ok so my budget is around 500 dollars maybe a tiny bit more if something is really worth it. this would be my first real drone, i had a cheap toy one years ago that doesnt count. mostly want to do landscape stuff, some travel videos, nothing professional just for personal use and maybe youtube eventually.

ive been looking at the Mini 3 (not pro), the Holy Stone HS720 because it keeps showing up in lists, and someone in another thread mentioned the Autel Evo Nano+ which i hadnt heard of. i genuinely dont know how to compare these and most of the articles i find are just ranking things without actually explaining why.

the Holy Stone one looks good on paper but im not sure if its actually good or just good marketing. does anyone have real experience with those mid range Holy Stone models? and is the Autel worth the extra stretch over the Mini 3 or am i just paying for the brand at that point. sorry for the rambly post just kinda stuck

drop the Holy Stone from your list, im sorry but just do it. they're fine for backyard flying and learning the sticks but the image quality, the app stability, and the overall build just isnt in the same league as DJI or Autel. ive owned two and both times i ended up wishing id saved longer. for landscape and travel video you will notice the difference and it will bother you.

between the Mini 3 and Evo Nano+ honestly i'd lean Mini 3 just because the ecosystem is more mature, the app is more reliable in my experience, and resale value holds better. the Nano+ has its fans and the image is genuinely solid but i ran into a few connectivity hiccups with mine that got frustrating. mini 3 just works.

i have a Mini 3 (non pro) and its been great for exactly what you're describing. landscapes look beautiful and its easy enough that i wasnt terrified learning on it. only thing to keep in mind is there's no obstacle avoidance on it at all so you have to actually pay attention which sounds obvious but coming from nothing it took me a bit to get used to trusting my own eyes instead of the drone catching my mistakes. if that concerns you maybe stretch to the mini 3 pro which you can sometimes find close to your budget refurbished or on sale.