The Autel Evo Pro 6K really is a good drone. I've been flying my V1 for years flawlessly. Very reliable, rock steady, and a great camera. I do hope a company rises in the USA, even if from another country, that builds a quality drone with good customer care. That's where Autel dropped the ball for a lot of folks. Not everyone though. I would prefer a company not based in China. The Chinese companies are all under the control of their government. The problem then is where can they be manufactured if not in China. A real conundrum.
@@systematic402 yeah but that also keeps you out of trouble. Some people will try and claim your in the wrong for flying your drone somewhere. With that dji no fly zone thing you can easily point out that all no fly zones are clearly marked on the map and that the drone wont fly in one unless you get specific permission.
Nice round up of some of the best non-DJI options out there.But I would like to see even more and better options emerge in the near future. Great video Jack. Happy New Year.
C-FLY Faith Mini is an absolutely amazing drone, especially for the price. It's a proper drone, not a toy. You're right about the video FPS however the sensor is a high quality Sony I believe, so the image quality is very good. Definitely worth buying.
Bought an Autel Nano+, returned it after 3 flights due to the obstacle avoidance issues. Came on for no apparent reason, possibly direct late evening sun. And this was at 150 - 300’. Really liked everything else about it.
No doubt and it pisses me off they don’t sell consumer drones.. I loved the skydio my buddy had and would have bought it.. the American way though… GREED GREED GREED!! I’m a New Yorker and sent many emails to Stefanick.. Washington is clueless
As a veteran who last served some 4 decades ago, I totally get the disdain for Chinese drones. And it's largely the same reason Russian drones are banned in the USA. That said, I also have a problem with featuring a Skydio drone in your video when Skydio spent $560,000 lobbying Congress to ban DJI drones so that Skydio, who hate hobbyists like us, can gain a commercial drone monopoly through unethical, communist-like behavior. Remember, Skydio does not make anything other than commercial drones. That's fine if you're a plant operator or a film producer, but it pretty much prices out 99% of hobby users of drones.
agreed we shoudn't ban dji, instead american drones should get the tech to compete and have a fair level of competitioon, and dji's prices will go down probably to help out there sales if this were to happen
also interesting fact, autel makes stuff for the russian war machine where as dji gives older drones to ukraine, i think i see the company i like better
I think the only DJI alternative would be Autel evo. I could be mistaken but for what I've been seeing on UA-cam they're #2. The Potensic could a little better and the new Fimi also if it was a bit better, I would consider either one of those. Being that I don't have the money to throw away, I would probably get an Autel Nano + version. That's just me and my own personal opinion. I think the Nano+ is the only one of any alternatives to DJI and would probably be the only one I'll buy besides a DJI. Thanks for sharing Jack I thought this was an interesting video. 👍👍👍
@@realitywave The question was Which of the following drones would you consider besides a DJI? Regardless of customer service an Autel drone maybe the only one I would consider.
Nano + has best video quality hands down. If that what you want get the Autel. Too bad the Nano+ doesn’t have better built in features like waypoints that work.
Finally had the chance to get my Atom up in the air and I'm in love. Can't believe it's so exhilarating to fly these drones! I'm hooked, will be buying my wife one, cutting my teeth on this and then upgrading to the more expensive models.
Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly. The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line... Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
Great video, as I am always interested in alternatives to DJI. I do disagree with your opinion about the Fimi Mini being a better "bang for your buck", than the Autel Evo Plus, as I have both of them. While the Evo costs more than the Mini, the low light video quality on the Evo is SO much better than on the Fimi Mini, and the daylight video on the Evo is more natural looking. The Evo rightfully costs more than the Mini, as it has more features than the Fimi Mini including obstacle avoidance sensors, but one of the biggest negatives (in my experience, as well as others) with the Fimi, is it often shows a horizon tilt when you are flying it.
Ended up buying the Flymore bundle 3 axis Potensic, only because reviews I read stated that they have wonderful customer service and folks who bought the Fimi said they have terrible customer support. Thanks again for the vids. Very very helpful. My drone should be here later today and I'm stoked!
I have the atom SE and I’ve had to reach customer service a couple of times for issues that were caused by me (new drone user) and they took care of me no questions asked. And the drone is awesome. Great picture quality and reliable.
Good video, very interesing. The Emax FPV options look quite interesting. I am flying DJI since the good old Phantom 2 V+ was launched, bit I would like to check out FPV now. The DJI options are a bit too expensive just for checking out, plus the Avata is way too noisy for my liking. There is quite some jello in the footage of the Fimi X8 mini... I didn't expect, that this is still existing. I thought the industry has solved this once and for ever. Seems like Xiaomi hasn't done a good job stealing other company's solutions.
Great Video👌🏿, but Let keep it a Buck Folks... They hate the fact that DJI is Chinese Technology kicking buts in the drones market... There is no close alternative to DJI to this day. 😎
EVERYONE talks about 4K, which is okay, but, as you said the 4K is at 15fps. I don't care, My only interest is what are the "individual", photograph specs... I know the camera will shoot, an equivalent 4k, photograph, but what size sensor, what megapixel and what maximum photographic resolution? I cannot understand why, seemingly, nobody ever talks photographs?
Most are not up to par sorry. Good information, but I am not buying anything because companies that cannot compete with DJI lobbied the USG Poli tricksters. The Autel was a strong alternative for me when I first started flying but the price point for a new pilot was not favorable. I am a professional flyer and I still think it is too expensive.
After many hours of research I'm starting my drone hobby with the ATOM. Thank you for your awesome vids. I subbed. Edit....having last second reservations and thinking of going with the Fimi. Lawd help me make a decision lol. You really seemed enthused about the Fimi which makes me lean that way.
Potensic customer service is awesome and their drones are comparable to DJI. It may lacks some features but the picture quality is just as nice if not better.
Hubsan drones are totally overpriced, and also why many stores here in Denmark and other European countries have stopped selling them, and selling Autel instead.
Alternative? DJI isn't even playing in this game. Overrated and overpriced bull scrap 200ish dollars together and you can buy a more then excellent drone for that money DJI, FBI, CIA... Doesn't matter 😂
What about the FIMI X8 Pro 15km? It has a package release and megaphone module and a 4g cellular module for essentially unlimited control range, 40 or 47 minute flight time etc. It also has a built in screen controller option, 3 way obstacle avoidance, 48mp camera and an expansion port for future upgrades/attachments. Mavic level features starting at about $600! Why wouldn't you include this drone in your list?
I just ordered a FIMI X8 Pro with the X10a controller and 2 batteries. I didn't order any of the add on modules because I want to make sure the drone is everything it advertises. Unfortunately, should the US ban DJI and Autel drones the FIMI will almost certainly be caught up in the same ban. However I'm getting near Mavic 3 functionality, 2 batteries and a built-in screen controller with 15km range for right at $1000! HUGE value compared to DJI. I will be sure to comment on my experience with the new X8 Pro once I put it through it's paces.
I can’t recommend anything from Autel as their customer service is only marginal but they have the reputation of dumping service for products that get upgraded with new models. I you have the older model you will be without support.
There are also Anzu drones that won't be banned because they painted DJI in green, which is a color that enhances national security, but the price seems to be a lot higher probably because they only use military grade green.
Come on Parrot you were the best in the consumer drone market. You had some great drones (bebop, bebop 2, anafi) and you were definitely the biggest competitor against DJI.
Hi Jack, I' new to your channel. I do quite a bit of hiking across the US, Canada,... and I was wondering if you've done a video or have advice on the best "bang for the buck" lightweight drone with an awesome camera for hiking into remote regions. I'd be carrying the drone in my backpack. This would be for my Instagram channel that I am growing. Thank you!!
I have a few videos like that. Maybe check out this one. What is the BEST Beginner drone? | DJI Mini 2 SE vs DJI Mini 3 Pro vs CFLY Faith Mini ua-cam.com/video/Qr7bb9svUUo/v-deo.html
I want to avoid DJI because when I had a DJI Mavic Pro 1 they pushed a new version of software to my phone that corrupted the video in such a way that it looked like it was moving forward this caused a crash they took no responsibility for even when I bought it they were using android version as what was supported but then changed it to specific phones when the crash happened. Sucks that SkyDio left the consumer space.
well one that is a drone that is old, ofc that should have been avoided but their drones are better, and lots of times these non dji companies just give you data to the ccp, unlike dji
Hello found fimi x8 but there are a couple different listings NEW FIMI X8 Mini V2 Camera drone 4K 3-axis Gimbal 9km Transmission 250g Ultralig found 335 plus shipping and the FIMI X8 Mini Drone Professional 4k Drone Camera RC Quadcopter RTF 429 FIMI MINI 3 Camera Drone GPS Drone 349 What do you think?
@@HalfChrome Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly. The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line... Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
fimi pro, fimi tele, fimi mini v3. v2 in video is last years should not be included in this video. anything v2 or earlier has camera/horizon issues they have never fixed. all models flight is stable, range is easily 3-4x vlos. cameras 'pretty good' but you want the current models not old ones
Jack for your viewers outside the USA. The exo blackhawk 3 is a hubsan ace pro refined (exo use the extended battery case to house the remote ID. The ace pro refined is around $600 on ali and banggood. Another to consider is the new hubsan mini 1 inch. This is similar to the mini pro refined but comes with a 1 inch camera... $520
bit painful how there's virtually no competition in the drone market against DJI, need big names going up in here, sony, maybe even canon? didn't they make a drone some years back? think they only produced limited models and it was only in japan though, you can barely find anything about it online. I feel the major camera brands could have a go at it, buy out one of the existing smaller drone companies and develop from there.
What about the signal software?? DJI has Ocusync technoloty whitch allows a long range communication between the drone and the controler. What Technology do any of these drones have that is similar to that feature from DJi?? That would be a major selling point for me. Do they REALLY have the long range communication ability to still control the drone??? Thanks.
Well, that was a very short but joyous time for me. So exhilarating but it crashed today. I am hopeful there will be a repair shop that can fix it for me in my area...I've also reached out to Potensic, I've never had so much fun but I'm not a rich man and cannot afford to pay $400 for four days of flying. Profound sadness. Sigh. Maybe I'll get lucky and a shop will be able to fix it.
What happened? I always recommend people to buy a $15 tiny whoop they can crash against the wall without breaking it. That is how you learn to fly. A GPS drone isn't real flying. Then when you need it you don't react fast enough.
very interesting content. I am reaching out to you because I am giving up on Customer support for my Skydio 2 . I can't find the App and the one they provided me does not support any of my phones to fly. It connects to controller , the beacon but not any of my phones. because of that even thou recognize the aircraft does not allow me to take off nor fly nor start the aircraft. anyone out there can help? I feel like I wasted money for nothing. thanks in advance
Your links are off. I tried to get the Xiaomi Fimi X8 Mini V2 and it goes to (Potenic) FIMI X8 MINI V2 Drone with 4K Camera, 245g ultra-lightweight, 31 Mins Flight Time, Max 9KM Video Transmission, 3-Axis Gimbal GPS Quadcopter for Adult Beginner, Auto Return, Smart Tracking (1 Battery)
Hi, thanks for the video, I really need something to do real footage for real estate, some video, but mainly pictures. I would use the CFLY Faith Mini, as I am trying not to spend too much, at least until my channel takes off.
the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro. why? because dji is a garbage corporation that forgot it was about the consumer. the mavic pro is the og. you can hack it with tools online and make it fly how high you want and where you want. so yeah, the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro.
So hopefully this question finds you well. I have been looking to get a drone for when I go off-roading in my Bronco, and trail ride on my bike. It seems the Skydio, though not readily available may be the best option. The question I have is, can the Skydio take pics? Most of the things I see on it are videos. I was wondering if it can also do pics, as I would like some aerial pics of my Rig as well as the video.
You said again the Potensic optical follow me isn't good. That is simply not true! The optical follow does follow as a person walks or run. The C-Fly mini 2 optical follow is very slow and doesn't do as good a job as the Potensic Atom. Of course neither drone has obstacle avoidance.
Follow-me is GPS. Active-track is optical. And I don't have eyes in the back of my head so I much prefer follow-me where I can have the drone fly in view, instead of having to turn my head like Regan in the Exorcist. The Atom doesn't have any obstacle avoidance so you can't hope that will save you either. Staring at the phone screen on a bike is not an option if you want to see where you're going. Potensic should have improved the follow-me. My $130 drone does it perfectly so no reason why the Atom can't. The app lacks a homepoint update also BTW.
@@driewiel thanks for the info. What $130 drone are you using with obstacle avoidance? I think maybe you missed my point concerning active (optical) tracking. This is the 3rd time he has gotten the Potensic Atom active track capabilities, as limited as they are, wrong. I've been in RC for over 15 years building airplanes and drones. I love his videos but as a reviewer of products IMO he is accidentally misleading on this important point concerning the Potensic vs the C-Fly. BTW, he said in the first review of the Potensic that it just sits there in the air and doesn't move forward, when it was clear in the video the drone was moving forward. He has continued to stick with that miss step thru 3 videos. There are plenty of videos online showing active track working fine.
@@allabouthim03 Go ride a bike 100km and very soon you will find out optical tracking, especially without obstacle avoidance, just doesn't work. You have to stop and stop and stop again. The reason why nobody uses it in real life. They all fly it manually with the sticks. Not that I am against active-track. DJI Mini 3 Mini 4, pretty awesome. To get some shots while walking. Point of interest etc. But people cycling around the world? Nope. They do use follow-me if they have it with Litchi, Maven, Dronelink. Not only to shot video, but also to keep the drone with you in between. The shots are better smoother too. The Atom however films you from above. Don't see much of the landscape around you. Unfortunately very few drones have the follow-me programmed correctly. My LYZRC L109 Pro is the exception. I wish it had a better gimbal and camera. It does everything right. Stays north south east west wherever I put it. I can still use the sticks. And it even auto updates homepoint. And I do own a C-Fly Faith Mini. It's crap. I mean it;'s a nice drone. But it doesn't work on a bike. Too difficult to fly it while riding. The follow-me points everywhere except at me. The C-Fly Faith Mini 2 is just as bad. The optical tracking even worse from what I have seen on YT. So guess I have to invade China and force them to get the damn follow-me feature right! It's only a couple lines code in the app. My theory is all those people are locked up in buildings so they can't ride bikes and try for themselves. Same BTW for drone reviewers. I have yet to see one single reviewer who knows how to test the follow-me feature. All they know is DJI's active-track. For that to work you need a very good quality drone with high res cameras, a huge amount of programming, and probably also obstacle avoidance or be usable in real life situations where you don't have all afternoon for a couple seconds shot.
@@allabouthim03 And oh I forgot. That cheap L109 Pro does not have obstacle avoidance. Don't need it. With follow-me you can position the drone in view far away and high enough from any hazards. The reason why I think a $1000 DJI drone should have follow-me as well as active-track. Why optical tracking behind you at eye-height would be any safer I have no idea. I've seen quite a few idiots flying their Mini 3 Pro or 4 Pro on busy bike trails, or next or on roads missing car windscreens by inches believing the obstacle avoidance will avoid crashing onto a vehicle moving at 50mph. Even an oncoming cyclists will be too fast to have the drone go around.
@@allabouthim03 You should try my Fimi A3! Best follow-me drone ever made. Watch some videos on YT. Only now I need to buy a €240 Remote ID module to be legal. Well I won't. It's a disgrace. My Fimi A3 follow-me feature is a billion times more safe then drones using optical tracking exactly where the problems are.
Hi. Nice vid. Well put together. I run RC’s (surface) and want to use a drone for footage. Something I don’t have to register, and something that won’t hurt my pockets to much. Can u please recommend something for me. Thanks for ur time.
@@HalfChrome DJI's controller is a separate thing with extra features. Just literally putting a cheap screen into the controller (such screens cost about $30 by themselves) wouldn't cost them much extra in manufacturing. The reason is probably because by making you install their app, and making you allow it all of the most intrusive permissions (location and files access most importantly), they can harvest and sell all your data...
@@Vousiethere's options to prevent that.... really your just after the maps which the phones give easily. Also its not just a screen- there's also software and speed to consider as well as its own GPS systems. I prefer to use my own phone as it's much faster than the controllers but the controller is a nice convenience
@@Matanumi Not really. I tried everything I could - exiting the request for files access every time it asked, but then it just refused to connect to the drone or let me fly at all and kept popping up the "request" (more like demand) for files access. Luckily this wasn't my drone, so I gave it back to the friend. Not gonna let it run through all my files and personal information.
Did any of the Ruko drones come close to making this list ... like the U11 Pro? We are looking for the best waypoint navigation options outside of DJI's ecosystem. Moving the camera while waypoint flying seems all over the board ...some allow it some don't but no one is explaining that. Thanks for the video.
Watching because of congress 🙄
Same. I was hoping to get one for my business.
The Autel Evo Pro 6K really is a good drone. I've been flying my V1 for years flawlessly. Very reliable, rock steady, and a great camera. I do hope a company rises in the USA, even if from another country, that builds a quality drone with good customer care. That's where Autel dropped the ball for a lot of folks. Not everyone though. I would prefer a company not based in China. The Chinese companies are all under the control of their government. The problem then is where can they be manufactured if not in China. A real conundrum.
Agreed. As soon as a equal alternative is available I will be switching from DJi until then my mini 4 is pretty good
Autel is a Chinese made Drone as well.
Yeah, I'd like to see something made in the USA or maybe Japan.@@Nocxus
@underthedrone2735 me too
For sure.
Which is better fimi x8 v2 or c fly mini 2
I’m pretty sure I go over that in the video. Fimi
Only watching this cause congress is banning DJI
Best alternative; nothing…
They prevent you from flying and launching based on location. Thats why DJI sucks.
Any idea what happens to them if the government decides to ban the DJI line specifically? Would imagine it becomes a paperweight then?
@The_Rice_President nope. Just no new ones
@@systematic402 yeah but that also keeps you out of trouble. Some people will try and claim your in the wrong for flying your drone somewhere. With that dji no fly zone thing you can easily point out that all no fly zones are clearly marked on the map and that the drone wont fly in one unless you get specific permission.
@@systematic402 You mean our regulators suck, not the drone.
Nice round up of some of the best non-DJI options out there.But I would like to see even more and better options emerge in the near future. Great video Jack. Happy New Year.
Thanks. Me too. More options would be great.
EXO Drones are better tbh and most importantly it's American
@soumyajitsingha9614 no. It’s American owned.
I STRONGLY vote for the Potensic Atom
It is a solid little drone.
Is it that good? Mini 2 is probably so much better
@Matanumi it is
Is the Potensic Atom SE held in high regard too? It's $249 right now and I'm thinking of pulling the trigger.
@joshuaharrell7187 no. Very different.
C-FLY Faith Mini is an absolutely amazing drone, especially for the price.
It's a proper drone, not a toy.
You're right about the video FPS however the sensor is a high quality Sony I believe, so the image quality is very good.
Definitely worth buying.
Bought an Autel Nano+, returned it after 3 flights due to the obstacle avoidance issues. Came on for no apparent reason, possibly direct late evening sun. And this was at 150 - 300’. Really liked everything else about it.
I have a Holy Stone 720. It doesn't compare to dji
The CEO of skydio drones is the P.O.S. that started this ban cra÷😊
No doubt and it pisses me off they don’t sell consumer drones.. I loved the skydio my buddy had and would have bought it.. the American way though… GREED GREED GREED!! I’m a New Yorker and sent many emails to Stefanick.. Washington is clueless
As a veteran who last served some 4 decades ago, I totally get the disdain for Chinese drones. And it's largely the same reason Russian drones are banned in the USA. That said, I also have a problem with featuring a Skydio drone in your video when Skydio spent $560,000 lobbying Congress to ban DJI drones so that Skydio, who hate hobbyists like us, can gain a commercial drone monopoly through unethical, communist-like behavior. Remember, Skydio does not make anything other than commercial drones. That's fine if you're a plant operator or a film producer, but it pretty much prices out 99% of hobby users of drones.
So no Chinese drones or Skydio. We are left with nothing…
You're right, that's exactly what Skydio and their politicos want. They want the control over everything.
agreed we shoudn't ban dji, instead american drones should get the tech to compete and have a fair level of competitioon, and dji's prices will go down probably to help out there sales if this were to happen
also interesting fact, autel makes stuff for the russian war machine where as dji gives older drones to ukraine, i think i see the company i like better
They just look like DJI copies.
DJI is very powerful, I have two Dji drones
I think the only DJI alternative would be Autel evo. I could be mistaken but for what I've been seeing on UA-cam they're #2. The Potensic could a little better and the new Fimi also if it was a bit better, I would consider either one of those.
Being that I don't have the money to throw away, I would probably get an Autel Nano + version. That's just me and my own personal opinion. I think the Nano+ is the only one of any alternatives to DJI and would probably be the only one I'll buy besides a DJI.
Thanks for sharing Jack I thought this was an interesting video. 👍👍👍
@@realitywave The question was Which of the following drones would you consider besides a DJI? Regardless of customer service an Autel drone maybe the only one I would consider.
Nano + has best video quality hands down. If that what you want get the Autel. Too bad the Nano+ doesn’t have better built in features like waypoints that work.
@@realitywavesupport is there but its not very good.
They are quick to blame the consumer and make them pay
It was Autel... until Autel dropped out of the public market.
Finally had the chance to get my Atom up in the air and I'm in love. Can't believe it's so exhilarating to fly these drones! I'm hooked, will be buying my wife one, cutting my teeth on this and then upgrading to the more expensive models.
Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly.
The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line...
Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
Fimi X8 Pro is also a really good drone and not as expensive as the DJI drones
I've about had it with DJI's firmware/ Update crap. Always a pain in the arse !
Great video, as I am always interested in alternatives to DJI. I do disagree with your opinion about the Fimi Mini being a better "bang for your buck", than the Autel Evo Plus, as I have both of them. While the Evo costs more than the Mini, the low light video quality on the Evo is SO much better than on the Fimi Mini, and the daylight video on the Evo is more natural looking. The Evo rightfully costs more than the Mini, as it has more features than the Fimi Mini including obstacle avoidance sensors, but one of the biggest negatives (in my experience, as well as others) with the Fimi, is it often shows a horizon tilt when you are flying it.
Fair assessment
horizon tilt should be fixed on v3, very apparent on v1/v2 and with the lower quality cam, anything not 2024 models has tilt
Ended up buying the Flymore bundle 3 axis Potensic, only because reviews I read stated that they have wonderful customer service and folks who bought the Fimi said they have terrible customer support. Thanks again for the vids. Very very helpful. My drone should be here later today and I'm stoked!
I have the atom SE and I’ve had to reach customer service a couple of times for issues that were caused by me (new drone user) and they took care of me no questions asked. And the drone is awesome. Great picture quality and reliable.
@@samanthajones4877thanks, thinking of picking up the Atom too
Good video, very interesing. The Emax FPV options look quite interesting. I am flying DJI since the good old Phantom 2 V+ was launched, bit I would like to check out FPV now. The DJI options are a bit too expensive just for checking out, plus the Avata is way too noisy for my liking.
There is quite some jello in the footage of the Fimi X8 mini... I didn't expect, that this is still existing. I thought the industry has solved this once and for ever. Seems like Xiaomi hasn't done a good job stealing other company's solutions.
Great information thank you I agree love my fimi x8 se2020
Great Video👌🏿, but Let keep it a Buck Folks... They hate the fact that DJI is Chinese Technology kicking buts in the drones market... There is no close alternative to DJI to this day. 😎
Fimi drone all the way. You can disable remote ID
It will still be sending data that autorities can catch, that was already happening even before remote ID
EVERYONE talks about 4K, which is okay, but, as you said the 4K is at 15fps.
I don't care, My only interest is what are the "individual", photograph specs... I know the camera will shoot, an equivalent 4k, photograph, but what size sensor, what megapixel and what maximum photographic resolution?
I cannot understand why, seemingly, nobody ever talks photographs?
Greetings, excellent comparison. Now with the new launch of the DJI Mini 4K, I think the whole panorama changes.
my potensic Atom n Atom SE are my favorite
Most are not up to par sorry. Good information, but I am not buying anything because companies that cannot compete with DJI lobbied the USG Poli tricksters. The Autel was a strong alternative for me when I first started flying but the price point for a new pilot was not favorable. I am a professional flyer and I still think it is too expensive.
I'm hoping that Sony will get into the smaller UAV market in 2024.
That would be awesome.
sony airpeak
I fly holy stone
After many hours of research I'm starting my drone hobby with the ATOM. Thank you for your awesome vids. I subbed. Edit....having last second reservations and thinking of going with the Fimi. Lawd help me make a decision lol. You really seemed enthused about the Fimi which makes me lean that way.
Potensic customer service is awesome and their drones are comparable to DJI. It may lacks some features but the picture quality is just as nice if not better.
the potensic atom follow me mode works perfectly on mine...
Great. They have done some nice upgrades to the firmware
Hubsan drones are totally overpriced, and also why many stores here in Denmark and other European countries have stopped selling them, and selling Autel instead.
Alternative? DJI isn't even playing in this game. Overrated and overpriced bull scrap 200ish dollars together and you can buy a more then excellent drone for that money DJI, FBI, CIA... Doesn't matter 😂
Atom ofcourse
What about the FIMI X8 Pro 15km? It has a package release and megaphone module and a 4g cellular module for essentially unlimited control range, 40 or 47 minute flight time etc. It also has a built in screen controller option, 3 way obstacle avoidance, 48mp camera and an expansion port for future upgrades/attachments. Mavic level features starting at about $600! Why wouldn't you include this drone in your list?
It’s a decent option also
I just ordered a FIMI X8 Pro with the X10a controller and 2 batteries. I didn't order any of the add on modules because I want to make sure the drone is everything it advertises. Unfortunately, should the US ban DJI and Autel drones the FIMI will almost certainly be caught up in the same ban. However I'm getting near Mavic 3 functionality, 2 batteries and a built-in screen controller with 15km range for right at $1000! HUGE value compared to DJI. I will be sure to comment on my experience with the new X8 Pro once I put it through it's paces.
I can’t recommend anything from Autel as their customer service is only marginal but they have the reputation of dumping service for products that get upgraded with new models. I you have the older model you will be without support.
There are also Anzu drones that won't be banned because they painted DJI in green, which is a color that enhances national security, but the price seems to be a lot higher probably because they only use military grade green.
Come on Parrot you were the best in the consumer drone market. You had some great drones (bebop, bebop 2, anafi) and you were definitely the biggest competitor against DJI.
And then they disappeared
Yes,my Anafi was about perfect except for the terribly small range. Probably fine for non FAA areas, though.
Anafi, wow, I haven’t heard that one for a long time.
I am all for DJI alternatives for security reason but no Tonya Harding DJI alternatives please !!
Best Alternative; reaper drone unalivestreak on call of duty
Best for under $110 is the l600 pro max i have it and its great
There is no alternative drones for DJI . closest thing is A used DJI drone😅
Unlocked my dji fpv and now I feel like I actually own it. I can fly where I want now.
How to do that please, I sold my drone because of the restrictions. Thinking of getting back into this hobby.
@@zero00tolerance Look up drone hacks
They are doing the same thing that Bambu lab is doing in the printer market.. all about data collection to make money.
The new Fimi Mini 3 is looking good.
I still fly my hubsan zino 2+and i love it, sails across the sky like a ufo .
Hi Jack, can you please make video on DJI 4g cellular dongle for DJI mini 3 pro
I don’t think it’s legal in the us
None, they all suck for actual reliable camera work.
If Fimi could give more quality updates it would outstand even more! They are probably the best value for money (Talking about the X8 mini v2)
Im happy with my new fimi x8 mini 2🎉🎉😊
I take a Predator drone over at DJI any day.
How many hellfire missiles can a DJI carry?
Answer: none.
Good point.
How about non Chinese drones? Because the ban isn’t just dji, it’s all Chinese drones. So what are the non Chinese choices?
Sorry to say, there are none. I want one so badly just can’t decide which model I want. 😢
😢
Valuable data, thank you!
Hi Jack, I' new to your channel. I do quite a bit of hiking across the US, Canada,... and I was wondering if you've done a video or have advice on the best "bang for the buck" lightweight drone with an awesome camera for hiking into remote regions. I'd be carrying the drone in my backpack. This would be for my Instagram channel that I am growing. Thank you!!
I have a few videos like that. Maybe check out this one. What is the BEST Beginner drone? | DJI Mini 2 SE vs DJI Mini 3 Pro vs CFLY Faith Mini
ua-cam.com/video/Qr7bb9svUUo/v-deo.html
fimi is impossible to deal with. I've had no luck getting in contact with anyone from fimi in the US about my fimi x8
shit.
At least autel helped me get another unit from referb
I want to avoid DJI because when I had a DJI Mavic Pro 1 they pushed a new version of software to my phone that corrupted the video in such a way that it looked like it was moving forward this caused a crash they took no responsibility for even when I bought it they were using android version as what was supported but then changed it to specific phones when the crash happened. Sucks that SkyDio left the consumer space.
well one that is a drone that is old, ofc that should have been avoided but their drones are better, and lots of times these non dji companies just give you data to the ccp, unlike dji
@@frogsbutfrogs It's old now. It wasn't when the crash happened.
All chinese companies are forced to cooperate with the CCP. That would include DJI.
AUTEL is a Chinese drone and is on the list.
funny that the bench mark for the best is DJI. and every one of these "isn't as good as"....over and over
Yes. Except the Evo
The Autel Evo Pro 6K . Never crash.
under 100 gr please
price is different
Why there was no mentioned of the Potensic ATOM 3-Axis Gimba instead of the Atom?
That is what I was talking about, same drone. Their other model is the SE
You say you lime the anafi? I get horrible range with it,, 1000 feet tops
how good is your vision(sniffing something illeagal going on called line of sight)
Hello found fimi x8 but there are a couple different listings NEW FIMI X8 Mini V2 Camera drone 4K 3-axis Gimbal 9km Transmission 250g Ultralig found 335 plus shipping and the FIMI X8 Mini Drone Professional 4k Drone Camera RC Quadcopter RTF 429 FIMI MINI 3 Camera Drone GPS Drone 349 What do you think?
Both are good.
@@HalfChrome Hi again, and so glad you responded. I was hoping you could give a suggestion of what you thought was the better of the 3, simular to say the fimi in you opinion was better than the Cfly.
The bottom line is, I've had a DJI Air3 on order for a month since it was on sale for 300 off the normal price...with the extra's still $1600 Then after waiting a month they sent an email that there was still delays. The month gave me time to think the Air 3 might be over kill for what I would use it for, mainly flying around my home, hopefully taking some nice videos and pictures... Maybe even doing this for friends and their homes. I chose to request a refund... Then a miracle happened, Hmmm, a day later they said it shipped!!! Sooo now what to do? They said, if I do not want it, I can just refuse the shippment... Historically I do not like to buy junk or the cheapest quality items, knowing there is a price to pay for top of the line items that last, like stereo systems, computers, even RC airplanes that I like to fly, but I am 65 now and after finding your reviews just not sure if a video of my place is worth paying $1600+ for top of the line...
Thanks again for any common sense suggestions and anything you can offer to help with some clarity. Just afraid to be disappointed with the less eXpensive drones, Sincerely Jeff
The issue is not money the issue is Chinese drones vs American drones.
the issue is american drones suck and cost way more for the abillity to match dji's performance that out price them, a ban won't help this either
I fly holy stone and deer rc drones
Didnt know so xiamo makes drone also
What about the holy stone hs900? I would have thought that might make the list
It’s good. Came out after this list.
Rating from 1-10,in what rank the POTENSIC ATOM among them...because it is my favorite bird...
I'd say 6
@@HalfChrome who will be 10,9,8 and 7? I like to know please..
fimi pro, fimi tele, fimi mini v3. v2 in video is last years should not be included in this video. anything v2 or earlier has camera/horizon issues they have never fixed. all models flight is stable, range is easily 3-4x vlos. cameras 'pretty good' but you want the current models not old ones
Jack for your viewers outside the USA.
The exo blackhawk 3 is a hubsan ace pro refined (exo use the extended battery case to house the remote ID. The ace pro refined is around $600 on ali and banggood.
Another to consider is the new hubsan mini 1 inch. This is similar to the mini pro refined but comes with a 1 inch camera... $520
Thanks
bit painful how there's virtually no competition in the drone market against DJI, need big names going up in here, sony, maybe even canon? didn't they make a drone some years back? think they only produced limited models and it was only in japan though, you can barely find anything about it online.
I feel the major camera brands could have a go at it, buy out one of the existing smaller drone companies and develop from there.
What about the signal software?? DJI has Ocusync technoloty whitch allows a long range communication between the drone and the controler. What Technology do any of these drones have that is similar to that feature from DJi?? That would be a major selling point for me. Do they REALLY have the long range communication ability to still control the drone??? Thanks.
Well, that was a very short but joyous time for me. So exhilarating but it crashed today. I am hopeful there will be a repair shop that can fix it for me in my area...I've also reached out to Potensic, I've never had so much fun but I'm not a rich man and cannot afford to pay $400 for four days of flying. Profound sadness. Sigh. Maybe I'll get lucky and a shop will be able to fix it.
What happened?
I always recommend people to buy a $15 tiny whoop they can crash against the wall without breaking it. That is how you learn to fly. A GPS drone isn't real flying. Then when you need it you don't react fast enough.
No answer.
very interesting content. I am reaching out to you because I am giving up on Customer support for my Skydio 2 . I can't find the App and the one they provided me does not support any of my phones to fly. It connects to controller , the beacon but not any of my phones. because of that even thou recognize the aircraft does not allow me to take off nor fly nor start the aircraft. anyone out there can help? I feel like I wasted money for nothing. thanks in advance
Do you have an old phone?
@@HalfChrome no I have a google pixel 7 and a Samsung 22
Your links are off. I tried to get the Xiaomi Fimi X8 Mini V2 and it goes to (Potenic) FIMI X8 MINI V2 Drone with 4K Camera, 245g ultra-lightweight, 31 Mins Flight Time, Max 9KM Video Transmission, 3-Axis Gimbal GPS Quadcopter for Adult Beginner, Auto Return, Smart Tracking (1 Battery)
like # 1000
hs 440d what do you think for under 100.00
I’d pass
Missing the FIMI X8
Hi, thanks for the video, I really need something to do real footage for real estate, some video, but mainly pictures. I would use the CFLY Faith Mini, as I am trying not to spend too much, at least until my channel takes off.
Wish I seen this 4 days ago
the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro. why? because dji is a garbage corporation that forgot it was about the consumer. the mavic pro is the og. you can hack it with tools online and make it fly how high you want and where you want. so yeah, the best alternative to a dji drone is the mavic pro.
Any budget drones with remote ID?
Holy Stone makes a few
great video - thank you
So hopefully this question finds you well. I have been looking to get a drone for when I go off-roading in my Bronco, and trail ride on my bike. It seems the Skydio, though not readily available may be the best option. The question I have is, can the Skydio take pics? Most of the things I see on it are videos. I was wondering if it can also do pics, as I would like some aerial pics of my Rig as well as the video.
You said again the Potensic optical follow me isn't good. That is simply not true! The optical follow does follow as a person walks or run. The C-Fly mini 2 optical follow is very slow and doesn't do as good a job as the Potensic Atom. Of course neither drone has obstacle avoidance.
Follow-me is GPS. Active-track is optical. And I don't have eyes in the back of my head so I much prefer follow-me where I can have the drone fly in view, instead of having to turn my head like Regan in the Exorcist. The Atom doesn't have any obstacle avoidance so you can't hope that will save you either. Staring at the phone screen on a bike is not an option if you want to see where you're going.
Potensic should have improved the follow-me. My $130 drone does it perfectly so no reason why the Atom can't. The app lacks a homepoint update also BTW.
@@driewiel thanks for the info. What $130 drone are you using with obstacle avoidance? I think maybe you missed my point concerning active (optical) tracking. This is the 3rd time he has gotten the Potensic Atom active track capabilities, as limited as they are, wrong. I've been in RC for over 15 years building airplanes and drones. I love his videos but as a reviewer of products IMO he is accidentally misleading on this important point concerning the Potensic vs the C-Fly. BTW, he said in the first review of the Potensic that it just sits there in the air and doesn't move forward, when it was clear in the video the drone was moving forward. He has continued to stick with that miss step thru 3 videos. There are plenty of videos online showing active track working fine.
@@allabouthim03 Go ride a bike 100km and very soon you will find out optical tracking, especially without obstacle avoidance, just doesn't work. You have to stop and stop and stop again. The reason why nobody uses it in real life. They all fly it manually with the sticks.
Not that I am against active-track. DJI Mini 3 Mini 4, pretty awesome. To get some shots while walking. Point of interest etc.
But people cycling around the world? Nope. They do use follow-me if they have it with Litchi, Maven, Dronelink. Not only to shot video, but also to keep the drone with you in between. The shots are better smoother too.
The Atom however films you from above. Don't see much of the landscape around you.
Unfortunately very few drones have the follow-me programmed correctly. My LYZRC L109 Pro is the exception. I wish it had a better gimbal and camera. It does everything right. Stays north south east west wherever I put it. I can still use the sticks. And it even auto updates homepoint.
And I do own a C-Fly Faith Mini. It's crap. I mean it;'s a nice drone. But it doesn't work on a bike. Too difficult to fly it while riding. The follow-me points everywhere except at me. The C-Fly Faith Mini 2 is just as bad. The optical tracking even worse from what I have seen on YT.
So guess I have to invade China and force them to get the damn follow-me feature right! It's only a couple lines code in the app. My theory is all those people are locked up in buildings so they can't ride bikes and try for themselves. Same BTW for drone reviewers. I have yet to see one single reviewer who knows how to test the follow-me feature. All they know is DJI's active-track. For that to work you need a very good quality drone with high res cameras, a huge amount of programming, and probably also obstacle avoidance or be usable in real life situations where you don't have all afternoon for a couple seconds shot.
@@allabouthim03 And oh I forgot. That cheap L109 Pro does not have obstacle avoidance. Don't need it. With follow-me you can position the drone in view far away and high enough from any hazards. The reason why I think a $1000 DJI drone should have follow-me as well as active-track. Why optical tracking behind you at eye-height would be any safer I have no idea. I've seen quite a few idiots flying their Mini 3 Pro or 4 Pro on busy bike trails, or next or on roads missing car windscreens by inches believing the obstacle avoidance will avoid crashing onto a vehicle moving at 50mph. Even an oncoming cyclists will be too fast to have the drone go around.
@@allabouthim03 You should try my Fimi A3! Best follow-me drone ever made. Watch some videos on YT. Only now I need to buy a €240 Remote ID module to be legal. Well I won't. It's a disgrace. My Fimi A3 follow-me feature is a billion times more safe then drones using optical tracking exactly where the problems are.
New Parrot Anafi AI 4G drone?
No
I need one that shoots vertical non dji
You can crop anything.
Hi. Nice vid. Well put together. I run RC’s (surface) and want to use a drone for footage. Something I don’t have to register, and something that won’t hurt my pockets to much. Can u please recommend something for me. Thanks for ur time.
Mini 4k
Clear explanation of all sort of drones but DJI. Do you know anythig about Drone V168 by Drxon? I was recommended this for € 170
Never heard of it
Thanks for the comparison. Which one has the best build/durability? I want a drone that won't easily break and last me for years.
They are all durable until you crash.
Are there any camera drones that have their own screen instead of requiring you to use your phone?
Yes. But generally that controller will cost a few hundred dollars extra. Fimi,Autel and DJI offer them.
@@HalfChrome DJI's controller is a separate thing with extra features. Just literally putting a cheap screen into the controller (such screens cost about $30 by themselves) wouldn't cost them much extra in manufacturing. The reason is probably because by making you install their app, and making you allow it all of the most intrusive permissions (location and files access most importantly), they can harvest and sell all your data...
@@Vousiethere's options to prevent that.... really your just after the maps which the phones give easily.
Also its not just a screen- there's also software and speed to consider as well as its own GPS systems.
I prefer to use my own phone as it's much faster than the controllers but the controller is a nice convenience
@@Matanumi Not really. I tried everything I could - exiting the request for files access every time it asked, but then it just refused to connect to the drone or let me fly at all and kept popping up the "request" (more like demand) for files access. Luckily this wasn't my drone, so I gave it back to the friend. Not gonna let it run through all my files and personal information.
@@Vousie well how are they supposed to save the videos
Walkera???
Did any of the Ruko drones come close to making this list ... like the U11 Pro? We are looking for the best waypoint navigation options outside of DJI's ecosystem. Moving the camera while waypoint flying seems all over the board ...some allow it some don't but no one is explaining that. Thanks for the video.
Ruko drones are decent. Generally overpriced rebrands from SJRC or MJX though
HoverAir X1 shouldn't be here. It's a different product, not traditional camera drones
What would you put in its place?
Fimi x8 pro
What about the new Fimi Mini 3? Where does that stack up against the X8 V2?
Slight improvements