ok so ive been lurking here for a while and i need someone to just tell me what to do because ive been researching this for three weeks and i think ive read so many reviews that im more confused than when i started.

basically im choosing between the Avata 2 and just getting a regular Mini 4 Pro. totally different drones i know but hear me out. im mostly interested in getting cinematic-ish footage of travel stuff, hiking, some urban exploring, that kind of thing. but ive also always been kind of curious about FPV and thought maybe the Avata would scratch that itch AND give me footage i can actually use.

the problem is everything i read about the Avata 2 says the footage is great for FPV but if you want smooth cinematic stuff its a bit of a different learning curve and you really need to fly it well for it to look good. whereas the Mini 4 Pro is more point and shoot and looks great without much effort.

my budget is around 900 and im a pretty new pilot, only have a few months on a cheapo begginer drone. does anyone have experience with both or have an opinion on which direction makes more sense

honestly for what you're describing i'd just get the Mini 4 Pro. the Avata is awesome and i love mine but its kind of its own thing, FPV flying is genuinely a different skill and if youre not already hooked on that style of footage it might just feel like a frustrating learning curve when you could be out getting great shots already. theres nothing stopping you from picking up an FPV drone later once you know you want that

the travel/hiking use case is basically what the Mini 4 Pro was made for too, the size and weight means you actually bring it places instead of leaving it at home because your bag is already full

i kind of disagree a little ? i mean the Mini 4 Pro rec is solid but i think people underestimate how fast you can get decent with the Avata 2 especially with the motion controller. its not like old school FPV where you need a simulator for 6 months first. that said if cinematic slow and smooth travel stuff is really the goal then yeah the mini makes more sense out of the box. the Avata footage at its best is really dynamic and energetic which is cool but its a specific vibe, not really what youd call relaxed travel footage.

also your budget is right in the sweet spot for the Mini 4 Pro combo with the RC2 so timing is pretty good right now i think