Ultimate Drone Buying Guide for Total Beginners 2024

Best Camera Drones for Beginners that still shoot pro quality video and photos compared:
DJI Mini 3 vs. DJI Mini 4 Pro vs. Air 3 vs. Autel Evo Lite+ vs. Mavic 3 Pro vs. Mavic 3 Classic vs. DJI Mini 2 vs. DJI Inspire 2 with X5S
Link for the Cinematography & Editing drone course, includes the drone business/marketing course now too so they are just one thing.
$100 Off because I love you I guess:
courses.dronelaunchacademy.co...
If you cannot get the best thing do not stress about it, all of the drones I go over are still incredible to be able to get as "entry level."
Even the Mini 2 is STILL an awesome drone. Mini 4K is the updated model and you have to get it on Amazon strangely.
It has a 1/2.3" sensor and shoots 12 megapixel photos but it is PLENTY to grow with. Just find it used on Craigslist, Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, Offerup for like $250 or lower.
Mini 4K (2020) - $300
(newest version of the Mini 2)
4K Video, RAW photos, no collision sensors but can live in your pocket
Mini 3 (2022) - $400
4K, RAW photos, Great connection, Vertical Filming, .76 inch sensor, really impressive for the convenience and ease. No anti-bonk
Mini 4 Pro (2023) - $750/$900
Get the $900 one, it is a billion times worth having a dedicated smart remote especially for so little extra.
.76 inch sensor, 4K footage, vertical filming, 12 megapixel RAW photos, quietest body type, looks like a bug when its flying. I could write an essay about this thing. By far the most fun to use, incredible connection. Footage often looks like it came from a bigger drone. Activetrack to follow you around if you care about that.
I've got a video on the Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro as well, LOVE it.
Air 3 (2023) - $1000
MASSIVE improvement on its predecessor, 2 camera on it which I actually use equally and didn’t expect that. Sensor has improved low-light and exposure balancing is really great in this generation, even if the sensor is same size as mini 3 pro.
4K footage, .76” sensor, 12 megapixel photos.
60fps if you care (I don't). It is cooler than the Mini 4 Pro because of camera 2 and the sick looking body, but Mini 4 Pro is just so convenient so its a tossup. Get mavic 3 classic if pro quality is priority.
Autel Evo Lite Plus (2022) - $1100
6K 1 inch sensor, 20 megapixel photos. Flies pretty rigid so stick to front/back and left/right. Really nice picture, lovely reds like in all Autels. Oversharpened image but I can live with that, just adjust some in editor. Fun colors to pick from give it extra points, could use it for work and still get the job done if DJI gets hit by a car one day. Doesn't beat DJI but this isn't bad.
Autel Evo Nano Plus (2022) - $700
NO
Mavic 3 Pro (2022) - $2200
4/3 inch Sensor, 5.1K footage, 20mp photos. Long flight time. Get the normal version not the $4000 Cine version if you don't know what Prores format is.
This is the Business Class plane ticket drone, there is no going back after having this. Unbelievable dynamic range. UNREAL stability, default color, flight control, flexible rich data for color grading.
A 3x and 7x telephoto lens comes on it. Never use the 7x aside from fun, but the 3x is a great length and useful… just hard to give up the quality of the wide camera that is 5.1k.
Still great for cool angles and cinematography nerds. In general most of what I film on this drone looks better in the end than what I thought I was getting while shooting. They knocked it out of the park with this drone, no limits honestly.
Mavic 3 Classic - $1300
Not typing all that again, you get the point. Minus the Zoom lenses, everything else is the same. Crapping myself at the price being so cheap now. What a deal.
DJI Mini 5 - No, don't even start asking.
Inspire 2 + X5S camera - $5000+ Used
Shoots 6K RAW Video (literally filming in RAW photos)
5.2K 422 Prores and 4K Proress 4444 incase you know what that all means. Cinema formats but such a pain to lug around, and the noise is a lot. It's more like a once in a while, Ace in the hole to blow something out the water or shoot Stock Footage and practice cinematography. Interchangeable lenses are really nice too.
I have other videos on making money, go watch those if you need.
If you want the fastest way to get better footage, watch the Cinematography one, trust me it is very necessary.
Updating the Ultimate Drone Buying Guide for Total Beginners 2024 because its time and new drones have come out, the Mini 4 Pro and Air 3 being the biggest additions
00:00 .
00:14 Drones vs. Cocaine
00:50 Beginner Drones
01:55 Photo/Video Drones
03:00 Drone Quality comparison
04:05 DJI Drones
04:58 Drones Tech Update
06:40 Used Drones
08:25 Minis
09:00 Noise Test
09:38 Cinematography
10:12 Mavic 3 Best Drone
12:20 Sensor Chart comparison
13:28 Photography
14:10 Specs Need vs Don't
15:40 Follow Me
16:25 SMART REMOTE!!!
17:28 Make a Decision
18:12 Pro Drones
20:50 How to Improve

[@QuickAssTutorials]

I know there is a Mini 2 SE on DJIs site, but that is only 2.7K, they have updated the line with the Mini 4K that came out like a week ago (May 2024 for anybody in the future) You have to buy the Mini 4K on Amazon though, strangely

[@Joel762b39]

Hey man, i would like to buy a drone I'm debating between the mini 2 and the new rg 101 pro 8k 24fps don't know if you are familiar with it ! what would you recommend?

[@psavela3197]

@@Joel762b39 The rg 101 blah blah is a toy compared to the DJI Mini 2. You will be much happier buying any DJI than those cheap aliexpress toys.

[@Joel762b39]

Ok thanks man

[@QuickAssTutorials]

@@Joel762b39these toys are getting pretty good but that thing is still not close enough to a Mini 2, just get a Mini 2

[@Matanumi]

@@QuickAssTutorials 200% just buy a used mini 2. Dji will still support it and it has unlocked SDK for custom apps if you care about that

[@jacksonlivingston6092]

This guy’s dry humor stays undefeated.

[@Matanumi]

The horizon however....

[@thekiteboatparty3568]

only reason i watch, he’s great

[@RenageTV]

Flawless

[@lex6vasques544]

I had to pause the video after the things he starts to say at 1:05 I couldn't stop laughing 😂

[@weirdmark]

Step child 🤦‍♂️🤣

[@jpbredenkamp5091]

I watch these “update” videos every year, even though I have half these drones, just because I love your content so much! 😂

[@JerodBeeson]

Same haha

[@user82938]

Yeah, I'm not really in the market for a drone, but I watch all his vids.

[@Matanumi]

@@user82938 Alex makes Hood "no nonsense" vids about quality drones

[@jailbreakoverlander]

Ive been flying for 9 yrs AND this dude lays it out like I would but I am not an astronaut.

[@thisswissguy9982]

I come for the reviews & stay for the dry humor. Love your work style!

[@Cujo71]

You had me at "I have been teaching people since I was fat". Humor in reviews and buying guides is always appreciated.

[@goodvibesonly9921]

Never watched you before. After first 50 sec I go "fucking love this guy" *continues to sub

[@ConsensusX]

Forget the drones, I'm still waiting on gym workout tutorials

[@NewTestamentDoc]

when I saw you flying inside with a ceiling fan going round behind you, I almost screamed at the screen.. yet you did fine... my heart is beating back to normal now!

[@PH-md8xp]

Straight to the point, packed with info, topped off with a healthy dose of dry (but great) humor. Fantastic amount of useful info. 👍🏼

[@Baleur]

I'm one of those over-confident (on forums) new guys acting like he knows everything, that's flown 4 times. I got the Air 3 because the price was manageable compared to the Mavic, but it as the 70mm lens over the Mini. Already in the few flights ive done, the 70mm lens is AMAZING, beyond belief. You can do stuff you just cant do with the standard lens (obviously). Especially sunrise / sunset timelapses look extreme with the compressed view, with some extremely slow panning.

[@PH-md8xp]

Dude’s raw confidence with these drones is admirable - in his sound comparison - proceeds to take off indoors from his tabletop (with ceiling fan turning in the background, no less) and that included the pterodactyl that looks like it could easily send a grown man to the hospital !! 🏥

[@bobk3881]

omg I miss my favoruite bald youtuber. thank you for uploading another youtube video

[@belaircomputerguyllc4001]

Possibly the best video of its type in youtube - well done man.

[@sophistry_ca]

I don't know what was better, how informative this video is or the absolutely stellar sense of humor! Big win either way.

[@calebe2101]

Im 17 and have always wanted a drone since i was 10. I finally ended up buying a mini 3 pro with the rc controller two months ago. Its a phenomenal drone and so I'm so glad i got this one as my first real drone. Highly recommend

[@ericyankovich8475]

As a person who has been flying for 10 years, I agree with everything he says based on my own experiences and purchases. He’s super on point funny af too. Great video

[@xXkashmoney99Xx]

I was just watching your 2023 guide so it’s a pleasant surprise to see this pop up on my feed! Came for the info stayed for the comedy.

[@QuickAssTutorials]

It was time for an update because mini 4 pro and air 3 have changed a lot

[@Matanumi]

@@QuickAssTutorials oh yeah! Also those have seperate "O4" systems over the older quads.... and sadly those controllers are not backwards compatible

[@donaldmartin7109]

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO EXPLAIN THESE DRONES. MY FAVORITE TEACHER. NO B.S. HONEST ALL THE WAY.

[@RobHarding]

This is the best video tutorial I have seen in ages. I laughed out loud the whole way through and it was also the perfect info i needed.

[@MrRaymond1021]

Another awesome video, and straight to the point and no BS of excuses. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍

[@n.v.ggaming396]

got my mini 3 pro last November purely for getting better angles of things and visibility, im a weather enthusiast must see those storms, being able to take off in 2 minutes from the garden and get a better view than i would from travelling to the local hill is phenomenal for me. have now caught some scenes that ive dreamed about for years such as the london skyline sticking through cloud, still searching for that absolute perfect morning though with absolute perfect once in a lifetime conditions, it will happen one day.

[@aerobibs]

look forward to this video every year. love the humor

[@AegenemmnoN]

So true on the remote. Absolutely a must buy.

[@BluePlanetPets]

Brand new to this but you had me in the first 30 seconds. All hobbies & jobs have this....love that you showed your work!

[@andyp.4205]

I have both the Nano Plus and Lite Plus and those fly rock solid for me. Better dynamic range in the shadows and no geofencing. I do like my Mini 3 Pro with the DJI RC. The Avata 1 is so much fun.

[@colephelps6202]

Almost no one seems to understand dry humor these days so I freakin' LOVE that this guy cracks wise with the extra crispy jokes.

[@RonaldBrown59]

I love these buying guides, thanks for sharing.

[@kennsdoehhm]

Ok man. Im with you.. Thus is the only needed Video about Drones if you want to seperate all Kinds.... Its a perfect Video. Thank you a lot man

[@neutralmst6855]

Dude, I love your style, thank you so much for the video, entertainment, info and your time :)!

[@zilla8232]

The best drone reviews out there!

[@thatbme8736]

Love the inspirational support. I've been flying for about 3 years now. I started with an SJRC F11 4k Pro. Was a great starter drone. Stepped up to a used DJI Air 2s and has been phenomenal. Camera was the seller point even though it was about 2 years since first release. I recently took a leap and purchased a new DJI mini 4 Pro. Love It! Still working towards doing more with my drones than just hobby footage. Hope to take my Part 107 soon, and hopefully be able to afford something like the DJI Air 3, or even Mavic 3 Pro. Shure there will be much more to offer whenever that time comes. So glad I became interested in flying. It's a learning experience and a feeling of satisfaction when you amaze yourself on what you were able to just capture and know that you are able to share that with others and it will always be there for you to see again.

[@Hex2906]

This guys made me start my drone company and best choice I made by far. All with a mini 4 pro. Still slow but such a great learning experience. Thanks!

[@phucmapvlog]

The most “to the point” drone video out there. Thank you

[@tanglingowl8716]

And this Man is the DJI of drone creators. Been watching for years religiously lol

[@theironbee]

brb buying the inspire 2 just to kill birds. thanks for the rec!

[@QuickAssTutorials]

complicated way to let Brandon know but thats why I made this video

[@MR-jd1yo]

just had my first flight with the dji mini 2 this weekend and it was soo much fun

[@MR-jd1yo]

first day i crashed into a tree trying to get "that shot" lol luckily no damage and i had some friends get it out !

[@ThreeToesofFury]

Phenom video and hilarious sense of humor. LOVE your work

[@jaytaztt]

wow really appreiated this! Thank you!

[@jkcreationz]

Been watching these videos since even though i will never be able to buy one i won’t stop waiting for the updates

[@stevenjameswilds]

Man I never saw you and your page before but tell you what, I have enjoyed so much from this video. Learnt a lot but mostly importantly you made me laugh out of nowhere. Feels like a movie just the way you talk about some stuffs. WELL DONE

[@jctang8218]

Your humor is one of the best I've seen this month 🤣

[@Krysstophe]

Love your vids. Bought a mini 3 earlier this year based on your last beginners guide, and the fact Costco were doing a killer deal on it with the RC2 and an SD card. It's mad fun to fly, next comes learning to properly use it to make a town reel! One thing I'd add to any would be drone owner is to check your local laws etc. The UK is wayyyy more lenient with the under 250g class in terms of where you can fly, for example.

[@BU683AR]

Honest review and recommendations + with feelings straight from the heart that you wouldn't even get from other YT creator

[@BanaBanuFerry]

I watched this video randomly because I’m shopping for my first drone and I’d like to take it hiking and exploring. I subbed because you’re hilarious omg.

[@AN-et3xy]

enjoyed this review a lot. well done!

[@TMAdventuresT7]

How good are you !! You absolutely nailed this analogy 👌🏼

[@BornIn68]

I think I almost had a heart attack when you flew the Inspire inside...my heart is beating like a drum lol

[@addisonloperr]

This was unbelievably helpful! Let my journey begin

[@theampedlife]

This video should be mandatory viewing for drone buyers. Super helpful, thank you.

[@mithrandir133]

Thanks again for freely giving to the Drone community such valuable knowledge!!

[@jcharbonneau7048]

great video love the sense of humor

[@JulianThompsonFilm]

Excellent review!

[@jays8017]

Typically I'm not one to comment on KZbin videos, but this video was extremely well executed. I ordered the mini 4 pro yesterday, it has been a year since I had the mini 2, my fiance and I hike every few weeks and I wanted to stay within the mini portable profile. I'm very glad to hear that I won't regret the purchase, and I did upgrade to the phone less remote I have used drones on iPhone and Android both. They always works better on iPhone, very glitchy on Androids. The new style remote is super affordable and very well worth the extra cost.

[@LA-Hyun]

Thank you so much!!~ lt’s really helpful!!~👍🏻🙏🏻🥰

[@gemertje]

Thanks for the big help! I bought the mini 4 as a present for someone, hope they like it.

[@warcraft8226]

thanks

[@xhiltonx]

Gf got me a tello as a gift, never knew anything about drones loved it, just bought the mini 2 se and its awsome

[@madwilliam1554]

This is the best BS free, helpful product video I've seen on KZbin... Funny as well.

[@gomanastro]

great job on this video, thanks.

[@GenXJefferson]

Great video, Drone God!!!!

[@Eddie-ik4ot]

This is the funniest professional review I've ever seen. just subscribed

[@mehow99_91]

Wow! Great footage. I wish I could leave the books and computer for the weekend and shoot some photos.

[@RicoManila]

I really really like this video (though I am not buying any very soon, this video just came up on my suggestion) but I love you Bro! Thank you for this video!

[@joebaileygl1500]

Excellent video.

[@manuk.s.1836]

What this video offers : Advice on drones ✅ Advice on life ✅ Humor ✅ all without a single second of boring info!!

[@wishgsxr]

Great video. Extremely funny and informative. 👍🏾

[@owen_oj]

Great video and really helpful 😎🙏

[@equious8413]

Just bought a mini 3!

[@TheRealEstateGuyFL]

My dude, thanks to you I was able to finally get a drone for my real estate videography projects, got an openbox Mini 4pro for around 585 and can’t be happier ! Thank you for your vids 🫵🏻💪🏻

[@samanderson5611]

His courses are well worth the money

[@LivingInTheOklahomaCityMetro]

this is awesome!!!

[@pspicer777]

Excellent.

[@AhmedQais999]

Thank you for sharing your valuable experience with us. You make the purchasing process better than ever. I cannot imagine buying a product without seeing a lot of reviews about it.

[@c.m.7037]

Potensic ATOM is great too!

[@Icelandlover]

You've inspired me to buy the Mini 4 Pro and to start being serious about training and improving my diet. 💪👍

[@treynolds94]

Just watched Were the Roberts on why the RTH features were killed off. I have the mini 2 se and honestly love how I can still move the drone up or down or yaw left and right on rth. The new mini 4 pro you can no longer lower your altitude during rth if you wanted to save some battery get out of strong winds. Love my mini 2 se.

[@danielgriffith6095]

My sons birthday was on the 13th of May, and i got him the mini 2 se as his first drone and now i want one for my self they are just so easy to use, so this video was perfect for helping me pick my drone 👍

[@watsonlow22]

Thanks good info

[@nickmcmillian2122]

I feel like I seen this video 4 times within the bast few years and I still love it.

[@ItsGordo2]

Came for the information, stayed for the delivery and dry humor. 10/10 and subscribed

[@FERNANDOPR_FPV]

Today I got the dji mini 2 SE and I made the first flight and im happy with it. Im a fpv pilot that recently, my only fpv drone I have got fried in mid air, so I decide to try a stabilized drone and I think Im going to hace a lot of fun with it. Im thinking in the future going with the mini 3 pro when I have the opportunity but the mini 2 SE is good for a beginner in this type of drone. Nice video btw❤.

[@snaggiz]

This was perfectly timed. Looking to buy my first one in the near future! Looking to do paid work eventually!

[@Traveldan]

Never disappointed watching Ur videos man. Knowledgeable and hilarious at the same time 😂👏👏

[@oliverjensen8318]

How does this guy make by far the best sum up ever every time

[@zonewolf]

I'm over 12 builds deep with FPV quads, barely use my dji's, but still love to swing by to see my favorite tongue-in-cheek reviewer do his sassy thing.

[@OL10Xro]

felicitari pentru hyperlapse'ul cu grinzile 👏

[@kadrtuitam]

Great material. 👏Can I ask you about a decision I've been struggling with for some time? I have Mavic 2 pro from 3 years. Should I upgrade to Mavic 3 classic or Air 3? 2 lenses vs better sensor. I'm afraid of losing quality on Air 3 and Mavic 3 pro is too heavy for European restrictions. I would be grateful for your opinion

[@YTLearningQuest]

tq for info with situations 🙏

[@vwcreativetechnology]

thanks for the honest info man, was totally lost in what to buy...funny too :)

[@_gelon]

I have a 4 Pro and I love it, though I can barely fly it anywhere in my town :-/ Loved the video, especially when you flew the monster drones indoor. Your face is priceless 🤣

[@psyberiusblack]

Got an Air 2s when those came out. I’m merely a hobbyist. But it does what I want it to do and I have fun using it.

[@wescoleman1360]

Absolutely love the terrified look when the inspire takes off inside! 😂

[@Reystonunltd]

Aw man...I laughed so hard, so many times during this video. When he was trying to lose the active track 16:16 .... dead. 😂

[@downunderdank6894]

Ha ha, I like your sense of humour !! Cool, professional and concise content brother. Respect 👊

[@littlenel17]

Great video…question. I know the correct answer to my question is going to be the Mavic 3 Enterprise but other that than that what’s the best drone to do photogrammetry and mapping? Thanks

[@Miner49er1]

Thanks for the info! I just got a DJI Mini 3 Pro and love it! Question though, I am finding conflicting information. Do I need to worry about 107 and registering/licensure with this drone if I'm shooting for my youtube channel? Thanks!

[@johnryansullivan]

I never comment but the indoor flying section has easily made my week. Here is to making terrible decisions for the sake of the video! Also thank you for yet another wonderful summary of all things drones.

[@di-photo]

Does the microSD card make any difference if you want 4k quality? The question is will it be better with v30 v60 or v90? As i see some drone videos like every few frames they just like stop and play for 0.02sec its not smooth i mean.

[@robertmarshall39]

You just got yourself a new sub😂😂😂😂. Thank you sir!