DJI Refurbished Drones: Discounted, but Worth the Risk?
Everyone’s tempted by a bargain. And with advanced consumer drones like the DJI Mavic Pro and Phantom 4 Series starting at $1000 and up, a lot of first-time drone pilots look for every opportunity to cut costs.
For some pilots it means buying a basic Mavic Pro, instead of the Fly More Combo with added batteries and accessories.
If you’re going to do it right, experienced drone owners will tell you that you need to start with at least one extra battery and a set of ND filters. Without those two, you’ll be frustrated by short flying times and the quality of your video just won’t be the best it can.
One way to help cut the cost of your first drone is to look at DJI’s Refurbished Center.
DJI has a limited inventory of ‘refurbished’ drones that they sell at a discount compared to a brand new in original condition.
Every DJI Refurbished aircraft is thoroughly tested by DJI Experts and includes DJI standard warranty.
Every refurbished product has undergone a professional refurbishing process that brings it up to the same high standards as brand new products, and all refurbished products come with new parts, new packaging and DJI’s standard Manufacturer Warranty. If you are not happy with a refurbished product and have not yet activated it, you can return it within seven days of receipt for a full refund or a replacement refurbished product.
You can see more information DJI’s Standard Warranty here.
Here are the models that are available for purchase as ‘Refurbished’:
- USD $399 (regularly USD $479)
- Stunning 2.7K HD videos and 12 Megapixel photos with the integrated aerial camera.
- Advanced gimbal stabilization technology gives you movie-quality results no matter how you fly.
- 720p HD real-time view of what your camera sees right on your mobile device.
- Up to 25 minutes on a single charge
- USD $749 (regularly USD $775)
- Included 4K Video / 12 Megapixel Photo Camera
- Integrated 3-Axis Stabilization Gimbal
- Easy to Fly, Intelligent Flight System
- Live HD View
- Powerful Mobile App w/ Auto Video Editor
- Vision Positioning for Indoor Flight
- USD $639 (regularly USD $679)
- Included 2.7K / 12 Megapixel Camera
- Integrated 3-Axis Stabilization Gimbal
- Easy to Fly, Intelligent Flight System
- Live HD View
- Dedicated Remote Controller
- Powerful Mobile App w/ Auto Video Editor
- Vision Positioning for Indoor Flight
- USD $799 (regularly $929)
- Avoid obstacles automatically.
- Track moving subjects automatically using ActiveTrack.
- TapFly lets you fly with a tap of the finger.
- Smart Return Home avoids obstacles as it returns home.
- 28 minute maximum flight time, maximum control range of 3.1mi (5km).
- Maximum speed of 44mph (72kmh).
- Optimized Vision Positioning System raises positioning altitude to 10m
The markdowns range from $130 on the Phantom 4, to just $26 on the Phantom 3 Professional.
Knowing that this drone was sent back by the original owner (even if it was just in the first 7 days after purchase) means it’s a judgement call on whether a refurbished drone is right for you.
With the $130 discount on the Phantom 4, we could see it being worth it if you have a second family member interested in getting started, or you want a second quadcopter for more advanced shoots.
Here’s a quick Q&A on DJI’s Refurbished Drone Program:
What are DJI Refurbished Products?
The products sent back by customers within seven days after he/she confirms receipt will be strictly examined, refurbished and repackaged, and sold as DJI refurbished products. Currently offered DJI refurbished products include the Phantom 3 Standard/Advanced/Professional and Phantom 4.
Are DJI refurbished prodcuts quality guaranteed?
DJI promises you that every refurbished product is tested thoroughly, and that the quality and the appearance of refurbished products is the same as with new products.
What kind of after-sale service are DJI refurbished products eligible for?
The after-sale service policy for DJI refurbished products is identical to that of new products. However, refurbished products can only be exchanged for refurbished products, not new products.
Can i purchase DJI CARE for refurbished products?
Yes, you can purchase DJI CARE for a refurbished product. The coverage amount will be the same as for a new product.
How do I identify refurbished products?
The serial number of refurbished products will end with an “R”.
Do the refurbished products come in different versions?
The DJI refurbished Phantom 3 Advanced/Professional comes in two versions, each with a different type of motors (2312 and 2312A) with equal performance. We will ship the different versions of the refurbished Phantom 3 Advanced/Professional randomly.
The DJI refurbished Phantom 4 Standard and Phantom 4 come in one single version only.
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