What’s the best beginner drone to buy for video recording?

I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

Check out the DJI Air series, great camera quality and good obstacle avoidance.

Try buying a used one first. You can test it out and see if flying drones is for you. If not, you can always sell it again.

Breitner said:
Try buying a used one first. You can test it out and see if flying drones is for you. If not, you can always sell it again.

Anything I should watch out for when buying used? And how risky is it? Like, do people fake drones?

Fallon said:

Breitner said:
Try buying a used one first. You can test it out and see if flying drones is for you. If not, you can always sell it again.

Anything I should watch out for when buying used? And how risky is it? Like, do people fake drones?

You can find various toy drones for under $100 to get started. My first one was just a $1 yard sale find. It was fun to fly, but the camera didn’t work. Even with a cheap drone, you’ll get used to the basic controls, which are pretty standard across all drones (left stick for altitude and yaw, right stick for moving forward, backward, etc.). Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more comfortable flying a pricier one.

Toy drones may not have the range, camera quality, or safety features of something like DJI, but they’re still real drones and can hurt someone if you’re not careful. You’ll still need to follow the rules and pass a TRUST test to fly outside. And just so you know, they’re not indestructible—I managed to crash mine into my leg and ended up with a nasty cut.

FPV drones are a whole other level, though. Way harder to fly. I wouldn’t go for one of those until you’re really comfortable with the basics.

I’d recommend the DJI Mini Pro 4.

I’m really enjoying my DJI Mini 4 Pro. Based on how good this one is, I’d totally consider buying another Mini, Air, or Mavic.

I’m happy with my Mini 4, but check Serbia’s regulations. Staying under 250g can be a big advantage in many parts of Europe.

Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

For drones in Serbia, Vlada Koptershop is the main guy. Contact him at 0638045411. I got a great price on a Mavic 3. For your budget, you could get the Mini 3 Pro and still have some change left, or maybe even the Mini 4 Pro.

Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

2km range is quite far to maintain line of sight (LOS).

Rowan said:

Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

2km range is quite far to maintain line of sight (LOS).

That’s why I’m looking for video output and a screen display.

Fallon said:

Rowan said:
Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

2km range is quite far to maintain line of sight (LOS).

That’s why I’m looking for video output and a screen display.

They’re mentioning LOS because some countries are strict about it. It’s not always realistic, especially around buildings. Just use common sense when flying, and you should be fine.

Fallon said:

Lennon said:
Fallon said:
Rowan said:
Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

2km range is quite far to maintain line of sight (LOS).

That’s why I’m looking for video output and a screen display.

They’re mentioning LOS because some countries are strict about it. It’s not always realistic, especially around buildings. Just use common sense when flying, and you should be fine.

I’m planning to fly in rural areas. If it goes behind a tree, would it lose signal? Would it return automatically?

In Serbia, certain drone categories require registration, especially if flying over 100m, near airports, or beyond 500m range. Once registered, your drone gets a number that should always be visible. Full regulations can be found at these links: Serbia UAS Regulations and CAD Regulations.

Fallon said:

Lennon said:
Fallon said:
Rowan said:
Fallon said:
I’ve got a budget of up to $1500 and I’m looking to get my first drone mainly for recording videos that could be turned into 3D models (neural radiance fields). Here’s what I’m looking for:

  • At least 2km range
  • Screen display with video output (no goggles though)
  • Beginner-friendly controls
  • Safety features like auto return, boundary warnings, and more to avoid accidents

I’m based in Serbia, Europe. I’d prefer to buy from websites like kupujemprodajem.com or ipon.hu, but feel free to suggest models and I’ll see if they’re available!

2km range is quite far to maintain line of sight (LOS).

That’s why I’m looking for video output and a screen display.

They’re mentioning LOS because some countries are strict about it. It’s not always realistic, especially around buildings. Just use common sense when flying, and you should be fine.

I’m planning to fly in rural areas. If it goes behind a tree, would it lose signal? Would it return automatically?

Depends on the drone, weather, and other factors. I’ve flown my Mini 3 behind trees and buildings, and though signal can weaken, I’ve never had it totally disconnect mid-flight. If you keep it above obstacles, you’re usually fine.