For years, DJI dominated the drone market, often leaving users frustrated with their support and geofencing restrictions. This led many, including the original author, to seek alternatives like Autel. However, the author’s experience with the Autel Evo Nano+ was marred by numerous issues, raising the question: Beside Autel Is There a better option? This article explores the author’s journey and prompts a crucial discussion about choosing the right drone.
From DJI Frustration to Autel Disappointment
Initially drawn to Autel as an escape from DJI’s limitations, the author soon encountered a series of problems with the Nano+. These included missing features, poor color science in DNG files, a lack of third-party app support due to Autel’s refusal to release an SDK for the Lite and Nano series, a malfunctioning gimbal, and failures in panoramic stitching. Further compounding the issues were significant shortcomings in exposure metering, a lack of 8-bit or 10-bit LOG for stills, no selectable HDR for stills, and the absence of lens correction and color calibration profiles for post-processing.
While the controller-to-drone signal and JPG still quality were commendable, and in-flight performance comparable to DJI, these positives were overshadowed by the accumulating problems. Just as the author began to accept the drone’s limitations, a critical motor failure occurred during a crucial archaeological documentation project. This failure, coupled with DJI’s newly expanded geofencing restrictions preventing the use of a backup DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, resulted in the irreversible loss of a significant historical record.
The Search for Reliable Alternatives Continues
The author’s experience highlights the importance of considering all factors when choosing a drone. While Autel initially presented itself as a promising alternative to DJI, the numerous technical issues and the critical motor failure underscore the need for thorough research and evaluation. The question remains: beside Autel is there a drone manufacturer that can provide the reliability, functionality, and support required for professional and personal use?
This experience emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the initial appeal of marketing and focusing on long-term performance, reliability, and customer support. The author’s frustration underscores the need for a comprehensive evaluation of available options before investing in a drone, especially for critical projects.
Considering Your Drone Needs
The author’s negative experience with both DJI and Autel underscores the critical need to thoroughly research and compare drone options before making a purchase. Factors like reliability, customer support, firmware updates, and the availability of necessary features should be carefully weighed against the price and intended use. Ultimately, the best drone is the one that consistently meets the user’s specific needs and provides a dependable platform for capturing the desired footage or data.
