FAA Provides Key Updates on Drone Policy at Commercial UAV Expo 2024 In a session at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas this morning, representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delivered significant updates on drone policy, offering a glimpse into the future of drone regulations. The panel, moderated by Lisa Ellman, Executive Director […]
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Promotion Provides a Major Discount on Professional-Grade Drones Through the End of 2024 Teledyne FLIR, a part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has announced a limited-time promotion for first responders on its SIRAS™ drone. The promotion offers a 28 percent discount, bringing the price of the SIRAS down to $6,995. The offer is available until the […]
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As you sift through the specs to find the best drone, one key feature stands out: weight. Drones under 250 grams are popular for several reasons, and DJI offers some of the best options in this category. These drones are not only lightweight and easy to transport but also benefit from fewer regulations, making them a favorite among hobbyists and travelers alike.
Some of the best drones in the under 250 grams category include the DJI Mini 2 SE, Mini 3, Mini 4K, and Mini 4 Pro.
Here’s an in-depth look at each model, highlighting their features and why they stand out.
Drones weighing under 250 grams have gained popularity due to their unique advantages, particularly regarding regulations. In the United States, under-250-gram recreational drones don’t require FAA registration. Additionally, they’re often exempt from compliance with Remote ID requirements, again simplifying the flying experience.
In some countries, drones under 250 grams can perform more complex operations, such as flying beyond visual lines of sight or over people, which expands their potential uses.
Note that all drones flying for commercial purposes in the U.S. under Part 107 must be registered.
And of course, lightweight drones are ideal for travel, easily fitting into carry-on backpacks.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the top DJI drones under 250 grams, focusing on key features like cost, flight time, image sensor, video quality, and obstacle sensing.
All of the prices named here are the standard price options (drone plus DJI RC-N2 controller). Of course, prices increase with more add-ons like Fly More Combos or other add-on accessories like spare batteries. And yes, if you prefer an RC2 controller over an RC-N2, then add more to your budget.
| Feature | DJI Mini 2 SE | DJI Mini 4K | DJI Mini 3 | DJI Mini 4 Pro |
| Cost | $279 | $299 | $419 | $759 |
| Flight Time | 31 minutes | 31 minutes | 38 minutes (standard battery), 51 minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) | 45 minutes |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS | 1/1.3-inch CMOS |
| Video | 2.7K/30fps | 4K/30fps | 4K HDR | 4K/60fps, HDR |
| Obstacle Sensing | Downward | Downward | Downward | Omnidirectional |
| Effective Pixels | 12 MP | 12 MP | 12 MP | 48 MP |
The DJI Mini 2 SE is the most affordable drone in this lineup, priced at around $279. It’s a pretty good entry-level option, especially for those new to drones or looking for a simple, reliable model. With a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, the Mini 2 SE captures 2.7K video at 30fps and 12 MP stills. It offers a flight time of up to 31 minutes, which is impressive for its size and price.
That said, its closest competitor — the DJI Mini 4K — is only $20 more, and it’s improved features are worth much more than $20 difference. After all, the Mini 2 SE lacks advanced features like 4K video and obstacle avoidance.
Still, the Mini 2 SE includes essential DJI features like GPS-guided return to home and one-tap takeoff and landing. If your budget is tight and every dollar matters, then this is still a great drone a a killer price point. Consider the DJI Mini 2 SE if you’re looking for the cheapest possible drone that is still easy to use.
The DJI Mini 4K, available for $299, is a step up from the Mini 2 SE, particularly in terms of video quality. Yet, it’s only a marginal step up in price — a mere $20 more for a far superior drone. That’s why we consider the DJI Mini 4K as the absolute best value drone relative to its price tag.
It offers 4K video recording at 30fps, providing sharper and more detailed footage. The Mini 4K also features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor and 12 MP stills, along with a 3-axis motorized gimbal for smooth, stable shots. Like the Mini 2 SE, it boasts a 31-minute maximum flight time.
When it was first released on Amazon back in June 2024, it quickly became Amazon’s best-selling drone. That is because it’s ideal for users who want to capture high-quality video without a significant investment.
Its compact, sub-250-gram design makes it easy to carry and use, bypassing many regulatory hurdles and making it a versatile choice for travel and casual use.
The DJI Mini 3, priced at $419, offers the best camera quality among these models. Though it’s much more expensive than our beloved DJI Mini 4K, it’s currently $140 cheaper than it was when it launched at the end of 2022.
With a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and 4K HDR video, the Mini 3 provides exceptional image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. It also offers the longest flight time, with up to 38 minutes on the standard battery and 51 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
The Mini 3 includes a downward vision system for safer landings but lacks the omnidirectional obstacle sensing found in the Mini 4 Pro.
This drone is perfect for content creators and enthusiasts who want high-quality footage and extended flight times, without exceeding the 250-gram weight limit.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro, priced at around $759, represents the pinnacle of DJI’s under-250-gram drone offerings. It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor and can shoot 4K video at 60fps with HDR, providing stunning clarity and detail.
The Mini 4 Pro also includes an omnidirectional obstacle-sensing system, making it one of the safest drones in its weight class. This drone is particularly crash-proof.
With a flight time of up to 45 minutes, this drone offers the best performance for those willing to invest in top-tier features. It’s ideal for professional photographers and videographers who need the best possible image quality and safety features.
For those seeking to balance cost and features, The Drone Girl recommends the DJI Mini 4K. This drone is perfect for beginners and hobbyists who want to capture stunning 4K video without breaking the bank. It’s at the top of our list for the cheapest DJI drone that we’d recommend.
The Mini 4K is ideal for casual flyers who want a reliable and easy-to-use drone for capturing memorable moments, whether it’s during a family vacation or a day out in nature.
If you are looking for the absolute cheapest option, then the Mini 2 SE is the best option for you.
If you are a more serious drone photographer — but still price-conscious — then look to the DJI Mini 3. It offers superior camera quality with enhanced image resolution and color accuracy, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize image quality. This drone is well-suited for more serious hobbyists who are looking to explore creative photography and videography.
Now if price is not a factor and you want the highest quality drone under 250 grams, then without a doubt that is the DJI Mini 4 Pro. It is truly unbeatable. After all, the Mini 4 Pro offers unparalleled capabilities and safety features that ensure a superior flying experience.
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– TEKEVER, a provider of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and maritime surveillance solutions, has announced the deployment of its AR5 unmanned fixed-wing aircraft to the Sarzana air base in Italy. The aircraft will be operated by the Italian Coast Guard on behalf of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to enhance maritime awareness in the […]
Turkey’s Anka-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) completed its first flight with ammunition, its developer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced recently. “ANKA III made its first flight with ammunition!” the company said in a post on social media platform X. “ANKA III, the product of our strength and determination on the path to a fully […]
For self-flying aircraft to take to the skies, they need to learn about their environments to avoid hazards. NASA aeronautics researchers recently developed a camera pod with sensors to help with this challenge by advancing computer vision for autonomous aviation. This pod is called the Airborne Instrumentation for Real-world Video of Urban Environments (AIRVUE). It […]
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Drone Delivery Canada Corp. and Volatus Aerospace Corp. have announce the successful completion of their merger of equals announced on May 21, 2024, pursuant to which Drone Delivery Canada acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Volatus by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). The Arrangement […]A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Drone Technology in Action Amidst a Stunning Desert Landscape by DRONELIFE Contributor Paul Rossi The early morning sun shines over the gathering, with a large screen displaying the live drone demonstrations for the attendees. This morning’s live flight demonstration at the Commercial UAV Expo hosted by Sundance Media Group was a resounding […]
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New Regulations Enable Safer and More Reliable Drone Operations in National Airspace By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill In a critical step toward integrating unmanned aerial system operations into national air traffic system, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Aug. 29 adopted new rules that, for the first time, enable drone control operations to be […]
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