I’ve always been amazed by drone shots, especially the ones taken out in nature. Since I hike a lot, I figured it’s time to get into it myself. But I’m not sure where to start when it comes to:
Hardware – Best starter drone?
Software – Free options to begin with?
Skills – What should I learn first?
Would love some advice from this forum!
I’ve had a few cheap toy drones for my kid, but I always struggled to fly them without crashing. Are the higher-end video drones just as hard to control, or are they easier?
Cheap drones are actually way harder to fly. I’ve tried a few, and they’re much trickier than anything from DJI. If you’re looking for a good option, check out the DJI Flip or Mini 4 Pro.
Don’t overthink it—just go for it! I sat on the fence for way too long before I finally bought a drone, and I regret not getting into it sooner.
As for your concerns, high-end video drones are super easy to fly. They balance themselves and have a bunch of automated features. I started with the DJI Mini 4K, which is pretty affordable for what it can do.
To break down your questions:
Hardware – DJI drones come with everything you need except an SD card. If you get the Fly More package, you’ll have extra batteries, a charger, a case, and a controller.
Software – The DJI Fly app has built-in editing tools that are great for beginners. You don’t really need extra software right away, but there are plenty of apps and programs if you want to go deeper later.
Skills – The main thing is creativity and patience. Watch tutorial videos, practice slow, controlled movements, and figure out what kind of footage you like. Most of the stunning shots you see online are a collection of multiple takes, so don’t stress about getting everything perfect in one go.
I got into drone photography with no formal training—just trial and error and lots of online research. The best way to improve is to spend time flying and experimenting. You can go as deep as you want with this hobby, from casual fun to professional-level cinematography. Just have fun with it!
Since you mentioned hiking and filming in wooded areas, one thing to consider is whether your drone has ActiveTrack (auto-follow). The DJI Mini 4K doesn’t have it, but some of the higher-end models do, which is useful for automated tracking shots.
Zephyr said: @Arthur
Only downside is no backward or side sensors. Would’ve been nice to have, but I guess that’s the tradeoff for the price.
True, but honestly, its obstacle avoidance is still impressive. It’s obviously not on the level of my Air 3S, but when running backwards in spotlight mode, it does a good job. Plus, the way it moves around while tracking makes for great-looking shots.
Thanks for all the advice! For a first-time buyer, what’s the most important piece of hardware? Is it the controller? Would it be better to invest in a good one and upgrade drones later while keeping the same controller?