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:

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

[jacksonlivingston]

This guy’s dry humor stays undefeated.

[Cujo]

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

[PrestonK]

"If you can't afford coke, drones are almost as fun and last longer" Got him a like in the first 30s.

[goodvibesonly]

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

[jpbredenkamp]

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

[MattSmittyCT]

As someone who researches things too much before purchasing this is the video I need for every purchase and the added humor is on point. Thanks!

[thisswissguy]

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

[jailbreakoverlander]

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

[Anthony-wlor]

“Nothing beats going somewhere filming it from a newer perspective and the footage coming out better than the feeling of what it was like when you were there!”

You’re the best👍🏻👏🏻 thank you 🙏🏼

[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!

[EuropeaninChina]

Honestly you’re amazing. I barely subscribe to anyone, recently looking into recording and editing, and didn’t skip a single moment. Thanks for making my day better, just with a tutorial, usually these would be just boring and would only care about the information. Now I really enjoy watching it

[calebe]

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

[edfrlzk]

As a newcomer to the drone industry, I must say, after reviewing hours of drone content, reviews, and critiques yours was the most honest and most helpful thank you

[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.

[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.

[belaircomputerguyllc]

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

[PH-mdxp]

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

[hummerzdca]

As this is my third or fourth time watching this post, it never fails to inform and entertain! Your sense of humor is totally unique and so refreshing! I have the Mini 3 and 4 Pro, now an Avata 2, just having a blast. I am far behind getting my 107 and have to get going with it because of the opportunities! Great job Sir! Appreciate you big time! Thanks again!🇺🇸

[thatbme]

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.