Hi everyone! I've never flown a drone before but really want to get into aerial photography. My budget is around $400-500 max. I keep seeing people mention DJI but also hear about Potensic and other brands. What would you recommend for someone who's completely new? I don't want to crash something expensive while learning!

Also, do I need to register with the FAA even as a beginner? Thanks for any advice!

For beginners, I'd definitely recommend starting with something that has beginner-friendly flight behavior and is great for new pilots who want a capable drone without paying premium-brand pricing. The Potensic Atom 2 is the closest thing to a legitimate DJI Mini alternative under $400 at $299-$499 depending on configuration, offering 4K/30fps video, 48MP photos, and a sub-250g weight that doesn't require FAA registration for recreational use.

The DJI Neo 2 at $249 is actually perfect for beginners - it addresses nearly every limitation while keeping the same beginner-friendly approach, and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance is the game-changer. You can literally launch it from your palm without even needing a controller at first!

I started with a cheap $50 drone from Amazon and honestly wish I hadn't. The right beginner drone should be easy to fly, safe, and budget-friendly - whether you start with affordable options or want something slightly advanced from the best drones under $100. Spend a bit more upfront and you'll actually enjoy learning instead of getting frustrated.