Ed Ricker Vlogs

Drone guides for the post‑Mavic‑Pro era

This site started as the companion blog to a certain 5.8‑million‑view DJI Mavic Pro beginner's guide. The drones changed; the mission didn't: plain-language buying advice for people about to spend real money on a camera drone.

The Mavic Pro is discontinued. Now what?

The 2016 classic that started all of this is long gone from shelves. Here's what actually replaced it, tier by tier — and which one is worth your money in 2026.

Read the guide →

Best beginner drones under $300

Not everyone should start at $1,000. These are the sub-$300 aircraft we'd hand to a first-time pilot, plus the two accessories that matter on day one.

Read the guide →

Accessories that earn their price

Three batteries beat one expensive drone. ND filters, memory cards and landing pads — the small spends that change how much you actually fly.

See the shortlist →

Start here, depending on who you are

"I owned a Mavic Pro years ago and I'm coming back." → the Mavic successor guide. Short version: the sub-249g class is the story of the last five years.
"Total beginner, first drone, limited budget." → beginner drones under $300. Crash the cheap one first. Everyone does.
"I just want to know what to buy and fly." → both guides, in order. Ten minutes each, no jargon.

Every recommendation on this site links to current listings so you can check today's price — drones move around the calendar, and a guide with frozen prices is a stale guide.