Asking for your 2 cents, Air 3 or Mini 4 pro

[TexasEric]

This is NOT bad advice. It is pragmatic. There is nothing wrong with that reasoning.

 

[Cafguy]

BTW- I expect to take a lot of flack for my comments, but you can just save them up for another day.

I will not save my comment!!

That's very good advice! I have seen the exact same thing happen. As you are saying It isn't wise to jump right into something with both feet because you are just asking to fail. plus The OP seems a bit confused as to how exactly he will make money with his new Hobby. I will say I don't make good money with my drone biz- It pretty much just helps pay for my recreational drone hobby.
I find it sort of perplexing myself that some will think that because you can fly the drone, Well then: Mastering Mapping or professional Photography will be just mere simple steps in their training. When in fact the exact opposite is true.
I Know some Drone pilots that make Huge money, and They are very sought after for what they do. BUT These Guys have all sorts of degrees in their fields and for them the drone came as a tool. and for some- The use of that tool turned into a hobby. NOW please TexasEric I am not saying that this is you and Many people Make some money with their drones without knowing to much about the ins and outs of the things they start with -ME for instance! Just some food for thought.

 

[TexasEric]

No offense taken at all. This is well stated and comes from a place of caring.
I appreciate it. Primarily I am getting a drone to have fun with responsibly, and hopefully getting my little girls to do as well. I am also looking to make some cool videos and photos as well. I think learning this would be fun. Finally, possibly meet some new people as well.

I dont have a business plan of any kind. I am just trying figure a way to earn a some cash on weekends, to supplement my existing income. This is the complicating factor of choosing which drone.

If I never earn a dollar with drone I am out a few hundred bucks, and some lost time getting my part 107. The Black Friday sale at the pilot institute saved me saved that much already. Overall, not making any money would not be the end of the world.

Most importantly your thoughts are valid and welcomed.

 

[Robert Prior]

Primarily I am getting a drone to have fun with responsibly, and hopefully getting my little girls to do as well.

In that case I'd be inclined to recommend a cheap Mini to learn on and develop skills in flying and photography/videography. Once you get more experience you can decide if you want to invest more in the hobby or not. If you go professional you'll need a backup drone anyway, and if you stay amateur it can either be a backup drone, the drone you're willing to risk for tricky shots, or a drone for your daughters.

I'm an amateur photographer who's sold pictures, and the size/cost of my camera had no effect on which pictures sold and how much people paid for them. People tend to assume I'm professional when they see the D800 with a big lens, but some of my sales were shot with a point-and-shoot (the best camera is the camera you have with you).

 

[Dale D]

In that case I'd be inclined to recommend a cheap Mini to learn on and develop skills in flying and photography/videography. Once you get more experience you can decide if you want to invest more in the hobby or not. If you go professional you'll need a backup drone anyway, and if you stay amateur it can either be a backup drone, the drone you're willing to risk for tricky shots, or a drone for your daughters.

I'm an amateur photographer who's sold pictures, and the size/cost of my camera had no effect on which pictures sold and how much people paid for them. People tend to assume I'm professional when they see the D800 with a big lens, but some of my sales were shot with a point-and-shoot (the best camera is the camera you have with you).

I already said all of that but I agree with you. Also on the old saying, the best camera is the one with you.

 

[Shuttersky597]

Air 3 with 70mm tele. Also keep in mind batteries. If RID is required , you will have to have the extended battery. I have the Mini 3 pro, Mavic 3 classic, and the Air 3. None have the battery type/ RID problem. Also the stability, even though the mini can handle some wind do burp a little during pano and hyperlapse. But, that might be just me.

 

[danyjames_]

I am about to buy my 1st drone. Yes, DJI care refresh will be on it. I will definitely get the fly more kit for the mini 4, probably same for the Air 3 as well. Absolutely getting the RC2 controller. I have already gotten my trust certificate, and downloaded B4ufly, and LAANC apps too. Finally, I’m probably going to get a 256 GB or 512GB SD card. What else should I be looking for? Besides a mentor or 2.

I am normally a sucker for the latest and greatest. In my eyes that would be the Mini 4 pro. I mainly intend to fly around, get my girls into flying, take some cool pics and videos of my family, and scenes on vacation. The mini 4 pro should be perfect/overkill for that.

I am also looking really hard at the Air 3. I like the extra stability, battery life, higher speeds it offers. It has most of the same features, and an additional camera. I am a big boy with years of walking on my feet, so the weight difference is negligible to me. Price difference would not be a real issue in this case. I am not worried about registering the Air 3, it is like $5 for 3 years. I hold a few NFA stamps, LTC license, and I am veteran so the government already knows who I am. Another registration is not an issue for me.
Speed Test
I would like to create a side hustle with the drone. I find myself wondering if the Air 3 would be better for any kind of business/drone job I can think to create or get into. Yes, I have full intention of passing the part 107.

Would an Air 3 be better for the real estate and maybe insurance work, if I can get into that? Also what kind of drone jobs are around Houston? What experiences have y’all had.

Finally, I have no photography background, and probably no computer good enough to edit photographs or videos.
What are your thoughts? What have I missed? You guys have already gone down this road. Any guidance you can give would be appreciated and definitely considered.

Is it worth shooting super dooper ultra high resolution video if you cant watch it?

 

[Dale D]

Is it worth shooting super duper ultra high resolution video if you cant watch it?

You've really answered your own question- sure don't shoot high res if you cannot watch it. But most of us here on the forum are sophisticates in viewing. If Somebody submits a film in 720p or 1080p, most likely I will give a quick look but not stick with it. I am looking for beautiful films, and the minimum I would watch is 4K. I would shoot the highest resolution you can, consistent with your ability to edit it with a video editing program. And of course, all stills should be shot with RAW films and processed in a photo editing program (Photoshop, Lightroom, etc.). The more you shoot, the more you will want to upgrade your product.

Dale
Miami

 

[TexasEric]

Yeah I totally got the Air 3, with care refresh. Just went for the 1st flight yesterday.
I regret nothing.

I am taking my girls out to go fly at local park today, lots of green open spaces. They are pumped, and more than ready.