Been going back and forth on this for weeks. I was pretty set on picking up an Autel EVO Lite+ because the deals have been pretty good lately and I like that its not a DJI, just personal preference thing. But then I keep seeing hints about new releases from a couple manufacturers in the next few months and now im second guessing everything.

The Lite+ seems solid for the price and I do a lot of landscape stuff at dusk so the variable aperture is appealing. But if somethings coming out in Q3 that blows it out of the water at a similar price point I'd feel pretty dumb. Anyone have a better pulse on whats actually dropping vs just rumor mill stuff. I dont really follow the leaks communities that closely

honestly the 'wait for the next thing' trap is real and you can fall into it forever. there's always something supposedly coming out. that said I do think Autel has something in the pipeline, theres been some FCC filings that people have spotted but nothing concrete.

the Lite+ is genuinely a good camera drone though, ive had mine for about a year and the image quality especially in that golden hour window you're talking about is really nice. the app is a bit rough compared to DJI Fly but you get used to it. if the price is right id say just go for it, the jump from whatever's next probably wont be revolutionary anyway

the variable aperture on that thing is kinda overhyped imo. like yes it works but the sweet spot is pretty narrow and diffraction kicks in if you stop down too much. not saying its bad just dont buy it specifically for that feature expecting magic. the sensor itself is what does the heavy lifting at dusk anyway