So, I’m in the market for a new drone and want to keep it under $600. I’m looking for something with decent camera quality, easy to fly, and just generally reliable. I’ve seen a lot of good options from DJI, but I’m stuck between the Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, and a few others. Anyone have experience with these? I’m wondering if the Mini 3 is worth the extra cost, or if the Mini 4K or Neo would be a better deal for the price. What do you all think?
I’d say go for the Mini 3 if you want the best camera quality. The 1/1.3-inch sensor is way better than the others in this price range. It’s more expensive, but definitely worth it for great footage. Also, the battery life is awesome!
@Noor
I agree with DEF! The Mini 3 has been amazing for me, especially when I want to capture stuff in high quality. The battery life is a huge plus too. Totally worth the upgrade if you can stretch your budget a little.
@Noor
That’s what I was thinking. I’ve heard that the Mini 3 is awesome for video, but it’s like $550 with the controller. Is it really that much better than the 4K for the extra $250?
I recently got the Mini 4K, and for the price, it’s great! The video quality is solid, and it’s a really good balance of performance and price. If you’re not too picky about the camera sensor, the Mini 4K could be the sweet spot.
@Fifer
I’ve been eyeing the Mini 4K too! The 4K video for under $300 is a steal, honestly. I just don’t know if it’s worth it over the Mini 3. Does the camera quality fall behind a lot?
@Fifer
It’s good, but not as good as the Mini 3. The Mini 3’s sensor is just way better for low light and sharpness. But if you’re mainly going for videos to post on social, the Mini 4K should work just fine.
If you’re on a super tight budget, you can’t beat the DJI Neo. It’s only $199, and while it’s got some limitations (battery life’s only 18 minutes), it’s still a solid drone for basic selfies and fun flights. Plus, it’s so small and lightweight, easy to take anywhere!
@Ren
I agree. The Neo is perfect for casual users who want something portable. Just don’t expect to shoot any long videos. I’ve had mine for a couple of weeks and love it for quick trips and vlogging.
@Ren
But does the Neo have a decent camera? I’ve seen people talk about it, but I’m worried it won’t be good enough for quality shots or video.
@Ren
It’s pretty good for the price, especially for selfies. Not as good as the Mini 3 or 4K, but still decent enough for casual use. If you’re into flying it just for fun and don’t need professional quality, it works fine!
I’ve been using the Mini 2 SE for a while. It’s a bit basic, but for the price, you can’t complain. It shoots 2.7K video, which is fine if you’re not going for 4K footage. Honestly, if you’re new to drones, the Mini 2 SE is a great starter.
@Vere
Yeah, I’ve had the Mini 2 SE as my first drone too. It’s a good intro to drones, and you can learn a lot from it without being overwhelmed. The only downside is the video quality, but it’s not bad for social media posts.
@Vere
I’m curious, though, since it’s lower quality than the others… does it still do well in wind? I need something that won’t crash too easily in slightly windy conditions.
@Vere
It handles moderate wind okay. I wouldn’t take it out in really gusty conditions, but it’s fine for normal breezes. If you’re expecting strong winds often, maybe go for the Mini 3 or 4K, which can handle stronger gusts.
I’ve got the Mini 3 and honestly, I feel like it’s the best balance of everything. The camera quality is awesome, and the battery lasts ages. If you’re okay with spending the extra cash, I’d say it’s totally worth it for better quality photos and videos.
@Wei
Do you think the Mini 3’s camera is THAT much better than the 4K? I’m kind of on the fence about whether to splurge on the 3 or settle for the 4K.
@Wei
Yeah, it really is. The sensor is bigger, so low light is way better, and the color is just more vibrant. If you plan on using it for serious shots, definitely go with the Mini 3.
I’m leaning towards the Mini 4K for the price. 4K video at $299 is too good to pass up. It’s like getting the best of both worlds with portability and great video quality.
Yan said:
I’m leaning towards the Mini 4K for the price. 4K video at $299 is too good to pass up. It’s like getting the best of both worlds with portability and great video quality.
That’s exactly why I chose the Mini 4K too. It’s the best deal for 4K video without breaking the bank. I don’t mind that it’s not the top-end model because the price is awesome for what you get.