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.

[CFCol]

On 12/6/2024 at 7:37 PM, Kenny202 said:

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

A. You must have a licence to fly one

B. If it has a camera it must be registered with the Thai Civil Aviation Authority

C. You may not fly within 30 metres of a building

D. You may not fly over a village

These things are a pain in the neck and an invasion of privacy.

[impulse]

22 hours ago, msbkk said:

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.

 

Thanks for the first hand info.

 

One of the features that intrigues me about the NEO is that there are 4 ways to control it.  1) No controller, it follows pre-programmed routines 2) Phone app alone (limited range) 3) Manual controller with phone screen  4) FPV with the dorky goggles.  Range and speed depend on the mode...  My inkling is to look at buying the pack that comes with the 3 batteries and the manual controller for smartphone screen.  That's 11,700 on Lazada from stores that have physical shops, where I'd look at them in person.

 

That's about the same price as I found online in China here, so I figured I'd buy one (or not) on my next monthly trip to Thailand in about a week.  I don't know the licensing requirements here in China, but there's quite a group that gathers in a local park to fly drones.  Up to 2 dozen people with drones in the air at once.  I figure I'll be good in that crowd.  And they seem to be having a blast.

 

My big concerns were video quality, noisy props, and gremlins that the reviewers may be glossing over.  (Keeping in mind that they may be compensated.)  I also understand that it's really a toy to me, but I want to get into the DJI platform which does some amazing things, even at that low price point.  If I decide to upgrade later ($$$), I'm already on the learning curve.

 

Regarding speed, that also depends on control mode.  With a maximum speed of 16 m/s, that's 57 KM/Hr, which far exceeds my needs:

 

 

Obviously, there's a zillion YouTubes, and I just got around to watching one I downloaded last month in Thailand (hence, the wild hair idea...)  But YouTube is blocked here so I Binged up some reviews (Google's blocked, too).  Here's just 2 that compared similar priced DJI's:

 

DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: which drone is better for you?

 

DJI Neo vs DJI Mini 4K: which drone to choose?

 

There's a lot more that compare the NEO to the Mini 4 Pro, but that's a whole different price range.

 

Anyway, thanks again for you first hand input.

 

Edit:  And I appreciate the others warning of the legal pitfalls...  The rules are much different than when I had my monster sized cheap drone that I flew off the roof of my apartment in Asoke.

 

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

Thanks for the first hand info.

 

One of the features that intrigues me about the NEO is that there are 4 ways to control it.  1) No controller, it follows pre-programmed routines 2) Phone app alone (limited range) 3) Manual controller with phone screen  4) FPV with the dorky goggles.  Range and speed depend on the mode...  My inkling is to look at buying the pack that comes with the 3 batteries and the manual controller for smartphone screen.  That's 11,700 on Lazada from stores that have physical shops, where I'd look at them in person.

 

That's about the same price as I found online in China here, so I figured I'd buy one (or not) on my next monthly trip to Thailand in about a week.  I don't know the licensing requirements here in China, but there's quite a group that gathers in a local park to fly drones.  Up to 2 dozen people with drones in the air at once.  I figure I'll be good in that crowd.  And they seem to be having a blast.

 

My big concerns were video quality, noisy props, and gremlins that the reviewers may be glossing over.  (Keeping in mind that they may be compensated.)  I also understand that it's really a toy to me, but I want to get into the DJI platform which does some amazing things, even at that low price point.  If I decide to upgrade later ($$$), I'm already on the learning curve.

 

Regarding speed, that also depends on control mode.  With a maximum speed of 16 m/s, that's 57 KM/Hr, which far exceeds my needs:

 

 

Obviously, there's a zillion YouTubes, and I just got around to watching one I downloaded last month in Thailand (hence, the wild hair idea...)  But YouTube is blocked here so I Binged up some reviews (Google's blocked, too).  Here's just 2 that compared similar priced DJI's:

 

DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: which drone is better for you?

 

DJI Neo vs DJI Mini 4K: which drone to choose?

 

There's a lot more that compare the NEO to the Mini 4 Pro, but that's a whole different price range.

 

Anyway, thanks again for you first hand input.

 

Edit:  And I appreciate the others warning of the legal pitfalls...  The rules are much different than when I had my monster sized cheap drone that I flew off the roof of my apartment in Asoke.

 

I can't emphasis this enough, the NEO is overpriced POS.

 

Get the MINI for about the same price, and you'll actually be able to operate it.  I've seen a few, MINIs online, FB marketplace, about half price.

 

You do not need a license to operate a drone in Thailand.  You have to register it, IF, it has a camera, or, over 2kgs.  

[IsaanT]

I've got a DJI Mini 2.  If you're not a pro the DJI Minis are all you'll ever need.  The latest Minis have more obstacle avoidance tech but I would strongly endorse the common-sense approach of only flying it while you have direct sight of it.

 

I've had my one for a few years and it's been completely reliable.  Performance is more than adequate and picture and video quality are fine.  Its ability to hover in one spot in a gusty wind is wonderful, and the self-levelling gimball-mounted camera completely removes any apparent movement.  Just buy some spare propellor blades for when you inadvertently make contact with something while flying (ask me how I know...).  Batteries on mine last around 20 minutes and it's surprising how quickly that time goes when you're sightseeing with it so KhunLa's earlier recommendation to get the 'Fly More' package is sound - I can easily use two or three batteries in a session once I get it out.

 

If you go ahead and get something - and you should - do take the time to read the instruction manual from cover to cover.  They have a surprising number of functions, many of which are parameterised, and you'll want to be in complete control of it at all times.  Apart from being able to choose the best flight modes and camera settings for your particular missions, you'll want to understand what to do when it is giving you warnings (high wind, signal loss, low battery, etc.).

At the price I wouldn't call them a toy but they're easy to fly and great fun.

[KhunLA]

13 hours ago, impulse said:

Regarding speed, that also depends on control mode.  With a maximum speed of 16 m/s, that's 57 KM/Hr, which far exceeds my needs:

 

 

Obviously, there's a zillion YouTubes, and I just got around to watching one I downloaded last month in Thailand (hence, the wild hair idea...)  But YouTube is blocked here so I Binged up some reviews (Google's blocked, too).  Here's just 2 that compared similar priced DJI's:

 

DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K: which drone is better for you?

 

DJI Neo vs DJI Mini 4K: which drone to choose?

 

There's a lot more that compare the NEO to the Mini 4 Pro, but that's a whole different price range.

 

Anyway, thanks again for you first hand input.

 

Edit:  And I appreciate the others warning of the legal pitfalls...  The rules are much different than when I had my monster sized cheap drone that I flew off the roof of my apartment in Asoke.

 

 

11 hours ago, KhunLA said:

I can't emphasis this enough, the NEO is overpriced POS.

 

Get the MINI for about the same price, and you'll actually be able to operate it.  I've seen a few, MINIs online, FB marketplace, about half price.

 

You do not need a license to operate a drone in Thailand.  You have to register it, IF, it has a camera, or, over 2kgs.  

OK, maybe not a total POS ... as I misread the air speed & wind resistance  ... oops

 

Wind resistance at ~25 kph, means you'll need to operate at times, so not to be blown out of position.  Would still pick the MINI over the NEO, as the we bit more wind resistance will come in handy, if here in TH.  Location dependent ... as winds where I am / PKK, peak at ~25 kph at noon, and that's NOT gusting winds, and also at ground level.   Go 30+ meters up, and it increases substantially.

 

The higher you go, 30m / 50m up, the stronger that wind is, and it increased quite a bit, at only a slight increase in altitude.

 

Suggest you download UAV Forecast app, as excellent for beginners to double check conditions.   Unfortunately they changed it a wee bit, as now have to upgrade, for different wind speed at different altitudes, as use to free.   But cheap enough, and if it saves your 12k-15k drone from crashing, well worth it, till you get some experience.

 

Which every ... HAPPY FLYING

 

[KhunLA]

Something to consider, when buying  DJI product.  They have built in 'no fly zone', in the DJI software, which may or may not restrict from flying in some zones.   I forget the protocol for overriding the software.

 

The reason I never owned a DJI product, 'no fly zone' and 'forced registration' of drones, if buying from DJI.  Don't know how enforced that is now.

 

UAV Forecast app shows me in an airport zone, same as when i lived in Udon Thani.  Before you buy a DJI product, check your area.

 

 

For those reasons alone, I would opt for the FIMI 3, <฿8k at link in YT review below.  Also has more features the DJI products.  That price is 1 battery, and didn't search cost of extras.

 

FIMI made the XiaoMi / MI Drone, years ago that I owned & loved.  Basically a DJI Phantom drone but better & less expensive.  Link to few vids I made with the MI Drone years ago.  Last one, titled 'Trestle' one of the better ones.

 

 

[IsaanT]

Wind speed at height should not be underestimated.

I have an app on my watch that shows me the local conditions (see photo below).  The different coloured arrows show different speed ranges - you tap on one of the arrows to get the displayed speed.  The interesting thing about this photo is that it was taken at 06:30 and there was no apparent wind at ground level.  The leaves in the trees near me were not moving and tall grass was absolutely stationary.  However, I was fascinated by the fact that a Chula kite was flying in a farmer's field near me, and making its characteristic sound (apologies if you live in a city and are unfamiliar with these rural practices).

I looked at my watch app and the wind at 320 metres height was 20kph, ample to keep the kite flying (as it had all night).  This is why you will invariably get strong wind warnings from your drone at altitude, even though it seemed fine at ground level when you launched.