Hey, so I keep hearing people talk about DJI drones, but I’m curious if there are any good alternatives. Like, I know DJI has a massive market share, but is there really no competition? I mean, I’ve heard a lot of people want something that’s not made in China. Any recommendations?
Honestly, there aren’t many good options if you’re looking to avoid DJI, especially if you’re on a budget. I’ve looked into it a lot, and most non-DJI drones just don’t compare. 
Keir said:
Honestly, there aren’t many good options if you’re looking to avoid DJI, especially if you’re on a budget. I’ve looked into it a lot, and most non-DJI drones just don’t compare.
Yeah, I noticed that too. Isn’t there anything decent under $500 though? I’ve seen the Tello, but that’s still kinda connected to DJI, right?
@Voss
Exactly, the Tello is made by Ryze but uses DJI parts, so it’s still linked. Under $500, there’s really not much else that can match DJI’s quality, unfortunately.
@Voss
That sucks. Guess you get what you pay for.
Have you looked into the Autel EVO Nano+? It’s not DJI, but it’s still made in China. Decent camera though, and it’s around $1k. It might be worth checking out.
Noel said:
Have you looked into the Autel EVO Nano+? It’s not DJI, but it’s still made in China. Decent camera though, and it’s around $1k. It might be worth checking out.
Wait, what’s the deal with the Nano+? Is it a toy or like a legit drone?
@Vail
Nah, it’s not a toy. It’s actually pretty solid. The camera is 50MP, and it can fly for about 28 minutes. The downside is it’s still kinda pricey at close to $1k.
If you’re looking for something open-source and customizable, you could check out Freefly Astro. It’s pricey though, like enterprise-level. Definitely not under $1k, more like $30k, lol.
Valen said:
If you’re looking for something open-source and customizable, you could check out Freefly Astro. It’s pricey though, like enterprise-level. Definitely not under $1k, more like $30k, lol.
30k?! Wow, that’s way out of my league.
@Eli
Yeah, it’s mainly for mapping and industrial stuff. But if you’re into customization and open-source software, it’s one of the better options out there.
The Parrot Anafi AI is another option. It’s lightweight and portable, plus it’s 4G connected. Not exactly cheap either though.
Hale said:
The Parrot Anafi AI is another option. It’s lightweight and portable, plus it’s 4G connected. Not exactly cheap either though.
What do you mean by 4G connected? Does it have better range or something?
@Gyllenhall
Yeah, kinda. It connects to 4G LTE, so you don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi or a separate controller, which is cool for flying in places where Wi-Fi is spotty.
I think if you want to fly high-end cameras like Sony Alpha, the Sony Airpeak or Skyfish drones are the way to go. But those are really for industrial use and are gonna cost a lot.
Nile said:
I think if you want to fly high-end cameras like Sony Alpha, the Sony Airpeak or Skyfish drones are the way to go. But those are really for industrial use and are gonna cost a lot.
Yeah, I’ve heard of those. But do they actually perform as well as DJI for like casual videography or is it more for pro stuff?
@Ren
More for pro stuff, tbh. These are really designed for heavy-duty use, not casual flying. You’d be better off with a DJI Mini for everyday stuff.
AUtel Robotics is the best alternative of DJI drones. Here are some consumer drone in Autel
1. Autel EVO Lite+
Let’s kick things off with the Autel EVO Lite+. This drone really packs a punch when it comes to features.
- Camera: It boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor that’s capable of capturing stunning 50MP photos and recording 6K video at 30fps. Honestly, that’s pretty impressive, right? So, if you’re after quality, this one’s a solid choice.
- Flight Time: You can enjoy up to 40 minutes of flight time, which means more time in the air and less time worrying about battery life. Who wouldn’t want that?
- Features: It comes with an adjustable aperture ranging from f/2.8 to f/11, robust obstacle avoidance, and a bunch of intelligent flight modes. Whether you’re a pro or just getting started, these features make flying feel so much easier.
- Use Case: This drone is perfect for those of us who are looking for high-quality imaging all packed into a compact design. If you love capturing breathtaking landscapes or detailed close-ups, this is the one for you!
2. Autel EVO Nano+
Next up, we have the Autel EVO Nano+.
- Camera: It features a 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor that takes 50MP stills and records in 4K video. So, whether you’re snapping photos or shooting videos, you’ll get fantastic results.
- Flight Time: With a flight time of up to 28 minutes, it’s just right for those casual flying days when you want to capture some fun moments.
- Features: This little guy is super compact, making it easy to take anywhere. Plus, it has advanced tracking capabilities and multiple shooting modes. What’s not to love about that?
- Use Case: The EVO Nano+ is ideal for users like you and me who prioritize portability and ease of use. If you’re looking for something lightweight that still delivers quality, this drone is a great option!
3. Autel EVO Lite
Now, let’s talk about the Autel EVO Lite.
- Camera: It comes equipped with a 1-inch sensor that captures those gorgeous 50MP photos and can shoot 6K video.
- Flight Time: With about 40 minutes of flight time, you’ll have plenty of time to get the shots you want.
- Features: The Lite is similar to the Lite+, but it has slightly less advanced imaging features. However, it still offers a lot for those who are eager to explore aerial photography.
- Use Case: If you’re a hobbyist who wants quality without needing all the fancy Pro features, the EVO Lite is a great fit. It’s perfect for weekend adventurers and anyone who loves taking their drone out for a spin.
4. Autel EVO Nano
Last but not least, we have the Autel EVO Nano.
- Camera: This drone features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 48MP photos and record in 4K. It’s compact but doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Flight Time: You can enjoy up to 28 minutes of flight time, making it suitable for quick flying sessions or spontaneous adventures.
- Features: Lightweight and portable, this drone also comes with intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance. So, even if you’re a newbie, you can feel confident flying it.
- Use Case: The EVO Nano is a fantastic choice for beginners or anyone wanting a smaller drone without sacrificing quality. It’s friendly, easy to use, and perfect for capturing those everyday moments.