Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

On day 1 after receiving the drone, I charged a battery and gave it a slam-bang test- zooming up to 200 feet in cloudy, slightly foggy weather, and flying directly to a golf course (closed for the season) 1/2 mile away, while remaining in my back yard. With my $40 drone that I lost in a tree, all of that would have been a teeth-chattering nightmare. With the Mavic Mini, which by 1 gram misses the FAA registration requirement in the USA, this was like walking down the street- that simple. At no point was I nervous, as it takes off with a reassuring "home location set" notification... until my drone warned "caution, high winds, land when possible" shortly before another notice, "connection lost. Returning to home." Both of these notices were presented calmly by the recorded voice within the app. In a few minutes, I saw my drone expertly flying itself over the trees and back to my house. The footage, for a "prosumer" level, is amazing and clear (even though it's 2.7K). The gimbal alone is almost worth the price. What sets this apart from all the others is the self-pilot nature of this drone. It is so very easy and reassuring to fly. I did purchase the DJI Refresh plan directly from DJI, which allows one replacement or repaired drone if yours is damaged in the first year of use (excludes lost drones). I've had the opportunity to see the view from 390 feet above my house (FAA regs do not permit drone flights above 400'). I've been able to zoom down to the end of my street and see if anyone was playing basketball. I've chased my kids around the park... All while sitting on my deck. I have also inspected my roof, safely, and was able to spot missing shingles and a crack in a seal. This toy/tool is now indispensable... and one more anecdote: In "payload mode" I was able to deliver a walkie talkie weighing about 3lbs (6 times the weight of the Mini!) up to the second floor in my house. This was effortless and it's clear this thing can lift something even heavier than that. Amazing! ****UPDATE: 3/17/20- lost the drone**** Still 5 stars but I learned something the hard way. While in the Outer Banks (we entered right before the COVID-19 quarantine lock-down), I was getting so comfortable with the drone that I decided to get some cool, zippy, near-water speed shots. I NOW know that the vertical sensors get messed up by the reflective nature of water, because the drone decreased altitude from 4' above water to SPLASH all on its own while doing about 22mph. I was turning and going sideways while this happened. After searching in the murky, dense water for 90 minutes the next day, I could not find the drone. Although I purchased replacement insurance, having the broken done is required... Since I couldn't find it, the insurance is null and void. And unfortunately they don't sell the drone by itself, without remote. Still, I will save up and purchase again, and will likely "self-insure" (save up) to replace yet again if needed. This thing gives you a very different perspective on life and nature... So I'm pleased with the purchase in spite of the sad water crash. Small bit of good news is I still have the 1080p footage (cached to my phone) from the day I lost the drone.