DJI Matrice 400 vs Freefly Alta X: Enterprise Capture vs Cinema Heavy-Lift
An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.
| Feature | DJI Matrice 400 | Freefly Alta X |
|---|---|---|
| Max Takeoff Weight | 15.8 kg | - |
| Max Payload | 6 kg at the third gimbal connector (screw-lock); 1,400 g single gimbal | 15.9 kg |
| Flight Time | 59 min (measured with H30T payload) | 50 min |
| Transmission | O4 Enterprise Enhanced, 40 km FCC (one-way, unobstructed) | - |
| Obstacle Sensing | LiDAR + mmWave + omni vision | - |
| IP Rating | IP55 | None published |
Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote
DJI Matrice 400
Flagship Heavy-Lift Platform
DJI's flagship enterprise platform (official name "DJI Matrice 400" — no RTK suffix): 6 kg payload capacity, LiDAR + mmWave obstacle sensing, and the only aircraft that carries the Zenmuse L3.
Pros
- 6 kg at the third gimbal connector, at sea level
- Carries Zenmuse L3
- Rotating LiDAR + mmWave radar sensing
- RTK heading better than 2°
- 59-min flight time measured with an H30T fitted
Cons
- Heavier logistics (9.7 kg takeoff weight)
- Newer platform, smaller installed base
- No H20-series or L1 support
Best For
Freefly Alta X
Cinema Heavy-Lift
The Alta X is a cinema-grade heavy-lift drone built to carry professional film cameras and large industrial payloads far beyond a standard enterprise gimbal mount.
Pros
- 15.9 kg payload — more than double the M400
- Mounts virtually any camera
- Cinema-grade pedigree
- Top-mount option
- Flexible configurations
Cons
- No weather sealing published
- Complex operation
- RTK and sensors are integrations, not built-in
- Specialist tool
Best For
Our Expert Verdict
Both lift heavy — for different reasons. The Matrice 400 is an integrated enterprise system: RTK, obstacle sensing, and DJI's survey payload ecosystem including the Zenmuse L3. The Alta X is an open airframe that carries 15.9 kg of whatever you bolt to it, at the cost of integration work. For reality-capture deliverables the M400 is the purpose-built choice; for cinema packages the Alta X exists.
Choose DJI Matrice 400 if...
Choose the Matrice 400 for LiDAR, photogrammetry and inspection missions inside one integrated ecosystem.
Choose Freefly Alta X if...
Choose the Alta X when the payload is a cinema camera or a custom sensor package beyond any DJI gimbal mount.
Download the Spec Sheets
Original manufacturer documents, free with no email required — verified against each manufacturer's live copy.
DJI Matrice 400
Source: enterprise.dji.com ↗
Freefly Alta X
Source: Freefly Systems ↗
Browse the full library: Equipment Spec Sheets & Downloads →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Alta X do surveying?
It can carry survey sensors as custom integrations with RTK add-ons, but nothing is built in — positioning, obstacle sensing and payload control all arrive as integration work. The Matrice 400 ships those integrated, which is why capture programs standardise on it.
Where do these specifications come from?
DJI Matrice 400 figures come from DJI's official specification page, captured and verified August 2026. Freefly Alta X figures are Freefly's published specifications for the Alta X airframe.
Professional Equipment In This Comparison
The professional equipment in this comparison, compared spec by spec. Specifications shown are the manufacturers' published figures. Models THE FUTURE 3D operates are identified on their own pages.
Similar Equipment You Might Compare
Professional Services Using This Equipment
The Future 3D delivers these professional services with its own equipment fleet — each service page names the instruments we deploy.
Drone Photogrammetry
Aerial 3D mapping, orthomosaic creation, and terrain modeling
LiDAR Drone Surveying & Mapping
Survey-grade topographic mapping with RTK accuracy
Drone Inspections
Safe, efficient roof, facade, and infrastructure inspections
Industries That Benefit From This Technology
DJI Matrice 400 and Freefly Alta X technology drives innovation across these key industries.
Real Estate
Immersive property tours and marketing assets
Construction
As-built documentation, progress monitoring, and scan data for BIM
Hospitality
Hotel virtual tours and event space showcases
Warehouses & Logistics
Warehouse documentation and facility planning
Sports & Entertainment
Stadium documentation and venue tours
Utilities
Infrastructure mapping and corridor surveys
Available Nationwide
The Future 3D provides professional 3D scanning services across the United States.
Florida (Headquarters)
Northeast
West Coast
South & Midwest
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