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That is a very capable drone, with good reviews.  Is the one you are interested in being shipped from inside the US, or is it being shipped in from China? It’s risky to buy them from other countries if you are in the US right now as several people have had theirs held up in customs, and DJI is “temporarily” not offering the care refresh option for US buyers either (see “out of stock” on DJI website). A nice thing about that drone is it weighs less than 249 g, which makes it unnecessary to register it if you use it with the standard 30 minute battery. But if you go with one of the larger battery options, the total weight will be more than 249g and you will have to register it with FAA (not a big deal), and will also have to put a Remote ID (RID) beacon on it (a hassle, but not too expensive on Amazon).

For more help, consider also joining the Mavicpilots.com group and introduce yourself there- many great members and very helpful too! I got a great deal on a used drone from a well-established member there and it was like brand new.  But the guys there will be better able to make recommendations for you. I am “AMann” there, stop in and say hello!

 

***I just checked Amazon and it looks like they are on sale for a great price using the prime day discounts. It also says in stock, which I’d think means they are in the US already, especially as they’re even offering overnight shipping.

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I have a Mini 3 Pro which is great. Compact, quiet, great image/video quality, and less than 249g as GotAU? mentioned. I’m sure the Mini 4K is very similar.

It sucks that DJI drones are no longer being sold by DJI in the US… at least not for a while. I do understand their reasoning though, since they may or may not get through customs. I was lucky enough to score a Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo from Adorama before they sold out.

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  • The title was changed to Anyone Have The DJI Mini 4K Drone?
1 hour ago, Rattlehead said:

It sucks that DJI drones are no longer being sold by DJI in the US… at least not for a while. I do understand their reasoning though, since they may or may not get through customs. I was lucky enough to score a Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo from Adorama before they sold out.

There are plenty of the lower end mini drones in stock and being sold by Amazon but at slightly higher demand driven prices.  The high end drones like the Mavic 4 are being sold by third parties at eye watering premium prices.

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Yep. Some authorized dealers still get in small shipments of the Mavic 4 occasionally, but they sell out fast, and with the import fees they’re still fairly high. I believe Adorama has another shipment coming in September. 

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15 hours ago, Rattlehead said:

I have a Mini 3 Pro which is great. Compact, quiet, great image/video quality, and less than 249g as GotAU? mentioned. I’m sure the Mini 4K is very similar.

It sucks that DJI drones are no longer being sold by DJI in the US… at least not for a while. I do understand their reasoning though, since they may or may not get through customs. I was lucky enough to score a Mavic 4 Pro Creator Combo from Adorama before they sold out.

There is a guy here on FB marketplace in my town that has one of these mini 3 ones

 It is a bit more appealing to me as it is supposed to avoid obstacles.

I contacted him as soon as he listed it and he is saying it is pending pickup. 

This morning it is still there. I told him I am interested.

He is asking 550.00 for it. I am not sure if that is a great deal or not.

Now after seeing all of the hype about DJI being limited or even pulling from the IS I am kind of leery on getting that name brand.

I have been searching for an alternative as well.

I am interested in getting one but I am afraid I may fly it a few times and then put it away!

 

 

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  • Oh my! 1
20 hours ago, GotAU? said:

That is a very capable drone, with good reviews.  Is the one you are interested in being shipped from inside the US, or is it being shipped in from China? It’s risky to buy them from other countries if you are in the US right now as several people have had theirs held up in customs, and DJI is “temporarily” not offering the care refresh option for US buyers either (see “out of stock” on DJI website). A nice thing about that drone is it weighs less than 249 g, which makes it unnecessary to register it if you use it with the standard 30 minute battery. But if you go with one of the larger battery options, the total weight will be more than 249g and you will have to register it with FAA (not a big deal), and will also have to put a Remote ID (RID) beacon on it (a hassle, but not too expensive on Amazon).

For more help, consider also joining the Mavicpilots.com group and introduce yourself there- many great members and very helpful too! I got a great deal on a used drone from a well-established member there and it was like brand new.  But the guys there will be better able to make recommendations for you. I am “AMann” there, stop in and say hello!

 

***I just checked Amazon and it looks like they are on sale for a great price using the prime day discounts. It also says in stock, which I’d think means they are in the US already, especially as they’re even offering overnight shipping.

Thanks...I may look into that forum. 

I am not a prime member and I have never ordered from Amazon. I generally just use eBay for that sort of thing.

I am open to pre-owned units too. 

I do like the fact I would not have to register with the FCC on a smaller unit.

On 7/11/2025 at 7:45 AM, bigtim1973 said:

There is a guy here on FB marketplace in my town that has one of these mini 3 ones

 It is a bit more appealing to me as it is supposed to avoid obstacles.

I contacted him as soon as he listed it and he is saying it is pending pickup. 

This morning it is still there. I told him I am interested.

He is asking 550.00 for it. I am not sure if that is a great deal or not.

Now after seeing all of the hype about DJI being limited or even pulling from the IS I am kind of leery on getting that name brand.

I have been searching for an alternative as well.

I am interested in getting one but I am afraid I may fly it a few times and then put it away!

 

 

A new basic Mini 3 costs $350 on Amazon.  And New Mini 4k’s are $240 on Amazon Prime this month only, comes with 1-30min flight battery and a controller. They cost around $300 regularly or if you’re not on prime. Even at $300 it’s not a bad deal for a new entry level drone that has some advanced features like a 4k camera and auto return to home.

if you’re opposed to buying from Amazon, Adorama and B&H are also good drone suppliers.  Best Buy too, but stock is going away everywhere in the US as DJI has stopped direct selling and sending all of its drones to the US.

There are other options besides DJI, but none are as inexpensive and advanced as DJI drones are. We all know why, but that is not for this forum.  Most of the off-brand inexpensive ones that mimic DJI drones I’ve seen are not built to last long, and expendable spare parts like batteries and propellers are typically not available or sold individually. So also keep those in mind if you are getting one like that.

I have an Autel Evo drone.  The three main reasons I chose it over DJI is…      1. No geofencing.  2. They have better customer service because they are based in Washington State.  3.  My drone controller has a screen and can operate without a cellphone, although more features are available when the cellphone is attached and plugged in.  Like DJI, they are manufactured in China the last time I checked.  Autel drones are excellent.  I have no complaints.  It also has a great camera, software, good battery life, flys well and has good range.  

  • Like 3

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