Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3: 2025 Son-y 1" CMOS & 6K HDR Video, Moonlight Algorithm 2.0, Max ISO 44000,12-Bit DNG, 6.4" Smart Controller SE, 15KM Transmission, 360° Obstacle Avoidance, 40 Minutes

This purchase was for my brother Rudy...This drone is used for both professional real estate photography and videography.A few months afterwards, began using this drone with the Autel Smart Controller (both V1).This drone is amazing!First of all, the fact that it informs and warns but does not restrict flying in areas that require Authorization is priceless. It is always required to get authorization to legally fly in these areas.Anyone who has dealt with DJI knows the issues that we law abiding remote pilots face. Here is one example from my experience. I had to wait a couple days for authorization for an assignment. I then arrived on-site, and powered on the DJI drone and got a warning from my controller that there was no SD Card. If I recall correctly, I turned off my drone to avoid any memory card issues. I then reattempted to fly and I lost my authorization. I also lost track of the number of times that DJI restricted me from flying in areas that did not require authorization or the authorization process was time consuming and failed. With my Autel, I get authorization ahead of time and get peace of mind that once I have authorization, my drone will not question me. Autel, please do not go the route of DJI with No-Fly Zones.My only complaint is a minor one. I wish that Autel had many more intelligent flight modes that matched or exceed DJI. I am forced to learn how to do many cinematic moves manually. While I agree that manually flying looks more natural and is a great skill, sometimes I don't want to spend time manually controlling my drone. Some jobs don't require that level of cinematography. Sometimes, those intelligent flight modes incorporate nicely. And sometimes, I just want to have fun with my drone and miss that type of help so I can focus on quick fun videos especially when the weather is a bit colder for my fingers.I do enjoy flying this drone and have no regrets selling my DJI and replacing it with Autel for professional Real Estate Photography and Videography. I love the variable aperture, the sharpness, and the colors that it produces.I do wish it was a bit smaller for travel purposes but the size and weight helps with wind resistance so it is a good compromise. I know that this is a review for the drone and not the smart controller but buying a smart controller makes this so much more fun when you don't worry about the setup and device issues before every flight. I wish the smart controller supported the VR flying though :<I don't really fly very far so I can't comment on reception. But I will say that I once had an assignment to record one of the tallest skyscrapers in the Chicago. So, I was in the middle of downtown Chicago and I flew as high as the antennas. The video transmission was very choppy and I got nervous about reception but the video recorded flawlessly.If you are considering Autel I definitely recommend it. I am very happy with it!

UPDATED: As a licensed pilot who relies on this drone for work, the initial experience was incredibly frustrating. The controller malfunctioned mid-flight, causing the drone to fly backward on its own, and it became completely unresponsive, ultimately leading to a completely avoidable crash. When I sent it in for warranty service, I was met with poor communication, ignored emails, and a refusal from John and Jimmy to provide flight logs, a controller diagnostic or any type of proper assessment report. On top of that, I had to pay over $200 out of pocket just to ship it back, all while losing income due to the downtime.The only reason I’m amending my review is because the storefront representative (Manta) who manages their Amazon orders took ownership of the situation and ultimately provided a replacement.

I been a Mavic user for some time, but the specs of the EVO 2 Pro capture my attention. I bought and recommend the rugged bundle. It came in a great rugged case with 2 extra batteries, propellers, charger and SD Card. The gimbal cover has been improved and is easy to remove and replace.It has all the help you need to fly with GPS, Vision, RTH, Automatic Take Off, Accurate Landing and a pause button to stop a mission or any automatic fly modes. The all-around collision avoidance is a piece of art. The gimbal can be changed for the Infrared or the 8K, making it nice base drone with growing possibilities. No geofencing is a plus to fly in everywhere, but it alert, not forbidden, when in a restricted zone. Even without the inconvenience of flying zones of DJI, I follow the rules and ask for authorization. Uses the Autel Explorer for your mobile device but the controller has a nice screen and you can fly without the mobile phone or tablet, something not found with the Mavic 2 Pro. The Autel Explorer gives you more options and flying modes, but for a fast and relaxing fly, you don't need the phone. It synchronizes with AirData and keep all the information of the flight, the drone, the batteries and even a map of your flight with all the information, telemetry and animation. The great customer service tells me that Autel Robotics listen to the customer and can wait for the new releases of the firmware.Update 10/8/2020- One thing I want to trust of my drones is their the capability to return home when something goes wrong or simply lost communication with the aircraft. I sent my Evo 2 Pro down a valley for 3 miles and when the battery level reach critical levels, It came back making a perfect landing. It won my trust.The capacity of creating autonomous missions just with the Autel Explorer saves time.To complete my equipment I bought the Autel Charging Hub. It doesn't take too much space and charge the batteries in parallel or sequential. Great addition to my equipment. Very satisfied with the Evo 2 Pro.