Drone recommendations….

BAD10
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BAD10
Total inexperienced newB to drones, so looking for recommendations on decent brands and models for filming at the track, etc. Also would want it to have the “follow” feature…. Not sure if that is a common to most of them? Any advice and recommendations appreciated.
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forensic
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forensic 1/18/2022 12:32am
1/18/2022 12:32am
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
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vansnxtweek489 1/18/2022 3:55am
1/18/2022 3:55am Edited Date/Time 1/18/2022 4:55am
forensic wrote:
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking...
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things.

I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its under the legal cutoff of 250g which is where you need more licenses or something of the sort.

Here is a video I did that has some drone footage in it...the thing is a blast, the camera is awesome, and its super easy to use. I would highly recommend this one and if/when you get it, buy the fly more bundle along with it.

https://youtu.be/9bKzuQ2oMMY (skip to 1:25 if you want to bypass my B.S.)

https://youtu.be/YC_8X4Hh7rQ

Highly recommend one man they are so much fun.

Edit: In rereading, I see you want the follow feature. This one does not have that, unfortunately. Sorry, missed that at first.
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FilthyGrungy 1/18/2022 4:46am
1/18/2022 4:46am
The Skydio2 is the only consumer grade drone that will actually follow. It has pretty crazy obstacle avoidance. Looking at @1500 to get it with the beacon and extra batteries

DJI has the mini 2 now (4K version of the original). Less than 500bucks and you can get bundles at Costco. Will be very hands on with flying trying to capture bikes.
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cameron96
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cameron96 1/18/2022 6:40am
1/18/2022 6:40am
I own a bunch of drones in a business. And have filmed at the track for fun

Our Skydio 2 is the best for tracking. Mount the beacon on the bars and just go ride with your buddies!

Mavic 2 pro/zoom have tracking. But anything other than an open field and it won’t work. But they are better to film/fly with from the controller (you won’t be riding)

We have a Mavic 3. It’s the best image. However its really expensive so I havnt test the tracking,

My Instagram has a bunch of videos

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDHHh7DlbW1/?utm_medium=copy_link
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skidsteer16
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skidsteer16 1/18/2022 7:12am
1/18/2022 7:12am
I concur with the above. I'm a DJI guy but admittedly they have nothing on Skydio as far as activetrack/follow mode goes. If that's your primary use I strongly suggest the new Skydio 2+.

Here's a good review and some information on it.

DC Rainmaker Skydio Review

Skydio 2+ New Features

Comparison to DJI's activetrack
Magoofan
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Magoofan 1/18/2022 9:42am
1/18/2022 9:42am
Skydio 2+ Unmatched anywhere in following capabilities.

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Overdrive
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Overdrive 1/18/2022 9:47am
1/18/2022 9:47am
Yep Skydio with the beacon is amazing.
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BAD10
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BAD10 1/18/2022 1:35pm
1/18/2022 1:35pm
Wow! Awesome. Thanks all for the info. Looks like I have some homework to do.
Moto_Geek
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Moto_Geek 1/18/2022 2:07pm
1/18/2022 2:07pm
BAD10 wrote:
Total inexperienced newB to drones, so looking for recommendations on decent brands and models for filming at the track, etc. Also would want it to have...
Total inexperienced newB to drones, so looking for recommendations on decent brands and models for filming at the track, etc. Also would want it to have the “follow” feature…. Not sure if that is a common to most of them? Any advice and recommendations appreciated.
I love my skydio. The object avoidance is top notch. I owned a couple DJI, but Skydio is a whole next level.

https://www.skydio.com/
BAD10
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BAD10 1/18/2022 2:58pm
1/18/2022 2:58pm
forensic wrote:
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking...
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
vansnxtweek489 wrote:
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things. I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its...
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things.

I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its under the legal cutoff of 250g which is where you need more licenses or something of the sort.

Here is a video I did that has some drone footage in it...the thing is a blast, the camera is awesome, and its super easy to use. I would highly recommend this one and if/when you get it, buy the fly more bundle along with it.

https://youtu.be/9bKzuQ2oMMY (skip to 1:25 if you want to bypass my B.S.)

https://youtu.be/YC_8X4Hh7rQ

Highly recommend one man they are so much fun.

Edit: In rereading, I see you want the follow feature. This one does not have that, unfortunately. Sorry, missed that at first.
Follow feature or not, that is some cool footage!
1
Rupert X
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Rupert X 1/18/2022 4:12pm
1/18/2022 4:12pm
forensic wrote:
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking...
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
vansnxtweek489 wrote:
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things. I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its...
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things.

I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its under the legal cutoff of 250g which is where you need more licenses or something of the sort.

Here is a video I did that has some drone footage in it...the thing is a blast, the camera is awesome, and its super easy to use. I would highly recommend this one and if/when you get it, buy the fly more bundle along with it.

https://youtu.be/9bKzuQ2oMMY (skip to 1:25 if you want to bypass my B.S.)

https://youtu.be/YC_8X4Hh7rQ

Highly recommend one man they are so much fun.

Edit: In rereading, I see you want the follow feature. This one does not have that, unfortunately. Sorry, missed that at first.
I know nothing about drones, just wanted to comment on your fantastic OBX video. I’m a longtime OBX lover (since the 70’s), anyway, I’ve only briefly (and likely illegally),driven on the beach - what are the rules and where are the best beaches to discover ? Thanks ! *That general
Store in Buxton rules, has a splendid and eclectic beer selection….
vansnxtweek489 1/18/2022 5:04pm
1/18/2022 5:04pm
forensic wrote:
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking...
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
vansnxtweek489 wrote:
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things. I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its...
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things.

I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its under the legal cutoff of 250g which is where you need more licenses or something of the sort.

Here is a video I did that has some drone footage in it...the thing is a blast, the camera is awesome, and its super easy to use. I would highly recommend this one and if/when you get it, buy the fly more bundle along with it.

https://youtu.be/9bKzuQ2oMMY (skip to 1:25 if you want to bypass my B.S.)

https://youtu.be/YC_8X4Hh7rQ

Highly recommend one man they are so much fun.

Edit: In rereading, I see you want the follow feature. This one does not have that, unfortunately. Sorry, missed that at first.
BAD10 wrote:
Follow feature or not, that is some cool footage!
Thanks so much man!! Didn’t mean to be doing the ole YouTube plugging but I was so excited about the drone when I got it, I was happy to share my first videos. I had a freaking blast making those. Whatever you choose man you will have a great time with it.
1
vansnxtweek489 1/18/2022 5:08pm
1/18/2022 5:08pm
forensic wrote:
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking...
I talked to a lot of people before buying one and ended up getting an Autel. Very happy with it so far. I was initially looking at DJI but more than one person told me to avoid them. For what reason I cannot remember- but not because of their performance it had to do with things like data privacy, China, and State laws.
vansnxtweek489 wrote:
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things. I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its...
This is something to consider, I haven't heard of such things.

I, myself, have the DJI mini2. Its 249g, which is intentional to make sure its under the legal cutoff of 250g which is where you need more licenses or something of the sort.

Here is a video I did that has some drone footage in it...the thing is a blast, the camera is awesome, and its super easy to use. I would highly recommend this one and if/when you get it, buy the fly more bundle along with it.

https://youtu.be/9bKzuQ2oMMY (skip to 1:25 if you want to bypass my B.S.)

https://youtu.be/YC_8X4Hh7rQ

Highly recommend one man they are so much fun.

Edit: In rereading, I see you want the follow feature. This one does not have that, unfortunately. Sorry, missed that at first.
Rupert X wrote:
I know nothing about drones, just wanted to comment on your fantastic OBX video. I’m a longtime OBX lover (since the 70’s), anyway, I’ve only briefly...
I know nothing about drones, just wanted to comment on your fantastic OBX video. I’m a longtime OBX lover (since the 70’s), anyway, I’ve only briefly (and likely illegally),driven on the beach - what are the rules and where are the best beaches to discover ? Thanks ! *That general
Store in Buxton rules, has a splendid and eclectic beer selection….
Ahhh man so glad you enjoyed it and glad to hear about a fellow Outer Banks lover. We go every year multiple times and really enjoy it. We got married there as well. We love to go down on Hatteras island and hit the ramps down that way. Never too crowded and a good amount of room to enjoy!! The further south the better. And dude HECK yeah, Lee Robinson General Store!!! We tear that place up. Many many good brews in there. Thanks for the comment!!
1
Rupert X
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Rupert X 1/18/2022 5:27pm
1/18/2022 5:27pm
vansnxtweek489 wrote:
Ahhh man so glad you enjoyed it and glad to hear about a fellow Outer Banks lover. We go every year multiple times and really enjoy...
Ahhh man so glad you enjoyed it and glad to hear about a fellow Outer Banks lover. We go every year multiple times and really enjoy it. We got married there as well. We love to go down on Hatteras island and hit the ramps down that way. Never too crowded and a good amount of room to enjoy!! The further south the better. And dude HECK yeah, Lee Robinson General Store!!! We tear that place up. Many many good brews in there. Thanks for the comment!!
Awesome. In 1978 we’d take a carload on the ferry from Cedar Island to Okracoke. Think it was about a 2 hour ferry ride, for $20. Did the same trip a couple years back, still $20 !!!! (Must be subsidized) Oddly, the OBX has remained unspoiled after all this time, can’t wait to go back…..
vansnxtweek489 1/19/2022 3:44am
1/19/2022 3:44am
Ahh man, that's awesome. I agree with you, she is hanging in there! Hope it stays that way. That's why we love Hatteras/Frisco/Buxton...its a little less busy than up in Nags Head. Hope ya'll get back down there soon!
1
kNewc
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kNewc 1/19/2022 6:05pm
1/19/2022 6:05pm
Why is this an ad for Skyidio. And also where did you guys get your skydio lmao
vansnxtweek489 1/20/2022 3:43am
1/20/2022 3:43am
Hahah hey now, I never even heard of the Skydio. That thing is making my DJI look like a childs toy...which it is..and I love it still

The thing does look sick, the follow feature would be awesome. My drone shots are always of other people.
T-Fish
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T-Fish 1/20/2022 4:52am
1/20/2022 4:52am
I know this isn’t exactly the answer you’re looking for, but I’d suggest getting one of the cheaper DJI models. I don’t know what they offer anymore. The reason I say that, is because there is a good chance that once it’s no longer the shiny new toy, it could end up sitting for a long time. I’ve seen many instances where a drone is purchased, used quite a bit for a handful of months, and rarely gets touched again. I, sadly, have to include myself in that group.
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FilthyGrungy 1/20/2022 5:53am
1/20/2022 5:53am
It is def an investment. Before buying a Skydio, I would hope the purchaser is very familiar with video editing and looking to expand on their videos.

Another thing Ill say, re:T-Fish, did the drone get put away because it was a PITA for limited results? If the drone was more functional and tracked decently, would that have made a difference?

The DJI Mini 2 certainly looks pretty cool. The cost isnt as huge of a barrier to entry. I bet if you decide its not for you, it could be sold for 50% of new cost. I think for myself, it would be much more involved to use than Id like. Sometimes $500 is a bigger waste of money than $1500

Ive been involved with using a Skydio2 for site and building scans. Its pretty ridiculous what the Skydio2 can do on a professional level.
Overdrive
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Overdrive 1/21/2022 9:23am
1/21/2022 9:23am
kNewc wrote:
Why is this an ad for Skyidio. And also where did you guys get your skydio lmao
I picked up a barely used one on Ebay, It wasn't cheap but better than full boat and I didn't have to wait on it because at them time they were back ordered.
Jaybird67k
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Jaybird67k 1/22/2022 5:52pm
1/22/2022 5:52pm
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a Mavic 3.
What do you all think?
CR92
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CR92 4/3/2025 7:53am
4/3/2025 7:53am

Old thread revival, sorry. 

I want to see if anyone has any new recommendations now, since the skydio 2+ isn't really an option anymore. 

I currently have a dji mini pro 4, but honestly the tracking is terrible and I'm finding it to be a little too slow for moto. 

Anyone got any suggestions for a drone like the skydio 2+? 

cameron96
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cameron96 4/3/2025 8:45am
4/3/2025 8:45am

The mavic 3 pro would do great


Hefty price point tho.  Buy DJI care 


DJI apparently has a beacon coming for it or M4P (coming soon) but it’s not out 

Richard Tease II 4/3/2025 2:03pm
4/3/2025 2:03pm

Gunna pick up a Mavic DJI Mini Pro 4 today.

Youtube vids suggest its good and lots of info on there.

T-Fish
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T-Fish 4/3/2025 4:50pm
4/3/2025 4:50pm
FilthyGrungy wrote:
It is def an investment. Before buying a Skydio, I would hope the purchaser is very familiar with video editing and looking to expand on their...
It is def an investment. Before buying a Skydio, I would hope the purchaser is very familiar with video editing and looking to expand on their videos.

Another thing Ill say, re:T-Fish, did the drone get put away because it was a PITA for limited results? If the drone was more functional and tracked decently, would that have made a difference?

The DJI Mini 2 certainly looks pretty cool. The cost isnt as huge of a barrier to entry. I bet if you decide its not for you, it could be sold for 50% of new cost. I think for myself, it would be much more involved to use than Id like. Sometimes $500 is a bigger waste of money than $1500

Ive been involved with using a Skydio2 for site and building scans. Its pretty ridiculous what the Skydio2 can do on a professional level.

For me, the novelty wore off. I also was torn between getting my Part 107 or remaining a hobbyist. I didn’t like that you could only do one or the other and had to abide by the rules of the route chosen. I could have made decent money with my Part 107, but I also wanted to fly as a hobbyist and that wasn’t allowed. It’s been several years since then, so maybe things have been revised so you’re allowed to do both. 

Mxracer06y
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Mxracer06y 4/3/2025 5:26pm
4/3/2025 5:26pm Edited Date/Time 4/3/2025 5:27pm
CR92 wrote:
Old thread revival, sorry. I want to see if anyone has any new recommendations now, since the skydio 2+ isn't really an option anymore. I currently have a...

Old thread revival, sorry. 

I want to see if anyone has any new recommendations now, since the skydio 2+ isn't really an option anymore. 

I currently have a dji mini pro 4, but honestly the tracking is terrible and I'm finding it to be a little too slow for moto. 

Anyone got any suggestions for a drone like the skydio 2+? 

If you fly manually and use the tracker to stay on subject and focus is your best option... Skydio was specific made to be a dedicated action shot drone, the mini 4 pro is meant to be an all around everything professional photography drone 

So yea the autonomous tracking isn't the best with fast moving objects, especially when trees and stuff get in the way, because it uses optical sensing to track the subject instead of a dedicated beacon that you carry like skydio uses which is why skydio can track behind trees better 

burn1986
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burn1986 4/3/2025 7:59pm
4/3/2025 7:59pm
BAD10 wrote:
Total inexperienced newB to drones, so looking for recommendations on decent brands and models for filming at the track, etc. Also would want it to have...
Total inexperienced newB to drones, so looking for recommendations on decent brands and models for filming at the track, etc. Also would want it to have the “follow” feature…. Not sure if that is a common to most of them? Any advice and recommendations appreciated.

That’s a cool topic

alphado
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alphado 4/4/2025 3:43am
4/4/2025 3:43am

I have been trying to set up a drone program for our fire department.  What a hassle!  I am taking a FEMA class on drones next week to try and figure out all the regulations.

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