The Best Sub 250g Drones For Drone Operators
The rules introduced for drones under 250g in the UK in 2020 was a turning point for both commercial operators and hobby flyers. Giving drone flyers greater freedom to fly these smaller, lighter aircraft has made it easier and more enjoyable and opened up more applications for industry. The sub-250 drone rule changes have also fuelled greater innovation from manufacturers and led to mass production of quality mini-drones. The Federal Aviation Administration in the USA has also relaxed rules for drones under 250g so the global market is huge.
A decade ago drones of this size and weight would have been toys for children, but advances in technology mean they are now feature-packed and highly capable. Camera quality, safety features, battery life and build quality have increased dramatically. Many of these mini-drones are used by commercial operators to carry out aerial photography, roof inspections and other work on a daily basis.
The question you may be wondering is what are the best sub 250g drones for drone operators? To some extent, it depends on what you want to use it for, but the following all make the grade and some even qualify as the best drones of 2023.
DJI Mini 2 SE
If you’re on a limited budget and are interested in drones, this could be the perfect model for you. At around £300 the DJI Mini 2 SE packs in an impressive range of features and is ideal for getting into aerial photography or as a drone to take on your travels. The built-in camera delivers great quality and crystal clear images its 4X zoom. With a flight time of just over 30 minutes battery life hasn’t been compromised to keep the weight below the the 250g limit. A ‘return to home’ feature makes the Mini 2 SE a great choice for beginners who may be worried about losing a drone to a ‘flyaway’ or pilot error.
DJI Mini Pro 4
There were some negative comments when this model was first released, and some drone owners questioned whether another mini drone in the DJI range was really necessary so quickly. Drone technology is now improving at such a rapid pace it’s become a bit like the release of new iPhones. Some people eagerly wait to upgrade to every new model, while others wait to see what new features they bring. However, when you review the spec of the DJI Mini Pro 4 it really is worthy of a release and brings some serious steps forward.
Omnidirectional obstacle sensing improves flight safety and reduces the risk of damaging your drone. The DJI Mini Pro 4 delivers this and other features you really wouldn’t expect in a mini drone. .4K/60fps HDR Video, 4K/100fps Slo-Mo and a 1/1.3-inch CMOS Sensor make this a powerful tool for aerial video capture. ActiveTrack 360° with the new Trace Mode enable even inexperienced pilots to record cinematic movie effects.
Of the models currently available, the DJI Mini Pro 4 has to be the best sub 250g drone for drone operators.