Hello tom4ktm,
For $500, I think the
Mini 2 is an excellent choice. You can actually get the
Fly More package for a little more money ($599), and that comes with 2 extra batteries, a charging station, extra rotor blades, and a dedicated carrying bag for the drone and its supplies. I started out with a Holystone 4K 720E that had "ehh" video quality, and terrible range. When I got the
Mini 2 (admittedly, for a couple hundred dollars more) it was no contest - video image and range are far superior due to its 3-axis gimble and Occusync 2.0.
While it lacks anything but downward facing sensors, it is very easy to fly, and because of its weight (<250g ), if it falls from a not-too-high altitude, it won't sustain quite as much damage on a softer surface, such as on grass or dirt. The
DJI Care Refresh on the
Mini 2 (which I strongly recommend getting!!) is pretty cheap too, just in case you do damage it.
I have a
Mavic 2 Pro with sensors all around, and guess what... that is the drone that I have crashed and damaged! I made a common mistake - relying on sensors instead of good sense. The
Mini 2 actually teaches you to be a better pilot by forcing you to pay more attention, plus it has a very quick and easy learning curve. If you scout your location and fly higher than any surrounding obstacles, i.e. trees, power lines, buildings etc., then you really have nothing to worry about. I personally don't fly any of my drones in strong winds, including the more powerful
M2P. I'd suggest you download
UAV Forecast for free on your smart phone, and you'll have local wind conditions at your fingertips.
The only negative for me is that the
Mini 2 lacks tracking features, but is does have some Quick Shot features like dronie, rocket, slingshot etc. for some cinematic shots. As always, remember to scout your location
before using them. I own the
M2P because I am planning on using it to make some extra income, and I want the professional grade camera that comes with it. But I honestly have more fun flying the
Mini 2 than my
M2P (probably because I don't stress as much due to its "relatively low cost.").
If your goal is to take great quality 4K video to share with family and friends - or yourself - instantly on Facebook or on YouTube, then this little guy is fantastic. If however, you want professional grade video that you can edit with editing software, or perhaps you hope to sell your images for money, then go for the
MA2. But as a beginner drone, I think the
Mini 2 with the
Fly More package will truly delight. You'll be amazed at what such a tiny little drone like this can give you. On a $500 budget, I just don't think there is a better drone out there.
Just my 2 cents.
Good luck, and happy flying!