Camera Drones (for beginner)

[Sufyaan]

Hi all,

I'm totally new to the drone world and looking for recommendations on a decent beginner kit.

Ideal requirements:
- 4k video quality
- Follow me/GPS function and easy return.
- Stability in windy weather (watched a video of a Holy Stone drone with a gps function, which apparently helps with stability).
- Preferably something which is not too complicated to use. However, with practice, I'm sure I can get used to something if slightly complex.
- Unsure if such controllers are available but one with a screen fitted rather than having to use a mobile phone.
- Any other useful functions/must haves which I may have overlooked

As its a beginner drone, looking for the lower price brackets. However, would consider one of the pricier drones as a second hand purchase.

Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed

[Freakuk]

DJI is the go to, I'd look at a mini 3/mini 3 pro but it all depends on budget.

All will have stability/GPS, return to home, tracking functions, but smaller drones won't be as stable as larger drones in strong winds and you will be alerted to this on the screen. However larger drones cost more and will have more restrictions on where you can fly.

I have a mini 3 pro, easy enough to fly (same as any DJI drone), I chose this for size/convenience and less restrictions on where I can fly.

[HantsRat]

DJI Mini 3

Or if you can afford the extra go for the Mini 3 Pro.

[geeks]

Also ask yourself if your REALLY need 4k? My DJI Mini SE doesn't have it and I cant say it bothers me in the slightest.

[audi321]

4k file sizes just make editing, storing and transferring more of a hassle than it needs to be imo.

[LimaDelta]

I have the Mini 2, which is perfect for the casual user. Under 250g which means no licence requirements (and is barely noticeable in a rucksack), good camera and stabilisation, good app control, and a brand with a great reputation for quality, with plenty of spares availability should you need them. I imagine the current Mini 3 will be as good if not better.

[Corso Marche]

I posted a reply in your thread from yesterday re. budget starter drones;

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Cranked]

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

[vaguelyfamiliar]

Agree the mini 3 is the way forward - the mini 2 doesn't have the follow me mode (nor any, other than the most basic, intelligent flight modes). The 3 is a great little drone with a fantastic camera.

Operator Id and flyer Id both required. Operator is £10 and flyer Id is free. https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual/regis...

[LimaDelta]

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

[Cranked]

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

So which 'license' are you referring to?

[GetCarter]

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

So which 'license' are you referring to?

There's a lot of confusion about this. Here's the page people need to visit: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk

[LimaDelta]

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

So which 'license' are you referring to?

The over 250g Flyer ID which the CAA requires, and involves a basic air law & airspace online test.

Not a big commitment by any means, but still an additional hurdle, which for the occasional photograph is not really that useful.

[Cranked]

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

So which 'license' are you referring to?

The over 250g Flyer ID which the CAA requires, and involves a basic air law & airspace online test.

Not a big commitment by any means, but still an additional hurdle, which for the occasional photograph is not really that useful.

So not a license then Just semantics I guess

[LimaDelta]

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Cranked said:

LimaDelta said:

Under 250g which means no licence requirements

You still need an Operator ID as it has a camera.

Which isn't a licence.

So which 'license' are you referring to?

The over 250g Flyer ID which the CAA requires, and involves a basic air law & airspace online test.

Not a big commitment by any means, but still an additional hurdle, which for the occasional photograph is not really that useful.

So not a license then Just semantics I guess

Strictly no, just an extra hoop through which to jump if you want a 'larger' drone. I'm sure most owners don't bother with either anyway.

[Taffer]

If the OP is still looking, Jessops have the DJI Mini 3 with RC remote and Fly More Kit for £569. DJI have it for £656 in their July sale, with most outlets mirroring that. Don't know if it's a pricing error, as the Mini 3 RC without the kit is showing as the same price.

I was swithering whether to get the 3 or 3 Pro, but have just ordered the 3 as at that price it's too much of a gap to go for the 3 Pro, as it would be knocking on for a grand with the Fly More kit. It's my first drone (hoping to use it on a holiday to Japan), so I will upgrade in the future if I feel I need more features/capability that the Mini 3 lacks.

[Mr-B]

Always been tempted by a drone but worried it might be a passing fad.

So own up, anyone bought one, used it a handful of times regretted it and it's now gathering dust somewhere?

[lost in espace]

Mr-B said:

Always been tempted by a drone but worried it might be a passing fad.

So own up, anyone bought one, used it a handful of times regretted it and it's now gathering dust somewhere?

I bought a 3 Mini Pro with the DJI Refresh insurance and Fly More Kit and lots of extras, slightly used, for £700.

A bit butt clenching to fly, and you certainly get lots of attention. They are incredible bits of kit. I thought I might be able to use it for the running races we organise but it wasn't practical to fit in flying. I videoed myself with the dogs, and flew it a bit but we live in sunny Stevenage and isn't really much scenery around here.

Basically you have to be a good pilot, videographer, and editor. And generally most stuff has been recorded by better pilots than myself. I sold it to someone for what I paid, he had a sideline in drone footage and was going to use it for his channel with lots about Luton FC improvements.

In the end I got bored with flying it, and never really felt that confident especially when it disappeared in the sky. If I was buying again I wouldn't get the Pro with the sensors, or just get a Mini 2.

I did have one idea the other day to keep it in the car and film anything that is unusual as you are driving by, for instance this morning there was a foot chase by the Police, and a big fire locally the other day. But actually monetising this is tricky.

[Corso Marche]

Mr-B said:

Always been tempted by a drone but worried it might be a passing fad.

So own up, anyone bought one, used it a handful of times regretted it and it's now gathering dust somewhere?

This is part of the reason I went budget to begin with. I know a few lads into photography as a hobby but they only used their drones a handful of times.
I'll see how I go myself, over time.

[GetCarter]

Just for balance, I've owned four drones in the past seven years and done many hundreds of flights, and still fly at least once or twice a week.

Horses for courses and all that.

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 17th July 16:32