Crashed my Mini 3 Pro in Thailand a few weeks ago, immediately purchased an Air 3S to replace it which I’ve been loving so far. Need some more experience with it, but so far I’m really happy with the photo and video improvement over the Mini 3 Pro. Definitely higher quality with the larger sensor.
Sent the Mini 3 Pro in for repair when I got back to the states and within a few days they sent me a brand new replacement for the cost of the repair ($77). Pretty great! So now I guess I’ve got a good backup drone.
My biggest complaint with DJI is the inability to purchase a drone internationally and be able to have the warranty and Care Refresh back in your home country.
I’d have bought a replacement immediately while traveling in Thailand and Japan to be able to continue shooting drone photos and videos while traveling, instead I had to order the replacement to deliver to my home in the states.
The cost of repair/replacement makes me think - “is the Care Refresh even worth it?” I always purchase it regardless.
I shoot a ton of real estate and I’m considering adding the Avada 2 to shoot interior fly through videos. Anyone have experience with Avada 2 in real estate?
I always get Care Refresh for my drones. The only time I’ve actually used it is at the end of the coverage when I pay the $75 to $100 for a replacement, even if the drone is fine.
Wylie said:
I always get Care Refresh for my drones. The only time I’ve actually used it is at the end of the coverage when I pay the $75 to $100 for a replacement, even if the drone is fine.
That’s smart! But do they ask questions if the drone isn’t really damaged?
@Phoenix
Nope. Just need your payment info and shipping address. They can even send you a replacement first with a $100 hold on your card. If you don’t send the old one back, they charge you full price.
Wylie said:
I always get Care Refresh for my drones. The only time I’ve actually used it is at the end of the coverage when I pay the $75 to $100 for a replacement, even if the drone is fine.
Wait… so you’re paying $100 for a brand-new Mavic 3 Pro? Can you explain how this works?
@Winter
Yeah, for the Mavic 3 Pro, the replacement cost with Care Refresh is $159. When you buy the drone, you can add Care Refresh for $100 to $200, depending on the model. It covers crashes, flyaways, or any damage. If you don’t use it during the coverage, you can claim a replacement before it expires. Whole process takes about 5 minutes!
Care Refresh is worth it if you use all the replacements or have a flyaway. Otherwise, DJI makes their money back. I had the FPV drone and did the math… two years of coverage was $300, but a replacement was $269. If I just needed minor repairs, DJI charged me $160 for a refurbished one instead of a full replacement.
@Jory
I had Care Refresh on my Mini 3 Pro and used ALL the replacements lol. It expired a few months ago, so this would’ve been my 5th replacement. Definitely got my money’s worth. Flyaway coverage is the main reason I always get it!
Is there a time limit to report a crash to DJI? Just bought the one-year extra coverage for peace of mind. Also, how strict are Thailand’s drone laws? Your pics are awesome!
Phoenix said:
Is there a time limit to report a crash to DJI? Just bought the one-year extra coverage for peace of mind. Also, how strict are Thailand’s drone laws? Your pics are awesome!
Similar to the US. You need to register, get an ID, and take a short online test for a Thai pilot’s license. Can be a bit of a hassle, but some services help with the paperwork for around $50.
I did the same thing. Had the Mini 3 Pro but wanted a bigger drone, so I got the Air 3S. Love it! Trying to get better at editing photos and videos now.
Remy said:
I did the same thing. Had the Mini 3 Pro but wanted a bigger drone, so I got the Air 3S. Love it! Trying to get better at editing photos and videos now.
What kind of shots are you doing? I edit most of my photos in Lightroom. Video editing depends on what it’s for. If it’s real estate work, I send my edits out.
@Finian
Mostly landscapes and travel footage for fun. I don’t post anywhere, just personal projects. Use Lightroom for photos and just got DaVinci Resolve, but I used Premiere Pro and Final Cut before. Trying to learn color correction, but it’s a lot!
But honestly, the Mini still got me some solid photos! 