What drone should I buy as a beginner? A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started in 2024
With the popularity of drone technology, more and more people want to try aerial photography or recreational flying. But for beginners, how to choose their first drone becomes a difficult problem. This article will combine recent hot topics and product trends across the Internet to provide you with a structured analysis from dimensions such as price, functionality, and ease of use.
1. Recent hot topics on drones (last 10 days)

| topic | heat index | Related products |
|---|---|---|
| "Ranking of cost-effectiveness of thousand-yuan drones" | 8.5/10 | DJI Mini 2 SE, Hubsan Zino Pro |
| “How to avoid a novice bomber” | 7.2/10 | Simulator software, model with obstacle avoidance |
| “2024 New Regulations: Drone License Requirements” | 9.1/10 | Registration-free models under 250 grams |
| "Actual test of AI tracking function" | 6.8/10 | DJI Air 3, Autel EVO Nano+ |
2. Core indicators for beginners to buy drones
| indicator | importance | Recommended parameters |
|---|---|---|
| weight | ★★★★★ | ≤249 grams (registration free) |
| Battery life | ★★★★☆ | ≥20 minutes |
| Image transmission distance | ★★★☆☆ | ≥2 kilometers (civilian standard) |
| obstacle avoidance system | ★★★☆☆ | Front/lower double obstacle avoidance |
| price | ★★★★★ | 2000-5000 yuan |
3. Comparison of popular entry-level models in 2024
| Model | price | weight | Battery life | Key functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 2 SE | 2399 yuan | 249 grams | 31 minutes | 10km image transmission, 4K shooting |
| Hubsan Zino Mini Pro | 2899 yuan | 249 grams | 28 minutes | Three-axis gimbal, obstacle avoidance |
| Potensic Atom SE | 1599 yuan | 245g | 20 minutes | GPS positioning, one-click return |
| Autel EVO Nano+ | 4299 yuan | 249 grams | 28 minutes | 1-inch sensor, AI tracking |
4. Practical suggestions for beginners
1.Give priority to models weighing less than 249 grams: Avoid complex regulatory processes, such as DJI Mini series;
2.Budget Allocation Tips: Set aside 20% of your budget to purchase spare batteries and propeller guards;
3.learning path: First use simulators such as DJI Fly to practice, and then practice flying;
4.Insurance options: DJI Care’s free replacement service can reduce the loss of aircraft damage;
5.Functional trade-offs: Novices don’t need to pursue 8K shooting, 4K+ anti-shake is more important.
5. Observation of Industry Trends
According to recent e-commerce platform data,2000-3000 yuan price rangeAccounting for 62% of novice sales, the return rate of models with GPS positioning function is 73% lower than that of models without GPS. It is expected that more manufacturers will join the "AI automatic editing" function track in the second half of 2024.
To sum up,DJI Mini 2 SEIt is still the most cost-effective entry-level option at present, and users with limited budget can pay attention to brands such as Potensic Atom SE. No matter which one you choose, safe flying and consistent practice are the keys to enjoying aerial photography.
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