Drones, So Many to Pick From

Planning a trip to New Jersey are we?😆

I too have considered a drone, though I’m not sure how much I would really use it. I believe @EZAPAR and @Lots O Fords both have drones, and they might have some insights…

The mini 2 is a good entry drone. Not a lot of sensors to keep it from colliding with stuff. The 3 is a big upgrade, but only has sensors in the front. It will film in 4k, come back to you if get disconnected or if you lose track of where it is. It has the active tracking feature.

I would recommend buying any DJI drone from DJI. It is the way to get their cheap warranty. The warranty will cover it if it gets lost of damaged. They sell package deals so you can add extra batteries and the like.

https://store.dji.com/product/dji-mini-3?vid=128001

You get what you pay for.
I have the mini 4. It costs more, but has 360 degree sensors. Above, behind and both sides.

The big thing with drones is you have to use them. We have a DJI mini 4 but we did not get the better controller with the screen so you have to use your phone. Just that little hassle keeps us from using it very much. I think if we had the upgraded controller we would use it a ton more. But that pushes the Drone to the $1k mark so it is a little pricey but it is worth it and they are very easy to fly.

Jakob1972

The big thing with drones is you have to use them. We have a DJI mini 4 but we did not get the better controller with the screen so you have to use your phone. Just that little hassle keeps us from using it very much. I think if we had the upgraded controller we would use it a ton more. But that pushes the Drone to the $1k mark so it is a little pricey but it is worth it and they are very easy to fly.

Thanks for bringing up the controller. I was not excited about using my phone for the controller. My wife has an old iPhone, not sure the model, it's at least 12-15 years old. I wonder if it could be used on the controller. It still connects to the internet. Apple dropped support a long time ago.

MIGeezer

Thanks for bringing up the controller. I was not excited about using my phone for the controller. My wife has an old iPhone, not sure the model, it's at least 12-15 years old. I wonder if it could be used on the controller. It still connects to the internet. Apple dropped support a long time ago.

Yeah I am still running with an IPhone 7 Plus. So I didn’t even try to connect it to the controller. My wife has a much newer phone so we use that but she has a wallet attached to her phone so it is a PITA to take that off and store it somewhere we won’t lose it. You can always upgrade to the RC controller at a later time if you want to just try the phone route, some folks like that, and the controllers kinda charge your phone too so that is kinda nice. We did get a package with three batteries and charger and some other miscellaneous stuff. That was a good deal.

I have a older Parrott that is about obsolete.
I just picked up a DJI Neo. It is great for some quick Arial footage which is my goal.
It can be flown without a controller or phone, with phone, or with controller.
Lots of youtube videos of it and other DJI drones. Check it out.

I've got the dji mini 4with controller. My previous one I had to use a phone. I hhated That part.
If you keep under the 250 gram weight your concidered hobbyist and no fan registration.
Yesterday my buddy and I took our drones out just to practice more.

We were also practicing video angels for best effect. I hhad my sxs and a little rutted hill and we were trying to get the most dramatic shots.
gotta use them.

MIGeezer

I've been looking at some drones. I see a lot of the videos use drones. Don't want to spend a lot of money. I know a follow you feature is good, wind speed is important, one that doesn't fly into stuff. 4K camera. Can track back to you when the battery gets low. Anyway any feedback would be appreciated.

I've heard DJI is a good drone. Sam's has a package deal, includes case, 2 batteries, some other stuff for $259.00. I think it was a Mini 2. I know it does not have the follow me option.

Thanks,
Dave

Heyo! I'd recommend the DJI Mini 4. You can find it for under $1000. Although that isn't cheap, it's an investment! Here are the features you may like about it...

• No Registration Needed - Under 249 g, FAA Registration and Remote ID are not required if you fly for recreational purposes
• 38kph (Level 5) Wind Resistant - DJI Mini 4K has a stable flight even in Level 5 winds
• Beginner-Friendly and Safe - DJI Mini 4K supports one-tap takeoff/landing, GPS Return to Home (RTH) and stable hovering, and one-touch easy operation for novices

DJI doesn't have a "bad" drone in my opinion. Any of the mini-series drones would be great for you!

cam.hunter

Heyo! I'd recommend the DJI Mini 4. You can find it for under $1000. Although that isn't cheap, it's an investment! Here are the features you may like about it...

• No Registration Needed - Under 249 g, FAA Registration and Remote ID are not required if you fly for recreational purposes
• 38kph (Level 5) Wind Resistant - DJI Mini 4K has a stable flight even in Level 5 winds
• Beginner-Friendly and Safe - DJI Mini 4K supports one-tap takeoff/landing, GPS Return to Home (RTH) and stable hovering, and one-touch easy operation for novices

DJI doesn't have a "bad" drone in my opinion. Any of the mini-series drones would be great for you!

Completely agree. Just know if you buy the longer life batteries, your over the 249 g. And FAA registration is required. Same drone just different batteries.
Same with the mini 3

Yeah, that controller with the screen built in is worth the money.

If you're going to buy a DJI drone, I would probably do it sooner than later. It looks like the government is looking to ban new DJI drone sales at some point in the future. Hopefully it doesn't happen but you can never tell what's going to happen.
https://apnews.com/article/china-drones-congress-ban-f69836c63b6e90956464f68c429f2724

Even if you buy the drone before they are banned, not sure how readily replacement parts would be if they get the axe.

There really isn't anything made in the USA comparable to DJI at their price point.

I’m following this thread. I really want a DJI Air 3s. It’s a little more pricey, but is packed with bells and whistles. Probably won’t happen till late in the year after the move to Colorado. But I can dream!

Deano Bronc

If you're going to buy a DJI drone, I would probably do it sooner than later. It looks like the government is looking to ban new DJI drone sales at some point in the future. Hopefully it doesn't happen but you can never tell what's going to happen.
https://apnews.com/article/china-drones-congress-ban-f69836c63b6e90956464f68c429f2724

Even if you buy the drone before they are banned, not sure how readily replacement parts would be if they get the axe.

There really isn't anything made in the USA comparable to DJI at their price point.

DJI would be the last one I would buy. All they are doing is spying on the US with the drones.
I don't fly rc anymore any way thanks to the draconian rules the FAA slammed on us because of the drones I can't fly my sailplanes anymore.AMA life member.

TechnicalDisaster

I’m following this thread. I really want a DJI Air 3s. It’s a little more pricey, but is packed with bells and whistles. Probably won’t happen till late in the year after the move to Colorado. But I can dream!

Chris, where are you moving in Colorado to?
Will be convenient for trips into the red stone country… as well as the Rockies…

Foxtrot Bravo

DJI would be the last one I would buy. All they are doing is spying on the US with the drones.
I don't fly rc anymore any way thanks to the draconian rules the FAA slammed on us because of the drones I can't fly my sailplanes anymore.AMA life member.

Just watched this which supposedly summarizes FAA rules… Curious as to what you find draconian about the rules?
What evidence is there that DJI is spying on the US with the drones? Country of manufacture?

Bluestreak57

Chris, where are you moving in Colorado to?
Will be convenient for trips into the red stone country… as well as the Rockies…

We are looking at the Colorado Springs/Monument area.

Bluestreak57

Just watched this which supposedly summarizes FAA rules… Curious as to what you find draconian about the rules?
What evidence is there that DJI is spying on the US with the drones? Country of manufacture?

You must live under a rock.

Bluestreak57

Just watched this which supposedly summarizes FAA rules… Curious as to what you find draconian about the rules?
What evidence is there that DJI is spying on the US with the drones? Country of manufacture?

I know the question wasn’t directed at me, but I’m going to take a guess and say the 400’ AGL rule is what he is upset about. RC Gliders can go way way above that. Now you need a part 107 license to go above 400’, and that is some serious time and paperwork to make happen.

I have no idea about the China spying though. Not sure what they could learn from a drone that isn’t immediately available on google maps.