For those who’re in search of a digital camera drone beneath $500, skip the toy aisle. Whereas loads of low-cost drones exist, solely DJI constantly delivers drones at this worth which might be dependable, straightforward to fly and able to capturing footage you’ll really wish to share. Of DJI’s present choices, I examined and in contrast the newest 4 fashions in DJI’s lineup which might be additionally priced beneath $500. With that, I broke out my picks primarily based on not simply funds however wants.
My general prime decide is the DJI Flip ($439). For the most effective mixture of digital camera high quality, security options, and flight expertise, the Flip is unmatched beneath $500.
However, listed here are all the DJI drones that I examined and loved:
All of those drones weigh beneath 250 grams. Drones beneath 250 grams are an enormous deal as a result of many kinds of federal drone laws don’t apply to drones of that measurement. Within the U.S., drones beneath 250 grams don’t have to be registered with the FAA for leisure operations. Additionally they don’t have to be Distant ID compliant. That makes drone flying extra handy for worldwide vacationers who’re extra doubtless free to fly out of the country, with out having to get registered or licensed in a spot they is perhaps visiting for only a few days.
Choosing the most effective DJI drones beneath $500
DJI drones beneath $500: a fast comparability
| DJI Neo | DJI Mini 4K | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Flip | |
| Finest for | Newcomers, informal selfies | Worth | Longer flights and robust picture high quality | Finest general |
| Beginning worth (worth consists of lowest-price controller) | $199 | $299 | $419 | $439 |
| Takeoff Weight | 165 grams | < 249 g | < 249 g | < 249 g |
| Max Flight Time | 18 minutes | 31 minutes | 38 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery) 51 minutes (with Clever Flight Battery Plus*) |
31 minutes |
| Max Takeoff Altitude | 2000 m | 4000m | 4000m (or simply 3000m with Clever Flight Battery Plus) | 3000m |
| Max Wind Pace Resistance | 8 m/s (Stage 4) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) | 10.7 m/s (Stage 5) |
| Picture Sensor | 1/2-inch CMOS | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch picture sensor |
| Efficient Pixels | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP |
| Video | 4K/30 fps | 4K/30 fps | 4K HDR | 4K HDR |
| Impediment sensing | Downward | Downward | Downward | Downward: one visible sensor and an infrared sensor Ahead: 3D Infrared Sensing System |
And right here’s a deeper dive into all these drones:
DJI Flip: finest general
Who it’s for: Newcomers or informal creators who need premium options at a funds worth.
Why I prefer it: The DJI Flip is probably the most well-rounded drone on this worth vary. It combines a strong 48MP digital camera with superior flight options like foldable propeller guards and forward-facing sensors, that are usually present in higher-end fashions. It’s straightforward to fly, data sharp 4K HDR video at as much as 60fps, and folds up sufficiently small to slot in a backpack.
Few drones on this worth vary provide such a complete set of options, making the DJI Flip the final word budget-friendly choice for aerial images and videography.
Drawbacks: Battery life tops out at 31 minutes, which is stable—however not best-in-class. Nonetheless, contemplating the digital camera high quality and ease of use, the Flip is a standout worth.
Certain, the DJI Flip is the costliest of this bunch, however it’s nonetheless low-cost. In spite of everything, it is a information to the most effective drones beneath $500!
Discover out why the Flip is value upgrading for over the extra inexpensive Neo in my information to the DJI Flip vs. Neo.
One final notice: when you’re nonetheless hankering for extra — say you need the impediment avoidance within the DJI Mini 4 Professional, you’ll have to extend your funds above $500 — however not by a lot. Discover out why it might be value upgrading from the Flip to the DJI Mini 4 Professional.
DJI Mini 3: finest for longer flights
Who it’s for: Creators who worth longer airtime and extra cinematic photographs.
Why I prefer it: The Mini 3 gives the longest flight time of any DJI drone beneath $500—as much as 38 minutes with the usual battery, or as much as 51 minutes with the Plus model. It additionally has a big 1/1.3-inch sensor that captures clear, color-rich 4K HDR video. It’s mild, moveable, and fewer intimidating for freshmen.
Drawbacks: You gained’t get impediment avoidance past the downward sensors. If you need multi-directional sensing, you’ll must improve to the pricier Mini 3 Professional or DJI Mini 4 Professional.
Learn extra: DJI Mini 3 vs. Mini 3 Professional: which drone is best?
Buy the DJI Mini 3 beginning at simply $419 (no controller) now from:
DJI Mini 4K: finest worth
Who it’s for: Most individuals in search of a succesful digital camera drone beneath $300.
Why I prefer it: For simply $299, the DJI Mini 4K delivers quite a bit: 4K video, dependable controls, and a light-weight, travel-friendly construct. It’s a transparent improve over the Mini 2 SE for under $20 extra. It lacks some bells and whistles, however for informal photographers and hobbyists, it hits an excellent stability of options and affordability.
Disadvantage: The picture sensor is smaller than what you’ll get with the Mini 3 or Flip. It’s wonderful for social media, however much less supreme when you’re taking pictures for bigger screens.
Purchase the DJI Mini 4K now from Amazon for simply $299.
DJI Neo: finest for absolute freshmen
Who it’s for: First-time drone pilots or creators on a good funds.
Why I prefer it: The DJI Neo is designed for fast, social-media-ready selfies. Launch it out of your hand, and it’ll carry out pre-programmed photographs like orbiting or flying upward—all hands-free. It’s enjoyable and intuitive, and at $199, it’s probably the most inexpensive DJI drone available on the market.
Although you may decide to pay additional for a controller, Neo is extra designed to shoot selfies in pre-programmed flight modes. You launch it out of your hand to take a selected sort of selfie (say, the drone flying a circle round you). From there, Neo executes the video, after which it flies proper again to your palm.
Drawbacks: Flight time is proscribed to 18 minutes, and there’s no ahead impediment detection. However for primary taking pictures, particularly on cellphone screens, the Neo is a low-risk entry level.
It’s closest competitor on this information is the DJI Mini 4K. Discover out the variations between the DJI Neo vs. DJI Mini 4K.
Try my full DJI Neo overview.
Options to those 4 picks
In search of one thing else? Listed here are different methods to seek out drones beneath $500 (perhaps):
Out-of-production drones: You would possibly discover others which have since gone out of manufacturing, such because the DJI Mini, Mini 2 and even DJI Mini 2 SE however it’ll doubtless be both used or from a third-party reseller. There’s additionally the now out-of-production, and really short-lived DJI Spark, which debuted at simply $499.
A DJI-adjacent drone: DJI can be affiliated with one other less-than-$160 drone referred to as the Tello, which is made by a companion firm referred to as Ryze utilizing DJI components. Alas, even Tello has been discontinued.
Used drones: And positive, you may additionally be capable to purchase one in all DJI’s fancier, often $1,000 drones used for beneath $500. However, perceive the dangers of shopping for used drones.
The underside line
The DJI Flip is the most effective of the bunch (when you don’t consider the price) for 2 huge causes: the most effective digital camera and the most effective flight. However for people who prioritize saving cash, then it won’t essentially be the most effective. In spite of everything, it’s greater than double the value of the DJI Neo.
For those who’re a videographer, it’s positively value going for at the least DJI Mini 3 over the Neo. The Neo’s sensor isn’t as massive, and its body price is decrease. However then once more, the DJI Mini 4K gives an unbelievable pleased medium. It has a worth level fairly near the Neo, however a digital camera a lot nearer to the DJI Mini 3.
For those who can afford it, go for the DJI Flip. There, you’ll discover the best picture high quality of this bunch.
However when you’re merely in search of the most affordable potential drone, then the DJI Neo can give you the results you want. The DJI Neo is sweet when you match into one of many following molds:
- You’re model new to drones and don’t wish to decide to one thing you’re not sure about.
- You’re flying in quite simple environments over comparatively quick distances (effectively inside your line of sight).
- You’re filming for small cellphone screens, moderately than massive TV screens, the place top-tier picture high quality isn’t the highest precedence.
Which DJI drone beneath $500 do you advocate? Are there different elements of us ought to contemplate when selecting an entry-level DJI drone? Share your ideas and experiences within the feedback beneath!
Associated
Uncover extra from The Drone Lady
Subscribe to get the newest posts despatched to your e-mail.