DJI - Mini 3 Pro

I’ve got the mini 3 pro. Happy with it. One other difference between the mini 3 pro and mini 4 pro is the 4 returns full HD 1080 back to the RC unit while the mini 3 pro returns low res images back to the RC unit.

I bought the mini 3 pro, no regrets. Been flying it for 3 years now and it’s still just fantastic in 4K 60 fps. I think the Pro version gives you the right amount of features for safety and awareness in flight.

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.

mini 3 pro refurbs are very good deals

just bought a mini 3 pro for $560 (USD) in marketplace FB

''nausea and vertigo from VR headsets.'' me to i get heavy sick from PC vr headsets!! but with the Avata I DONT. That was also something i was scarred about, but i tried it and i wont get sick from that headset. I also have a mini 3 pro ! they are great! and camera wise extremly good!! Easy to use to! You just need to watch out when flying sideways (you can crash into things), otherwise its very easy. I would not recommend the NEO. So if you ask me is the mini 3 a good deal? yeah it is! Like i said i got the pro version. But i THINK the pro version comes only with some more sensors (for following, tracking and obstacle avoidance). But you have to check that one out if the camera is the same. The NEO has worse camera though! I got the controller were you need to use the phone. That works great, but if you can i would suggest go with the inscreen build one. Sorry for my bad english though :)!

Look into the mini 3 pro, you can find it at around 500-600. it has forward and backward sensors and can shoot vertical videos which is really beneficial if you use social media like tiktok or instagram. Sadly it doesnt support 4k60fps, its capped at 4k 30fps but everything else is really good about it. DJI flip is safer for indoors but it doesnt have any sensors so i would either go for mini 3 pro or flip

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.

That’s massive 😱, I have mini 3 pro 🤣 it’s a little too small compared to this giant

My mini 3 pro was this for me 3 years ago, still going strong. Holds up to ice fishing conditions and pretty high winds. It's also sub 250g so I can use it in the city to inspect roofs of 3 story+ buildings. I'd say the mini 4 pro will past you a long time but the newest one you can afford so you don't need to upgrade after a few years.

My Mini Pro 3 in the soft case that comes with the plus pack is the same size and looks like you have a pair of binoculars strapped over your shoulder. No one asks or cares what it is and you just put the while thing on the belt at airport security

Assuming you're referring to US dollars, in which case, DJI mini 3 / mini 3 pro The mini 3 has better battery life (47 minutes if I'm remembering correctly, but I won't claim that's accurate), but lacks the vision sensors the pro variant has. The pro will fly for around 35 minutes. You can get a larger battery that will fit either model, but it'll increase the weight beyond 249g, therefore you'll need to register it.

I've basically stopped using my Mavic and use my Mini 3 Pro for most things now. Wind resistance isn't quite as good, but image quality is more than good enough and being under 250 g makes flying a lot easier (in Canada, might be different where you are). Some people assume 'bigger is better'. I've seen that in photography, where my Nikon D800 with huge lens gets more respect than a smaller camera. (So sometimes I'll being the bigger camera for show, use it for a few pictures while mostly using a smaller camera, and let people assume that the best pictures were taken with the bigger camera when in reality all the pictures came from the smaller easier-to-carry camera.)

I'm happy with my Mini 3 Pro. I bought the controller with the built-in screen which has been great, and I'm glad I spent extra for it. I do wish I had 360° obstacle avoidance rather than just front-and-rear, but not enough to buy a new drone. I view my drone as a camera with a 120m tripod (ie. a tool for photography), so your wants may be very different.

I'd even look at the mini 3 pro. I have seen them on Ebay real cheap, and that model does have forward and rear obstacle avoidance. Under 300 Mini 4k won't let you down view the Potensic Atom. Potensic doesn't GEO lock and has a few more follow modes if that's something you want.

Flip isn't FPV, it won't connect to goggles. Mini 3 won't connect to goggles either. Even the Mini 3 Pro, if you could get it connected to goggles won't fly in Manual mode. The Neo is a bit underpowered for anything but cinematic flight and very light freestyle. The Avata 2 is a somewhat more rounded quad, but still mostly a cinematic quad. If you are wanting to fly freestyle, buy a controller (Radiomaster Boxer or Radiomaster Pocket) and start following along with Bardwell's "learn how to fly FPV series". Spend a month doing that and watching other Bardwell videos while you figure out what video system and kind of quad you want to fly. I'd suggest starting with something small like a BetaFPV Meteor 75.

I gotta say I still love my Mini 3 Pro... I mean I've had others (Hubsan) but those were toys compared to this thing... The mini 3 pro is just a fun device to fly!

You're looking at either a used DJI mini 3 pro or DJI Flip. I think Neo will not track dogs.

A used, in good condition, Mini 3 Pro with the RC controller (controller with screen) can be had for under $500 these days. I would then get the DJI Care Refresh. M3P has most of the features the new drones have and also a very good camera. I would start there.

It really depends a lot on your tracking needs. The Potemsic Atom is pretty cheap, and I believe it has tracking. You might want to check some youtube reviews to be sure. I don't have one, but from the reviews I've seen, they are pretty good drones, but the camera is not quite to DJI levels of quality. The Mini 3 Pro is pretty good at human and object tracking, but it depends on the circumstances. Indoors or in tight quarters, walking behind objects, they don't do well. I had one and really liked it, but human tracking accuracy was very circumstantial. The Mini 3 Pro can do a lot of types of shots though, if you want high altitude tracking shots, it's very good. If it can't see the entire object in the frame, it doesn't do well. The X1 excels at human tracking, but you are limited to a 2.7k camera. That said, they don't require (or use) GPS and are good indoors and in tight spaces. They will follow you around dutifully and are hard to crash and very safe around people. It can track a person even if only their upper body is in the frame and it's really good at picking up a person even if they walk behind an object. They are not really object trackers, they only work on humans. Also, as you said, they are limited in altitude, and flight times are short. And they are not cheap. I have an X1 and a Mini 4 Pro and use them both depending on the situation. I do a lot of tracking shots and both have their pros and cons. The Mini 3 Pro can do most of what the Mini4 pro can and is a good bargain and might be the best all-around solution depending on your needs.

PRO is worth it

Second that. I would go for the 4 pro now since it has obstacle avoidance in all directions- it’s very important to me. But the 3 pro is amazing

Get the dji mini 3 pro, has most of the features of the mini 4 pro and is cheaper. U can get one for $500-$550 on ebay with the rc 2 remote

Mini 3 pro has active track. Super small handles wind well and won’t break the bank now that the 4 is ou t

I had this same question a a month or so ago. To me, it depends on what the goal is with the drone. Did a bunch of research (ok, maybe research isn’t the right word for watching a ton of YT videos lol) and ended up at the Air3. IMO, it was down to the Mini 3 Pro vs Air 3. I liked the Mini 3, if you are shooting for fun. Like to go out to the lake, want to get some nice shots. A point and shoot camera style purchase, where convenience overrides higher end quality. It’s easy to pack, main camera is really good, and the fly more combo with the battery pack really helps. The weight also helps with the license, and it’s cheaper. I picked the Air3 because I plan on using it for my real estate business as well, so I liked the dual camera. I didn’t have issue with getting a license. Since I do real estate I’m used to dragging my heavy laptop with me everywhere, so the added weight wasn’t a big concern. Especially since I’d be pairing it up with a camera, lens, and gimbal set up. However, I don’t think there’s a wrong choice between the two. I oscillated on my decision a few times before making the plunge.

Licensed drone pilot here. Stick with a mini or the avata unless you are looking to get your license, as a lot of restrictions apply to drones over 249g. On that note, Costco has a great package for the mini 3 and mini 3 pro, both of which are incredible, reliable systems with lots of cool features you would enjoy. Please get the avare app to check local flight restrictions and such, last thing you want is to fly into the line of a firefighting chopper and get shoved in a cell for 10 years.

If it’s simply Just photos, stick with the mini. Less regulations and less of a hassle. Mini 3 pro or mini 4 pro just for the obstacle avoidance

I got mine a DJI mini 3 pro for his seventh birthday. Came with a controller with a screen and he only flies when I’m around but he does a great job. Sorry but that level of functionality isn’t available for a toy drone for $100

Mini 3 pro is amazing. You can get jt refurbished directly from DJI

I miss the high quality video and intelligent flight modes of my mini 3 pro when I switched to the Avata 2. I just ordered the integra/mc2 combo to see if I can get the same enjoyment of flying with goggles using the mp3. I enjoy flying through the forest or down streams and ponds, not really interested in doing rolls and flips like a real fpv drone. The mp3 also has almost double the flight time which is nice.

The real answer is to get both, but yeah.. that's pricey. I love the Avata 2. It puts the thrill back into flying again. However, DJI seems to have purposely limited a lot of the camera features. Things like auto follow and hyperlapse are great on my mini-3 pro. I wish the Avata 2 had them. I mean.. the truth is that you could make either work for vacation shots, but you can probably get a bit more out of the mini.

I have the mini 3 pro, and no I didn't try connecting to the Goggles 3. I don't think it's supported. Inside the goggles, you can choose which drone to connect to. Currently, the only 3 drones on the list are the Avata 2, the Mini 4 Pro, and the Air 3 I believe. I'm really hoping they have a future firmware update to make the mini 3 pro compatible.

The choice of drone depends on various factors. I own both the Mini 3 Pro and Neo. However, the Mini 3 Pro requires a significant increase in weight and bulk due to the remote controller. This becomes a concern when traveling by air, where space is at a premium. For my upcoming trip to Asia, I have decided to bring the Neo to save space, despite its reduced capabilities as a drone and camera.

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.

Without a controller, you'll be severely limited in range, and like max 50m above your takeoff point. Maybe that's enough for you, maybe you'll be frustrated. Maybe I'm wrong about the Neo pano options. Mini 3 Pro says: * Panorama: Sphere, 180°, Wide Angle, Vertical The Neo only says "single and timed shots", so no pano or any kind. At least not automated, you can always do manual panos.

I second that. The Mini 3 (non-pro) sells pretty cheap at the moment and I would prefer it over the 4k. Of course, the 3 pro or 4 pro are more expensive but even better. Buy whatever you can afford with an RC controller with a built-in screen to avoid fiddling with your cellphone. The RC2 of the 4 Pro supports DJI‘s latest transmission standard. Unfortunately, they seem to introduce a new one with every drone generation without backwards compatibility. Also set some money aside to get DJI Care Refresh.

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.

I'm also backing the mini 3. It's what I have and have had zero problems. Can shoot portrait or landscape and the quality is great. If you need follow or direction tracking mini 3 pro is what you want. Both the mini 3 and mini 3 pro are great and won't break the bank. I would recommend that you get the controller with the built in screen rather than the one you attach your phone to. I've got 4 drones and the mini 3 is the cheapest one I own but it is my go to drone for most general use.

I gor mini 3 as beginner and very happy about that ı recommend fly more combo for 1:30 hour flight time Mini 3 pro will get you obsticle sensors which are great but comes with the price

I just got a an almost unused dji mini 3 pro with the screen remote for 450 as my first drone. I hope I made an ok decision on the mini 3 pro over the 4k.

Hey, I shoot a lot of gardens and homes. I use a combination of the Sony Airpeak, DJI Mavic 3 Pro Cine, and the DJI Mini 3 Pro. If you’re just getting started out, probably the Mini 4 Pro. But the new Air 3s would probably be the best if you are prioritizing image quality. The longer lenses in the Air 3s and the Mavic 3 pro really make a big difference. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me. Also, you’ll need a Part 107.

I have had the Mini 3 pro for 6 months, it’s a bit cheaper than the 4 pro and I love it! It’s better to go for the cheaper one in this case because there will be other things to buy; I think definitely get the DJI care (warranty for drone) and if there’s room in the budget get the “fly more kit” which is 2 extra batteries and a charging pod to charge all 3 batteries at the same time, or that’s something he or you can decide to get later, but the dji care is a must. That’s why the mini 3pro is the better option in this case, you don’t wanna break the bank for just a few more features that aren’t really a game changer

What's your goal? To fly for fun fpv if you are making videos the mini series is probably a better bet for camera quality and steady shots and longer flight times but your not getting fights that long on that budget. I'd try to get a second hand mini 3 pro. I have that drone and love it.

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.

Thanks for an honest, qualitative review. I have a Mini 3 Pro, am a pro photographer but am inexperienced and nervous about flying. The only upgrade paths I see are a Mavic for still imaging or an Avata for aerobatics. Thoughts?

what you should say is that it isn't a good entry drone to learn freestyle. frankly, that is quite obvious. it is a good entry drone if you're just looking to cruise around. I started with the mini 3 pro. then I got an avata once I realized I wanted to do fpv. once I hit the limits of the avata I moved on to tiny whoops to learn tricks without destroying things too much. I still fly my avata when I want to get videos of family gatherings and events. I use my real drones or tiny whoops if I want to do freestyle. I fly mostly over concrete so it doesn't really matter what I fly freestyle, I'll end up crashing and breaking it at some point. I just stock a lot of extra parts so I can fix things quickly. My office looks like I run a drone business of some kind.

I love my Mini 3 Pro, I got it just before the Mini 4 Pro came out and is still about the same price I got it for. Keep in mind you’ll be spending a bit more money for extra goodies. Battery packs, chargers, ND filters, SSD’s, etc.. and that money adds up.. The only thing that seems worthy of the Mini 4 Pro over the Mini 3 Pro are the extra sensors and 4K 60FPS(Mini 4) versus 4k 30FPS(Mini 3)

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.

Most people are going to say the Mini 4 Pro, and they're not wrong, it's a great first drone. A great drone in general. I started with the Mini 3 Pro and loved it. But then I got a Mavic 3 Pro, which is a lot like the Air 3s. It adds a 3x telephoto lens, and once you use a drone with one it's very hard to go back to not having it. So my vote is the Air 3S, it'll skip an upgrading step later on. Just be aware that since it weighs more than 250 grams you'll need to get your TRUST certificate, which is dead simple, takes like 30 minutes online. Those rules are if you're in the United States. Laws for sub 250 gram drones are different in other countries, and Canada has the huge advantage of being able to legally fly a sub 250 gram beyond visual line of sight, which is pretty amazing. Edit: I assume the downvotes are because some people think <250 gram drones in Canada require VLOS. Please post a link! Surprisingly enough it's not required.

For whatever it's worth I have the same drones (mini 3 pro and Mavic 3 pro) and I never use the mini. The quality is way better on the mavic, and the 3x telephoto is magic. But telephoto maybe isn't needed by op for filming buildings.

Mini 3 Pro & Mini 4 Pro over the non 'Pro' variants any day.

This is 100% a part 107 use, sorry bud. You're not very likely to get caught, but staying on the right side of 3 letter agencies is always the correct answer.   Mini 3 w/ Maps Made Easy can do it. I think it'll do the flats for free, but I have whatever their top account is so I'm not sure what gets locked where. You can't use a mini 2 for flat maps because I think there's a gimbal angle in the metadata that the mini 2 doesn't have, also RID not built in.   Limiting factor will be resolution, lower flights = longer fly times, but about 2.0 cm/pixel will probably go faster than you think for 20 acres. 

I have the mini 3 it’s not bad  Check my videos  If u like maybe subscribe All the best Good luck  https://www.youtube.com/@Droneman-g33

Mini 3 is a great drone for most people. I just bought one a few months ago although I wish I had just bought a M4P or Air3s. I bought it for recreational use, but there’s some features I want and my boy has me interested in Fpv drones now. Now my issue is if I want to buy a Mavic3pro, Air3s as I’m a map nerd and modeling guy or get into FPV drones for fun

Just picked up a Costco mini 3 for 299 for this exact reason.

I did exactly what you’re thinking of doing. Got a cheap, $50 bucks drone from amazon so I could learn and practice before getting a “real” drone. I crashed it about 20 minutes in, I found it so hard to pilot that I put it away and never used it again, that was YEARS ago. Last month my family got me a Mini 3 and I thought it was gonna be a similar situation, but my brother told me to at least try it. I have been flying it for 3 weeks with no issues. I really think getting a cheaper drone for practice is not a good idea unless you get something like a used Mini 2 SE or similar. Get a good drone and if you’re worried about price, maybe get an older one. That’s my 2 cents :)

If you want to fly drones, mini 4k (or even mini 3 if you can afford it). If you want to get shots for videos, vlogs and maybe fly a little, go for neo (you can record yourself with audio from your phone; you can deploy it with no remote or just the phone; it is resiliant to crashes).

I just got into drones myself. I bought the DJI mini 4. One thing that’s nice about DJI is that they are programmed to not fly in restricted areas. It takes all the guessing out of it. I first bought the DJI mini three and did not get the insurance. That was a big mistake. I broke the camera Gimble and it was too expensive to repair so I had to get the mini 4. One thing I could suggest is that if you get the mini 4 vs the mini 3, you have more obstacle avoidance, which helps you to avoid crashes.

I dig my mini 3. Easy to fly and plenty good image quality for what I need

You should keep in mind that to fly fpv on the Neo, you'll also need the goggles (3 or n3) and either the Motion controller for a more restricted fpv flight, or the dji fpv rc 3 to use in full manual mode. Afaik you can't fly the Neo in fpv at all if you don't have the required gear. You're asking for a lot of things in a single Product. The neo has low flight time and only a half decent sensor (worse than the flip) so for photography it's probably not ideal. According to the faq it's also considered more of a "fpv introduction" and should not be flown in manual for extended periods and for aggressive flight. For open source sdk you'd have to look at older dji models or enterprise level stuff that costs thousands. Afaik the most recent one was the mini 3 and pro that had an SDK release.

Air3S is halfway between the two Get what you need for your use case The Mini 3/4 Pro should be fine I do love my Air3S though! :)

I had both (M3P + Avata) but never took my Avata to vacations because of how loud it was. It also took up a lot more room in my photography backpack. The Mini 3/4 Pro is just way more convenient and easy to setup quickly.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).