Are you looking to dip your toes into the exciting world of drones without breaking the bank? Look no further than the DJI Tello, a small yet mighty drone that offers a perfect blend of affordability, ease of use, and fun features. As a drone enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Tello drone is an excellent choice for beginners.
Let’s dive into what makes this drone so special and why it’s a fantastic option for those just starting out.
Design and Build
The DJI Tello is a compact and lightweight drone, weighing in at just 2.8 ounces or 79.37 grams (including the battery and propellers). Its small size (3.6×3.6×1.6 inches) (9.14×9.14×4.06 centimeters) makes it incredibly portable, fitting easily into your pocket or bag. The sleek design is complemented by built-in propeller guards and onboard sensors, which help prevent accidents and make flying indoors a breeze. The integrated camera is neatly tucked into the drone’s body, reducing the risk of damage.
Easy Setup and Control
One of the standout features of the Tello is its simplicity. Setting up the drone is a straightforward process: download the Tello app from the App Store or Google Play, power up the drone, and connect to the app. The auto take-off feature allows you to get airborne with just a tap, making it easy to start exploring your surroundings from a new perspective.
Flight Performance
The Tello is designed with beginners in mind, offering smooth and accurate flight control through the mobile app. While it excels in indoor environments, it’s worth noting that the drone struggles to hover steadily and is best flown outdoors only in very calm conditions. The flight time is around 11 minutes on a full battery, which is decent for a drone of this size, but the battery charge time to flight time ratio could be better.
Fun Features
What sets the Tello apart from other beginner drones are its fun and unique flight modes. The drone comes with several preset aerobatic moves, including:
- Throw & Go: Simply toss the Tello into the air, and it will start flying automatically.
- 8D Flips: Perform impressive flips in various directions with a simple swipe on the screen.
- Bounce Mode: The Tello bounces up and down from your hand, adding an element of fun to your flights.
These features make flying the Tello an enjoyable experience, especially for those new to the hobby.
Camera Capabilities
The Tello is equipped with a 5MP camera that captures photos and streams 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. While it lacks a gimbal for stabilized footage, the camera quality is impressive for a drone in this price range. You can easily capture aerial shots and videos, making it a great tool for budding photographers and videographers.
Affordability
One of the most appealing aspects of the DJI Tello is its price point. Priced around $99 USD, the Tello offers excellent value for money, especially considering its build quality and feature set. It’s an affordable way to get started with drones without compromising on essential features.
Additional Insights
The Tello’s lightweight design (only 80g) means it flies under most drone flying regulations, making it even more accessible for beginners. You can control it over WiFi or Bluetooth, adding to its convenience. While it doesn’t come with a charger and only includes one battery, its compact size and ease of use make it a fun and practical choice for indoor flying.
Educational Value
The Tello isn’t just a fun drone; it’s also an educational tool. It uses Scratch, a programming language targeted at children, allowing users to program the drone to perform specific routines. This makes it an excellent choice for STEM programs and anyone looking to learn the basics of coding. While there might be a learning curve, there are plenty of online tutorials to help you get started.
Verdict
In conclusion, the DJI Tello is a fantastic drone for beginners. Its compact design, ease of use, and fun features make it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the world of drones. While it has a few limitations, such as its hovering stability and battery life, the overall experience it offers is well worth the investment. If you’re new to drones and want an affordable, fun, and reliable option, the DJI Tello is the perfect choice.
