An Exploration of Drones in 2024

I recently started looking a getting a camera drone. I like to go out into nature and I think It would be really cool to be able to capture the moment in a way that a cell phone video or photo just can’t do. There are a lot of very reasonably priced drones on the market nowadays and the technology is relatively mature. I think that it wouldn’t be an unreasonable time to get a drone as a new user.

I went through and compiled a few options for a drone. Made my purchase and now I’ve kind of gone back and made a summary article about the data I gathered and my choice.

The Drones

DJI Mini 4K (2020) - $300

• This is just the newest version of the Mini 2
• 4K Video capabilities
• Can take RAW photos
• Compact enough to fit in your pocket
• No collision sensors

DJI Mini 3 (2022) - $400

• 4K video resolution
• RAW photo capture
• .76-inch sensor for better image quality
• Supports vertical filming
• Great connection and ease of use
• No anti-collision features

DJI Mini 4 Pro (2023) - $750/$900

• Choose the $900 version for a dedicated smart remote
• .76-inch sensor, 4K footage, vertical filming
• 12-megapixel RAW photos
• Quietest
• Incredible connectivity with ActiveTrack features
• Looks like a bug in flight

DJI Air 3 (2023) - $1000

• Significant improvement over predecessor
• Dual camera system for versatile shooting
• Same .76-inch sensor
• 4K footage at 60fps
• Enhanced low-light performance
• Cool design but less convenient than Mini 4 Pro

Autel Evo Lite Plus (2022) - $1100

• 6K video with a 1-inch sensor
• 20-megapixel photos
• Rigid flight pattern, good for straight paths
• Nice color rendering, especially reds
• Oversharpened image, adjustable in editing
• Unique design with fun color options

Mavic 3 Pro (2022) - $2200

• 4/3 inch sensor, 5.1K footage, 20-megapixel photos
• Long flight time
• Exceptional dynamic range and stability
• Comes with 3x and 7x telephoto lenses
• Great for professional cinematography
• Rich data for color grading

Mavic 3 Classic - $1300

• Similar features to Mavic 3 Pro minus the zoom lenses
• Cost-effective entry into professional quality
• Offers the same image quality and stability

Inspire 2 + X5S Camera - $5000+ Used

• Shoots 6K RAW video
• Supports 5.2K 422 Prores and 4K Prores 4444
• Interchangeable lenses for versatility
• Heavy and noisy, less portable
• Ideal for professional shoots or learning advanced cinematography

Summary

I ended up going with the Mini 4 Pro, if you can’t tell from the bias in my listing. I think it hits a really good sweet spot between price and features. My main ‘must haves’ were 4k video, collision detection and active track, also it had to be somewhat portable. I think that my needs were met with this.

I’ll post an update once I have some more flight time with this thing. I’ve only done a few short flights around my house to test features.