so ive been wanting to get into drones for a while now, mostly just for fun and maybe some casual outdoor videos. i dont really have a budget in mind yet because i dont even know what things cost. i looked at a few youtube videos but they all seem to be promoting something so its hard to tell whats actually good vs whats just sponsored content.

i dont want to spend a ton on my first one and then crash it into a tree on day one which honestly seems pretty likely knowing me. but i also dont want something so cheap it falls apart or the camera is garbage. is there like a middle ground everyone goes for? or do most people just start with something tiny indoors first

honestly the DJI Mini 2 or Mini 3 is where most people land and for good reason. its light enough that you dont need to register it in a lot of places, the camera is actually decent, and it flies really predictably which matters a lot when youre just starting out. i started on a cheap no-name quad and regretted it because i spent more time fighting the controls than actually learning anything.

the mini series just kind of gets out of your way and lets you focus on flying. you will still crash it, everyone does, but its pretty durable for what it is and spare props are cheap. id say just go for it, dont overthink the first drone too much because your second one is always going to be the one you actually care about anyway

im pretty new too and went with the mini 3 a few months ago, no regrets so far. crashed it once into some bushes and it was totally fine which was a relief. the app can be a bit confusing at first but you get used to it