Cheap drone recommendations

[Kenny202]

Hi all. Been wanting to try a drone for ages but not willing to shell out a lot of money. Its more of a toy than anything. Doesn't have to be steller video...decent would be good. More interested in something to start off with, learn to fly it and something easy / pretty fail safe re crashes. There are a squllion of them on Lazada from 200 baht upwards and Lazada has got so bad now its nearly unusable. Bought 2 products this week had 500+ positive ratings and both were in the bin within 10 mins of opening the package. The Chinese must have armies of paid reviewers or something these days.  

 

Anyway, like I said more of a toy than anything so not willing to waste a lot of money on something may end up in a creek.....is it possible to buy something usable under 2000 - 3000 baht or would I just be wasting my money? Any recommendations welcome if someone knows of something suitable preferably owns one

[KhunLA]

Price range is good for something to learn on, though it won't have a good camera. 

 

Minimum price for a decent camera with 3 axis gimbal would be in the 6k - 8k range, with GPS for stabilization.  GPS almost required, which will keep from crashing or losing in the wind, but not very good for learning how to operate.

 

Really don't need to be that skilled, with GPS.  I have 2 inexpensive photo / vid drones, and they were 6500 & 7800, I think.   One has a slightly better camera (Sony) and the other handles high winds a bit better.

 

Capt Drone is a good YT channel for searching new stuff.  MJX (Bugs 16) is a good brand, as is ZLL (SG906 Beast Pro 2) , and the ones I have now.  Actually on my 6th MJX, I think.  I've had mine for a few years, so don't know what's current, and the change quite often, upgraded & discontinued.

 

With that thought, buy combo package with extra batteries, if buying.

 

[impulse]

Not in the OP's price range (by a long shot at 6,600 for just the drone and 11,700 baht for the drone/controller/extra battery combo), but has anyone tried a DJI NEO yet? 

 

Watched a YouTube review and the thing looks like what I've been seeking...  Small, reasonably priced, 4K video and absolutely amazing DJI tech.  But I'd like to hear from a noob that isn't being paid.  The influencers can make them look easy, even when there's a 40 hour learning curve.

 

That pricing is from Lazada...  Several different vendors, same price.

 

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, impulse said:

Not in the OP's price range (by a long shot at 6,600 for just the drone and 11,700 baht for the drone/controller/extra battery combo), but has anyone tried a DJI NEO yet? 

 

Watched a YouTube review and the thing looks like what I've been seeking...  Small, reasonably priced, 4K video and absolutely amazing DJI tech.  But I'd like to hear from a noob that isn't being paid.  The influencers can make them look easy, even when there's a 40 hour learning curve.

 

That pricing is from Lazada...  Several different vendors, same price.

 

DJI NEO would be useless here / TH.  Sport mode is only 3m/S = 10 kph, and no way would handle TH's wind.

 

My cheap drone does ~40 kph.

 

If thinking about DJI, peek at the DJI Mini, vid quality questionable, but decent photos.  Compact, quiet, powerful.   Air speed 50+ kph

 

Capt Drone (old review),  as always, buy the 'Fly More' package, 3 batteries.

 

 

[msbkk]

First of all you will need a third party damage insurance and 2 licenses from Thai government offices before you are allowed to use any drone in Thailand.  The laws are strict here, if you buy a drone from an authorized dealer here in Thailand you will need to show your passport so that your identity is registered. After that you can start the registration process or you can have serious legal issues.

 

I bought the DJI Neo and I love it. But drones in that price range have limitations. The drone is very light and sensitive to wind movements. There will be an automatic warning about that when flying and it can be blown into the wrong direction and shaking so that it is not possible to film. No memory cards can be used and the in built memory is filled up after a few starts and landings. And battery life is just about 18 minutes and you will find yourself out of battery often. That being said it is advisable to buy the full set with controller and several batteries.

 

But as mentioned I really love the DJI neo if winds are not strong. And you can do short flights without remote by using the phone app instead. Range with the phone app  is limited however.  

 

[KhunLA]

On registration ... I registered a few, with PoPo, local office, too easy.

 

IF ... drone has a camera, suppose to register with CAAT, which I didn't bother with, as my cameras at the time, were detachable, so photos of, submitted with PoPo, didn't have them on.

 

At the time, just after law passed (2019 ?), contacted local CAAT, and they didn't want to be bothered 

 

No licenses involved, unless law changed since, unless you were a professional (business).  Insurance was required, if you registered with CAAT.

 

Which of course I never did.  Not an endorsement to skirt the law, but I never had a problem operating drone anywhere.   Just stay away from tourist, as they'd be the only ones to cry about it.   Thais don't seem to care, and actually quite interested, and will stop and chit chat with you about  your drone.

 

Foreigners, are a bunch of Karens, so avoid at all cost.   Technically not allowed to fly at National Parks.   Or, anywhere else except your house, if anyone complains, if the very vague law is enforced.