Drone DJI Mavic Pro - My buying experience & things to know

Being a photographer for several years now, I wanted to acquire aerial equipment to diversify my photographs. Wishing to start my own business at the beginning of the year 2018, I decided to invest in a drone that keeps the road quality level, and at the same time is compact enough to take it everywhere easily, even when travelling.

So I did my little survey on the Net at the end of September, during several days, reading various comparative articles and Youtube videos.

My drone in mid-air


Very quickly, I realized that my choice was going to be the DJI Mavic Pro, compact, light, with a 28mm camera at f/2.2 of opening and filming in 4K. The only brake to this purchase for me was its price, because this drone is sold (without discount) at 1199 euros in simple version (just the drone, the joystick and the battery). At the end of the day, it can easily be found at 1000 euros on Amazon. But it was always too expensive for me.
When my birthday arrived, I knew that I would have some money to help me acquire it. But I had to find a way to get it cheaper.



The arms and propellers fold fully against the drone body.



Size of the drone when unfolded



Folded joystick



Joystick unfolded. Connect the smartphone to the cable and connect it to the DJI GO 4 app for image feedback.


After searching, I found an article praising the services of the Chinese site Gearbest, with a great promotional code for the Mavic Pro. I could get it for 700 euros. After a quick check on the site's reliability, I started this adventure, buying the transport bag at the same time.

I have taken the long term but free delivery "French line colissimo". The parcel normally arrives within 15 to 25 days.

The ultra-compact bag


The articles arrived on time but were delayed (first the drone (the most important one) and then the bag a few days later). The only black spot of the delivery, the box was quite damaged as you can see in the pictures below. But fortunately, the material itself did not suffer any damage.

Things to know :

• The drone battery is designed to last 27 minutes maximum. It is therefore advisable to have at least 1 to 2 spare batteries (we can find them between 85 and 100 euros each...)

• To enjoy the visual feedback (which is essential for those who want to make photos and videos (and even for others who just want to get a picture feedback) it is necessary to have a phone compatible with the DJI GO 4 software. ! ATTENTION! DJI works with Apple and their drones are optimized for Apple use. It does work with some Android phones, but make sure you have at least 350-400 euros minimum. (To know that I didn't know it before I bought the drone, I had to buy a phone to use my acquisition... This is why I would like to inform future buyers). I find this is a really sectarian practice, and although I'm very happy with my drone, I don't endorse their methods.

• If you buy through Gearbest for your purchase, please note that the warranty will not be taken into account in your country. It is therefore advisable to take out DJI Care refresh insurance to avoid any problems during the first year.

• Still if you buy through Gearbest, you will have to send them a message so that they send you the real invoice of your purchases (initially I I had received invoices of an amount of 20$ which did not correspond to my purchases).
  
  

Conclusion

-If you are interested in this drone and you are not limited to 200 or 300 euros, buy through Amazon or another reseller in your country, you will save time and you will be sure to receive your drone in an irreproachable state (c. f. my box stoned...).

-But if, like me, your budget is limited, Gearbest can be a solution.

-! ATTENTION! However, hidden investments (c. f compatible phone (in any case (whether you buy it from a reseller in your country or abroad) and insurance...)

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I hope you will have been interested in this feedback. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Also, if you liked this article, don't hesitate to comment, upvote and resteem this post.

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All pictures presented in my post are personal photos - © all rights reserved