Choosing a beginner drone: DJI Mini 4K or something else?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m trying to decide on a beginner drone. My mom offered to buy me one for Christmas, and I’ve been looking at options like the DJI Mini 4K and some other budget brands. I’m curious if the Mini 4K is worth it or if there are better choices in the same price range. What do you all think?

2

The problem with off-brand drones is the camera. They fly okay, but the cameras don’t even match the base-level Mini 2SE.

3

Parker said:
The problem with off-brand drones is the camera. They fly okay, but the cameras don’t even match the base-level Mini 2SE.

Absolutely agree. I had an EXO Cinemaster 2, and even though it was $600, my secondhand Mavic Mini ran circles around it. The camera quality just wasn’t there.

4

@Jesse
Some EXO models are decent, but for budget drones that aren’t DJI, I’d recommend Specta (DJI clone), Potensic Atom, or Femi Mini 2 or 3.

5

Ehhh… my advice is DON’T go for off-brand drones. Stick with DJI models like the Mini 2, Mini 2SE, or Mini 4K. If anything breaks on the cheap ones, you’re stuck.

6

Vann said:
Ehhh… my advice is DON’T go for off-brand drones. Stick with DJI models like the Mini 2, Mini 2SE, or Mini 4K. If anything breaks on the cheap ones, you’re stuck.

Okay, I texted my mom to switch the order to a DJI. Thanks for the advice!

7

@Noel
Wise choice! You won’t regret it.

8

You should buy the largest, most advanced DJI drone you can afford. Bigger drones are easier to fly, and if you get DJI Refresh, you’re covered for crashes. No need to start with a cheap drone.

9

Rory said:
You should buy the largest, most advanced DJI drone you can afford. Bigger drones are easier to fly, and if you get DJI Refresh, you’re covered for crashes. No need to start with a cheap drone.

Totally agree with this. Bigger drones give you the best experience from day one!

10

If you’re on a budget, look for a used DJI Mini 2 on eBay. I got one for $200, and it’s miles better than any budget brand.

11

I love my DJI Mini 4K! I got it for $300 on Amazon. Just make sure to grab some extra batteries.

12

I have a Ruko F11 GIM2. It’s not bad for a starter drone, but be careful around wires. Interference can make it unstable. Here’s a video I took with it: https://youtu.be/3xilcKtUwRU

13

Remember, buy cheap, get cheap. Cheap drones fly terribly.

14

Franklin said:
Remember, buy cheap, get cheap. Cheap drones fly terribly.

I’m just a hobbyist, and my mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas. It’s between a drone or an Apple Watch.

15

DJI drones are reduced in most retail stores right now. Good time to buy!