The Best Drone for Beginners
If you’re more interested in flying than taking aerial selfies, the Mini 4K is a better fit for you than the new Neo. The DJI Mini 4K is the most affordable and capable drone for beginners. It’s a slight upgrade from DJI’s entry-level Mini 2 SE, bumping the video quality from 2.7K to 4K and adding a 2x digital zoom, allowing you to capture closer shots. In other aspects, the Mini 4K is the same as DJI’s cheapest Mini series drone, offering a 3-axis gimbal, resistance to Level 5 winds, up to 31 minutes of flight time, and a range of simplified flight movements via the DJI Fly app. If you’re new to drones, the Mini 4K is an excellent and affordable choice.
The Mini 4K launched quietly, without major promotion, reflecting its nature—it’s essentially the same drone as the Mini 2 SE, but with higher 4K resolution and 2x digital zoom. Video quality has also improved thanks to a higher 100Mbps bitrate, but otherwise, it remains almost identical to the Mini 2 SE. DJI successfully addressed the Mini 2 SE’s only weak spot—2.7K video—and has introduced a model with great value.
While DJI later released an even cheaper DJI Neo, which can also record 4K video, it has a different focus. If you’re after a classic drone flying experience with a 3-axis gimbal and stronger flight performance, including Level 5 wind resistance, the Mini 4K is the best choice. However, if you want an easier user experience with smart AI tracking features, the Neo is a fun alternative.
The Mini 4K offers decent battery life, allowing up to 31 minutes of flight on a single charge. If you choose the pricier Fly More Combo package, you’ll get extra batteries and a charging hub.
DJI provides a well-thought-out experience for beginners with tutorials in the DJI Fly app, making Mini 4K control intuitive. The drone also features several QuickShots flight modes, including dynamic movements like Helix, Circle, and Boomerang, which help you quickly improve the quality of your aerial videos.
If budget isn’t an issue, the DJI Mini 4 Pro remains the most capable option among drones under 250 grams, offering smart tracking and flight safety features. But if you’re just looking to get acquainted with drones without spending a lot, the Mini 4K is a fantastic choice and currently the best drone under 300 euros.
DJI Mini 4K Specifications:
• Camera: 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor
• Video Resolution: Up to 4K
• Frame Rates: 4K up to 30 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / FHD up to 60 fps
• Transmission Range: 10 km (FCC), 6 km (CE/SRRC/MIC)
• Flight Modes: Sport, Normal, QuickShots (Dronie, Helix, Rocket, Circle, and Boomerang)
• Battery: 2250 mAh, up to 31 minutes of flight time
• Charging Type: USB-C / Battery Charging Hub
• Weight: 246 g
• Dimensions: 138 x 81 x 58 mm (folded) / 248 x 289 x 56 mm (unfolded)
The Mini 4K falls under the sub-250 gram category, meaning it’s more legally friendly in most regions, as registration isn’t required for private use in Estonia.
The Mini 4K comes with a single-axis camera system that allows you to take 12MP photos in JPEG and RAW (DNG) formats and record up to 4K video. The camera is supported by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, ensuring smooth video shots.
Flight Characteristics and User Experience
The Fly app and controller feature several functions, including Return to Home and various photo and video modes, such as panorama and interval shooting. The drone is designed for beginners and offers plenty of discovery fun. The only major limitation is the lack of an obstacle avoidance system. The Mini 4K has two downward sensors for landing and obstacle detection, but it lacks the precise obstacle avoidance technology found in higher-end models.
The DJI Mini 4K is durable and perfect for budding drone enthusiasts. It offers a wealth of functionality, suitable for both fun and content creation, while remaining beginner-friendly and affordable. There’s no doubt that the DJI Mini 4K makes an ideal gift and would fit perfectly in Santa’s bag.
DJI Mini 4K price:
€ 299
🔎 Drons DJI Mini 4K – Droni.lv
DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo price:
€ 439
🔎 Drons DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo – Droni.lv
Detailed information about Mini 4K can be found here –
🔎 Buy Camera Drones – DJI Store
