DJI Drones for Beginner Pilots
Written by Brittany G.
If you’re a beginner looking to buy your first drone, DJI is a great choice. With years of experience in the drone industry and a reputation for building high-quality drones, they have become a household name for anyone interested in aerial photography or videography. DJI has several drones that are perfect for beginners, here are some current drones on the market that are easy to use, stable in flight, and come with high-quality cameras that capture stunning footage - all great for a beginner pilot.
DJI Mini 2 SE
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a fantastic choice for beginners because of its compact form, and 12MP camera that takes 2.7K video. The Mini 2 SE can fly for up to 31 minutes and has a transmission range of up to 10km. A budget friendly solution with high-quality features for those getting started.
- 12MP Camera with 2.7K Video
- Maximum flight time of 31 minutes
- Transmission range up to 10km
- O2 Transmission System
- One Direction Obstacle Sensor
- Budget Friendly Option for Beginners
DJI Mini 3
While some features are comparable to those of the DJI Mini 2 SE, the Mini 3 has some noticeable improvements. The Mini 3 has a battery life of up to 36 minutes and is compatible with the DJI Intelligent Plus Batteries, which boosts flight time to 51 minutes - nearly a 20 minute increase of flight time! With a transmission range of 10km, similar to the Mini 2 SE, it is certainly an excellent choice for flying long distances. However you do have the updated option of the 48MP camera versus the Mini 2 SE's 12MP camera.
- 48MP Camera with 4K Video
- Maximum 38 minutes flight time (or 51 minutes with the Intelligent Plus Battery)
- Transmission range up to 10km
- O2 Transmission System
- One Direction Obstacle Sensor
DJI Mini 3 Pro
If you want a more advanced beginner drone, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the option for you. While it remains simple to fly, it also includes advanced capabilities such as automatic obstacle avoidance. The Mini 3 Pro has a battery life up to 34 minutes and up to 51 minutes with the Intelligent Plus Battery. Its transmission range does exceed that of the Mini 2 SE and the Mini 3 at 12km. With it's 48MP camera and upgraded O3 Transmission System, this is an amazing drone to begin flying with - as long as you are willing to shell out a bit more money for it.
- 48MP Camera with 4K Video
- Maximum 34 minutes flight time (up to 47 minutes with Intelligent Plus Battery)
- Transmission range up to 12km
- Upgraded O3 Transmission System
- Tri-Directional Obstacle Avoidance
- Most Expensive Option (Compared to DJI Mini 2 SE and DJI Mini 3)
Here is a quick rundown of some other important specifications on the three drones - so it can help you determine which may be best for you as a base level before purchasing.
* Disclaimer all comparisons for price and features is based on the drone with the DJI Standard RC-N1 Remote Controller
When it comes to price, the DJI Mini 2 SE is the most budget-friendly option of the three, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget that want to begin flying. However, as a recommendation to any interested pilot that shoots video or photo already - the DJI Mini 3 is the best option. It allows you to not only get a great 48MP camera with 4K video quality - but it also allows you to extend your flight time with the Intelligent Plus Battery, so you can get started without completely breaking the bank, but also have the capability of having better quality that the DJI Mini 2 SE starts with. The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the most expensive option between the Mini Series currently, but its advanced features makes it ideal for more serious pilots as it will allow for expansion of flying knowledge and the added safety features certainly make it worth the investment for the safety measure you may need as a first time flyer.
No matter which drone you end up choosing to start with, it's always important to double check all the details before going on your first flight. Once you have your first drone in hand, don't be afraid to fly! Find an open field or park, and open up the DJI Fly App - it gives you a baseline resource to understand which areas are okay for flying without permission (or FAA Certification). The App also gives you a baseline instruction of how to begin flying, with an included in-app training feature.
However, if you have any interest in attending a Beginner's Drone Class you can check out our "Drone Kindergarten" class where one of our drone instructors will go over the basics before you fly which includes a full lecture and hands-on flying (as long as weather permits).
If you were looking for something a bit more catered to your needs, we also offer One-on-One Training for drone pilots of all experiences. This instruction allows you to ask any and all questions you may have on drones and flight, that is catered to a personal class for you. Here at Unique Photo both of these classes also do not require a drone purchase as you can rent one with our Rental Department. If you have a drone already, you are more than welcome to attend as well!