It’s no secret that DJI produces some of the best drones available; our extensive testing indicates that each type of pilot may find a suitable drone in its lineup. We’ve flown every DJI drone, from entry-level models to high-end flying machines, and have compiled our thoughts here to assist you in selecting the best one.
Every DJI drone has a unique feature. If we had to pick only one to suggest, it would be the DJI Mini 4 Pro because, during testing, we discovered that it was both easy to fly and capable of producing amazing footage. We also valued the inclusion of sensors for obstacle avoidance and subject tracking. However, given the diversity of DJI’s lineup, there may be another drone that is more appropriate for your requirements.
The outcomes of our reviews have been condensed and organized for your convenience in the guide that follows. Whether you want a flagship flyer with pro-grade features or a foldable model that weighs less than 250g, you can find it here, along with all of our expert views gleaned from innumerable hours of flying.
Table of Contents
- No 1 DJI Avata 2
- No 2 DJI Neo
- No 3 DJI Mini 4 Pro
No 1 DJI Avata 2
The arrival of the DJI Avata 2 will excite current DJI users and probably convince many more to switch to FPV flight as a “simple” way to get started in this infamously challenging field of drone flying. You can switch to Sport mode, which offers more speed and control, if you feel more secure.
Last but not least, you can choose to turn off all flight-assistance features and fly entirely manually with the DJI Remote Controller 3. However, this is not for the faint of heart, and unless you practice a lot in a simulator beforehand, you’re bound to crash and damage your brand-new Avata 2, which isn’t designed to survive repeated, severe collisions.
while flying manually and performing loops and rolls on a windier day, your flight duration will be significantly shortened, but endurance will still be good. The Avata 2’s 2150mAh battery allows for up to 26 minutes of flight time while cruising leisurely on a windless day. For professional users, this is especially helpful because it frees them from worrying about battery life and the possibility of missing an important moment, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. Drones may be easily operated using the DJI Motion Controller 3, which enables even inexperienced users to fly with reasonable precision and control right away.
However, this may seem like a less appealing choice for more seasoned pilots than a gaming-style controller, which provides complete control in manual mode so you can perform aerobatics.
Which you select will rely on your degree of expertise and experience, your sense of adventure, and the uses you intend to make of your FPV drone. The DJI Motion Controller 3, for instance, might be particularly helpful for flying in tight spaces, such interior real estate tours.
Pros
- Long flight time
- Incredible image quality with improved dynamic range
- Easy to fly out of the box, and packed with safety features
Cons
- Unappealing to experienced FPV pilots outside of the DJI ecosystem
- Poor ergonomics of the DJI Controller 3 show no improvement over the DJI Controller 2
- Awkward handling in manual mode, probably down to inadequate tuning
No 2 DJI Neo
The Neo is made so that anyone can go out and get an aerial selfie or landscape shot to share on their social channels. It’s the drone equivalent of a point-and-shoot camera. The Neo is a good option for those who have never used a drone before and want something simple, inexpensive, and safe to fly, but professional pilots should avoid it because its technology does not meet FAA criteria for commercial use. One of the things that makes the Neo unique is its size.
Because the drone’s airframe has guards around the propellers, the likelihood of harm is much decreased, and it is small enough to take off from and land in the palm of your hand. The Neo has a 4K30 camera with single-axis gimbal stabilization, a respectable 18 minutes of flight duration between battery charges, and 22GB of internal storage despite its small size. Professional pilots with a Part 107 sUAS qualification, however, ought to avoid the Neo. Drones with Remote ID must be operated by professionals when flying outdoors. Professionals will therefore have to either equip the drone with an external radio transmitter or limit their flying to FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs), which are located on this map.
According to DJI, adding a 14g Holy Stone Remote ID to the drone will reduce its flight time by two to three minutes. It is important to mount the module close to the drone’s center of gravity to ensure stable flight, but adding a module to such a light aircraft is problematic because there isn’t much room on the airframe to attach one. Similarly, limiting activities to a FRIA effectively restricts your flying options. For professional pilots, the Neo is just not a wise investment. The DJI Neo may be controlled in three distinct ways: using its on-body controls, a smartphone app, or the optional RC-N3 remote control.
As you may anticipate, each method offers a slightly different experience. With the on-body buttons, you can enjoy fully automatic flight paths; with the RC-N3 remote, you can enjoy a longer range of reaction and more enjoyable manual flight; or you can use the same plus on-screen joysticks for manual control and a live feed from the camera with the app.
Pros
- Small, light build
- Smooth, stabilized aerial footage
- Takes off from and lands in your palm
- Automated flight modes are easy to use
- 22GB internal storage holds 40 minutes of 4K
- Up to 18 minutes of flight time per charge
Cons
- Unattractive, overbaked video profile
- Kludgy manual flight controls in phone app
- Very limited operating range without physical remote (sold separately)
- Middling wind resistance
- Lack of Remote ID is a problem for licensed pilots
No 3 DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is an amazing sub-250 g drone with features that make it ideal for both enthusiast and professional use. Among other new features, the D-Log M color profile and 4K 100 fps slow-motion capture have improved video capability. Omnidirectional vision sensing provides even more advanced functionality and increases drone safety in more complex scenarios. The DJI Mini 4 Pro was unveiled and is sold at authorized merchants and the DJI Store.
There are two kit variants available, and a Fly More Bundle with the smart controller option is also available. Furthermore, upon launch, the price of this new model is nearly the same as that of the Mini 3 Pro, despite the remarkable features that distinguish it from its predecessor.In terms of design, DJI Mini-series drones don’t require much introduction these days. The Mini 4 Pro is very similar to the Mini 3 Pro in terms of appearance, with the primary distinction being the addition of Omnidirectional Collision Avoidance sensors on top of the airframe and an Auxiliary Light on the bottom. It also has a folding design and is incredibly portable and lightweight, making it ideal for regulators. The majority of the improvements are, in a sense, beneath the hood and take the shape of improved features and software. Even the Mini 3 Pro’s 12/48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor is identical, though it has better image processing. This isn’t a terrible thing, though.
Compared to the sensors included in flagship Mavic 3 prosumer models, this amazing sensor can produce exceptional image quality despite its diminutive size.
The Mini 4 Pro’s flight duration is nearly the same as that of its predecessor, with the advertised flight time of up to 34 minutes using the standard Intelligent Flight Battery. Depending on the drone’s intensity and environmental conditions like wind and temperature, flight durations usually range from 20 to 25 minutes until Return to Home is triggered at 20% battery. Additionally, there is an Intelligent flying Battery Plus that can be purchased separately and extends the drone’s flying life to an estimated 46 minutes; however, this adds weight to the drone and isn’t available in Europe.
Pros
- Improved video features
- Omnidirectional Vision Sensing
- Remains under 250g
Cons
- Upgrades may not tempt Mini 3 Pro owners
- Not suited to windy conditions
- Fixed-aperture camera
How to choose the best DJI drone?
When choosing a DJI drone, budget will be a key factor. Professional models such as the DJI Inspire 3 cost significantly more than sub-250g drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. The payoff is that you get pro-grade features and a huge amount of versatility. Most people will find the sweet spot lies in the middle of the range, where models such as the DJI Air 3 balance performance, portability and price. If you’re looking for something more affordable, you can also look at last-gen drones like the DJI Mini 3.
Models with safety characteristics like obstacle avoidance should be sought after by learners. While not included on all DJI drones, this is a helpful feature to lower the possibility of collisions in midair. The automated shooting and subject-tracking features of DJI drones are also well-known for making it simpler to take dramatic pictures.
Although most DJI drones come with a controller, not all of them are the same. Though DJI has manufactured several controller types, it’s important checking which type comes with your selected model. Almost all of them have some sort of screen and joystick arrangement. If you want additional control or a different kind of grip, you can also decide to upgrade to an optional handset.
The image quality and stabilization efficiency of DJI drones are well known. While almost all DJI drones are capable of recording 4K video, some have superior dynamic range and higher frame rates. Whether you choose to concentrate more on stills or video, and how serious you are about either (or both), will determine which option is best for you. The Mavic 3 Pro, for example, features three cameras for maximum adaptability, while the DJI Mini 3 Pro supports the D-Log M color profile for consistent video grading.
Finally, don’t overlook size and weight. Weight restrictions are important, however many DJI drones can be folded up to fit in a backpack or carry case for convenient travel. Although they require more registration, larger drones are typically more stable. Most laws do not apply to drones weighing less than 250g, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro.
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