DJI - Mini 2

DJI Mini3 Pro and Mini4 Pro will both do this, and both are 249g drones. So as you’re not distributing or selling your video, you should not need to get an FCC Part107 license. I don’t know if you’ll find and brand new Mini3 Pro models for sale as DJI may be discontinuing it. As I understand it, what gives you the full “follow me” capability is the fore and aft collision avoidance sensors. My Mini2 cannot do that at it only has downward-facing sensors. The Mini3 Pro and Mini4 Pro drones do all that. Your 90-minute flight-time won’t be possible with these drones— unless you’re ok with landing and swapping batteries twice.

If you want collision-avoidance sensors the Mini4 Pro or Mini3 Pro are best in the sub-250g realm. Otherwise the Mini4k is a great value. Before 2025 tariffs went into effect, they could be found at around $250. I paid $430 for my Mini2 4 years ago. Essentially the same drone. I love my Mini2 (not the SE). I have taken it to Europe and UK 3 times now.

As I understand it, the DJI Mini4K is exactly the same as the DJI Mini2 (not the SE version). And the classic Mini2 was discontinued a year ago or so. I own a classic DJI Mini2 (not SE) and I love it. I bought it brand new 3.5 years ago on sale for $430. Now today you can get the same drone (with the Mini4K) for $130 less than I paid for my classic Mini2. Super good price point 👍 I have flown my classic Mini2 up to about 1,500 feet altitude and up to about 2 miles away from me. Of course FAA only allows recreational flyers to fly up to 400 feet in altitude and never farther away than you can see with your eyes (aka “VLOS”). I just mentioned the extreme end of it so you would know exactly what the new Mini4K is capable of. Be careful to not confuse this model with the Mini4 Pro. That is a much more expensive drone with some awesome more-advanced features. I have seen the Mini4 Pro on-sale at Costco for about $750, maybe 3 months ago. If you’re on a tight budget, I think the Mini4K is a good buy, and I’m sure your Dad will enjoy it. Unless you pay extra for the standalone controller (I forget it’s actual product name), then your Dad will have to connect his Android or iPhone smartphone to the controller that comes with the Mini4K. You get used to it really quickly. The standard controller that came with my classic Mini2 is called “RCN-1”. I think the one that ships with the Mini4K is very similar. Lastly, I don’t think the Mini4K contains the “follow me” feature. If you need that feature then you need to buy the Mini4 Pro.

I intend to keep my Mini 2(non-SE) which I've had for 3yrs now even though I now have a Mavic 3 which is superior in every way by a long shot. The reason- My niche is urban/architectural photography, both with a handheld as well as drones. With most of the ideal places to fly in the city, discretion is key. I can put the Mini in the air and land it without drawing much attention, and it's the perfect size and weight for foot travel. The 12mp camera is sufficient for urban landscapes/skylines given proper composure and editing . The only real downfall would be the lack of collision avoidance , but I dont rely on that anyway. Another reason- Online prints aside, I've printed and framed 6 aerial skyline drone shots that are currently hanging in my home office, as well as another handful I sold to my wife's company's corporate office. All happen to be from the Mini 2, so...

No I don’t. I used to have mini 2, but the lack of obstacle sensors is a no-go. The reason I upgraded

Agreed. Another point to consider with your first drone is how much are you comfortable risking losing. I do aerial cinematography and I use the mini 2 the most (unless client wants log gamma.) I'm way less stressed getting crazy shots. I've crashed it at least 10 times, once down about 5 flights of metal stairs in a lighthouse. It's fine. Indoors, outdoors- super easy to fly and great images (oh, except in low light.) Not as exciting as fpv, but flying fpv is a whole different animal, and I wouldn't recommend anything but a sim to someone interested in fpv with no pilot experience.

The Mini 2 has 4K video. I know because I own two of them. They are easily unlocked at Drone Hacks. The Mini 4K is everything the Mini 2 MINUS the front LED, less battery time in the remote, and no ability to unlock. For drone released in 2024 it also has no Remote ID. Hard pass on the Mini 4K unless it was dirt cheap. Use mini 2 goes for anywhere from 200 to 250 used. You can get like new batteries on eBay for 23 bucks. If you can afford it I would get a used Mini 3 pro. They're going for pretty cheap used. I've seen them as low as $400 The larger sensor allows you to capture images in lower light conditions. But also has a vertical mode.

I got the mini 2 with bag 2 batteries controller for $225

This. I started with a cheap drone just to see if I would enjoy it and no crash. I was not Impressed. Went out and got a DJI mini 2. Couldn't have been happier to learn to fly on that thing, and it made me much more interested.

If you’re not wanting to do any FPV flying then the NEO isn’t the better option. If you want a drone that will give you good picture and video like the MINI 3 pro the closer to that is the DJI mini 4k. It has a 4k camera and just lacks the obstacle avoidance. It isn’t going to be as good as the Mini 4 pro but that’s a different budget range. I have the mini 2 we was my first and I loved it so much I bought the MP4 about 6 months later. I then wanted to have a tel zoom so went up to the upper side of my budget with the Air 3 S. I didn’t need it to honestly the MP4 does what I want. There’s advantages to the Air 3 s but a person could get but with just the MP4. I would snag the best DJI I could get. That’s on shelf somewhere or as mentioned adorns if bigger purchase. I think you’d be happy with the mini 4k. I was happy with mini 2 we which is only 2.7k max res but wanted some obstacle avoidance even though I rarely use it.

Mini 4k it's ad much a toy that's stable as for photography. The 300 cameras are good but usually like something with a better camera. I started fortune with the Mini 2 se. I found I like some of the pictures I got, which steered me into light cut and quick edits. I then bought a Mini 4 pro just for the extra Obstacle avoidance and increased camera. Learning how to fly even thoughbit sounds counter intuitive. Learning on the Mini 4k with stable readable connection with growing room built in if he's super young. I passed off my mini 4 to a 5 year old at my family get together and he got it instantly even some of the angles he understood for g lining up good shots in camera he got those basics and was part of why he wanted one. That's my advice if you buy anything else maybe a Specta or Potensic atom but I can't guarantee you'll get the same level of service with DJI. If your even considering DJI I'm future year I'd move now because once the Tariffs are in place that drone will be 500.

Get him a DJI drone depending on what your budget allows they have lots of options A dji mini 2 or 3 would be a great present in my opinion

It's essentially the same drone with 4k video, instead of 2.7k. I'm having trouble myself figuring out exactly what makes it different than a normal Mini 2 other than a re-branding and slightly less expensive Care Refresh insurance plan cost, but it's designed to be a beginner drone with some key features like return-to-home, quickshots, photo panoramas, etc. with no obstacle avoidance, so it's entirely up to the pilot to be aware of their surroundings. The Ascend drone is barely capable of doing just one of those things (with a much worse camera sensor), while either DJI will manage them just fine.

You've got the gist of it, both the older Mini 2 and this "new" Mini 4k are basically the same. And the SE is like a budget version of the Mini 2. "Avoidance detection" is on both the Mini 2 and SE (and on the Mini 4k as well) but only in the downward direction to avoid crashes when landing; neither of them can actively stop you from crashing in-flight. The Mini 2 has Occusync 2.0 for much better transmission range and reduced interference compared to the SE, which is enhanced wi-fi. The Mini 2 also has Level 5 wind resistance versus Level 3 for the SE, as well as being able to capture photos in RAW format, while the SE cannot. That's pretty much everything I could find out so far.

It's essentially the same drone with 4k video, instead of 2.7k. I'm having trouble myself figuring out exactly what makes it different than a normal Mini 2 other than a re-branding and slightly less expensive Care Refresh insurance plan cost, but it's designed to be a beginner drone with some key features like return-to-home, quickshots, photo panoramas, etc. with no obstacle avoidance, so it's entirely up to the pilot to be aware of their surroundings. The Ascend drone is barely capable of doing just one of those things (with a much worse camera sensor), while either DJI will manage them just fine.

You've got the gist of it, both the older Mini 2 and this "new" Mini 4k are basically the same. And the SE is like a budget version of the Mini 2. "Avoidance detection" is on both the Mini 2 and SE (and on the Mini 4k as well) but only in the downward direction to avoid crashes when landing; neither of them can actively stop you from crashing in-flight. The Mini 2 has Occusync 2.0 for much better transmission range and reduced interference compared to the SE, which is enhanced wi-fi. The Mini 2 also has Level 5 wind resistance versus Level 3 for the SE, as well as being able to capture photos in RAW format, while the SE cannot. That's pretty much everything I could find out so far.

Similar feedback. I got into rc planes. I started with a simple $75 trainer. You can spend quite a bit of money on a drone, find out it’s not your thing and it sits in a closet most of the time. Maybe fine a mini2 or mini2 se on eBay. Spend a lot more when you know how to use it and will continue to do so.

Similar feedback. I got into rc planes. I started with a simple $75 trainer. You can spend quite a bit of money on a drone, find out it’s not your thing and it sits in a closet most of the time. Maybe fine a mini2 or mini2 se on eBay. Spend a lot more when you know how to use it and will continue to do so.

"revised" = exactly the same drone packed with the RC-N1C (less battery) instead of the RC-N1. Nothing was changed or improved. Does it matter? The Mini 2 was still a great drone for 2024, since the rest of the market is years behind DJI. But "revised" is misleading at best.

Get him to DJI Mini 2 used from eBay or from Facebook marketplace, it's a good drone that he can grow into and it's reliable Don't waste your money on those cheap toys that are on those Chinese sites, waste of money

No! Don't get him the mini 2 SE, you may as well spend the extra few bucks and get the mini 2 with the 4K camera

No! Don't get him the mini 2 SE, you may as well spend the extra few bucks and get the mini 2 with the 4K camera

Get mini2 mini2se or 4k, never buy an aliexpress drone

Get mini2 mini2se or 4k, never buy an aliexpress drone

I use a mini2 for roof inspections everyday.

Those options will be good while connected to a different pair of googles? Same here for a kid under 9, biggest dream is to be able to fly.. would think the option with googles would be crazy! Ps: I have a mini 2 (not working), I bought for almost nothing with basic remote, charging station and 3 batteries.. option would be to go for a mini 4k/2 SE.. to reuse the stuff

I live in saskatchewan, the M4P will give you a cold warning after some time flying in our cold winters. Hardly is there a good day in the winter to go fly due to the wind, weather etc. It is a great drone, I love it, but I hardly ever get a chance to go fly around these days with work and poor weather. Hope that changes in the summer time. I have however flown a mini 2 in -43⁰C for about 20 minutes and it faired very well, no warnings, just icing on the props. I think the sensors and extra wires in the M4P don't take the cold very well. Before flying in the winter: keep your batteries in a warm spot, not too warm, maybe body temperature. This will allow the batteries to last longer. When your done flying, put the drone into the bag, the bag will slowly bring the drone back up to room temperature, and won't cause moisture to build up behind the lense due to heating up too quick

Hmmmm …. I have a Mini2 and NEO and thought this was going to be a day 1 purchase, but now I’m thinking I’ll skip and save for Mavic 4.

My 10yo flies a Mini2. Super stable in the wind, range is good. He's able to fly it by himself without any issues.

My son has a DJI mini 2, he uses his tablet instead of a phone.

Mini 2 4K footage (make sure you set YouTube to 4K): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63y6gtqf0Lo

I'm gonna say that's probably overkill. I haven't done any roof inspections professionally, but I've done casual ones of my own and my neighbor's roofs with a mini 2. I could likely do them a lot more confidently with my M4P with its obstacle avoidance, since by the nature of flying over a roof you're getting out of VLOS. That said, if you have other means of justifying the purchase go ahead.

A lot of these are definitely good answers and that is an important question if it was FPV or not. Goggles or no goggles lol. Just check with someone that is a little more well versed in the subject before you order because there are tons and tons of companies that will rip you off just go to a reputable dealer and buy a reputable brand. Sam's club and Costco have good deals on the DJI mini 2 right now if you're close to one of those stores you could go check it out

You can pay in payments of four on sezzle there's a couple places that sell drones on there. Potensic atom or a DJI mini 2 would be perfect for him id say. Just make sure you VERIFY SHIPPING TIME with the sender before checking out. I had one take like 3 weeks to get here one time from dronesset, bometoys accepts sezzle as well. Shoot me a PM!

My first drone was a DJI mini 2. It’s beautiful and compact. I highly suggest it for just starting out. If you’re looking to get into FPV, do a ton of research and practice in a simulator. It’s such a different experience and just jumping into it will cause you so much frustration you’ll consider just getting out of the hobby. My suggestion is get a mini 2. They’re considerably affordable for what you’re getting and as long as you fly in open space and avoid any obstacles, you’ll enjoy that thing forever. Learn about drone physics/laws before flying to avoid further issues. I will also say these are two VERY different communities. FPV pilots like myself are used to bashing out drones into stuff and making small repairs here and there. The other side of the drone community will tell you a single knick on a prop will result in an crash and ruin your drone (which isn’t wrong) but just take a lot of what you hear with a grain of salt. I would suggest stick to this community for now, and when you decide to get into FPV, come on over and get ready to experience a while different level of flying. Best of luck to you!

Mini 2 is awesome for newbies

Yes, great choice. Under 250 grams so it doesn’t require registration in US, or a license in EU which is great. Very easy to fly, makes beautiful pictures and has very good range. All with all a great first drone, have fun!

With obstacles avoidance? Mini 4 pro, if you can't afford it Mini 3 pro. Without obstacle avoidance(and half the price)? Mini 4K or used Mini 2 if you want to go cheaper.

Second hand DJI minis can be got from that kind of money. The main concern with drones and crashing is when you're low to the ground. IE: Below tree lines. So as long as your not planning on weaving in between trees and buildings drones are fairly straight forward to use.

One of the minis, even a second hand mini 2 is a perfect intro drone. They are easy to fly and are light enough to be on the right side of laws in most countries. The Air drones are bigger heavier drones that can require a license in some parts of the world.

I have a Mini 2 and just got the Hover Air X1. I love the X1 for what it does well. I make trail running and hiking content and it definitely fills a niche for me. Even if I got a better Mini with active tracking, the size and setup process makes it less than ideal for me. And I'd be wary about having a drone follow me on some of the routes, whereas the X1 has proven to me that it can take a hit. It's a great option for me and then I can use the Mini 2 for more traditional drone shots. That doesn't help you if you're looking for a single drone but those are my thoughts. I made a review of the X1 if interested: [https://youtu.be/oCh0fPDpfsk?si=GJ5pkPEGOymLmYs0](https://youtu.be/oCh0fPDpfsk?si=GJ5pkPEGOymLmYs0)

I’ve a mini 2 and my dad has a mini 4 pro. Up to like a force of 5bf they’re holding up amazingly well!

Air 2s ... mini 2 if learning to fly. They tend to bounce more .... worst you'll probably have to do is replace the blades

Mini 4k in my opinion. Any DJI drone is a great place to start, but I wouldn't invest too much money into one. If your intention is to get into FPV then you can spend the money on an Avata, even though it will pale in comparison to a purpose built FPV-quad. I realize this is the DJI sub and I will probably get downvoted into oblivion for saying this, but unless you are doing professional work, I wouldn't purchase any of their drones aside from the mini 4k. Most of the 'features' in these platforms are fluff to get people to open their wallets. The truth about all camera drones is that they are not exciting after the first few times you fly them, and basically become a tool, rather than a toy. I am still glad I have a Mini 2, but mostly for the utility it offers and not for recreational enjoyment.

You have options for drones that "don't suck" 1) Don't buy another "toy" drone 2) Consider the Mini series from DJI - Mini 2 is not overkill IMO, it'd be pleasant 3) Consider the DJI NEO with a controller Depends if he wants FPV or platform. A mini-2 or 3 for platform, you may be able to get out of cheap. Good drones, no obstacle avoidance but you get what you pay for from DJI. A NEO with a controller, and even one of their goggle options might run you up over $500 with their new lesser expensive goggles, but is solid and opens up some of their other ecosystem with the controllers and goggles for later on.

I flew a DJI Mini 2 to the volcano in 2021. National parks and big tourism spots have "no drones" signs, so I avoided flying there or where there were crowds of people. However, there are so many areas in the open country or coast with amazing views and no people that are definitely worth flying. I have hours of amazing footage in these sites, and am so thankful that I brought my drone. I'm returning this year with a Mini 4. If you launch in the back end of a parking lot without any people around and climb to a sufficient elevation, the noise fades away and isn't a bother as long as you dont go too low towards people. Both the Mini 2 and Mini 4 are at 249g, so you can legally bring them into the country and fly without additional permits. As for wind and drone safety. I didn't have any issues with control in the wind, as long as I didn't go too far off the coast. The wind speed and resistance indicator on the drone was enough to fly conservatively and return safely without losing location, signal, or control.

Buy DJI mini 2, cheap and good for practice. If weather conditions are rough, you don’t fly.

Any of the DJi Mini drones 2, 3, or 4 are what you're looking for. You could probably get a used DJI mini 2 on eBay for pretty cheap nowadays.

I’ve got the M2P and a Mini 2 and love them both. The Mini is great for being portable and easy to carry but the Pro is so steady even in higher winds. I once flew it 200 feet up to get video of ocean wave action on a local fishing pier during a tropical storm! Wind steady at 30-40 and gusting to 60!

The mini 4k is actually quite recent, with it being a revised version of the mini 2. You’d also get a mini two SE which is a slightly dumped down version of the mini two with the worst camera you’re definitely going to want a fly or combo with the extra batteries because it will allow you to have over an hour in the air which is plenty of time to get cool photos and videos. The only issue with DJI mini line up (save for the mini 3 pro and mini 4 pro) is they they don’t have obstacle avoidance, meaning that they are a lot easier to crash (I, alas, also crashed my mini 2) I would go with a mini 3, as it’s camera is miles better than the mini 2/2se/4k. It also produces a lower tone when flying, which makes it less like an annoying buzzing fly and attracts less attention. It’s motors are also, instead of pointing straight up, are angles a bit, which makes for a muck more manoeuvrable drone, especially when the drone is rotating around the t axis. Not saying that the mini 2/2se/4k is bad. They are still extremely capable drones. It’s just that the mini 3 is better for the extra price. If spending more isn’t an option then the mini 4k is a great drone. However, if I had to choose between a mini 2/2se/4k fly more combo and a mini 3 with only one battery I would chose the mini 3, as you can always get more batteries :) Hope this helps and merry Christmas!

Worried about losing interest quickly, I bought a used Mini 2 (fly more) a couple years back for $400. I like it, no problems. I learned slowly and carefully and now I feel I’m at the point where I could justify spending money on a 4 Pro. If I had crashed a brand new drone @ 3x the price in the first week, I would never forgive myself.

I started with a used Mini 2. If I crashed it, I’m not out a lot of money. Once I got comfortable, THEN I spent more money on a Mini 4. I intended on eventually selling the Mini 2, but now I like having both.

Look into a used DJI mini 2 or 3

I'm not sure on the mini 2 but you can hook goggles up to the mini 3 pro. Keep in mind that the fly through that are popular are mostly done with a cinewhoop fpv drone, which as stated before flies very different than a mavic type of drone, guess it depends on how serious you want to get into FPV, the cinewhoop route will take a bit of time, like at least months till you'd be good enough for a fly through, where a mavic you could be up to speed in a few days. I'd look at some videos of both and what type of flying that you want to do, or would fit your business plan... Also if you're in the USA you will need a part 107 from the FAA in order to make money with your drone no matter the style or size, that alone will take time and money to get.

mini 2 and mini 3 can't track

mini 2 has quickshots, not active track. I owned both and both do not have active track. mini 2 can have "active track" if you use a paid third party app and not the dji fly app but I wouldn't recommend that.

The mini series are all under 250 grams with the normal battery. (I have the mini 2, and Mini 4 pro). The upgraded battery will put you over 250g

IDK what kind of disposable income you got, but start with a cheaper drone first; something like a DJI mini/se/2. Because when you crash, and ya will at first, better to not crash the new hotness. That way you can get the feel of how a good drone handles, while still having a primo experience.

Costco. You get an extra battery, carry case and props/screws and tools. It's a touch over 300 I believe.

Is this for you son to learn to fly a drone or is this for photographic/videographic pursuits? I bought My Mini 2 SE A month or so ago and have been impressed by its durability. I’ve had wire strikes with only blade damage and only a gimbal failure after a full speed collision into the side of my car. Second full speed collision broke a rear arm… For a beginner I’d advise getting a rotor guard as an accessory and starting with the basics in a sheltered large (indoor if possible) space

As long as you don’t mind latency. Personally I can’t stand anything less than O3 level latency. My mini 2 SE is the “kids drone” due to this

The DJI mini is not worth 300 dollars. You can get a mini 2 SE for 240-280

The DJI mini is not worth 300 dollars. You can get a mini 2 SE for 240-280

You're 100% right. Unfortunately, those options should be thought of as a last resort. Though many think it's a guaranteed avoidance. Like the ground sensor, yeah, it senses the ground.. but you can still nose smash em into it, lol. I used the Mini 2 SE, and i learned pretty quickly. I have since moved on :).

I’ve had a DJI mini 2 se and then got a mini 3 and both are brilliant I live in the uk so as they are under 249g they are great and both have good video quality but I would choose the mini 3 over the 2 SE as the camera quality is slightly better xx

Go with DJI, you won't regret it. Refurbished Mini 2 SE is $199 from Drone Superstore on eBay. Comes with manufacturer's warranty.

Under 100 dollar drones are kinda bad if not to take dello. Im teen also and I got 1 year ago dji mini 2se Well I bough the combo or what was it and it was 425$ but without combo its 250$ i think. I think thats one of the best drone for beginners.

I started with a DJI mini 2 se just because I wanted something to take pics and vids with. It’s kinda hard to answer the what to look for part because you could just be into drones for taking pics and stuff or you could get into the fpv side of things.

The DJI Mini series drones are designed for cinematic purposes rather than FPV (first-person view) flying. FPV drones require goggles for piloting. If you're considering an entry-level option for cinematic drones, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a great choice to explore and is a lot cheaper than the Mini 3.

Agreed. I have two LYZRC L200 drones (one for each car) and a DJI Mini 2 SE. Took the L200 to St. Thomas, USVI last month as we carried on only and the bag is smaller than my DJI. Here's a little video I made: https://youtu.be/Yk0xu5C54yM?feature=shared And here's video quality comparison between L200 and Mini: https://youtu.be/G29I8SsIBIc?feature=shared

DJI is the best brand for most people. Their cheapest drone is the Mini 2 SE which I got around 2 weeks ago. Its an amazing drone, it's got everything you need in a drone and you can find it for around 300 euro. I would suggest avoiding flying behind trees and buildings since it can make you loose signal easily. Definetly before buying any drone look it up on YouTube to see all its specs and also the most important thing is checking the local law about drones.

Honestly, I don't mind the latency, but for a first drone I still think the Mini 2 SE is a great option since it is cheap and its a good starting ground for the more expensive DJI drones.

So the avata is good, but check out DJI's refurbished store, they have a mini 2 SE for $225 USD that's a pretty good deal! Best of luck!

Also one thing I could say I have experience with a drone. I had a DJI mini 2 se until I sold it but I would want to get into fpv flying as you can fly more freely and the goggles as well lol I don't know if it helps with it or anything

Skip all the junk on Ali. It'll crash it almost immediately. At this price point, basically your only option is DJI, such as a Mini 2 SE or Mini 4k. They are actually excellent drones that are very stable and capable.

Mini 2 (se). Amazing drone, beginner friendly. I loved mine, then I got addicted and returned it to buy an air 2s, then I returned that to get a mavic 3 classic. :|

I got an open box mini 2 SE for really cheap it may have been 250.. It wasn't my first one but once I got that one it changed my thoughts about spending money on drones. I believe 2 days later I purchased the Mini 4 pro brand new and a couple weeks later I think I got Mav 3.. And now I have a bunch of DJI drones new/used and whole bunch that were open boxed drones. They all have the care package on them and started the day I got them. Really a good deal. But I do think it was a mistake for me to keep purchasing drones that were 40 to 230 that were not DJI. Atom and Loheer and maybe Contixo would be okay first drones because you can fly pretty good with those. But nothing like any DJI drones and the photo/video is hands down 100X better with DJI

Mini 2 SE from DJI. It’ll work. It will be safe, it will be nice, if you are observant your kid won’t crash it, then you’ll have something to play with

The Neo drone is primarily designed for capturing videos rather than photographs, which may not align with your preferences. The Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro drones are excellent options that can undoubtedly meet your requirements. While they are more expensive, they are worthwhile investments if you intend to capture more intricate shots. If your budget permits, these drones are worth considering. The Mini 4K and Mini 2 SE drones are ideal for beginners and offer all the necessary features. I personally started with the Mini 2 SE and still use it frequently, even after upgrading to the Mini 4 Pro. Based on your description, either of these drones should suffice. The battery life, in good flying conditions, should last 15- 20+ minutes, but purchasing additional batteries is recommended for extended flight times. In my opinion, the Mini 4K or Mini 2 SE drones are the best options for you. They are stable, capture excellent images suitable for social media, and are enjoyable to fly. I hope this information is helpful.

[DJI Mini 2 SE](https://nexbuy.link/dji-mini-2se) is a really good drone for the money. I have had this drone 5 plus miles out and hit the return home button and it come back with power to spare. I've watched some videos on this one with others getting longer distances out of them. I've had this thing up at 1600 plus feet as well. On sport I've seen it travel at speeds of 28 plus. The camera on it does everything that I want. Nice zoom as well. Shoots great pictures and videos. A little advice, don't buy cheap batteries for this. Found out the hard way when they won't come back. Spend the 15 bucks for insurance, you will thank me and yourself.

DJI anything is more or less the answer. They have their quirks, but everything else comes with less support and more caveats. If you’re just starting out, a Mini is perfect.

Dude, get a mini . Those cheap drones are dog shit. With DJI you know everything is going to work properly.

You are smart to stay away from all of the drones that have sponsored reviews. Buying a drone is fairly easy: 1. Disregard anyone who tells you to buy a cheap drone first "to learn on". That's a complete waste of money. 2. In the U.S., buy DJI or Autel. I have specimens of both and find that Autel is just a little behind the curve, but not by much. DJI typically has much, much better after sales support than Autel. 3. Spend as much as you are comfortable spending. Don't hold back. 4. You can get a brand-new DJI Mini 4K for about $300... but that won't have extra batteries or a remote control with a screen (you'll have to use a smart phone or a tablet as your screen). Even though the battery claim may be 40 minute flight per battery charge, you're really only going to get 20 to 30 minutes. Get at least 3 batteries with your purchase. Adding an RC with a screen to the this package will get you close to $1K, new. 5. DJI MIni (or Autel Nano, or any drone under 250 grams) will allow you to travel to more international destinations and fly legally. That small weight also helps limit fatigue or space for carrying. 6. If you do not plan to travel outside the US, no need to limit your drone to the less than 250 gram category. VERY generally speaking, the heavier, the less affected by winds. That is, a Mavic 3 Pro at nearly 900 grams will handle higher winds and will handle better in winds than a 249 gram mini. 7. Right now the best drone over 250 grams is probably the DJI Air3s. Others will have differing opinions with this and all of the above. 8. These are not exhaustive guidelines but will provide you a start. We haven't even begun to talk about the need for Remote ID capability, for example. 9. So many options, so little time. Enjoy!

Until you've flown a DJI...you haven't flown. Get a Mini. Any generation. That's where you start.

They are very easy to fly and so the prop guards shouldn't be an issue. I'd go for at least the mini - if you can stretch to it the Mavic 3 (a used original Mavic 3 isn't massively more than a Mini 4 new). Though also, it sounds like just getting APS-C or even full frame camera and doing it by hand/cheap wire kit might produce even better results.

I ordered the eonvy air plus £159 and it took 2 weeks to arrive from China, It seems to fly ok but I cannot download an App for it so I can connect it to my android phone to view the cameras etc I cannot connect to the drones wifi and cannot find an app for the drone The site is a con been saying only 4 left for over 2 weeks the one touch return does not work or the obstacle avoidance Should have bought a DJi Mini

Start with a DJI Mini, you won’t regret it

I've used both the DJI Mini and Potensic Atom and in terms of flying the thing, it's no different. I have the fly more pack and so far it's been a great experience, but I'd really love to be able to fine tune the controls with an S curve like in DJI. From what I can gather they appear to be collecting user feedback on social media to help fine tune firmware (my opinion) as I think the firmware isn't yet perfect in terms of features etc; but I believe the more people talk about things the more likely they will be added (hopefully). I really like the subject tacking, I'm not sure if they could make it track via GPS as when it loses sight it stops tracking, I'm not sure if DJI is the same though, over all a nice drone and a decent price.

Pay attention to weight class restrictions, especially with the mini. Usually standard batteries are fine but when you use the plus batteries it may put you over to a new weight class and require registration, classes and certification. Check your laws, especially if you're making money with the drones.

The autel will fly similar to a DJI, obviously different UI and features but the overall "hover in place unless the joysticks are moved" will be the same. This is the standard for a lot of enterprise and film drones. You'll also hear the term "fpv" which is going to handle differently, YouTube can help with the difference there more. A DJI Mini can be purchased for around 250 I believe. There is also the DJI drama going on right now... Just a tip for when you're flying, especially if you'll be around structures with the autel, practice checking your moves before you do them. Visually check where you'll be flying the drone and also rotate the drone and check your camera to verify. This will help to not only reduce the chances of hitting anything but hopefully reduce stress too. Have a coworker act as a visual observer for you as well. Most of all have fun learning and check your airspace

For a better understanding, think of DJI as a Bugatti and the brand you posted as a Lada. This is your answer. Better get the DJI mini / mini 4k if you want a good beginner drone.

Honestly, to the eyes of the public, the Mavic isn't much more impressive than the mini. If you want to look serious, you need an Inspire or an M300. But that's 500% overkill for OP's use cases.

That camera will be really low quality, barely usable, and the range will be very short. And despite all the advertising, it will still be difficult to fly, so he’ll probably end up crashing it pretty quickly. I would recommend getting a really cheap indoor drown he can play around with without a camera you do t have to worry if he crashes, or a more expensive drone like a DJI Neo, which is actually kind of useful but you can’t control, or a DJI Mini which I would suggest supervising while he flies.

Your budget would not allow for a camera system with non digital zoom capabilities That said a DJI mini would provide everything else you are looking for. However with a quick google, Canada does require special licensure for flying a drone out side of visual line of sight. Mini's will give you a real time visual of what the drone sees either on the controller directly or on a phone connected to the controller, depending on controller model you get with the drone.

DJI mini meets all those points

DJI mini "whatever is in the budget".

I’d pick the Avata 2 for close inspection (within inches), and with head tracking it’s easy to look up under the soffits or down a chimney. I was actually doing this yesterday with the Neo, could get right up to there with on the 3rd floor and look in, bumping not a problem because propeller guards. I looked at a previous valet patch repair closely, saw a couple shingles that are possibly starting to slide. Went up the roof, probably with a clearance of 3”, and after going over the peak went to the chimney and looked down. Bumped another part of the roof and it crashed in the box gutter, but luckily I could take off again. With DJI Care, replacement for the Neo is only $29, so I don’t have to worry much. (Avata would only cost $49, but I’ve already used 2/4, and would prefer to not be without it for a week.) If you don’t want to get close and are okay with being feet away, then a mini is probably okay. Propeller guards might be good for cases where there are nearby trees or cables. Here’s an example of getting close, with head tracking, and being able to look up or down, or turn your head while you fly past - https://youtu.be/D2ygkUlsemQ?si=kswV-c1XyN1lYi-h

Agree with posts , DJI is market leader at this time based on consumer models. After budget then the choice is camera or FPV model. If your budget is huge and camera focused then it’s the full sized mavic or Inspire models, however its more likely you want a 249g or less weight class to maximize convenience so a mini. I would recommend the refurbished DJI units regardless of budget then you can spend the savings on extra batteries and/or DJIcare (insurance replacement).