Cheapest Follow me Drone:
- Best Overall: DJI Mini 3 Pro
- Best Budget-Friendly: DJI Air 2S
- Best Value: Autel EVO Nano Plus
- Most Durable: Potensic ATOM SE
- Editor’s Choice: Holy Stone HS720G
Hey there, fellow creators! If you’re a vlogger or content enthusiast, you know that having a drone with a follow-me mode is like having your own personal cameraperson in the sky. It’s the secret sauce behind captivating B-roll shots.
In this article, we’re going to explore the best budget-friendly drones with follow-me mode that won’t put a dent in your wallet. So, grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
Cheapest Follow me Drone
Table of Contents:
Understanding the Follow-Me Mode Magic
Before we get into the exciting world of affordable drones, let’s get a grasp on what follow-me mode is all about. It’s pretty much the holy grail for content creators.
Follow-me mode is a nifty feature that turns your drone into a trusty wingman, following you around as you go about your business. It employs various technologies like GPS, vision recognition, and obstacle detection to make this happen. It’s like having your very own airborne companion that keeps you in the frame.
Now, there are two primary flavors of follow-me mode:
1. GPS-Based Follow-Me Mode:
In this mode, the drone latches onto the GPS coordinates of a remote controller and tracks its movements. This is handy when you need the drone to follow you from a distance, like when you’re driving through a forest, and your drone is your faithful travel companion.
2. Vision Recognition Follow-Me Mode:
This is where things get interesting. Drones with this mode use sensors and AI to recognize you or other moving objects and follow them. It’s like your drone playing detective and tailing you based on visual cues. But here’s the catch: it’s not as effective in crowded or dimly lit spaces and can sometimes get distracted by other things.
Cheapest Follow me Drone:
Now that you’re in the know, let’s check out some fantastic drones that can make follow-me mode dreams come true.
1. DJI Mini 3 Pro: The Compact Marvel
Kicking off our list is the DJI Mini 3 Pro. It might not be the most budget-friendly option, but it’s adored by many for good reason. This pint-sized powerhouse boasts incredible flight performance, a lightweight design, and outstanding camera capabilities.
It can capture 4K video at 60 frames per second and snaps photos with a whopping 48-megapixel resolution. It’s also armed with obstacle-avoidance sensors and Active Track with follow-me mode, known as “trace.” The icing on the cake? It’s incredibly portable, fitting comfortably in your pocket. The only downside is its price, but you get what you pay for.
2. DJI Air 2S: The Four-Direction Wonder
The DJI Air 2S is another gem in the world of drones. It might not be the cheapest, but it’s a formidable player. This drone can sense its environment in four directions, making it an ideal companion for follow-me mode.
It even features the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system, which lets you receive information about nearby aircraft, providing a safer flying experience. While it’s a bit on the heavier side and not the most budget-friendly, it’s the sole contender with a four-direction anti-collision system.
3. Autel EVO Nano Plus: The Budget-Friendly Pro
Now, let’s talk about the Autel EVO Nano Plus. This non-DJI drone is a budget-friendly champion with some impressive features. Its Active Track 2.1 is lauded as one of the most advanced on the market. With an excellent transmission range, high-resolution camera, and plenty of autonomous functions, this little guy punches above its weight. However, it might need a bit more space for its follow-me mode to work smoothly, especially in tight spots.
4. Potensic ATOM SE: The Wallet’s Pal
For those seeking savings, the Potensic ATOM SE might be the answer. This lightweight drone offers an affordable price tag and delivers a decent flying experience. It’s perfect for beginners and comes with nifty features like waypoint flight and circle flight. Just keep in mind that it’s very much an entry-level drone, so don’t expect DJI-level quality.
5. Holy Stone HS720G: The Newbie’s Buddy
The Holy Stone HS720G is a fantastic option for novice drone pilots. It’s lightweight, foldable, and equipped with a 2-axis gimbal for steady shots. Plus, it offers features like Tap Fly, Point of Interest, and follow-me mode. Just be cautious when using it in crowded or obstacle-filled environments, as it lacks avoidance sensors.
6. Potensic Dreamer 4K Pro: The DJI Lookalike
Lastly, we have the Potensic Dreamer 4K Pro, which bears a striking resemblance to the DJI Phantom 4. While it’s bulkier and less portable, it does offer a follow-me mode and a range of other autonomous functions. The camera stabilization is excellent for smooth filming, and it can handle windy conditions like a champ. However, it’s not as sleek as a DJI drone, and the flight time is somewhat shorter.
A Few Parting Tips on Drones with Follow-Me Mode
Before we wrap this up, a few things to keep in mind:
- Not all drones with follow-me mode have obstacle avoidance. Exercise caution when navigating around obstacles, and consider that some may lack this feature.
- Drones weighing less than 250 grams might enjoy relaxed drone laws and regulations in many countries, so always check the local drone rules.
- Remember, more expensive drones often come with better autonomous features and avoidance sensors.
That’s a wrap, folks! We’ve covered some incredible budget-friendly drones with follow-me mode. Now, it’s your turn to pick the one that suits your needs and start capturing those amazing shots. Happy flying, and may your content always be top-notch!
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