Looking to get a drone in the $450 price range and could use some feedback

Airwolf076

Airwolf076

New Member
So I'm new to drones, not totally new, I have been learning over the past month or so with a Uranhub SP500(rebranded Snaptain). I'm interested more in GPS camera drones and not so much in FPV racing drones(maybe later on down the road).

I've got my FAA registration, so keeping it under 250G isn't really a requirement.
I've got it narrowed down to 4 drones and would like a little input, I'm familiar with the specs of all of these drones, but sometimes the specs on paper do not equate to realworld, so I was hoping I might get realworld comparisons from a few people who might actually own a few of these drones.

my 4 picks are
1. Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2022
2. DJI Mini 2
3. DJI Mavic Air 1
4. DJI Phantom 3 Pro(used from ebay)

I'm leaning more towards the Fimi X8 SE 2022 than anything else, mainly because it seems like a straight upgrade from the Mini 2(atleast on paper), and it seems to be somewhat future proofed due to the fact that it supposedly already has FAA compliant Radio ID.
The Mini 2 seems like a really solid option and is probably the most popular drone in the world right now, I'm wondering how it stacks up in real world against my first choice.
The Mavic Air 1 can still be had new, and though it has horrible battery life in comparison to my top 2 choices, and is lacking a camera zoom feature, everything else about it seems pretty interesting.
My last option is a used Phantom 3 Pro...... because.... well I've loved the Phantoms ever since I first seen one, and it is the best/most affordable option for a Phantom that I can see.

So what do you guys think? Anyone have experience with all or some of these drones? What have you seen that doesn't show up on the spec sheets?
 
In my opinion for the range of 450-500 budget DJI Mini 2 will be a better option. Holy Stone HS720 Foldable is also good one. It comes with high-tech done with efficient GPS-assistance guidance.
You can check this article here for more drones under 500.
 
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Johnrgeon said:
In my opinion for the range of 450-500 budget DJI Mini 2 will be a better option. Holy Stone HS720 Foldable is also good one. It comes with high-tech done with efficient GPS-assistance guidance.
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Hey thanks, I actually caught the Mavic Air 2 on sale at Newegg for $640, and so far am loving it.
 
I don't think that you could do better than the DJI Air 2S if you are not restricted by the 250gm limit. This is by Stuart McIntyre with his DJI Air 2S at Framton on the River Severn, 2 days ago.

22m-severn.jpg
 
gregb49 said:
I don't think that you could do better than the DJI Air 2S if you are not restricted by the 250gm limit. This is by Stuart McIntyre with his DJI Air 2S at Framton on the River Severn, 2 days ago.

View attachment 6480
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250G definitely wasn't a restriction.... Budget however definitely was... Even the $800 Air 2 was outside of what I was looking to pay.... Luckily I found a deal at $639 which I was able to justify..... And I have to say I don't think I could have possibly got a better drone. The 2s is nice. But not nice enough for me to justify the price . I'm sure for others it is.
 
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