Drone Buying Guide - Updated Dec 2022

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My drone guide and recommendations for the holidays

Cheapest - Ryze Tech Tello
Best Beginner - DJI Mavic Mini 2 ( leaving on the list but the new Mini 3 is better)
Best Beginner - DJI Mini 3
Most Versatile - DJI Mini 3 Pro
Pro Level - DJI Mavic 3 Classic
FUN! - DJI FPV Avata (New Video - FPV Avata vs Mini 3 Pro)

DJI Mavic Mini 2

  • Budget Pick - DJI Mavic Mini 2 $449 - Harder to find now that it is being replaced by Mini 3

    • 4k video with 3-axis stabilization (so smooth)

    • JPG or 12 MP RAW photos

    • Occusync 2.0 for 6-mile connectivity

    • 31 minute flight time

    • Quick Shots - Preprogrammed flights for easy and slick video shots

    • Less than 250g no FAA Registration required

    • Missing Obstacle Avoidance and Tracking Features

This is a great beginner drone at an affordable price. It is possible you will outgrow if you get serious about drone flying because it is missing tracking options but an overall impressive drone for its size and weight that provides good quality video and good photos.

Buy on B&H Photo | Buy on Amazon

DJI Mini 3 (newest) -

Better than the Mini 2, Missing a handful of Mini 3 Pro features - Drone & Remote - $559 on B&H Photo

  • A better low-light camera (vs the Mini 2)

  • A new gimbal system for better stability in wind and vertical shooting like the mini 3 pro

  • Much better battery life (vs the Mini 2)

But this drone is missing a handful of features found in the Mini 3 Pro. I have highlighted a few below that I think for those not on a tight budget the Mini 3 pro would be the better drone and a drone you are much less likely to outgrow soon.

  • No obstacle avoidance sensors

  • No 48MP photo mode (still has 12MP photo mode)

  • Video limited to 8-but H.264 with 4k 30 fps max (mini 3 pro offers 4k at 60fps)

  • No MasterShots - automated series of quick shots for easy b-roll

  • No ActiveTrack, Timelapse or HyperLapse modes and missing Asteroid Quick shot

  • Live view resolution just 720p. (mini 3 pro offers 1080p)

DJI Mini 3 Pro

  • The Drone that will suit 90% of us - DJI Mini 3 Pro $759

    • 4k video horizontal or vertical orientation with 3-axis stabilization (so smooth)

    • JPG or 48MP RAW photos

    • Occusync 3.0 for 7.5-mile connectivity & better connectivity in urban landscapes

    • 34-minute flight time (47 min with Plus battery)

    • Quick Shots - Preprogrammed flights for cool footage

    • Less than 250g no FAA Registration required

    • Forward and Backward obstacle Avoidance for safer flying

    • Tracking Features auto-follow selected subjects - great for solo filming and automatic flying.

This newer Mini drone from DJI is incredibly impressive. Similar in size and weight to the mini 2 but it does provide obstacle avoidance and tracking allowing you to assign a subject that the drone will automatically follow and film. This is also DJIs first drone to offer true vertical resolution and offers obstacle avoidance for more peace of mind when flying - meaning you are less likely to crash into something. This is a drone that you are not likely to outgrow soon unless you start flying professionally.

Buy on B&H Photo | Buy on Amazon

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic

  • Best Quality Photos & Video - DJI Mavic 3 Classic $1749 (NEW)

    • 5.1k video horizontal with 3-axis stabilization (so smooth)

    • JPG or 20MP RAW photos from huge 4/3rd sensor (excellent in lower light)

    • Aperture Control

    • Occusync 3.0 for 7.5-mile connectivity & better connectivity in urban landscapes

    • 46 minute flight time!

    • Fastest top speed and better handling in WINDY conditions.

    • Quick Shots - Preprogrammed flights for cool footage

    • More than 250g (895g) FAA Registration requried

    • Omnidirectional binocular vision system obstacle Avoidance for much safer flying

    • Tracking Features auto-follow selected subjects - great for solo filming and automatic flying and Hyperlapse

The latest version of the Mavic 3 is this classic which provides a HUGE sensor- Micro 4/3rd that will provide incredible quality photos and video plus you get aperture control which is nice to mostly help keep shutter speeds reasonable for filming. The mini 2 and mini 3 above have sensors that are similar to good smart phones and this Mavic 3 Classic has a sensor closer in size to a real camera :) - It makes a noticeable difference. Pair those features with incredible flight times, wind resistance and range and you have a serious drone. The downside it comes with a. more serious price and is noticeably larger and heavier. This drone does have the best obstacle avoidance and tracking brain making it less likely you will crash and making it more likely that it will stay on target with tracking.

Buy on B&H Photo | Buy on Amazon

The DJI FPV Avata

  • The Fun to Fly Drone - DJI FPV Avata $1,168

    • 4k video horizontal single-axis stabilization with electronic roll stabilization

    • JPG 48MP small sensor

    • Occusync 3.0 for 6-mile connectivity & better connectivity in urban landscapes

    • 18 minute flight time

    • Downward sensors only - no obstacle avoidance

    • Flown while wearing goggles

    • Flying is FUN and very dynamic

    • No preprogrammed Quick Shots - you fly

    • No tracking features

    • More than 250g FAA Registration requried

This drone is unlike any of the others on the list - the Mini 2 and 3 and Classic should be considered flying camera/video platforms, you put those drones into the air for the purpose of capturing photos and stable video. The DJI FPV Avata you put into the air for FUN! And, you can capture photos and video but it is much more about creating dynamic video footage - flying in and around stuff. This one will take the most practice to create cool footage especially since it does not offer any built-in quick shots or tracking capabilities but the footage it creates is very dynamic and currently quite popular.. it is also really fun to fly as you wear googles and have a first-person view. It is also the only drone that I feel comfortable flying in and around people (willing people) because it has prop guards. It is also built to withstand more than a few crashes which with the speed and lack of obstacle avoidance is a good thing. Watch my video for more info.

Buy from B&H Photo | Buy from Amazon

The Other DJI FPV drone - the one that is just called DJI FPV is nicely discounted now but because of its size and larger props without sturdy prop guards, I don’t typically recommend it unless you are only looking for something fun to fly. It’s larger size and intimidating props mean you are going to keep it away from people, buildings and objects and that is really what FPV flying is all about. Learn more on Amazon.

Finally - the most affordable drone I can recommend is the Ryze Tello - this is mostly an indoor drone but it is actually easy to fly, can record decent video and photos and costs just $149. Ryze Tello on B&H Photo. If you would like a more capable drone for just a little more the older DJI Mini SE for $329 is a good place to start.