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Mini v. Spark v. Air - Help me decide!
863 6 2020-1-16
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msteinruck
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United States
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Brand new to droning, here. Really torn on where to start.


Mini seems the obvious choice.
Love the price and ease of use. Super great reviews.
I'm concerened about the lack of obstacle avoidance as a new pilot - it would seem like a weird thing to eliminate for a drone aimed at a novice.
I'm also wondering - is it "too light?" I get that it keeps it under an FAA restriction, but it looks like it would blow away in a stiff breeze.
Is it "cheap?" It looks like it's almost built to last only a short time. I get that it's inexpensive, but even for the price, I'd expect some build quality.


The Spark looks awesome.
Clearly a big initial red flag since it's discontinued.
But it has so many little fun features - like gestures and follow mode - AND the obstacle avoidance.
It also feels like the flight time is really reduced in capacity vs. the Mini.
It looks fun, but not sure I can justify the cost for a drone that's discotinued. Does that matter?
Or recommend it anyway (even over the Mini??) since it's close to the same price.


I've heard people say that their Air is awesome.
What are the main differences?
Heavier, more stable? Better video transmission?
At double the price, there must be some significant diferences. Does it do anything "fun and cool" like the little spark?
Better build?




Trying to find the right language/considerations to compare all of these.
I'd like a drone that fun and easy to fly at a good price. It's taken me years to come to a buying place, and I'm not in a position to buy a whole fleet of these. I'd like to get one that I'm comfortable with and can use for a long time to record some fun shots for personal and work (marketing.)


Thanks for an your expert input to help steer me in the right direction!!





2020-1-16
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DJI Stephen
DJI team
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Hello and good day msteinruck. Thank you for choosing DJI and for reaching out. I hope that you will get the best feedback from our valued DJI co pilots with regards to this matter. In addition I will post a link were in you can compare the DJI Mavic Mini to the DJI Mavic Air with the DJI Spark and to other DJI consumer drones as well. I hope this can help you and thank you for your support.

https://www.dji.com/products/com ... ndsite&from=nav

2020-1-17
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djiuser_r52UuS3SUKFx
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Bosnia and Herzegovina
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What is the benefit of ordering the magic mini through DJI when Best buy says I can have it in two to three days?
2020-1-17
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Charissa
Captain
Flight distance : 689334 ft
South Africa
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I have a Air, and it is a capable little drone.
Would say that the Air between the 3. (and the MINI second)
AIR HAS:
4K video, the awesome performance in windy conditions.
a whole bunch of fun modes, (more than the Spark if I am not mistaken)
RAW image captures (huge plus in my book)
Active track. Obstacle avoidance. (VERY NICE TO HAVE)
The Air would also be more future proof for you.
You might want more than just full HD movies, or JPEGs, (that is good,) but dynamic range not as good as RAW

Would say the Air is worth the extra money for me.

2020-1-24
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Charissa
Captain
Flight distance : 689334 ft
South Africa
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Ah, and Panoramas. That is awesome to capture. Mini don,t have it.
Air has manual ISO and Shutter speed settings, also a HUGE positive for me.
2020-1-24
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msteinruck
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United States
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Charissa Posted at 1-24 01:02
I have a Air, and it is a capable little drone.
Would say that the Air between the 3. (and the MINI second)
AIR HAS:

VERY helpful feedback! Thank you!
Future-proof is a great term.
I want a drone that I can grow into and with, rather than out-grow too soon.

Your input is confirming.
I'm now waiting for the Air 2, which I hear may be out in early 2020!
2020-1-27
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oxid8ter
lvl.4
Flight distance : 20935 ft
United Kingdom
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msteinruck Posted at 1-27 20:12
VERY helpful feedback! Thank you!
Future-proof is a great term.
I want a drone that I can grow into and with, rather than out-grow too soon.

I was in the same boat and i opted for the Air. So glad I did - with the Advanced Pilot features etc it is so effortless to fly but yet doesnt compromise on video quality.

I'm also pleasantly surprised how small it packs down. You could easily put it in one of your coat pockets and then the controller in the other... or it will go in a backpack happily and take up next to no room!
2020-1-28
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