Key Points:
- You first need to determine what you’re goals for a drone will be before you purchase your first one.
- Drones are notorious for being crashed by novices, but there are some really good safety features that will help protect the device.
- Also get ready for a good bit of practice before becoming a drone master!
DJI is perhaps the biggest name in the drone industry.
©photoschmidt/Shutterstock.com
Drones for beginners are a hot topic and for good reason. Drones make for fascinating toys and provide an astonishing new perspective on the world. Moreover, they actually let you control your camera. Drones are great for everyone but especially those looking for an in-person feel of the technology.
Drones specifically designed for beginners are an excellent choice to start with. Mainly because they’ll let you get your feet wet with their numerous features and capacities. In this article, we’ll go over five of the best drones for beginners and see what sets them apart from other drones in their price range.
- Best Overall: DJI Mini 2
- Best Beginner-Friendly Drone for Indoors: DJI Mini SE
- Best Drone for Beginner Travel Photography: Autel Evo Nano
- Best Drone for a Beginner in Shooting: DJI Mavic Mini
- Best Beginners Drone for Gifts: Ryze Tech Tello
Best Overall: DJI Mini 2
- 57.6kph in Sports Mode and 36kph in Normal Mode
- 5200mAh battery provides 31 minutes of flight time
- Smart Return to Home (RTH) feature causes the drone to return to its takeoff location with the press of a button
- Shoots DNG raw photos
- 4K/30fps resolution videos while shooting at 100Mbps
The DJI Mini 2 folds up, so you can set it up with very little effort. It’s also extremely versatile because of the various features that it comes with. The foldable feature allows it to be stored in a backpack, which means you can take it pretty much anywhere. The camera has decent quality, even if you are only shooting close-ups, and the gimbal provides great video stability.
You also have a variety of different flight modes to choose from; including Point of Interest mode, which allows you to follow a moving object. Like most drones, the DJI Mini 2 can be upgraded with a controller that allows you to adjust your camera settings. The controller has 360-degree controls, meaning you can move your drone around in any direction. Using your phone as a remote control with this controller is also possible.
The batteries are removable, so it’s extremely easy to do maintenance on them. They’re made from metal and are very durable, which is great for keeping them in good shape. The DJI Mini’s controller also has a variety of ranges. It can travel at up to 20 mph. It also has a range of 10km, which is pretty amazing for a drone of its size.
The DJI Mini 2 is the best overall drone for beginners. It’s especially great for anyone who wants to get into drones, since it offers a great way of learning how they work.
Specifications
| Brand | DJI |
| Model Name | DJI Mini 2 |
| Color | Gray |
| Control Type | Remote Control |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K HD |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
Check out the DJI Mini 2 on Amazon.
Best Beginner-Friendly Drone for Indoors: DJI Mini SE
- Light as a Smartphone - Weighing less than 0 55lbs / 249 grams, DJI Mini SE is roughly the same weight as the smartphone. In the United States and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the...
- Capture on the Go - The lightweight and powerful DJI Mini SE camera drone is the ideal for creators on the move. The ultra-portable design allows you to effortlessly capture moments in unforgettable...
- More Time in the Sky - DJI Mini SE's weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer drones on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery.
- Capture the Detail - DJI Mini SE supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear ultra-smooth footage.
- Upgraded Wind Resistance - DJI Mini SE can resist 29-38kph winds and take off at a max altitude of 4,000 meters, so your footage is stable even when flying along a windy coastline or high above an...
DJI Mini SE is an indoor drone, so it’s small enough to fit in your hands. It has a camera, a gimbal, a 3-axis stabilization system, and a powerful battery that delivers 30 minutes of flying time. This drone has a camera with a 2.7K video resolution that captures 30 scenes per second. The maximum horizontal shooting range is about 175 meters, depending on the wind speed.
This drone also comes with adjustable gimbal stabilization. Thanks to this, you can tilt the gimbal during flight to stabilize your photos and videos. As a result, the captured footage won’t be blurred; even if taken at high speed. What’s more, the 3-axis digital gimbal has a shutter speed of 12 frames per second, which is very fast. The aperture of the camera sensor is F2.8.
Specifications
| Brand | DJI |
| Color | Gray |
| Control Type | Remote Control |
| Media Type | Micro SD |
| Are Batteries Included | Yes |
| Item Weight | 242 Grams |
Check out the DJI Mini SE on Amazon.
Best Drone for Beginner Travel Photography: Autel Evo Nano
- The EVO Nano has a 48MP camera that can record ultra-sharp 4K/30fps video.
- Superlight. Ultracompact, at only 249 grams.
- SkyLink Video Transmission.
The Autel Evo Nano is an elegant and excellent introduction to the world of drones. This drone is ready for action right out of the box, so there’s no need to mess with complicated programming and settings. As soon as you get familiar with its controls, you’ll be able to shoot some stunning aerial footage of your own. This drone is made for beginners and those who want to improve their photography skills while having fun.
The outer shell is made of high-quality plastic with a rubber coating. The camera is protected by a plastic cover that comes off easily and allows you to replace the camera with a new one. The drone has a range of up to 10 kilometers. It can fly at speeds of up to 50 km/h, which works well in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The Autel Robotics EVO Nano’s most impressive feature is its ability to shoot 4K videos at 30 FPS, as well as take photos in either full HD resolution or 2K resolution. The drone has a camera that can capture 2.7K videos at 30 FPS and photos in 16 Megapixels.
This drone shoots high-quality images with very little blurriness or loss of detail, even in low light conditions. And so, you’ll get beautiful aerial footage and incredible photos of your family and friends. It comes with a remote control that’s easy to use for beginners but is also an enjoyable experience for more advanced users who want to take total control of the camera.
Specifications
| Brand | Autel |
| Model Name | ATREVONANOPPO |
| Color | Orange |
| Control Type | Remote Control |
| Media Type | SD |
| Video Capture Resolution | 4K HD |
Check out the Autel Evo Nano on Amazon.
Best Drone for a Beginner in Shooting: DJI Mavic Mini
- Weighing less than 0.55lbs, the Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone.
- In the U.S. and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the need to register your drone with the government
- Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV
- Supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos
- A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, ultra-smooth footage
- Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery
- DJI Fly App requires iOS v10.0, Android v6.0 or above
One of the best drones for beginners is the DJI Mavic Mini Drone FlyCam Quadcopter with a 2.7K Camera, 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time. This is one of the best drones for beginners because it has all of these amazing features and more. It is one of the most user-friendly drones in its price range, and the small model gives you maximum mobility. This drone provides an optimal experience with ease, allowing you to focus on the creative side of your flight.
DJI Mavic Mini is said to be one of DJI’s most compact, yet most powerful, designs. It’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor flights, with a flight time of up to 30 minutes. This drone has full Smart Capture software and controls thanks to a new remote control called the OcuSync HD. It can be customized with different functions; and when paired with the best type of drone, you get a completely new experience.
This is one of the smallest drones in this price range, and it has a lot more to offer. It can easily be used for aerial photography with technology like HD standard 1080P. What’s more, the camera can record 30 frames per second at a 2.7K resolution.
Specifications
| Brand | DJI |
| Model Name | CRTDJIMINIRB |
| Color | Gray |
| Control Type | Remote Control |
| Material | Plastic |
| Media Type | Micro SD |
Check out the DJI Mavic Mini on Amazon.
Best Beginners Drone for Gifts: Ryze Tech Tello
- 5MP images and 720p HD videos
- Flight time of 13 minutes
- Two antennas for stable video transmission
- 17.9mph max speed
- Flight controller powered by DJI
Ryze Tech Tello is the best choice for beginners for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the price point is right – it’s almost like getting it for free. In addition, you get a three-axis gimbal, which is fairly standard with drones nowadays. But what makes this one stand out from the rest is the 5MP camera, which allows you to take some great footage.
The Tello is a great gift for beginners because it’s lightweight, weighing just 2.82 Ounces, and has a flight time of 13 minutes on a 50-minute charge. This means you can get plenty of drone time during the day without worrying about looking for a charger. The controller is also super intuitive, which makes it great for beginners to pick up and start flying drones easily.
Moreover, Ryze Tech Tello is great for beginners because it comes in a nice, compact form. It’s a great, affordable way of getting started with drones. The flight time is good, and you get several different color options.
Specifications
| Brand | DJI |
| Model Name | Tello |
| Effective Still Resolution | 5 MP |
| Optical Zoom | 1 x |
| Color | White |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Shooting Modes | Drone view |
| Item Weight | 2.82 Ounces |
| Video Capture Resolution | 720p |
| Maximum Aperture | 8 Millimeters |
Check out the Ryze Tech Tello on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best Drones For Beginners: Step by Step
To pick the best drones for beginners, you have to consider the following factors carefully:
- Flight Ease
- Range
- Camera
- Price
- Built-in Safety Features
- Durability
Let’s review each one in more detail.
Drones come in all different shapes and sizes, and some drones are customizable.
©Rimgaudas Budrys/Shutterstock.com
Flight Ease
The first thing you have to consider is if the drone is easy to fly. This will determine your enjoyment of it. If a drone flies a little too hard, you’ll have a hard time getting the hang of it. But if the controls are simple and easy to use, then flying it is going to be fun and easy.
Range
The second thing to consider is the range of the drone. This is actually quite important because it will determine how far you can fly it. Some drones have a very short range, while there are others that can fly a long distance. You need to pick something that is able to accommodate your needs.
Camera
The third thing you need to consider is the camera. You need to know how far you can fly and how long before the camera gets damaged. Because of this, you also have to base your decision on the quality of your camera.
Price
Price should also be considered. You have to ensure you don’t pick a drone that is too expensive because it will eventually get used up and become expendable. You should pick something that is within your price range and can still provide you with the required features and functions.
Built-in Safety Features
Safety features are something that you should also consider. Some drones come with safety features, such as automatic power off and self-landings. This is great because it will help prevent the drone from crashing into any structure or object. Because of this, you have to look for a drone with these particular features.
Durability
Another thing to consider is the durability of the drone. If you are going to spend money on it, the drone should be able to last a while. That’s why you should make sure that the particular drone you pick comes with a warranty.
What To Know Before Buying the Best Drones For Beginners
Before you even bother with the search for the best drone, you need to know what you want. Think about the kind of experience you want to have as a pilot, and what kind of experience you want to capture. You also need to be realistic. Having a budget will help you stay focused on what’s important. You can go all out and buy the most expensive and advanced model, but that may not be necessary for your needs.
It does pay to do some research, even if you know nothing about drones. For example, find out how many propellers it has. Quadcopters are more stable than hexacopters; more stable models are more beginner-friendly. They’re also easier to repair. Check if you can replace parts and if the camera is removable.
Using the Best Drones For Beginners: What it’s Like
Drone flying is a fun hobby and an awesome new way to experience the world. Staring at your phone will never be the same. You’ll see things from a perspective no other camera can capture. However, it’s a very new development. That means there isn’t really a standard for how to go about things. You’re going to have to learn by trying. That’s what makes it fun, and why you need to know how to fly a drone before you buy one. Remember to check if it’s legal to fly drones in your area.
Up Next…
Keep reading more articles about drones!
- DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro: Reviewed for 2022 and Best Deals. Check out all the details on this drone for 2022!
- DJI Mini SE vs. Mini 2: Full Comparison with Specs, Price, and More. We show you the differences on these two versions of the Mini.
- DJI Mavic 3 Cine: Reviewed for 2022 and Best Deals. Interested in the Mavic 3 Cine? We show you the best deals!
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Fit Ztudio/Shutterstock.com.
