DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone questions

[Minsid]

I find it interesting that the tacit assumption is that if there is spyware in the cameras it cannot be detected. Or defeated. I mean, if the cameras truly have software that can be used for spying, which is a bad thing and should be stopped, why cannot it not be detected? And then defeated? I don't know enough about software to have any idea if any type of spyware cannot be defeated. Hopefully someone on this site does know and can educate those of us who are ignorant about these kind of things. Like me.
Eric

Part of that is that there doesn't have to be anything nefarious in there right now but it could be added after the fact. You have it on wifi right? It updates for whatever reason, security update, whatever and now it does phone home. More an issue with telcom equipment than drones but same problem.

As for DJI getting banned, they have a US company with their tech.

DJI drones just got a new rival in the US that licenses… DJI technology

Anzu Robotics emerges as a DJI alternative in the US

www.techradar.com

 

[stumblinhorse]

That complicates things. If I’m going to buy it, I need to do it now. But will there be parts for it in the future? Or should I look at another brand? Is there one better the the Mini 4 that’s under 250 grams so I don’t have to have a license?

Hmm, I would not worry too much. There is nothing better on the market than DJI. If you read some info on all these bans, many say it is basically to allow the US to catch up. One of the people driving this is the ceo of the American competition.

It comes with a couple replacement propellers. I would get a 2nd battery and a aftermarket charger. That is all I have and it has served me well.

 

[RandyT]

Eddie also need to check into the Part 107 drone license since posting on Facebook and Youtube would be considered commercial use.

 

[stumblinhorse]

Eddie also need to check into the Part 107 drone license since posting on Facebook and Youtube would be considered commercial use.

Not sure about this… That is not my understanding of the rules.

 

[B7510HSD]

Eddie Costco flyer in today's mail they have the DJI Mini 3 Drone on sale for $100 off now $299.99

 

[Rustyiron]

I have that one Eddie, it's a lot of fun and way more capable than I am. I believe that both the 3 & 4 are capable of flying a pre determined route by adding the way points. As you've seen there's tons of people & tips, information on YT.
I bought the "fly more" kit with my order and a hard case off of Amazon.
450' is supposed to be the un licensed altitude (it's pre set but user adjustable) along with the weight and your good to go. I got the controller with the screen over a phone type

 

[plowhog]

I got the controller with the screen over a phone type

I had a prior drone that used a camera for a screen. I bought my current drone due to the integrated screen and controller. It is much, much better.

Also if you intend to fly over or past any power lines beware that can cause odd behavior and/or crashes. I had a crash when I flew next to a metal building that somehow interfered with a signal, and I know certain areas near powerlines to not go near or things get weird.

 

[newbury]

Eddie- Get the darn thing. Warning - like most other things it can be addictive.
I bought my DJI Mini about 2021, used the heck out of it surveying my roofs in Mississippi.
But have been "stuck" in DC most of the time since then and it's a NO-Fly zone.
/edit - get some extra props and an extra battery and dedicate a small suitcase or large laptop case to carry it ALL around.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I have an early DJI mini mavic. Think costco has it now in $400 price range. easy to fly. does it report home? maybe. yesterday it wouldn't go higher than 20 ft until it got GPS sync. don't recall that happening before. Here's a view of what I mowed saturday. And the turkey eggs where I hit a nest. Momma turkey was not happy. mine uses my phone for the screen, an integrated screen would be much much better.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

interesting on the proposed legislation, because even a lot of sheriff dept now have drone teams. DJI just work well. I suspect the govt will shut down drones at some time for the average citizen.....