I'm seriously considering an inexpensive (<$200) photo drone.

All I want to do is get some pictures of the roof of my house without risking my wrinkled old butt climbing ladders. I don't expect to use it for anything serious or at long ranges or anything like that.

Amazon has a selection in my price range but would appreciate some pointers on what to look for.

TIA...

Hi Paul-
If you can, check out the DJI Mini line of drones. They may be a little more than you want to spend, but are worth it. Good cameras for your needs. DJI’s stuff just flat-out works, and well.

Should be able to find a used Mini at or around $300.
It will be worth the added expense. They are super easy to fly.
I’d go to wager once you start playing around with it and realize how easy they are to fly, fun, and useful they are you’ll find yourself doing more than than just checking the roof on occasion.

My buddy has a mini and his son has one off Amazon that was closer to $200 and there was no comparison in ease of operation.
I was using the mini manually following the boys on the zip line and side by side in about 5 minutes getting really good video.
The other unit was just not as smooth and easy.

I'm seeing some refurbished DJI's that are close to my price point, but I'm a little leery of used/refurbished.

Any experience with this market?

I have permission from the CFO to get one.

Training/licensing requirements?

if it is for personal use no licensing is required.

Paul-
If you do not make money either directly or indirectly from your drone/videos, you are a hobbyist/recreational flyer.
There are some rules/regulations you should be well versed on. You will also need to register your drone if it weighs over 249 grams, just $5, with the FAA. You can do that (and read up on all things UAV) here:
https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/

Okay, last question:

For a beginner, Mini 2 or Mini 2SE?

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:
I'm seeing some refurbished DJI's that are close to my price point, but I'm a little leery of used/refurbished.

Any experience with this market?

Who is the refurbisher? Is it backed by DJI or any warranty?

I went ahead and ordered a new SE. Not that much savings going with refurb and I'm more comfortable with new.

Good deal, Paul.
1. Watch videos on learning how to fly, launch, preflight your new drone.
2. Find a nice wide open field with no obstacles, and fly every day there. Get comfortable with moving in 3 axis space.
3. Never rely on what you see on the screen to navigate. The wide angle distorts distances. Look up more than you look down.
4. Practice some more.
5. Avoid birds like hawks and eagles. They don’t like drones. At all.
6. Enjoy, and be safe at all times.