies on the DJI O4 Enterprise Transmission System to provide a live view at a distance of up to 25 km. When paired with the DJI RC Plus 2, you can achieve a live view of 1080p/30fps.
The Matrice 5T weighs 2239g, but even with its heavier weight, it still reaches a max flight time of 59 minutes. The extra minutes can make all the difference in time-sensitive missions like search-and-rescue or wildfire operations.
The real upgrade is the O4 Enterprise Enhanced Transmission System, which delivers up to 40 km of transmission range. The upgraded system is powered by the sub2G frequency band and a remote that includes a high-gain smart antenna array. With adaptive multi-band switching filtering out interference in urban environments, and the two built-in DJI Cellular Dongle 2 modules switching between networks, the signal remains stable no matter what objects stand in the way.
The Matrice 4 series splits surveying/mapping and thermal imaging into two separate drones: the Matrice 4E and the 4T. The Matrice 5T is the first DJI drone to have thermal mapping as a built-in feature. When integrated with DJI Terra, operators can survey with centimeter-level accuracy, even without Ground Control Points. DJI Terra will stitch thermal images using visible-light reference data, accurately generating 2D thermal maps. These maps can be used to directly read temperatures and mark any anomalies, which is incredibly useful during all kinds of inspections.
With real-time image transmission during flight, operators can instantly generate local point clouds or 2.5D models upon which they can directly annotate and measure. Intelligent 3D reconstruction allows operators to create rough 3D models for precise flight route planning.
They can use the models to preview virtual paths and waypoint photos, confirming both safety and data coverage ahead of time. The RTK capabilities of the M5T vs M4T are the same. Both models support network-based RTK and DJI’s D-RTK 3 solution.
While many of the most advanced AI features are on the M4E, the M4T does have a few nifty AI features that offer greater control and flexibility during missions. The integrated AI model can identify and track vehicles, vessels, and people, while also supporting the capture of high-resolution grid images. The drone includes cruise control mode as well as an emergency FlyTo mode to automatically adjust the flight path and speed based on surrounding conditions. There is also an Electronic Dehazing feature that enhances image clarity in conditions like smog or high humidity.
The Matrice 5T takes full advantage of the capabilities of AI. The built-in AI models can identify over 20 distinct target types, allowing you to adapt to the different needs of various missions. The M5T can process thermal and visible feeds together on a split-screen display, quickly detecting and locking onto objects like vehicles, vessels, or even fires.
When linking DJI Pilot 2 with DJI FlightHub 2, users gain access to advanced cloud computing that allows them to perform targeted searches via text or image prompts. An integrated multimodal LLM can then identify objects and trigger automatic alerts, expanding situational awareness in a wide range of applications.
With AI-driven patrol routing, operators can define a target zone on the map and instantly plot the most efficient route. The drone will detect subjects as it flies, automatically capturing media, broadcasting audio, or other actions. The collected data is then organized into a detailed report upon landing, automating the monitoring process. Foreground stabilization allows the camera to instantly isolate targets from the background when using the telephoto camera.
This keeps the subject in focus while reducing interference in the background. Thanks to the top-mounted LiDAR, there’s also a power line inspection mode that enables the M5T to lock onto wires and fly laterally along power lines. As the drone flies, the camera can identify broken strands, suspended objects, and other grid anomalies.
Autonomous Boat Launching is another cool feature, designed specifically for maritime applications. The Matrice 5T can perform stable takeoffs from a moving vessel, and when it’s ready to land, its vision system can recognize the deck pattern to automatically perform a precise touchdown.
The Matrice 5T unlocks a new level of performance with its open onboard computing architecture. By allowing custom plugins via DJI Pilot 2, this feature supports third-party models, allowing users to employ their own custom algorithms using their preferred software. Mobile SDK V5 architecture gives developers the ability to engineer their own applications, while the E-Port V3 allows for PSDK integration, verifying third-party payloads and keeping data secure.
DJI RC Plus 3 Enterprise
The Matrice 5T is compatible with a significantly more advanced remote controller, the RC Plus 3. This controller is designed with a 7.44” screen with up to 2000 nits of brightness, maintaining visibility even in direct sunlight. The built-in high-gain smart antenna array and DJI Cellular Dongle 2 keep it transmitting clearly without external modules, and the battery offers up to 6 hours of runtime.
DJI AS2 Speaker
The AS2 Speaker can be mounted under the aircraft to broadcast sound over distances of up to 400 meters, 100 meters farther than the AS1. It reaches 120 decibels at 1 meter, and also features the text-to-speech and real-time broadcasting of the AS1. The new speaker adds features like looping and an integrated warning light to better aid command and dispatch operations.
DJI AL2 Spotlight
The AL2 Spotlight illuminates at a brightness level of up to 10 lux at distances of 100 meters. Like the AL1, it follows the tilt of the camera, effectively illuminating target areas from -90° to 90°.
DJI Matrice 5 Series Charging Hub
The new charging hub features a max 515W output and a built-in cooling fan to charge batteries from 10-95% in only 31 minutes.
DJI RC Plus 2
The RC Plus 2 is the highest-performing remote controller of the M4T, with a bright, readable display, IP54 protection, and O4 Enterprise video transmission.
DJI AL1 Spotlight
This spotlight can illuminate spaces of up to 100 meters. There are two modes; Always-On and Strobe. The spotlight will integrate with the gimbal to move as the camera moves. The spotlight can work together with or separately from the DJI AS1 Speaker, depending on the needs of the mission
DJI AS1 Speaker
This speaker broadcasts up to 300 meters, with a volume of up to 114 decibels at 1 meter. Users can use it to broadcast recorded messages, media imports, and even text-to-speech conversion. It also features echo suppression to maintain clarity.
DJI D-RTK 3 Base Station
The DJI D-RTK 3 Multifunctional Station boosts the precision of the drone’s positioning while extending its operational range. It features advanced satellite tracking and support for multiple modes.
The Matrice 5T is a worthy successor to the M4T. However, not all users may require all the fancy upgrades. Teams that don’t operate at night or in challenging environments may not care about the improved vision capabilities, especially if they already own the Matrice 4T and find it meets their needs just fine.
However, those who are deciding between the two may find there’s a lot to love about the M5T. The upgraded thermal imaging system makes it well worth the higher price, while the IP55 protection rating makes it a worthy replacement for teams that previously relied on the M4T and RC Plus 2. The ability to perform surveying and mapping along with thermal mapping is unparalleled and can make a real difference in applications like solar and grid inspections.
There’s also the ability to employ multiple relay modes. Users can choose between Single-Relay, Dual-Controller; Single-Relay, Single-Controller; Single-Relay, Dual-Controller, Three-Aircraft; and Dual-Relay, Dual-Controller. This gives the operator the ability to extend the signal of the active aircraft, transmit data from two aircraft at once, and even pilot two drones at the same time. For missions like search and rescue, the wider range can make a time-critical difference.
When you take into consideration the many accessories, the Matrice 5T becomes that much more appealing. The new AS2 speaker and spotlight are not compatible with the M4T, and neither is the upgraded RC Plus 3. These accessories greatly increase the aircraft’s capabilities and may be a worthy reason to choose the M5T over the M4T.
The DJI Matrice 5T is more than just a quick refresh of the Matrice 4T. Its native 1K thermal imaging, LiDAR and radar-based sensing, and expanded AI capabilities make it one of DJI’s most capable compact thermal drones. If you’re wavering between the M5T vs M4T, don’t let the higher price deter you. Each new feature of the Matrice 5T more than earns its keep.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.