@@systematic402 yeah but that also keeps you out of trouble. Some people will try and claim your in the wrong for flying your drone somewhere. With that dji no fly zone thing you can easily point out that all no fly zones are clearly marked on the map and that the drone wont fly in one unless you get specific permission.
Nice round up of some of the best non-DJI options out there.But I would like to see even more and better options emerge in the near future. Great video Jack. Happy New Year.
C-FLY Faith Mini is an absolutely amazing drone, especially for the price. It's a proper drone, not a toy. You're right about the video FPS however the sensor is a high quality Sony I believe, so the image quality is very good. Definitely worth buying.
Bought an Autel Nano+, returned it after 3 flights due to the obstacle avoidance issues. Came on for no apparent reason, possibly direct late evening sun. And this was at 150 - 300’. Really liked everything else about it.
As a veteran who last served some 4 decades ago, I totally get the disdain for Chinese drones. And it's largely the same reason Russian drones are banned in the USA. That said, I also have a problem with featuring a Skydio drone in your video when Skydio spent $560,000 lobbying Congress to ban DJI drones so that Skydio, who hate hobbyists like us, can gain a commercial drone monopoly through unethical, communist-like behavior. Remember, Skydio does not make anything other than commercial drones. That's fine if you're a plant operator or a film producer, but it pretty much prices out 99% of hobby users of drones.
agreed we shoudn't ban dji, instead american drones should get the tech to compete and have a fair level of competitioon, and dji's prices will go down probably to help out there sales if this were to happen
also interesting fact, autel makes stuff for the russian war machine where as dji gives older drones to ukraine, i think i see the company i like better
No doubt and it pisses me off they don’t sell consumer drones.. I loved the skydio my buddy had and would have bought it.. the American way though… GREED GREED GREED!! I’m a New Yorker and sent many emails to Stefanick.. Washington is clueless
I think the only DJI alternative would be Autel evo. I could be mistaken but for what I've been seeing on RU-vid they're #2. The Potensic could a little better and the new Fimi also if it was a bit better, I would consider either one of those. Being that I don't have the money to throw away, I would probably get an Autel Nano + version. That's just me and my own personal opinion. I think the Nano+ is the only one of any alternatives to DJI and would probably be the only one I'll buy besides a DJI. Thanks for sharing Jack I thought this was an interesting video. 👍👍👍
@@realitywave The question was Which of the following drones would you consider besides a DJI? Regardless of customer service an Autel drone maybe the only one I would consider.
Nano + has best video quality hands down. If that what you want get the Autel. Too bad the Nano+ doesn’t have better built in features like waypoints that work.
Finally had the chance to get my Atom up in the air and I'm in love. Can't believe it's so exhilarating to fly these drones! I'm hooked, will be buying my wife one, cutting my teeth on this and then upgrading to the more expensive models.
Great video, as I am always interested in alternatives to DJI. I do disagree with your opinion about the Fimi Mini being a better "bang for your buck", than the Autel Evo Plus, as I have both of them. While the Evo costs more than the Mini, the low light video quality on the Evo is SO much better than on the Fimi Mini, and the daylight video on the Evo is more natural looking. The Evo rightfully costs more than the Mini, as it has more features than the Fimi Mini including obstacle avoidance sensors, but one of the biggest negatives (in my experience, as well as others) with the Fimi, is it often shows a horizon tilt when you are flying it.
Good video, very interesing. The Emax FPV options look quite interesting. I am flying DJI since the good old Phantom 2 V+ was launched, bit I would like to check out FPV now. The DJI options are a bit too expensive just for checking out, plus the Avata is way too noisy for my liking. There is quite some jello in the footage of the Fimi X8 mini... I didn't expect, that this is still existing. I thought the industry has solved this once and for ever. Seems like Xiaomi hasn't done a good job stealing other company's solutions.
Ended up buying the Flymore bundle 3 axis Potensic, only because reviews I read stated that they have wonderful customer service and folks who bought the Fimi said they have terrible customer support. Thanks again for the vids. Very very helpful. My drone should be here later today and I'm stoked!
I have the atom SE and I’ve had to reach customer service a couple of times for issues that were caused by me (new drone user) and they took care of me no questions asked. And the drone is awesome. Great picture quality and reliable.
Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly. The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line... Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
What about the FIMI X8 Pro 15km? It has a package release and megaphone module and a 4g cellular module for essentially unlimited control range, 40 or 47 minute flight time etc. It also has a built in screen controller option, 3 way obstacle avoidance, 48mp camera and an expansion port for future upgrades/attachments. Mavic level features starting at about $600! Why wouldn't you include this drone in your list?
I just ordered a FIMI X8 Pro with the X10a controller and 2 batteries. I didn't order any of the add on modules because I want to make sure the drone is everything it advertises. Unfortunately, should the US ban DJI and Autel drones the FIMI will almost certainly be caught up in the same ban. However I'm getting near Mavic 3 functionality, 2 batteries and a built-in screen controller with 15km range for right at $1000! HUGE value compared to DJI. I will be sure to comment on my experience with the new X8 Pro once I put it through it's paces.
After many hours of research I'm starting my drone hobby with the ATOM. Thank you for your awesome vids. I subbed. Edit....having last second reservations and thinking of going with the Fimi. Lawd help me make a decision lol. You really seemed enthused about the Fimi which makes me lean that way.
Potensic customer service is awesome and their drones are comparable to DJI. It may lacks some features but the picture quality is just as nice if not better.
Come on Parrot you were the best in the consumer drone market. You had some great drones (bebop, bebop 2, anafi) and you were definitely the biggest competitor against DJI.
Most are not up to par sorry. Good information, but I am not buying anything because companies that cannot compete with DJI lobbied the USG Poli tricksters. The Autel was a strong alternative for me when I first started flying but the price point for a new pilot was not favorable. I am a professional flyer and I still think it is too expensive.
Hubsan drones are totally overpriced, and also why many stores here in Denmark and other European countries have stopped selling them, and selling Autel instead.
There are also Anzu drones that won't be banned because they painted DJI in green, which is a color that enhances national security, but the price seems to be a lot higher probably because they only use military grade green.
I can’t recommend anything from Autel as their customer service is only marginal but they have the reputation of dumping service for products that get upgraded with new models. I you have the older model you will be without support.
EVERYONE talks about 4K, which is okay, but, as you said the 4K is at 15fps. I don't care, My only interest is what are the "individual", photograph specs... I know the camera will shoot, an equivalent 4k, photograph, but what size sensor, what megapixel and what maximum photographic resolution? I cannot understand why, seemingly, nobody ever talks photographs?
Great Video👌🏿, but Let keep it a Buck Folks... They hate the fact that DJI is Chinese Technology kicking buts in the drones market... There is no close alternative to DJI to this day. 😎
Alternative? DJI isn't even playing in this game. Overrated and overpriced bull scrap 200ish dollars together and you can buy a more then excellent drone for that money DJI, FBI, CIA... Doesn't matter 😂
Hi Jack, I' new to your channel. I do quite a bit of hiking across the US, Canada,... and I was wondering if you've done a video or have advice on the best "bang for the buck" lightweight drone with an awesome camera for hiking into remote regions. I'd be carrying the drone in my backpack. This would be for my Instagram channel that I am growing. Thank you!!
I have a few videos like that. Maybe check out this one. What is the BEST Beginner drone? | DJI Mini 2 SE vs DJI Mini 3 Pro vs CFLY Faith Mini ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Qr7bb9svUUo.html
Jack for your viewers outside the USA. The exo blackhawk 3 is a hubsan ace pro refined (exo use the extended battery case to house the remote ID. The ace pro refined is around $600 on ali and banggood. Another to consider is the new hubsan mini 1 inch. This is similar to the mini pro refined but comes with a 1 inch camera... $520
I want to avoid DJI because when I had a DJI Mavic Pro 1 they pushed a new version of software to my phone that corrupted the video in such a way that it looked like it was moving forward this caused a crash they took no responsibility for even when I bought it they were using android version as what was supported but then changed it to specific phones when the crash happened. Sucks that SkyDio left the consumer space.
well one that is a drone that is old, ofc that should have been avoided but their drones are better, and lots of times these non dji companies just give you data to the ccp, unlike dji
bit painful how there's virtually no competition in the drone market against DJI, need big names going up in here, sony, maybe even canon? didn't they make a drone some years back? think they only produced limited models and it was only in japan though, you can barely find anything about it online. I feel the major camera brands could have a go at it, buy out one of the existing smaller drone companies and develop from there.
fimi pro, fimi tele, fimi mini v3. v2 in video is last years should not be included in this video. anything v2 or earlier has camera/horizon issues they have never fixed. all models flight is stable, range is easily 3-4x vlos. cameras 'pretty good' but you want the current models not old ones
What about the signal software?? DJI has Ocusync technoloty whitch allows a long range communication between the drone and the controler. What Technology do any of these drones have that is similar to that feature from DJi?? That would be a major selling point for me. Do they REALLY have the long range communication ability to still control the drone??? Thanks.
The Autel Evo Pro 6K really is a good drone. I've been flying my V1 for years flawlessly. Very reliable, rock steady, and a great camera. I do hope a company rises in the USA, even if from another country, that builds a quality drone with good customer care. That's where Autel dropped the ball for a lot of folks. Not everyone though. I would prefer a company not based in China. The Chinese companies are all under the control of their government. The problem then is where can they be manufactured if not in China. A real conundrum.
the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro. why? because dji is a garbage corporation that forgot it was about the consumer. the mavic pro is the og. you can hack it with tools online and make it fly how high you want and where you want. so yeah, the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro.
Hello found fimi x8 but there are a couple different listings NEW FIMI X8 Mini V2 Camera drone 4K 3-axis Gimbal 9km Transmission 250g Ultralig found 335 plus shipping and the FIMI X8 Mini Drone Professional 4k Drone Camera RC Quadcopter RTF 429 FIMI MINI 3 Camera Drone GPS Drone 349 What do you think?
@@HalfChrome Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly. The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line... Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
Hi, thanks for the video, I really need something to do real footage for real estate, some video, but mainly pictures. I would use the CFLY Faith Mini, as I am trying not to spend too much, at least until my channel takes off.
Your links are off. I tried to get the Xiaomi Fimi X8 Mini V2 and it goes to (Potenic) FIMI X8 MINI V2 Drone with 4K Camera, 245g ultra-lightweight, 31 Mins Flight Time, Max 9KM Video Transmission, 3-Axis Gimbal GPS Quadcopter for Adult Beginner, Auto Return, Smart Tracking (1 Battery)
Well, that was a very short but joyous time for me. So exhilarating but it crashed today. I am hopeful there will be a repair shop that can fix it for me in my area...I've also reached out to Potensic, I've never had so much fun but I'm not a rich man and cannot afford to pay $400 for four days of flying. Profound sadness. Sigh. Maybe I'll get lucky and a shop will be able to fix it.
What happened? I always recommend people to buy a $15 tiny whoop they can crash against the wall without breaking it. That is how you learn to fly. A GPS drone isn't real flying. Then when you need it you don't react fast enough.
very interesting content. I am reaching out to you because I am giving up on Customer support for my Skydio 2 . I can't find the App and the one they provided me does not support any of my phones to fly. It connects to controller , the beacon but not any of my phones. because of that even thou recognize the aircraft does not allow me to take off nor fly nor start the aircraft. anyone out there can help? I feel like I wasted money for nothing. thanks in advance
You said again the Potensic optical follow me isn't good. That is simply not true! The optical follow does follow as a person walks or run. The C-Fly mini 2 optical follow is very slow and doesn't do as good a job as the Potensic Atom. Of course neither drone has obstacle avoidance.
Follow-me is GPS. Active-track is optical. And I don't have eyes in the back of my head so I much prefer follow-me where I can have the drone fly in view, instead of having to turn my head like Regan in the Exorcist. The Atom doesn't have any obstacle avoidance so you can't hope that will save you either. Staring at the phone screen on a bike is not an option if you want to see where you're going. Potensic should have improved the follow-me. My $130 drone does it perfectly so no reason why the Atom can't. The app lacks a homepoint update also BTW.
@@driewiel thanks for the info. What $130 drone are you using with obstacle avoidance? I think maybe you missed my point concerning active (optical) tracking. This is the 3rd time he has gotten the Potensic Atom active track capabilities, as limited as they are, wrong. I've been in RC for over 15 years building airplanes and drones. I love his videos but as a reviewer of products IMO he is accidentally misleading on this important point concerning the Potensic vs the C-Fly. BTW, he said in the first review of the Potensic that it just sits there in the air and doesn't move forward, when it was clear in the video the drone was moving forward. He has continued to stick with that miss step thru 3 videos. There are plenty of videos online showing active track working fine.
@@allabouthim03 Go ride a bike 100km and very soon you will find out optical tracking, especially without obstacle avoidance, just doesn't work. You have to stop and stop and stop again. The reason why nobody uses it in real life. They all fly it manually with the sticks. Not that I am against active-track. DJI Mini 3 Mini 4, pretty awesome. To get some shots while walking. Point of interest etc. But people cycling around the world? Nope. They do use follow-me if they have it with Litchi, Maven, Dronelink. Not only to shot video, but also to keep the drone with you in between. The shots are better smoother too. The Atom however films you from above. Don't see much of the landscape around you. Unfortunately very few drones have the follow-me programmed correctly. My LYZRC L109 Pro is the exception. I wish it had a better gimbal and camera. It does everything right. Stays north south east west wherever I put it. I can still use the sticks. And it even auto updates homepoint. And I do own a C-Fly Faith Mini. It's crap. I mean it;'s a nice drone. But it doesn't work on a bike. Too difficult to fly it while riding. The follow-me points everywhere except at me. The C-Fly Faith Mini 2 is just as bad. The optical tracking even worse from what I have seen on YT. So guess I have to invade China and force them to get the damn follow-me feature right! It's only a couple lines code in the app. My theory is all those people are locked up in buildings so they can't ride bikes and try for themselves. Same BTW for drone reviewers. I have yet to see one single reviewer who knows how to test the follow-me feature. All they know is DJI's active-track. For that to work you need a very good quality drone with high res cameras, a huge amount of programming, and probably also obstacle avoidance or be usable in real life situations where you don't have all afternoon for a couple seconds shot.
@@allabouthim03 And oh I forgot. That cheap L109 Pro does not have obstacle avoidance. Don't need it. With follow-me you can position the drone in view far away and high enough from any hazards. The reason why I think a $1000 DJI drone should have follow-me as well as active-track. Why optical tracking behind you at eye-height would be any safer I have no idea. I've seen quite a few idiots flying their Mini 3 Pro or 4 Pro on busy bike trails, or next or on roads missing car windscreens by inches believing the obstacle avoidance will avoid crashing onto a vehicle moving at 50mph. Even an oncoming cyclists will be too fast to have the drone go around.
@@allabouthim03 You should try my Fimi A3! Best follow-me drone ever made. Watch some videos on YT. Only now I need to buy a €240 Remote ID module to be legal. Well I won't. It's a disgrace. My Fimi A3 follow-me feature is a billion times more safe then drones using optical tracking exactly where the problems are.
Hi. Nice vid. Well put together. I run RC’s (surface) and want to use a drone for footage. Something I don’t have to register, and something that won’t hurt my pockets to much. Can u please recommend something for me. Thanks for ur time.
So hopefully this question finds you well. I have been looking to get a drone for when I go off-roading in my Bronco, and trail ride on my bike. It seems the Skydio, though not readily available may be the best option. The question I have is, can the Skydio take pics? Most of the things I see on it are videos. I was wondering if it can also do pics, as I would like some aerial pics of my Rig as well as the video.
no company will be as good as dji. pretty soon they will ban mics, gimbles, action cameras etc. if i could i would move into my own island w no goverment
@@HalfChrome DJI's controller is a separate thing with extra features. Just literally putting a cheap screen into the controller (such screens cost about $30 by themselves) wouldn't cost them much extra in manufacturing. The reason is probably because by making you install their app, and making you allow it all of the most intrusive permissions (location and files access most importantly), they can harvest and sell all your data...
@@Vousiethere's options to prevent that.... really your just after the maps which the phones give easily. Also its not just a screen- there's also software and speed to consider as well as its own GPS systems. I prefer to use my own phone as it's much faster than the controllers but the controller is a nice convenience
@@Matanumi Not really. I tried everything I could - exiting the request for files access every time it asked, but then it just refused to connect to the drone or let me fly at all and kept popping up the "request" (more like demand) for files access. Luckily this wasn't my drone, so I gave it back to the friend. Not gonna let it run through all my files and personal information.
Did any of the Ruko drones come close to making this list ... like the U11 Pro? We are looking for the best waypoint navigation options outside of DJI's ecosystem. Moving the camera while waypoint flying seems all over the board ...some allow it some don't but no one is explaining that. Thanks for the video.
