Drones have soared in popularity over the past few years because they’re no longer intimidating to fly, controls have been simplified to the extent that complete newbies can be airborne in minutes, and the photos you capture look wonderful. But the point is – if all you desire is a drone to unbox and fly, there is a key spec you want to pay attention to: weight. Over 250 grams, and it usually means FAA registration and other steps you may not wish to take.
That’s why the DJI Mini 4K is so popular: At just 249 grams, it clears that threshold, which means no registration requirements for recreational use. It’s also DJI’s most affordable model to date, and right now it’s dropped to $249 on Amazon, down from $299, which marks an all-time low.
Small Size, Big Performance
Even though it’s tiny enough to slip into your bag, the DJI Mini 4K doesn’t skimp on performance. This lightweight drone gives you an excellent 4K Ultra HD camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. That configuration makes a dramatic difference for your footage: no jerky stop-motion-like videos for you but rather movie-caliber results you’ll actually be looking forward to sharing.
What also impresses one with the Mini 4K is its stability while in the air: It is built to support 38kph winds thanks to brushless motors that give you stable lift and control even at a height of 4,000 meters. As an average flyer, such reliability is reassuring because you do not want a gust of wind spoiling your day or snatching your drone.
Battery life is another area that DJI has clearly given some consideration: The basic kit comes with one battery with 31 minutes of fly time but you can opt for bundles with two or three batteries to extend flying beyond an hour (also on sale at Amazon). It’s one of those things you don’t tend to think about at first but when you’re active on your adventure, that extra power pack is what makes the difference between cutting your fun short and being able to soak up a little more magic.
DJI’s made it so that you don’t need to learn to do complicated moves: You’ve got one-tap takeoff and landing, GPS return home integrated in case something goes wrong and stable hover that keeps the drone fixed in place without you having to fight the controls all the time. Add an extra kick with the in-app tutorials that teach you flight basics until you’re ready to take off. There’s also the Intelligent QuickShots mode that does professional-quality clips at the touch of a button.
At this price, the DJI Mini 4K feels like an easy entry point into aerial photography.
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