The holidays are coming, and if you're looking for a drone on Cyber Monday the chances are you're looking for a good gift. If you're looking for a genuinely good drone, with a capable camera, the drone I would usually point to would be the DJI Mini 2 SE, which produces some of the best video possible from a drone in the price bracket thanks to the stabilized camera. It uses a 3-axis gimbal which is smart enough to keep the camera steady as the drone wobbles, unlike most of the cheaper competition. It also comes from the reliable market leader. No competition, right?
This year, there are two alternative choices from a company which used to concentrate slightly more on toy drones: Potensic. They have produced a folding drone called the Potensic Atom – which also boasts a 3-axis gimbal and a 4K camera – and a cheaper Atom SE, which relies on electronics to stabilize the image. The later compromises image stability, but also offers a lower price of entry, something DJI doesn't do. Given that – with Cyber Monday discounts – we're looking at a the Atom SE starting at under $200 it feels like plenty would benefit if DJI would be a little more competitive, especially as – when I tested in, admittedly, low wind, the video wasn't too bad.
At the same time, the better DJI deals aren't as great as you'd hope. Probably because the margins on the Mini 2 SE are pretty tight, and because it's still a great drone that sells itself, but the discount is only $40 – admittedly an OK 12% if you buy the drone only, but that is only 8% if you're buying the bundle.
The Mini 2 SE is a great drone, but you only get 2.7K video, not 4K. Also if you start to add up the goodies – extra batteries, bag, charger – the Potensic Atom (not so much the Atome SE) offers a good bit more for not a lot more spend, at least during Potensic's more impressive Black Friday deals.
There is one other thing to think about though – DJI have their own offer on the Mini 3, which is better than both drones in terms of camera, and offers a choice of controllers and bundles. The Mini 3 even has a camera you can rotate to portrate mode for social media fanatics!
All of the drones I've mentioned are below 250g because that makes them suitable for use in more places, with fewer legal restrictions (ideal this time of year). Although it's not a cheap option, if you're feeling flush it's worth mentioning that the best drone in this space still comes from DJI. It is the Mini 4 Pro and it is a lesson in what happens if you don't get a Cyber Monday discount; it is a minimum of $759 with one battery and the standard remote control.
You can get some more detailed thoughts on these drones in our guide to the best beginners drones and best cheap drones. We also have a list of the best drones for kids.
