Cheap drone recommendations

[impulse]

Just now, Kenny202 said:

Looking at buying used though it would have to be bullet proof legit or in my area to buy used or off FB marketplace atm. More scammers than legitimate sellers lately. I don't want a crappy one and can't justify the price of a new one for what will effectively be a toy that could be crashed / lost in a second of stupidity.    

 

Makes sense.  I'd have bought 2nd hand if that had worked out logistically.  You're right.  It's a toy for me, too. 

 

[KhunLA]

@impulse  Just take your time learning, in a wide open area, think footie pitch, and keep it close, 50 meters, although you realize, it's so small, 100+m and it's a dot in the sky.  If not black, or neon color, than really hard to see.

 

Just learn how 'not to crash', although with GPS, it really is very hard to crash.  It's a nice, different perspective of photo taking.  Whether pausing and taking a photo, or simply pulling a screenshot of your vid.

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RR1hd5r3er1EuBKo2

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gx129SaRig7tAm9q6

 

 

 

[Kenny202]

I see you mention difficult to crash with GPS....not really sure what you mean? How does GPS reduce crashes if for eg I accidentally fly into a tree or such?

 

Also asked before you might of missed it....these mini drones under 250 grams do you still need to register them in Thailand?

 

Going to check out the FImi drones. Do you think they are as easy to fly for a beginner as the DJI mini's?

 

Many thanks for all your help

[KhunLA]

On 12/21/2024 at 10:55 AM, impulse said:

I ended up buying a DJI Mini 3, because it has a better camera,  ...

I'll post back once I sit through the numerous DJI training videos and actually fly the thing.

So how's it going with the Mini ?

 

I tested one of the features of mine today, 'follow me', which I've never used.  Wife saw watching the edit, and told her 'testing follow me' ... "what .. It's got follow me ? "

 

Yes, a bunch of features, follow me, orbit, way points ... I just never used them.  I use the drone for photos, and inspecting thing, not really for vid making.

 

Unlike DJI, mine follows the GPS / phone, not me.

 

 

[Kenny202]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

So how's it going with the Mini ?

 

I tested one of the features of mine today, 'follow me', which I've never used.  Wife saw watching the edit, and told her 'testing follow me' ... "what .. It's got follow me ? "

 

Yes, a bunch of features, follow me, orbit, way points ... I just never used them.  I use the drone for photos, and inspecting thing, not really for vid making.

 

Unlike DJI, mine follows the GPS / phone, not me.

 

 

 

Still haven't pulled the trigger yet. Been watching for one to come up locally used so at least I can go and see it. So many scammers now on Facebook marketplace and even Lazada. The mini 2 definitely seems to be the one to get however the Neo is super interesting and can do a ton of stuff (I know you don't like them) and me like you, not really interested in vlogging etc and that is the Neo's primary purpose, but man its a smart little thing. I did get a little mini drone (non camera) and have a ton of fun with that. Easy to see though how even a tiny bit of wind can effect a smaller low power drone.

 

With the mini 2's being under 250 grams and most countries appear to be able to use them without registering due to small size, Is that the case in Thailand or all drones need to be registered?

[KhunLA]

8 minutes ago, Kenny202 said:

 

Still haven't pulled the trigger yet. Been watching for one to come up locally used so at least I can go and see it. So many scammers now on Facebook marketplace and even Lazada. The mini 2 definitely seems to be the one to get however the Neo is super interesting and can do a ton of stuff (I know you don't like them) and me like you, not really interested in vlogging etc and that is the Neo's primary purpose, but man its a smart little thing. I did get a little mini drone (non camera) and have a ton of fun with that. Easy to see though how even a tiny bit of wind can effect a smaller low power drone.

 

With the mini 2's being under 250 grams and most countries appear to be able to use them without registering due to small size, Is that the case in Thailand or all drones need to be registered?

DJI just came out with another one that pretty awesome.   Just a step up from the minis, but pricey.

 

 

$$$ USD $$$

 

 

[impulse]

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

So how's it going with the Mini ?

 

I'm loving it.  Last night, I took it out for my first night flight.  I need to do some more digging into the manual to see if I can make the nav lights more visible.  I lost sight of it almost immediately and it was cold and real windy so I cut the flight short.  I'll try it again when my fingers don't freeze up.

 

I downloaded a bunch of "how-to for beginners" videos when I was in BKK last month (and YouTube's not blocked like it is here).  I watch one in the evening when it's quiet, then go out the next day and try some of the new features and settings.

 

I can't believe how much tech they've implemented.  It is amazing.

 

Occasionally, one of the presenters will mention some features that the Mini 4 Pro has, and I think "wouldn't that be neat?".  But that's 2x the cost of the Mini 3 (the Mini 3 Pro is discontinued) and I remind myself it's just a toy for me.  

 

I'd highly recommend the Mini 3 for the price (2388 RMB (Appx $325 USD), I think, with the cheaper controller that uses my smartphone screen).  It's going to take me a lot of flights to get proficient, though I was zooming around happily right out of the box, first time outdoors.  Just not presentation quality videos yet.  But it is very cool to see what my area looks like from the air.

 

[KhunLA]

36 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I'm loving it.  Last night, I took it out for my first night flight.  I need to do some more digging into the manual to see if I can make the nav lights more visible.  I lost sight of it almost immediately and it was cold and real windy so I cut the flight short.  I'll try it again when my fingers don't freeze up.

 

I downloaded a bunch of "how-to for beginners" videos when I was in BKK last month (and YouTube's not blocked like it is here).  I watch one in the evening when it's quiet, then go out the next day and try some of the new features and settings.

 

I can't believe how much tech they've implemented.  It is amazing.

 

Occasionally, one of the presenters will mention some features that the Mini 4 Pro has, and I think "wouldn't that be neat?".  But that's 2x the cost of the Mini 3 (the Mini 3 Pro is discontinued) and I remind myself it's just a toy for me.  

 

I'd highly recommend the Mini 3 for the price (2388 RMB (Appx $325 USD), I think, with the cheaper controller that uses my smartphone screen).  It's going to take me a lot of flights to get proficient, though I was zooming around happily right out of the box, first time outdoors.  Just not presentation quality videos yet.  But it is very cool to see what my area looks like from the air.

 

Lost sight immediately ... 

 

Thank Buddha for GPS & RTH

 

Unless you're really into making vids (I'm not), then features won't get used too much.  I used them with my MI Drone, that was a cut above  the cheap vid drones I have now.   I really don't operate them that much any more.   Good for photos, and as I said, inspecting stuff, chasing pigeons.

 

Even when I go O&A, I stopped taking them with me, as we try to get bungalows with a high view, so don't really need them.   Realized the other day, bought my 1st one almost 15 yrs ago.

 

Enjoy, they are quite fun.  Mini 3 was an excellent choice 👍