New screening model identifies drone components before they reach secure areas Athena Security has launched a new AI-powered X-ray detection model designed to identify drone components before they can be assembled or brought into restricted areas. The system responds to a growing number of drone-related incidents around the world and aims to give operators of […]
The post Athena Security Introduces AI X-Ray Drone Detection to Protect Critical U.S. Infrastructure appeared first on DRONELIFE.
Animal rights group uses drones to combat abusive situations By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Because cock fighting is illegal in every U.S. state, the gamblers and promoters of this cruel sport most often resort to holding their events behind high fences or in remote rural areas far from the view of critical eyes. However, […]
The post How a Small Nonprofit Uses Drones to Fight Animal Cruelty: Inside SHARK’s Mission appeared first on DRONELIFE.
Discover an exceptional aerial shot orbiting the famous “Bonne Mère” statue in Marseille.
Captured in ultra-high 6K resolution and ProRes RAW with our Inspire 2 and X7 camera, this footage — shot in May 2021 — reveals an incredible level of detail.
The 6K image quality allows zooming up to 250% while maintaining clarity, making it possible to observe the exact condition of the gold leaf four years before the full restoration of the Virgin and Child statue, which will be inaugurated on December 7th, 2025.
A unique visual archive documenting the evolution of a major Marseille landmark.
BE SURE TO SELECT THE HIGHEST QUALITY TO VIEW THE VIDEO IN 6K
Drone: Inspire 2
Camera: X7 – 6K ProRes RAW
Location: Marseille – Notre-Dame de la Garde
Shot: May 2021
Find out more about the restoration work on Notre Dame de la Garde
Découvrez un plan vidéo exceptionnel réalisé autour de la statue iconique de la Bonne Mère à Marseille.
Capté en très haute définition 6K et en ProRes RAW grâce à notre Inspire 2 équipé de la caméra X7, ce tournage de mai 2021 offre un niveau de détail rarement montré.
La résolution 6K permet un zoom jusqu’à 250% sans perte notable de qualité, révélant l’état précis de la dorure quatre ans avant la rénovation complète de la statue de la Vierge à l’Enfant, qui sera inaugurée le 7 décembre 2025.
Une archive visuelle unique, désormais précieuse pour mesurer l’évolution et la restauration de ce symbole marseillais.
PENSEZ À SÉLECTIONNER LA QUALITÉ MAXIMALE POUR VOIR LE CLIP EN 6K
Drone : Inspire 2
Caméra : X7 – 6K ProRes RAW
Lieu : Marseille – Notre-Dame de la Garde
Tournage : Mai 2021
En savoir plus sur le chantier de rénovation de Notre Dame de la Garde
The post Rare 6K Drone Footage of “La Bonne Mère” Before Renovation (Inspire 2 + X7) – May 2021 appeared first on DRONESTAG.
I’ve been covering drone deals for over a decade. I’ve seen plenty of Black Fridays, Cyber Mondays, and suspiciously-timed “flash sales” that happen every other Tuesday. But the DJI Neo at $159? This might be the most absurd drone deal I’ve ever seen.
Let me put this in perspective: $159 is toy drone pricing. The kind of money people spend on those cheap Amazon quads that break after three flights. Except the Neo isn’t a toy—it’s a legitimate 4K camera drone from DJI that I actually recommend. This is the drone equivalent of finding a Tesla at Honda Civic prices.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting into drones, this is your moment. Not next month. Not “when I have more time to research.” Right now, today, while this deal lasts.
Let me break down why this $159 price tag is genuinely shocking:
What you’re getting:
What you’re NOT getting:
This is a real drone with DJI’s legendary build quality and support. At $159, it’s priced below some toy knockoffs on Amazon. The math doesn’t math, but I’m not complaining.
Who should buy this:
But seriously—at this price, even if you only use it a handful of times, you’re getting your money’s worth. I’ve spent more on disappointing fancy restaurant meals.
The DJI Mini 4K delivers true 4K video at 30fps, a dedicated remote controller, and 31 minutes of flight time. At under 250 grams, recreational pilots don’t need to register it with the FAA.
Why it’s worth it: For about $80 more than the Neo, you get nearly double the flight time and a proper controller. This is the sweet spot for beginners who want a traditional drone flying experience.
The DJI Flip shocked me when it launched in January 2025. At $349 (normally $439), it offers the same 48MP camera quality as the Mini 4 Pro (which costs $410 more at regular price!) with a unique foldable design featuring full-coverage propeller guards.
Why it’s worth it: Professional-level camera in a beginner-friendly package. The vertical shooting mode is perfect for Instagram Reels and TikTok. At $90 off, this is the best value for a high-quality camera drone under $500.
The Mini 3 offers the longest flight time of any DJI drone under $500—up to 38 minutes with the standard battery, or 51 minutes with the Plus version. The 1/1.3-inch sensor captures stunning 4K HDR video.
Why it’s worth it: If you need extended airtime for complex shots or multiple takes, this is your drone. At $335, it’s now cheaper than the Flip while offering longer battery life.
Purchase the DJI Mini 3 starting at just $335 (no controller) now from:
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Wait, DJI makes bikes? Sort of. Amflow Bikes launched in the US this summer as the world’s first lightweight, full-powered electric mountain bike. The connection? They’re backed by the same parent company as DJI, and the engineering shows. These bikes bring the same obsessive attention to detail you see in DJI drones.
I haven’t personally tested these (yet—they’re on my list), but the specs are impressive: an unmatched combo of power, range and performance in a surprisingly sleek package.
Amflow PL Carbon (800Wh)
Amflow PL Carbon Pro (800Wh)
Available exclusively at: www.amflowbikes.com
Sale dates: November 28 – December 23
Who should consider this:
Real talk: These aren’t impulse purchases like the $159 Neo. But if you’ve been considering an e-bike and have the budget, Black Friday through December 23 is your window.
MasterClass extended their Black Friday sale through November 28th. If you missed it earlier this week, you’ve got one more day.
For drone photographers and aerial filmmakers, these courses are worth your time:
Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography – Learn from the guy who filmed Free Solo while hanging off a cliff. His insights on composition, lighting and capturing adventure translate directly to aerial cinematography (yes, they used drones in the filming process).
Werner Herzog Teaches Filmmaking – Herzog’s unconventional approach to storytelling will challenge how you think about drone footage. This isn’t just technical instruction; it’s about creating work that matters.
Why it’s worth it: At 50% off, you’re getting world-class instruction from masters at the top of their craft. The storytelling principles apply directly to aerial cinematography.
UAVCoach is running their biggest sale of the year with 50% discounts applied at checkout using code FLYDAY25. Note that in-person training isn’t included in this sale. And sorry, my usual promo code DRONEGIRL100 won’t work on this, but hey, use FLYDAY25 because it’s better! Seriously!
Here’s what you’ll pay:
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve been putting off getting Part 107 certified or want to sharpen your commercial drone skills, this is your window.
HOVERAir is discounting their entire lineup with bonus free batteries on select purchases. These are solid options if you want something truly portable without registration headaches.
HOVERAir X1 – Starting at $249 The Freedom Fly More Combo weighs just 125 grams, making it exempt from FAA registration. It’s genuinely pocket-sized and dead simple to fly, though don’t expect professional-grade footage.
HOVERAir X1 PRO – Starting at $499 The PRO adds speed (up to 26 mph) and improved AI tracking. Better for outdoor action shots and sports, though still limited in wind.
HOVERAir X1 PROMAX – Starting at $599 This is where it gets interesting: 8K video, active collision detection, and intelligent follow modes, all while staying under 250g. The image quality is genuinely impressive for something this small.
Related read: HOVERAir X1 PROMAX packs an 8K video into a portable drone that competes with DJI
Skiing Combo – 20% Off + Free Extra Battery Designed specifically for winter sports with hands-free modes optimized for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re hitting the slopes this season, this package makes sense.
Related read: DJI Neo versus HOVERAir X1: which hand-launch drone is best?
Fitbit Inspire 3 If ya’ll know me, ya’ll know I am ADDICTED to getting my steps in (you may also know I am a competitive powerlifter and weightlifter, thus love my steps)! The Inspire 3 is the exact step tracker I use. Normally $100, it’s on sale today for $70.
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle I hate when my water spills all over my backpack, but it’s even worse if I’ve got expensive tech gear inside. Owala is the only water bottle I’ll use (sorry, free drone conference swag…unless it’s Owala I don’t want it). It comes in all sorts of sizes, but the 24 ounce one hits the sweet spot between keeping you hydrated without taking up too much space. Normally $30, it’s on sale for $24.
I’ve been writing about drone deals for over a decade, and I’ve learned a few things going into Black Friday 2025:
Black Friday has become less “one day of deals” and more “three weeks of sales anxiety.” But every once in a while, you get a deal that’s genuinely worth the hype.
The DJI Neo at $159 is that deal. It’s the drone I recommend to every beginner. It’s the drone I throw in my bag for spontaneous shots. It’s the drone I’m confident recommending to parents, travelers, and anyone who’s ever said “I wish I could get aerial footage without spending a fortune.”
At $199, it was already a no-brainer. At $159? Just buy it. If you end up hating drones (unlikely), you’re out less than the cost of dinner and a movie. And if you love it? You just got into one of the most creative, rewarding hobbies out there for the price of a mid-range meal.
Happy Black Friday, and happy flying!
Disclosure: Some links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps support my work creating free content. I only recommend products I’ve personally tested (except in rare cases where I disclose I haven’t personally tested it). I’ll only tell you about products I genuinely believe in.
The post Black Friday 2025: DJI Neo at $159 might be the deal of the decade appeared first on The Drone Girl.
– TEKEVER has signed with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) a new €30 million (USD 35M) framework contract for a two year period with possible extensions up to 4 years. TEKEVER will provide two complete systems, each comprising two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS), to support simultaneous, multi-region deployments across European waters. At the core […]