I’m looking to get a drone, but I’m a complete beginner and not sure which one to choose. I don’t want something too expensive since I’m worried I might crash it, even though I’ll try to be careful. Should I go with the Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro, or one of the others? Any advice from people who started out like me?
I’d say the Mini 3 is solid and inexpensive. When I was in your shoes about 18 months ago, I wished I had gone for the Pro model with obstacle avoidance and tracking. If I had spent an extra $200 at the time, I think it would’ve been worth it. But it really depends on your budget. I now love my Mavic 3 Classic more than any of my 5 drones.
@Addison
Thanks for the advice! I’m new to drones and also into photography, so this helps a lot. I appreciate it!
Brooke said:
@Addison
Thanks for the advice! I’m new to drones and also into photography, so this helps a lot. I appreciate it!
I got into drones before photography, and I’ll say photography is way harder. The Mini 3 is kind of like an addiction – you’ll want more once you start. If you care about photography, you’ll appreciate the Hasselblad camera on the Mavic 3 Classic, though it’s a bit pricier. You won’t regret going with a Pro model though. Good luck!
@Addison
I get what you’re saying. I used to have a camera and a drone separately, but last year I had both and sold my Air 2S to focus more on traditional photography. However, by the end of 2023, I found myself craving the drone experience again. A friend got a Mini 4 Pro, and I test flew it and loved it. A few months later, I got my own Mini 4 Pro. But then my friend introduced me to the Mavic 3 Pro and its telephoto lens. I tried his Air 3, and that was it for me. I ended up swapping my Mini 4 Pro for the Air 3 Fly More combo. Eventually, I sold that and got the 3S after seeing what it could do. It was definitely worth it for me.
I’m probably not the best person to ask, but I go with the philosophy of ‘go big or go home’ and ‘buy once, cry once.’ If it were me, I’d go for the Air 3S and just get DJI Care Refresh for 2 years. It’s a fantastic drone, and with all the safety features, you’re less likely to crash. I’ve been flying drones for years and have never crashed because I’m always careful about where I fly.
@Zoran
I thought I didn’t need the DJI Care plan either, but on my second flight, my drone got swarmed by insects. It came down covered in insect parts and liquid. It was a mess, but thankfully, the DJI Care plan helped me get it cleaned up.
@Wylie
Yeah, I always buy the two-year plan too. It’s like buying car insurance – you hope you never need it, but it’s good to have. My point is, don’t buy a cheaper drone just because you’re worried about crashing. If you have the budget, just get the one you want from the start. It’ll save you money in the long run. Buy once, cry once!
I started with the Mini 3, and I was super nervous at first. But over time, I built my confidence up, and now I can use Sport mode without worrying. The only thing I’m still cautious about is bird strikes. Other than that, it’s a great beginner drone and easy to get the hang of.
I just got a refurbished Mini 4K for $240 from the DJI site. It’s my first drone, and I’m loving it so far. I also missed out on a Mini 3 for $200 on Woot.com last Friday, but I guess that was a rare deal.
If you’re into photography and use professional cameras, the Mavic 3 Pro is the way to go. Or maybe wait a few months for the Mavic 4 Pro. Anything else involves too many compromises.
I started with the Mini 4 Pro, and I like it. Definitely go for a lightweight one like the Mini series. It’ll save you from dealing with a lot of extra stuff. I’ve crashed mine a few times, but nothing serious. They can handle some bumps, but not crashing into walls at full speed. As long as you’re careful, you can easily learn on any DJI model.
Just get the Mini Pro 4 and RC2. Don’t overthink it. You’ll be flying in no time.
I’d go with the Air 3S. It has a fantastic camera and great obstacle avoidance for the price. It’s fun to fly, and the video/photo quality is top-notch. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but it’s the drone you’ll want for years. The Mini drones are great, but the Air 3S is on another level in terms of performance.
I got the Mini 3 a few days ago, and I love it. The camera specs are similar to the Mini 3 Pro (from what I’ve seen online), and it’s a big improvement over the Mini 4K camera.
The M3P is a great option for beginners with good obstacle avoidance. You’ll probably crash it at least once, but don’t worry, everyone does. My Mini 4 Pro fell from the sky once. I just returned it after that.