Good choice....... or not?

[rodp]

I'm new to drones, complete novice, and also an old git, so put all those together and it's a recipe for disaster.
 However, I'm seriously considering buying a new to me (used) DJI mini 3 pro, is this a good choice? If so, why are so many advertised with no battery, and some "bound". I know what the bound bit means, but is it a problem? It seems to reduce the price a fair bit so I imagine it has some importance.
 Lastly, what to look for, what to check when buying, any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
  Thanks

[Bad Raven]

Hi!  Welcome!

Lets start from a different place. What do you want to DO with your quadcopter, and where do you intend flying it?  Have you flown any radio control models, or cars?

THEN we'll get to the specifics.

[rodp]

Probably photography/video. I use a DSLR for handheld, so images have to be half decent, but not club competition standard.
 I have access to a farm for flying initially, and there's a lot of open space near me, we also back on to a field/woodland.I would probably also fly now and then at metal detecting meetings, just snap shots of members (having told them first what would be happening)
 I have flown a couple of those contra rotating little helicopters, just for fun really, and a few cars. But I'm far from an expert.

[Ern Stock]

Hi
You could compare the camera specs between mini 2 and mini 3 pro.
The former cheaper ( poss very cheap secondhand)
You do I think get 'obstacle avoidance' with the 3 pro , but that's just
a ) extra layer of complexity
b ) unnecessary in my opinion.
Also maybe a good idea to first download and read the dji manual for whichever craft you might buy - it will seem complex .
A seller who can provide a screen shot of the battery condition / usage is good .
You really need a large format phone to use all the features .
I use a 11.9 inch iPad on a stand as am way to old to focus on the control icons round the phone screen , and fingertips incapable of tapping the tiny icons on a phone.
Note also that the remarkable freedom currently granted to sub 250 gram craft may get rescinded one day.
Be good to have hobby grade insurance - I use bmfa but is dear ( £50 /yr.)
Also you have to pay CAA about a tenner and do daft online test , and put your operator number on craft.
Then you are a CAA registered UAS pilot & operator !
If you want to sell pics you ought to get commercial insurance, you can get per-day cover for around a tenner.
When I fly away from home I carry a few printed docs - insurance , article 16 . If flying commercial I have backpack full of docs.
Please note ... these craft are great fun !

[Ern Stock]

' why are so many advertised with no battery, and some "bound". I know what the bound bit means, but is it a problem? It seems to reduce the price a fair bit so I imagine it has some importance.'

I can understand batts being sold without craft ( craft went home to china ) but not other way round.
I don't know why some are sold as 'bound ' / why they would be cheaper
Just get one with transmitter ( 'controller ' in dji jargon )
Preferably with original box and little use.
I always get the fly-more type battery set , generally they have fast charge capability.

[Bad Raven]

One plausible reason for secondhand sale without battery is that the owner does not want to get into the hassle of carriage of LiPos, courier safety restrictions and weight.

Another is that there are two DJI packs for that model, one technically is "under 250g", the other definitely over. In the UK this is arbitrary since its camera fitted, so is in the registration scheme either way.

[Bad Raven]

Probably photography/video. I use a DSLR for handheld, so images have to be half decent, but not club competition standard.
 I have access to a farm for flying initially, and there's a lot of open space near me, we also back on to a field/woodland.I would probably also fly now and then at metal detecting meetings, just snap shots of members (having told them first what would be happening)
 I have flown a couple of those contra rotating little helicopters, just for fun really, and a few cars. But I'm far from an expert.

There are always rumours with DJI, but a new model in that size and price point from them is "overdue" but not announced, let alone released. Such release will likely lower second hand prices. Might be a purchasing decider at this time.

Personally I would never buy this sort of equipment second hand / pre used without a demo of all its features face to face, after all, that "I have no battery" might be an excuse to hide issues " I could not be aware of as I could not fly".

I strongly suggest you go to the CAA website and look at the "now" and proposed requirements for "Operator" status and the flight limits to be legal, like for just one example distance from persons and property. Lots of OLD stuff around on the Internet, so date is important.

Also read up on the requirements for activation and factory reset for DJI (which is unlike most other makes!)

Most DJI equipment is competent, but designed for the visual result, not the skills/thrills of the flying experience.

[Bad Raven]

Re:  "some "bound". I know what the bound bit means, but is it a problem? It seems to reduce the price a fair bit so I imagine it has some importance."

There is a lot of poor terminology used by people, they say bound when they actually mean an activated account exists. Not at all the same thing. Read up as above post and things will become clearer.

Many DJI users are just that, they have no interest in flight, only in image capture, often at all costs. Sadly my experience in this regard extends to CAA certified commercial UAS pilots (several over time)  who were with only one exception frankly dangerous, ignored even the sensible rules totally, were not prepared to learn to fly other than being totally reliant on autonomous systems, and abused their equipment and the safety of those around them.

Unless you know the person selling and trust them, I'd advise buying pre-owned is a risky business.