I have an Evo 2 version 1. I bought it after getting tired of DJI deciding where I can and can't fly my drone. I have used this drone constantly for 3 years taking pictures of construction sites. My drone has never failed me. It is exposed to dirt, high winds, light rain and I have managed to crash it a couple of times. Other than replacing propellers it has been bullet proof. Our company also has a DJI and we can't fly it at many of the jobs that I use the Autel. Granted I am not producing cinematic video for people but my sill photos are great. No constant calibration, no chinese voice telling me I am entering a "restricted area", nobody is tracking my flights, and best of all it isn't remote ID configured (and won't be).
Still love my EVO 2 Pro V1. Takes great photos, don’t really do much video, never a problem, never had to deal with customer support. But yeah the compatability issues etc. are really driving people back to DJI. But a great camera and no geofencing….
It sure is frustrating to see Autel struggle again and again. It be nice if someone could give DJI some real competition, but it won't be Autel... Great video!
@@zawaprz Autel has no geofencing unlike DJI. Autel will warn you when you fly up into FAA restricted airspace but won't stop you flying anywhere. Good & bad
Why what does not work on Autel ? please briefly explained. I own an Autel Evo 2 Pro, Evo Nano + Evo Lite +, and I am interested in the problems of others.
@@glm-mediaworld the flight characterisics are inferior. When you fly you Puck your balls And your hoping it doesn't drift and crash or the battery pops out. The tracking is a nightmare it never works And if it does? Good luck getting ANY REAL customer support. Putting a ticket in for a crash drone is a nightmare
@@Matanumi I fly all my Autel EVO Nano, Lite and 2 Pro without problems. I would say that the pilot here can not fly, or is not capable of flying. I never use the automatic modes. In one point I agree with you, dynamics track on the Autel EVO Nano (series) is junk, I myself have written to the support of Autel Robotics to remove this in the next update. But underestimate the dynamics track of the Autel EVO 2 Pro, this is very very good. Just to the service/support. I have my crashed Autel EVO Nano+ replaced by Autel Care get, total time, from filing the RMA to delivery of the drone (back) and new, only 10 days, while 3 days weekend. I can not say negative. Of course, I wish the customer support would be even greater, and as fast as DJI, but Autel Robotics has 1/5 of the people DJI has, and therefore I can live with it.
Good video! It's hard to argue with your points. The thing is, Autel is so close that it makes it even more frustrating! Having met Ken and Max makes it more irritating because they are such good guys.
Interesting thoughts on whats going on over at Autel. Hopefully they can point the ship in right direction this year. Great video, and thanks for sharing. And BTW, your audio was good.
The customer support concern is one that I quite well understand. As being a former Customer Support Technician. Fortunately I had a great team behind me that when something broke they'd focus energy on fixing it. When we said we were adding a new feature we did our darndest to make it happen. And when the product wasn't ready for release we didn't release it. Yes it did upset some folks who expected release dates to match a specific annual schedule. A little longer always meant less bugs and new features,.
Autel had a lot of promise and we really need a non-DJI player in the drone space, but they just don't seem to care about getting people to care I remember meeting a dude with an Autel as we were both shooting a 465m building and my DJI can only go up to 500 cause, well, DJI, meanwhile his Autel allowed him to go up to 800m getting a much better shot I want Autel to succeed but man, they're just really bad at marketing
Your better off hacking what you have to eliminate the artificial ceiling and buying an autel.... Unless you really want a ni. Dji quad.... which is smart in case of geofencing failures dji can have but damn it all goes away with drone hacks on the older models
I recently saw an interview with Jon McBride who is a VP at Autel, and he essentially said that they were really only interested in the enterprise products and that it was too difficult to compete with DJI on the consumer/prosumer products. It wouldn't surprise me if we never see a new consumer level drone from them again.
Likely so, for a while. Probably why they did NOT change the aircraft and battery which will provide those customers with some longevity up to when Autel decides to focus on a newer design for the consumer market. The Pro Sumer customer is very different from consumer level "I want it now squeaky wheel" users
@@glm-mediaworld seems with an many that always compare, Autel will never compete enough with DJI, so yeah, DJI will be the only option soon which really will suck. Fimi and Hubsan would be the next option, and those are not anywhere close to Autel IQ.
@@miketipton678 I agree with you 💯%. As I said, I'm not complaining about Autel Robotics, I have no problems. The support should be better, but even there have so far nothing negative to report. I wish you a nice week.
Oh i just had problem with their drone. force landing with 15% and over 5mins left. so it crashed. They asked about my warranty. Saying it still has warranty. They make me ship it then turn around and say $150 to fix it. Why they fail to mention they charging. Why they make me go find my receipt. And they said no to selling me the parts. Either drone stays broken or they fix it. $100 labor for just replace gimbal mount. 4 screws 2 plugs Sucks I supported Autel. Told people about switching. And they cant even sell simple parts like propeller adapter for motor or a gimbal mount.
Looking at this video here in Late September 2023 with a EVO 1 and Nano plus. I am a Part 107 pilot using my drones for content and real estate. I started my drone life on these and have enjoyed flying them and have been very satisfied with the images produced. I am sorry to now see that Autel has pulled back on it's proconsumer drones and has minimized supporting them as well. Unfortunately, In general, the optimal performance of drones is a delicate process requiring tweaks in software on an ongoing basis. This is problematic when firmware updates cease to exist or are flawed and not corrected because company resources and focus change. As a professional, I cover my costs in my business, but a recreational hobbyist has to be frustrated by the meek support that may come with a given drone from a. given company. As always, Thank you Ken for the perspective, efforts and production you provide the videography/photography/real estate/drone community.
Autel failing to put 10 bit color into their $2500 drone after the previous two iterations of the same airframe is utterly pitiful. I was loyal to Autel and loved flying my Evo 1 until they stopped supporting it and the software went to crap and the hardware started failing. All I wanted was a drone that could shoot ten bit. None of their current drones do now. They are absolutely failing as a drone manufacturer and it is very painful to watch them spiral down this way because I really was routing for them. The fact that I was able to go out and get a Mini 3 Pro for just over a thousand dollars and be able to shoot 10 bit video with it is just crazy. What on earth are the people at Autel thinking. 🤦🏼♂️
@@OriginaldoBo wow. That's crazy. They initially told me that the Lite+ would support ten bit and then came back to me and walked back that claim. They need to get their crap together 😅
@@OriginaldoBo I find it hard to believe the sensor doesn't support 10bit. A bit like DJI adding 10bit to the Avata later. They just need to get their software guys to do it. Their weakest point has always been their software team. One guy decompiled the Autel Explorer app and found libraries from their car software embedded. Problem means they are using the same team to work on both and obviously they will make sure the auto works before they ever make the drone software work. They really need a good dedicated software team. There hardware is good.
Outstanding video Ken! Autel should be paying you for breaking this down. If they created a team to address everything in your video and fix it then they would be on their way 👍
You have to understand upper mgt retail to know what it really going on. Ken Booth could not deliver what he thought was necessary or do so in a timely fashion. The company is smaller, and they are putting a ton of effort into the Pro Sumer, SAR and other markets now. That leaves a void for programmers etc to work out bugs on other products that will in many people's mind NEVER be good enough so why bother? It's a product that gets beat to death even if it had tracking etc.. it will always fall short according to YT CC's and other reviewers. If you were had limited budget to go forward would you continue with a substandard product? Even though that camera kills DJI, it doesn't fly as good, or as long, or isn't as stable in 20 mph winds... even if all of those were great, then the tracking would be the issue or limited OA.. etc. Not to mention they then have to price it to sell with the rash of Mini 3 (non pro) and SE versions released just after the Nano at much lower prices... Basically they can't win in at that market place. DJI does this to all competitors in all product divisions.
@@miketipton678 increase the budget then. Get back to basics- don't spread the product line SO THIN just so you can say "we are the only ones in this space who offers this! Isn't it so cool!" Fimi or someone else does it.... its not that special. Focus on the quality core. Something dji has done rather well
@@miketipton678 they need to make extreme moves or crash and burn.... Which the later is probably what's exactly happening. The company wont survive to 2030
Good info! Autel has made me not even want to own a drone anymore, own a v1 dual with SC and has been 100% but starting to have issues pairing my live deck and customer service sucks! Emails take 2-3 days to get a response and been going on over 4-5 weeks🙄
I've been literally buying and returning an Evo Nano Plus for the last month---on the third bird, keep dealing with bizarre issues: sticks are unresponsive, gimbal drift is intermittent and ruins a lot of great shots. Started off an an original EVO and I hate the idea of going back to DJI but I'm really considering it. Autel customer service isn't what it used to be.
I have gotten to know Ken pretty well. His expertise is not only in the drone industry but in IT. In this day and age he has something many don't have... A strong ethical and moral compass. He simply could not put himself in a place where he had to convey promises that were not kept. I purchased an Autel because of DJI's geofencing inaccuracies in and about the DC SFRA. Except for Ken, Autel support has been pretty poor. I have spoken with customer service people who constantly have to refer to the manual! I can do that myself! I am looking for help that the manual is either unclear on or is just plain absent. Because as I understand it, the drone offshoot of Autel's main business, automotive diagnostics, and was given to the owner's son... I don't expect much. It may be time to bite the bullet and go with DJI.
Thanks for your video, Ken. Like you said, this has been Autel crashing for the last 1 1/2 - 2 years now. It's like Max must be in a bad echo chamber that he needs to get rid of and turn this thing around. Time is running out.
Max's dad runs the parent company - Max is a 20 something kid put at the helm of a company he probably cant handle - he's never worked for or run a business prior to taking over as CEO of Autel. Unfortunately I think Aurel is going to learn some hard lessons.
Hey! Your spot on, especially on point #3. I'm currently selling my Evo II Pro 6k (v.1) Rugged Bundle with extras (maybe 2hrs runtime) due to the short product lifespan. My purchase was in mid 2020 and once I retired (NE of your location) in 2021, a new version announcement. This extremely short lifespan with no future benefits is crazy. I'm sure, I'll need to almost give my Evo Pro II 6k away, this was worst decision I've every made with years of RC aviation. Thanks!
I have had numerous issues with the autel since the beginning, the evo one that is. I too have loved their products at times, but have been left wanting at times. I wish the company would become a full-fledged drone company, rather than a bunch of engineers, nerds, and drone enthusiasts trying to run a drone company. It seems as soon as they get someone who is competent businesswise, they quickly created environment that’s non-conducive for such individuals.
Yeah, corporate is changing direction and leaving it to Ken to deal with the customer grievances is moral killer and customer deterrent. They must be going industrial (no 10-bit but new Night Mode for surveillance) but are trying to sell their industrial drones like they are consumer products.... Ken was saying Terrain-follow was coming for Evo2 mapping but maybe that was pulled as well. They apparently have a new Enterprise App that was said to support V3.... maybe that promise is done as well, who knows.
Just a guy looking at the drone market trying to make a good decision. A change in management is not always a terrible thing, objectively speaking. Additionally, as a counter side, DJI seems to use cheaper material in their drones at the same price points from what I read. They also have extremely restrictive and quite invasive controls over the consumers who purchase their products-- typical of Chinese corporations. (I consider my drone telling me when it will and won't fly to be a laughable concept, which is something DJI actually does, lol) And an obscure release date, on a 15,000 dollar drone 99 percent of people are not going to buy, that was just recently announced seems neither here nor there. Currently still eyeing up the Lite Plus model, thanks for the information however.
Because Autel doesn’t ship on a timely manner, I have, in the past, purchased DJI drones instead of Autel. Because I didn’t want to wait for the EVO 2, I purchased a DJI Air2. Because they can’t get the Smartcontroller SE to work with the Lite +, I recently purchased the DJI Mini 3. So many missed opportunities for Autel.
I switched from the P4P to the evo 2 pro 6k at work for photogrammetry. I loved the P4P for mapping especially when processing in Pix4D. This being said I was tired of getting my flight plan approved only to have the phantom refuse to take off. Pix4D does a pretty good job with the rolling shutter corrections but still doesn't compete with the phantoms mechanical shutter.
Is autel the only non-nanny drone non-communist drone. Do all have to do the ridiculous approval process. Is dji still doing that on the less than 250g drones
I just bought a Evo Pro 2 enterprise with the Large Screen smart controller. I do love it But They removed the hand launch option. Registering the Flight Broadcast Signal was never clearly explained. The camera and smart controller functions that make camera & video settings are never explained. But I have only flown it once.
Third point is EXACTLY my personal gripe. This constant development of Drone/Controller pairings in silos. They do it in search of chips sets that won't get blacklisted and better transmission. On the last thing, they are finally getting O3 comparable signal. But come on! Pick 2 bands or 3 and stay with them. Doing EOL on every previous product is abandoning customers. Stranding them. I'll say it again DJI RC-N1, RM330 and RM510 work, interchangeably with ALL DJI Consumer Drones that are 03/O3+ I know they are Goliath to Autels David. ALL THE MORE REASON to build a world class interoperability matrix for your products.
I agree with just about everything you said here Ken. Although in some situations I prefer Autel color science over DJI. We went through the same thing when they announce the Nano plus - I had to wait a good 6 months after pre-order to get one in my hands - which was ridiculous. I believe their issues all start and end at the top. The CEO is more a neophyte in the business world and I think his dad is just letting him run amok with the consumer drone end of things. It's just straight up nepotism - which is OK as long as you know how to run a company. Sadly this CEO just doesn't. Seems like a nice guy - but the consumers will vote with their feet and keep moving back to DJI. I love my Evo 2 Pro V1, and my Nano plus - but 90% of the time I'm using my Air 2S to take photos and grab footage. DJI just offers a better experience all around. I'm a big Autel fan and it's sad to see them come up short just about every year.
All very valid points. I’ve stuck with Autel since the X-Star, until recently. I wanted them to succeed; but I feel them turning their backs on the prosumer market. I reluctantly moved to the ‘dark side’ . I’m finding it’s not so dark over here. BTW, I went with the original Mavic 3.
What you're saying is accurate but I think Autel is in much deeper problems than we think. With Costco selling the Lite+ Premium bundle with 4 batteries at $999...it makes me feel like I got ripped off when I rushed to buy it for $1649 before they increased the price to $1849 last spring. At $999 it feels like they're in bad shape liquidating inventory. Yes, the camera is great but flying characteristics make it unusable in higher winds as it struggles to keep up in flight with the AIR 2S. I still have my EVO2 PRO and it's a clunker I actually like although it has little quirks as well. No plans to ever get another Autel drone, the company failed me from a customer service perspective. If it wasn't for GPS issues with the Mavic 3 when I purchased it, I wouldn't have looked at the Autel Lite+. Buying the LITE+ made me all that more faithful to DJI. With DJI customer support constantly improving, Autel needs to catch up because they did nothing to help me with my issues while DJI jumped to the rescue in my last customer service experiences.
Some valid points. Some don't realize in the commercial space, industrial space how hard parts are to get in right now, and some really high prices. Some sensors for example from Banner have a super long lead time. Some air cylinders have a couple months' lead time. It's hard to believe, but I bet Autel is having a hard time getting parts even still. I bet there was a painful conversation that was something like CES and the newest drone launch needed to take place knowing that in the pipeline there would not be a good launch with parts, and even labor shortages across. DJI as we all know is not immune to problems remember the Inspire 3 launch?... Sept came and went DJI has hid well anything of it...just going to put that one under the covers ?? We as consumers want a launch, we want it cheap and we want it now, but no one is immune to issues and problems. We should not hyper-focus to much on it is a deal breaker and the end of the world. I've seen some take it way beyond this video. Nice work. Move forward!
Autels issues stem beyond parts, you all forget I own a distribution for drones I see and hear all the things. There are no excuses for autel it’s piss poor planning on their part.
thanks I have a V1 with a smart controller 7.9 inch , I was considering upgrading to E2P V3 , but it doesn't sound like it's worth the headache even with selling the V1 and the controller in which are still almost mint condition , by the time i wrote this comment even though the V3 is Remote ID compliant , the things your saying about the color scheme and the no D-log 10 bit is a turn off , just as well wait for the modules to be available and now have till March 2024 , (also have a lite plus and skydio 2 which are compliant already) I don't use DJI bc i'm not into the geo fencing once owned a M2pro but I sold it. what do you think ?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Autel is it’s own worst enemy. I almost bought the Evo2 but the price kept me away from it. Yes DJI and it’s good and bads but it’s still better than autel
You touched on several key points that have kept me from actually purchasing an autel drone. I really wanted to purchase the Evo lite plus, but looking at the track record of the Evo line of drones it just started me thinking that autel will most likely choose to do the exact same thing with Evo lite series moving forward.
Well personally I’ll never buy another Autel again until they get there software/firmware polished off to the potential of what the equipment is capable of doing, the lite plus is kinda a dog my Fimi drone out performs it in many was ..sad …I hate the fact that you can’t test drive a drone before purchasing because my Air2s is a much better drone and my mavic 3 is no comparison..I hope Autel reads the comments here’s and gets their Ship together…reminds me of a Chrysler car from the 80’s looks good well engineered but what a let down after you drive it for a month …yes Autel Dji is the Toyota of drones your your the Dodge of drones …try building a Honda or Yamaha..at least …great video..I hope Ken Booth finds a good job in the industry and Autel finds his departure a wake up call
Thank you for this video. I've been a DJI Pilot since 2016...I preordered the Max 4T. In my research for a place to order and not familiar with Autel as a company until finding out about the max 4 from CES. What are the pros and cons of buying through authorized us dealers versus autelpilot shipping from China? Are they the same craft? Ive had offers to include 2 free batteries or a live deck. Does anyone have experience comparisons from either source?
They are basically the same craft. Think of it like Gray market cameras and lenses... They are sold without implied warranties, but some warranty service may be offered at the mfg in house facilities if AP is going to pay for that. AP has done so in the past because it is cheaper to do that sometimes than it is to ship to and from China, much less deal with extended service related delays. Many that purchased from Autel Pilots website direct from China have found out the hard way how that service works... Many times a user sent the drone to Autel USA who informed AP in China that the drone was toast... then AP took their own processes to send to Washington or directly to the customer which took up to 6 weeks at time (longer during Covid). Many stories online and reviews of Autel Pilots showing that less than stellar service.. but yes that is to be expected, and the reason you pay less than on the mfg site or Amazon. That said, there are many users of Evo2 and other drones purchased at Autel Pilots, and they have not had any issues at all. Most of their drones they own are well out of mfg warranty. Many still purchase their batteries, props, and accessories from AP website.
Last time I ordered from Autel I bought from a US Dealer and I'm glad I did - it took me a little while longer to get my product but when I did it performed better than others that ordered from Autelpilot (Autel pilot is a Chinese company that's not affiliated with Autel) - The US Distributor also stood behind the product they sold. Think of it this way - would you rather deal with a US company that treats you the way US consumers expect to be treated? or buy from a Chinese company and be treated like a mainland Chinese customer. That's basically the difference in my experience.
A China-based youtuber said China mfg tests & sends the best performing units to the US because US customers write reviews & demand returns. In China you pay for it you're on your own. He bought a DJI in China, took it home, found the SD card slot was broken had something jammed in the slot, and couldn't even pay the store to get a replacement part, let alone return or exchange it.
Autel needs to learn to under promise and over deliver they consistently do the opposite!!! Example in case they ship the MAX 4T ships with a single battery ( why not 2 ) and do not provide distributors with backup batteries or props for that matter... Jeff Powell was a asset lost.
Ken, This is off the topic, but I am looking to use either my Mavic 3 or Mini 3 Pro as a ground gimbal camera and am not finding any mounts for either. Do you make one? I have seen them for the original Mini to mount the drone to the controller or to a handle or stick, but not any universal or for the newer models.
I have an Autel Evo 2 Enterprise that I can’t land offshore on a slow moving vessel without it trying to flip over. Autel support was absolutely no help with a resolution. So they lost out big time on me buying a dozen more.
My nano+ just randomly stopped on a return to home, no wind, sunny day, about 1/4 mile from landing, from 20% battery at initiation, went 1/3 the way, stopped flying towards the sun, started rising into the sky, refused to move forward under my control, then plummeted into the lake showing 8% battery left. Hot garbage.
Thank you for this. I work with a non profit clearing trees on area waterways. They are having me be their second drone pilot. Ive got a mini 2 that I stopped flying shortly after the FAA announced the bs trust test requirements. I'm now working on my part 107. I've been evaluating drones again and seeing if there are any viable alternatives to DJI products and their geofencing. Often times we are along a river operating at or below treetop level with no data or cell coverage. If we get into a geofenced area its hard to get an approval to fly. I was looking at autels but after seeing this they are certainly out until they can prove they have fixed the broken things? For a customer service rep to leave twice speaks VOLUMES. I just with skydio was more viable and I'm disappointed by their lobbying they are apparently doing vs investing in newer consumer drones.
It is sad and frustrating. I invested into the Lite+ series and had been extremely pleased with the results. I decided to dump allegiance to DJI and wait for EVO III as it had been announced. Except EVO 2 Pro V2 came out. Okay... EVO III still coming. Good things coming - it's going to be insanely better. Telling all my DJI buddies sporting new Mavic products, "Just wait. EVO III is going to rock it." And then comes EVO II v3. I honestly can't say I see enough "good things" to invest in v3. Not to mention, we've all noticed the big promises with no results. It feels like DJI is standing there saying, I told so.
Pretty much..... nanos release did force and push them to delay the mini 3 pro and innovate like crazy.... Now they can coast with the air 3 and mavic 3 pro after
Yeah that would be a problem. I would own a Sky Dio, but at the time I was ready to pull the trigger on it, there was something like a 6 month wait. It was a blessing in disguise actually because I am pretty sure I would be disappointed because I never track and follow anything. Not even myself. It has a market, but I am not it.
Are there any updates on these Autel issues? I'm seriously considering moving to the Autel platform for enterprise work and moving away from DJI if possible but, some of these issues are concerning, especially at these price points. Any advise on best platforms for inspection, thermal, and mapping/Imaging? Thanks
I totally agree with your comments!. AR has poor customer service, (case in point - ever notice that their chat line is always "offline") poorly written documentation of their products, very confusing identification of their products (i.e. EVO I, II; V1, V2, V3), lack of backward compatibility (essentially leaving customers with older products in the dust), and the poor downloading ability of the software,/firmware. Really agree that if you (AR) are going to feature a new product at a trade show then have it available shortly after that. I think AR will go BANKRUPT soon if it continues to function as poorly as it has. It has a lot of potential but their business model is dysfunctional It is too bad but worse than that AR says they know they have problems but seem to not be able to fix them.
They won’t go bankrupt they will just cease to operate a robotics division. The parent company Autel Automotive is lucrative. For them taking a loss here is money under the rug for a failed project I suppose
Price is another problem this is what gives DJI a leg up in the drone and market if autel wants to compete they should try not to make their prices high on something like the nano
iNTERESTING! I will never buy any Autel product again after they dumped the X Star drone customers and not being able to buy the battery from them or any other manufacturer. I liked the X Star and is now sitting on my shelf useless. Also the thing which cheesed me off is that you can't even fit any alternative Lipo battery as the software will block it as NOT ORIGINAL. So conclusion NEVER buy AUTEL again (I have bought DJI instead.
I have 3 DJI drones and the evo ll v3. It seems that they are trying to find their niche. They don’t want the low end but they see DJI owning the space under $1500 a unit. That leaves them with the mid tier to say 3k. The problem is people are starting with the lower end DJI products and are familiar with them so they stick with them even towards more expensive drones I went with the Evo for one reason. I compared the images and video shot with both the Maveric and the EVO. I just liked the Evo images better both video and still
@@OriginaldoBo ok. When I get home tomorrow, I'll put up a screen shot of the color tab in DaVinci showing 1024 color editing from a video I will make tomorrow with my v3 Enterprise 6k.
Ok…. Right there the enterprise camera is not the fucking same for fuck sake glad I came back to this. Listen with your motherfucking ears EVO 2 V3 “not the enterprise” the EVO 3 V3 is using the same camera as the lite series. Jesus fuck I swear people don’t listen
@@KimoPollock um... Ken was clearly talking about the consumer model. The enterprise model still uses the old Evo 2 Camera sensor while the consumer model uses the sensor from the Lite+. You really should do a little research before you call someone a liar.
@@OriginaldoBo I did listen and admitted you were right LAST NIGHT in our Twitter discussion. You don't need to come in here saying I don't fucking listen. I did listen. You just missed my concession on Twitter.
I will give you Problem number 4. I just enquired about buying Evo Max 4T here in Australia and upfront I was given a warning from Australian dealer that it take 6 months and up to get a warranty job done on Australia.
@@Matanumi ... certainly not a good sign when a distributor is trying talk you out of buying a product rather than trying to talk you into buying a product.
It’s late 2023 and my new EVO I V3 has been back to tech support twice. It is still almost impossible to get tech support on the phone. It takes 24 hours to get an email reply. I purchased my drone in September and we are almost into December and I have not been able to use my new drone. Very disappointed with Autel.
Same compatibility problem with their Live Deck. I got one for my Evo II, and it works find, except for the ethernet which never seems to have been fully functional unless you got lucky. They then when on to make a livedeck 2, which is incompatible with Evo II v1, and theres rumours of Live Deck 3 with the same issue. Maybe they're getting these things sourced from someone else that they cant change or something, but it seems to be a theme.
BIG RANT HERE! As of Oct 2023, no 10 bit for the V3 and I called them and they flat told me they have no intentions to add it ever. They told me that if I wanted to return it, it would be a $150 repackaging fee. I told them that their smart controller SE video feed was lagging all over the place after all updates and calibrations so I wanted to return it for that reason, they still mention the $150 repackaging fee. I asked about the V2 and they told me it didn't have remote ID and they were discontinuing support in March. SO what are they going to support? Autel has gone to SHIT!
They sound like they are risk adverse… was looking to get away from the DJI domineering hold on the market, but really don’t see it happening any time soon..
I think Autel needs to do better as they are a direct competitor to DJI. I have bought the DJI mini 3 pro and just passed my part 107. I'm looking for a secondary drone and I'm looking more to the Air 2s or Mavic 3. I love the built in screen of the RC controller.
I have the Mavic 3 pro on order. I was looking at something better than my mini 2. The timing of the mavic 3 pro couldnt have been better. I was looking at a backup to that. I'd love a non geofenced drone. However with this video I can justify an autel. Especially since its not on the faa compliant list since i just passed my 107 and need RID regardless of size.
Just just the way in the customer service retail world. Service is often on the back burner for any retail company. Many companies forego any service warranties from vendors for better pricing (volume purchasing). Most of those products have limited shelf life, have no implied warranty other than at store or retailer level, or some extended warranty offering. That's why you see very low cost service extended warranties at big box chain stores. Less than 5% of those items ever fail so selling even 25% of low cost extended warranties cover the costs of replacing an item vs having to pay for the service repairs from the mfg or third party provider. Just how it works.. People that work in CS on any retail level know this gong in. Ken has been with Autel 2x, and other companies... have to be careful with those bridges though. That last CEO guy thought he had his way with Autel, and then a later company only to find out otherwise... Randall then went on to DSLRPros which has a UAS division. They are primarily DJI (another company he worked for and left) and supporter for training and use of various UAS applications in California. Probably a better experience for him since it's not really a retail level service provider as much as it is client support based.. not consumer level. Since it is not consumer level, the Execs can extend more of those ideas for CS and support to their specialty clients.... very few every have to deal with low level customer support issues, and upper management giving various bottom line reasons their ideas will not happen in that same timeline. Same happened when he was at DJI..
No. Autel got lazy and saw how good their numbers were in enterprise and cashed in a little too much. Forgot to offer good support. Released drones unfinished, didn't support older product lines. very expensive paperweights. Meanwhile the mini 2 and air2s are so freaking good they stand the test of time with newer products coming out
Never saw how the SC SE was going to be compatible with Lite Series. It's 3 bands don't align with these drones 900mhz/2.4ghz/5.8ghz is going to pair with a drone that uses 2.4ghz/5.2ghz/5.8ghz? Were they going to just shut off 900mhz and say 2 out of 3 ain't bad? I have a reseller still swearing it will work. If so, bring it. I HATE that little batwing controller. Even with your sticks/lanyard loop the run time is pathetic, and the threading for the sticks is separating from the Gimbals. Range is great, but seriously? Using a phone as a display in 2033? Meanwhile DJI supports all O3 aircraft with all 3 consumer controllers, mix and match. Sigh... Autel, STOP riding that treadmill! Change or fail!
To be honest, the Autel Evo 2 version one with its "Live Deck" and the reality of having the ability to have two controllers working together was something no other consumer drone manufacturer was producing. Then I buy an Enterprise Version 2 and NO "Live Deck" . Add features, DON'T remove them!!!!
Um... DJI has had dual RC control for years. It worked on the Mavic Pro back in 2016. I used dual control in my Mavic 2 Pro. Most of the Enterprise drones still have dual control. It always strikes me as bizarre how quickly people make false statements.
Yea this kind of shit happens all the time in business. Too many people running shit that have poor business sense in high positions. They have an unrealistic vision that is unable to compromise to actually make the product successful. Not respecting all the staff and give thier input serious consideration is the worst thing for any company as seen with autel. My opinion . I'm 59 and don't have to work another day in my life because I listened to and respected every word my staff suggests to me. Yea no bull
I don't really like your criticism of Autel Robotics. In one point I agree with you 100% that the support (especially in EUROPE) should be better. But well, I do not buy my Autel drone at Amazon and Co. I left DJI because I had bought a Smarcontroller for my Mavic 2 Pro (OcuSync 2.0), and when the Air 2 came on the market with its shit DJI FLY APP, my Smarcontroller has never worked properly again, because the has made an emulator as OcuSync 3.0, and my 600€ have not been worth it at the time. But well, everyone as he thought that it is good (or not). To the software of AUTEL Robotics, I personally have DJI left because I had no desire to constant UPDATE on GEO ZONE and on monitoring. I own since February 2021 an Autel Evo 2 Pro (my first Autel Robotics) and have so far no problems, have as the first in Europe an Autel Evo Nano + and an Autel Evo Lite + Bekommen, and so far I have no problems, on the contrary, fixed connection, very good range, and always ready when I need them. But ok, YOUR CRITICISM is yours and I do not have to understand it, only as I can read (in the comments here) are many who can not understand this criticism. I wish you a nice day, and will spread your video in each of my Autel group, everyone should then decide for himself whether he should believe a RUclipsr or his instinct and test yourself.
I don’t really like your cirticism of ACTUAL DJI products. You told the community that the Mini 3 Pro batteries were dying during cold temperatures. You intended to gleefully wait for that to happen (wishful thinking?). You also strongly criticized the Mavic 3. The product was not yet ready for market launch. Correct, but Autel has (wonderful) exactly the same difficulties in the same drone business. From my point of view you should definitely stop criticizing DJI. Why? Because your last DJI was released on August 23, 2018. Nice that Autel is well received by you, too bad that criticism is only accepted in one direction. It would be better for Autel if the loyal fans didn't defend their product so blindly and one-sidedly, but rather opened their horizons a little. No one denies that a plan to unseat the market leader is very ambitious. Autel should convince with QUALITY. Therefore, the argument "back then in 2021" is not so convincing in my view. Just take a look how blindly and one-sidedly the comments in "your" Autel groups will be. Nice to see the fans are loyal. But please not at any price.
@@allegriach I made a bet with a friend this morning who would be the first to respond here with their pointless comment, and now guess who won? Me, I knew you would answer. You talk about Li-Ion batteries, and yes, I wrote what you said As you surely know hardly one has flown here Germany or Schweize due to the rain, in Italy many have flown with 18° in winter . And what about the other problems with the Mini 3 Pro (camera fogs up, connection problems and finally the Active Track also no longer works properly) where are your criticisms here? I will never buy DJI again, and when I read the comments here is not everyone with this criticism video so completely agreed. Connection problems, Constant update, GEO ZONE, AEREOSCOPE and, and. I am not criticizing DJI, DJI has a head start of almost 8 years, and Autel is the only competitor, not to mention the patents that DJI has stolen from Autel Robotics. What positive today and here? I knew that you would also give such a video right away your mustard, and I had bet on who will be the first to answer here (the DOBO or you) and I won that bet, so everything according to plan. Marcell, ich habe gewonnen, denke daran du bist mir was schuldig. Ich wüste der Typ wurde gleich hier seine sinnlose sanft hier ausgeben.🤣
@@glm-mediaworld I started a counter bet: he will criticize DJI, will say he doesn't criticize them, the criticism will refer to products he neither knows nor owns. Thanks to RUclips. Finally, he will say that other comments are nonsensical and his answers are most likely rather unprofessional.
@@allegriach Maybe you missed that I test all products from DJI (still today), not my no, but from friends from the group COPTER FREUND HESSEN, where we organize regular meetings, and I also see the errors (the list is long), but HEY, you certainly know better.😘
@@glm-mediaworld I‘m just SHOCKED when I read through the comments here or in other social media groups. I don’t believe people testing but not owning the product. Example: You often use AEB with your Nano+. Why not testing AEB Nano+ vs Mini 3 Pro. The one you borrowed for some weeks? An Autel fan would write, if DJI fails against Autel. For my part I had a couple of flight with temperatures below zero, even below minus 10 this winter. I don’t mind Autel and DJI succeed both in this point. But again: The feedback from Autel owners is quite shocking me. I personally expected more pertinacity among general owners. Not only the well known fanbase who‘s comments are everywhere.
I gambled with the lite hoping the rumors of smart controller compatibility would come true. Its not a complete deal breaker for me but lets just say I am really disappointed
I have an Evo 2 version 1. I bought it after getting tired of DJI deciding where I can and can't fly my drone. I have used this drone constantly for 3 years taking pictures of construction sites. My drone has never failed me. It is exposed to dirt, high winds, light rain and I have managed to crash it a couple of times. Other than replacing propellers it has been bullet proof. Our company also has a DJI and we can't fly it at many of the jobs that I use the Autel. Granted I am not producing cinematic video for people but my sill photos are great. No constant calibration, no chinese voice telling me I am entering a "restricted area", nobody is tracking my flights, and best of all it isn't remote ID configured (and won't be).
BS. autel EVO is a scam. if you want me to make a video showing exactly what is the issue then no problem
@@LaReserveMedia please do
Still love my EVO 2 Pro V1. Takes great photos, don’t really do much video, never a problem, never had to deal with customer support. But yeah the compatability issues etc. are really driving people back to DJI. But a great camera and no geofencing….
It sure is frustrating to see Autel struggle again and again. It be nice if someone could give DJI some real competition, but it won't be Autel... Great video!
why are you buying from them not DJI??
@@zawaprz Autel has no geofencing unlike DJI.
Autel will warn you when you fly up into FAA restricted airspace but won't stop you flying anywhere. Good & bad
I hate giving DJI my money BUT I want a drone that works.
Why what does not work on Autel ? please briefly explained. I own an Autel Evo 2 Pro, Evo Nano + Evo Lite +, and I am interested in the problems of others.
@@glm-mediaworld the flight characterisics are inferior. When you fly you Puck your balls And your hoping it doesn't drift and crash or the battery pops out. The tracking is a nightmare it never works
And if it does? Good luck getting ANY REAL customer support. Putting a ticket in for a crash drone is a nightmare
@@Matanumi I fly all my Autel EVO Nano, Lite and 2 Pro without problems. I would say that the pilot here can not fly, or is not capable of flying. I never use the automatic modes. In one point I agree with you, dynamics track on the Autel EVO Nano (series) is junk, I myself have written to the support of Autel Robotics to remove this in the next update. But underestimate the dynamics track of the Autel EVO 2 Pro, this is very very good. Just to the service/support. I have my crashed Autel EVO Nano+ replaced by Autel Care get, total time, from filing the RMA to delivery of the drone (back) and new, only 10 days, while 3 days weekend. I can not say negative. Of course, I wish the customer support would be even greater, and as fast as DJI, but Autel Robotics has 1/5 of the people DJI has, and therefore I can live with it.
it's not my expeience with Lite+.. u r making it up@@Matanumi
Good video! It's hard to argue with your points. The thing is, Autel is so close that it makes it even more frustrating! Having met Ken and Max makes it more irritating because they are such good guys.
Interesting thoughts on whats going on over at Autel. Hopefully they can point the ship in right direction this year. Great video, and thanks for sharing. And BTW, your audio was good.
The customer support concern is one that I quite well understand. As being a former Customer Support Technician. Fortunately I had a great team behind me that when something broke they'd focus energy on fixing it. When we said we were adding a new feature we did our darndest to make it happen. And when the product wasn't ready for release we didn't release it. Yes it did upset some folks who expected release dates to match a specific annual schedule. A little longer always meant less bugs and new features,.
Autel had a lot of promise and we really need a non-DJI player in the drone space, but they just don't seem to care about getting people to care
I remember meeting a dude with an Autel as we were both shooting a 465m building and my DJI can only go up to 500 cause, well, DJI, meanwhile his Autel allowed him to go up to 800m getting a much better shot
I want Autel to succeed but man, they're just really bad at marketing
Your better off hacking what you have to eliminate the artificial ceiling and buying an autel....
Unless you really want a ni. Dji quad.... which is smart in case of geofencing failures dji can have but damn it all goes away with drone hacks on the older models
I recently saw an interview with Jon McBride who is a VP at Autel, and he essentially said that they were really only interested in the enterprise products and that it was too difficult to compete with DJI on the consumer/prosumer products. It wouldn't surprise me if we never see a new consumer level drone from them again.
Yes, it would be really sad, this way has unfortunately also gone Yuneec.
Likely so, for a while. Probably why they did NOT change the aircraft and battery which will provide those customers with some longevity up to when Autel decides to focus on a newer design for the consumer market. The Pro Sumer customer is very different from consumer level "I want it now squeaky wheel" users
@@miketipton678 I hope so, it would be really sad, because no one else can bend DJI's forehead.
@@glm-mediaworld seems with an many that always compare, Autel will never compete enough with DJI, so yeah, DJI will be the only option soon which really will suck. Fimi and Hubsan would be the next option, and those are not anywhere close to Autel IQ.
@@miketipton678 I agree with you 💯%. As I said, I'm not complaining about Autel Robotics, I have no problems. The support should be better, but even there have so far nothing negative to report. I wish you a nice week.
After watching the rest of the video I can only say I agree with you on all points pretty much, audio was great and LOVE the thumbnail! lol
Autel lost me about 3 years ago. I swore I'd never buy another, and haven't.
why is that?
Oh i just had problem with their drone. force landing with 15% and over 5mins left. so it crashed. They asked about my warranty. Saying it still has warranty. They make me ship it then turn around and say $150 to fix it. Why they fail to mention they charging. Why they make me go find my receipt. And they said no to selling me the parts. Either drone stays broken or they fix it. $100 labor for just replace gimbal mount. 4 screws 2 plugs
Sucks I supported Autel. Told people about switching. And they cant even sell simple parts like propeller adapter for motor or a gimbal mount.
No geofencing though ❤
The thumbnail for this video! Another great review! Thanks for sharing! #stayepic
Super happy someone made this video....
No ones talking about this.... autel needs to step up
Would like to see reviews on American made drones as many companies are making contracts to exclude Chinese made drone use
Thanks
would be great to start a complete US company to make drones with good quality and great customer service. Not like autel robotics
Looking at this video here in Late September 2023 with a EVO 1 and Nano plus. I am a Part 107 pilot using my drones for content and real estate. I started my drone life on these and have enjoyed flying them and have been very satisfied with the images produced. I am sorry to now see that Autel has pulled back on it's proconsumer drones and has minimized supporting them as well. Unfortunately, In general, the optimal performance of drones is a delicate process requiring tweaks in software on an ongoing basis. This is problematic when firmware updates cease to exist or are flawed and not corrected because company resources and focus change. As a professional, I cover my costs in my business, but a recreational hobbyist has to be frustrated by the meek support that may come with a given drone from a. given company. As always, Thank you Ken for the perspective, efforts and production you provide the videography/photography/real estate/drone community.
Autel failing to put 10 bit color into their $2500 drone after the previous two iterations of the same airframe is utterly pitiful. I was loyal to Autel and loved flying my Evo 1 until they stopped supporting it and the software went to crap and the hardware started failing. All I wanted was a drone that could shoot ten bit. None of their current drones do now. They are absolutely failing as a drone manufacturer and it is very painful to watch them spiral down this way because I really was routing for them. The fact that I was able to go out and get a Mini 3 Pro for just over a thousand dollars and be able to shoot 10 bit video with it is just crazy. What on earth are the people at Autel thinking. 🤦🏼♂️
at first I thought it was oversight but its because the Lite camera was used which does not support 10-bit hence creating the issue sadly
@@OriginaldoBo wow. That's crazy. They initially told me that the Lite+ would support ten bit and then came back to me and walked back that claim. They need to get their crap together 😅
@@OriginaldoBo I find it hard to believe the sensor doesn't support 10bit. A bit like DJI adding 10bit to the Avata later. They just need to get their software guys to do it. Their weakest point has always been their software team. One guy decompiled the Autel Explorer app and found libraries from their car software embedded. Problem means they are using the same team to work on both and obviously they will make sure the auto works before they ever make the drone software work. They really need a good dedicated software team. There hardware is good.
Outstanding video Ken! Autel should be paying you for breaking this down. If they created a team to address everything in your video and fix it then they would be on their way 👍
You have to understand upper mgt retail to know what it really going on. Ken Booth could not deliver what he thought was necessary or do so in a timely fashion. The company is smaller, and they are putting a ton of effort into the Pro Sumer, SAR and other markets now. That leaves a void for programmers etc to work out bugs on other products that will in many people's mind NEVER be good enough so why bother? It's a product that gets beat to death even if it had tracking etc.. it will always fall short according to YT CC's and other reviewers.
If you were had limited budget to go forward would you continue with a substandard product? Even though that camera kills DJI, it doesn't fly as good, or as long, or isn't as stable in 20 mph winds... even if all of those were great, then the tracking would be the issue or limited OA.. etc.
Not to mention they then have to price it to sell with the rash of Mini 3 (non pro) and SE versions released just after the Nano at much lower prices... Basically they can't win in at that market place. DJI does this to all competitors in all product divisions.
@@miketipton678 increase the budget then. Get back to basics- don't spread the product line SO THIN just so you can say "we are the only ones in this space who offers this! Isn't it so cool!"
Fimi or someone else does it.... its not that special. Focus on the quality core. Something dji has done rather well
@@Matanumi It's not just that simple.
@@miketipton678 they need to make extreme moves or crash and burn....
Which the later is probably what's exactly happening. The company wont survive to 2030
Good info! Autel has made me not even want to own a drone anymore, own a v1 dual with SC and has been 100% but starting to have issues pairing my live deck and customer service sucks! Emails take 2-3 days to get a response and been going on over 4-5 weeks🙄
Buy and fly DJI.
EVEN if that one has issues? dji Has your back
I've been literally buying and returning an Evo Nano Plus for the last month---on the third bird, keep dealing with bizarre issues: sticks are unresponsive, gimbal drift is intermittent and ruins a lot of great shots. Started off an an original EVO and I hate the idea of going back to DJI but I'm really considering it. Autel customer service isn't what it used to be.
I have gotten to know Ken pretty well. His expertise is not only in the drone industry but in IT. In this day and age he has something many don't have... A strong ethical and moral compass. He simply could not put himself in a place where he had to convey promises that were not kept.
I purchased an Autel because of DJI's geofencing inaccuracies in and about the DC SFRA.
Except for Ken, Autel support has been pretty poor. I have spoken with customer service people who constantly have to refer to the manual! I can do that myself! I am looking for help that the manual is either unclear on or is just plain absent.
Because as I understand it, the drone offshoot of Autel's main business, automotive diagnostics, and was given to the owner's son... I don't expect much. It may be time to bite the bullet and go with DJI.
Correct the parent company is the money behind the robotics side of things. I don’t see them surviving if they don’t get things together
Thanks for your video, Ken. Like you said, this has been Autel crashing for the last 1 1/2 - 2 years now. It's like Max must be in a bad echo chamber that he needs to get rid of and turn this thing around. Time is running out.
Max's dad runs the parent company - Max is a 20 something kid put at the helm of a company he probably cant handle - he's never worked for or run a business prior to taking over as CEO of Autel. Unfortunately I think Aurel is going to learn some hard lessons.
Hey! Your spot on, especially on point #3.
I'm currently selling my Evo II Pro 6k (v.1) Rugged Bundle with extras (maybe 2hrs runtime) due to the short product lifespan.
My purchase was in mid 2020 and once I retired (NE of your location) in 2021, a new version announcement.
This extremely short lifespan with no future benefits is crazy.
I'm sure, I'll need to almost give my Evo Pro II 6k away, this was worst decision I've every made with years of RC aviation.
Thanks!
I have had numerous issues with the autel since the beginning, the evo one that is. I too have loved their products at times, but have been left wanting at times. I wish the company would become a full-fledged drone company, rather than a bunch of engineers, nerds, and drone enthusiasts trying to run a drone company. It seems as soon as they get someone who is competent businesswise, they quickly created environment that’s non-conducive for such individuals.
Yeah, corporate is changing direction and leaving it to Ken to deal with the customer grievances is moral killer and customer deterrent.
They must be going industrial (no 10-bit but new Night Mode for surveillance) but are trying to sell their industrial drones like they are consumer products....
Ken was saying Terrain-follow was coming for Evo2 mapping but maybe that was pulled as well.
They apparently have a new Enterprise App that was said to support V3.... maybe that promise is done as well, who knows.
Just a guy looking at the drone market trying to make a good decision.
A change in management is not always a terrible thing, objectively speaking.
Additionally, as a counter side, DJI seems to use cheaper material in their drones at the same price points from what I read. They also have extremely restrictive and quite invasive controls over the consumers who purchase their products-- typical of Chinese corporations. (I consider my drone telling me when it will and won't fly to be a laughable concept, which is something DJI actually does, lol)
And an obscure release date, on a 15,000 dollar drone 99 percent of people are not going to buy, that was just recently announced seems neither here nor there.
Currently still eyeing up the Lite Plus model, thanks for the information however.
Because Autel doesn’t ship on a timely manner, I have, in the past, purchased DJI drones instead of Autel. Because I didn’t want to wait for the EVO 2, I purchased a DJI Air2. Because they can’t get the Smartcontroller SE to work with the Lite +, I recently purchased the DJI Mini 3. So many missed opportunities for Autel.
On top of that DJI just FLIES better and has better post sales support
I switched from the P4P to the evo 2 pro 6k at work for photogrammetry. I loved the P4P for mapping especially when processing in Pix4D. This being said I was tired of getting my flight plan approved only to have the phantom refuse to take off. Pix4D does a pretty good job with the rolling shutter corrections but still doesn't compete with the phantoms mechanical shutter.
Is autel the only non-nanny drone non-communist drone. Do all have to do the ridiculous approval process. Is dji still doing that on the less than 250g drones
@A Z Skydio doesn't have geofencing, but I haven't flown their drones.
I just bought a Evo Pro 2 enterprise with the Large Screen smart controller. I do love it But They removed the hand launch option. Registering the Flight Broadcast Signal was never clearly explained. The camera and smart controller functions that make camera & video settings are never explained. But I have only flown it once.
Third point is EXACTLY my personal gripe. This constant development of Drone/Controller pairings in silos. They do it in search of chips sets that won't get blacklisted and better transmission. On the last thing, they are finally getting O3 comparable signal. But come on! Pick 2 bands or 3 and stay with them. Doing EOL on every previous product is abandoning customers. Stranding them. I'll say it again DJI RC-N1, RM330 and RM510 work, interchangeably with ALL DJI Consumer Drones that are 03/O3+ I know they are Goliath to Autels David. ALL THE MORE REASON to build a world class interoperability matrix for your products.
Excellent video with some great points! Ken. Autel seemed to be so close, but the latest events has set them back for the time being.
Not a HUGE fan of Autel, but I'm praying I win that v3 and smart rc in 2 weeks at SFDM. SEE YA THEN!
I agree with just about everything you said here Ken. Although in some situations I prefer Autel color science over DJI. We went through the same thing when they announce the Nano plus - I had to wait a good 6 months after pre-order to get one in my hands - which was ridiculous. I believe their issues all start and end at the top. The CEO is more a neophyte in the business world and I think his dad is just letting him run amok with the consumer drone end of things. It's just straight up nepotism - which is OK as long as you know how to run a company. Sadly this CEO just doesn't. Seems like a nice guy - but the consumers will vote with their feet and keep moving back to DJI. I love my Evo 2 Pro V1, and my Nano plus - but 90% of the time I'm using my Air 2S to take photos and grab footage. DJI just offers a better experience all around. I'm a big Autel fan and it's sad to see them come up short just about every year.
Autel Customer Service motto: "who you gonna tell, not us"
All very valid points. I’ve stuck with Autel since the X-Star, until recently. I wanted them to succeed; but I feel them turning their backs on the prosumer market. I reluctantly moved to the ‘dark side’ . I’m finding it’s not so dark over here. BTW, I went with the original Mavic 3.
I appreciate your honesty and candor.
Autel completely gutted it's customer care, the social media interface for them is dead too.
What you're saying is accurate but I think Autel is in much deeper problems than we think. With Costco selling the Lite+ Premium bundle with 4 batteries at $999...it makes me feel like I got ripped off when I rushed to buy it for $1649 before they increased the price to $1849 last spring. At $999 it feels like they're in bad shape liquidating inventory.
Yes, the camera is great but flying characteristics make it unusable in higher winds as it struggles to keep up in flight with the AIR 2S. I still have my EVO2 PRO and it's a clunker I actually like although it has little quirks as well. No plans to ever get another Autel drone, the company failed me from a customer service perspective. If it wasn't for GPS issues with the Mavic 3 when I purchased it, I wouldn't have looked at the Autel Lite+. Buying the LITE+ made me all that more faithful to DJI. With DJI customer support constantly improving, Autel needs to catch up because they did nothing to help me with my issues while DJI jumped to the rescue in my last customer service experiences.
People like to trash dji for customer support but I have to say they do a good job and at least they have a good ticketing system
@steve Troletti I couldn't have written it better, you sum it up.
@@OriginaldoBo yeah.... dji how does issues but they have the best customer support in any consumer drone company bar none
Some valid points. Some don't realize in the commercial space, industrial space how hard parts are to get in right now, and some really high prices. Some sensors for example from Banner have a super long lead time. Some air cylinders have a couple months' lead time. It's hard to believe, but I bet Autel is having a hard time getting parts even still. I bet there was a painful conversation that was something like CES and the newest drone launch needed to take place knowing that in the pipeline there would not be a good launch with parts, and even labor shortages across. DJI as we all know is not immune to problems remember the Inspire 3 launch?... Sept came and went DJI has hid well anything of it...just going to put that one under the covers ?? We as consumers want a launch, we want it cheap and we want it now, but no one is immune to issues and problems. We should not hyper-focus to much on it is a deal breaker and the end of the world. I've seen some take it way beyond this video. Nice work. Move forward!
Autels issues stem beyond parts, you all forget I own a distribution for drones I see and hear all the things. There are no excuses for autel it’s piss poor planning on their part.
....inspire 3 came out already?
@@Matanumi 1 month ago wrote this...before launch.
@@OriginaldoBo Absolutely.
I was seriously looking at Autel until this video. Thanks for helping me make up my mind!
Great drones- medicore software- BAD customer support.
Dji runs circles around them
thanks I have a V1 with a smart controller 7.9 inch , I was considering upgrading to E2P V3 , but it doesn't sound like it's worth the headache
even with selling the V1 and the controller in which are still almost mint condition , by the time i wrote this comment even though the V3 is
Remote ID compliant , the things your saying about the color scheme and the no D-log 10 bit is a turn off , just as well wait for the modules to be
available and now have till March 2024 , (also have a lite plus and skydio 2 which are compliant already) I don't use DJI bc i'm not into the geo fencing
once owned a M2pro but I sold it. what do you think ?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Autel is it’s own worst enemy. I almost bought the Evo2 but the price kept me away from it. Yes DJI and it’s good and bads but it’s still better than autel
Maybe theyll get their stuff together. I may EVENTUALLY buy the enterprise version with IR.
You touched on several key points that have kept me from actually purchasing an autel drone. I really wanted to purchase the Evo lite plus, but looking at the track record of the Evo line of drones it just started me thinking that autel will most likely choose to do the exact same thing with Evo lite series moving forward.
I'm not trying to get 'hitted' like a kiddo changing drones back and forth like lunatic...
I have the Lite+ and I really hope they make the SE Controller compatible for it soon!
Hate to tell you they haven’t had plans since 2021
Well personally I’ll never buy another Autel again until they get there software/firmware polished off to the potential of what the equipment is capable of doing, the lite plus is kinda a dog my Fimi drone out performs it in many was ..sad …I hate the fact that you can’t test drive a drone before purchasing because my Air2s is a much better drone and my mavic 3 is no comparison..I hope Autel reads the comments here’s and gets their Ship together…reminds me of a Chrysler car from the 80’s looks good well engineered but what a let down after you drive it for a month …yes Autel Dji is the Toyota of drones your your the Dodge of drones …try building a Honda or Yamaha..at least …great video..I hope Ken Booth finds a good job in the industry and Autel finds his departure a wake up call
Thank you for this video. I've been a DJI Pilot since 2016...I preordered the Max 4T.
In my research for a place to order and not familiar with Autel as a company until finding out about the max 4 from CES.
What are the pros and cons of buying through authorized us dealers versus autelpilot shipping from China?
Are they the same craft?
Ive had offers to include 2 free batteries or a live deck.
Does anyone have experience comparisons from either source?
They are basically the same craft. Think of it like Gray market cameras and lenses... They are sold without implied warranties, but some warranty service may be offered at the mfg in house facilities if AP is going to pay for that. AP has done so in the past because it is cheaper to do that sometimes than it is to ship to and from China, much less deal with extended service related delays.
Many that purchased from Autel Pilots website direct from China have found out the hard way how that service works... Many times a user sent the drone to Autel USA who informed AP in China that the drone was toast... then AP took their own processes to send to Washington or directly to the customer which took up to 6 weeks at time (longer during Covid). Many stories online and reviews of Autel Pilots showing that less than stellar service.. but yes that is to be expected, and the reason you pay less than on the mfg site or Amazon.
That said, there are many users of Evo2 and other drones purchased at Autel Pilots, and they have not had any issues at all. Most of their drones they own are well out of mfg warranty. Many still purchase their batteries, props, and accessories from AP website.
Last time I ordered from Autel I bought from a US Dealer and I'm glad I did - it took me a little while longer to get my product but when I did it performed better than others that ordered from Autelpilot (Autel pilot is a Chinese company that's not affiliated with Autel) - The US Distributor also stood behind the product they sold. Think of it this way - would you rather deal with a US company that treats you the way US consumers expect to be treated? or buy from a Chinese company and be treated like a mainland Chinese customer. That's basically the difference in my experience.
Thank you all for the detailed responses!!
All the best to you all.
This helps me make a better informed decision over just the price!
Happy Flying
A China-based youtuber said China mfg tests & sends the best performing units to the US because US customers write reviews & demand returns.
In China you pay for it you're on your own.
He bought a DJI in China, took it home, found the SD card slot was broken had something jammed in the slot, and couldn't even pay the store to get a replacement part, let alone return or exchange it.
Autel needs to learn to under promise and over deliver they consistently do the opposite!!! Example in case they ship the MAX 4T ships with a single battery ( why not 2 ) and do not provide distributors with backup batteries or props for that matter... Jeff Powell was a asset lost.
I only clicked on this video for the thumbnail.
Good Vid Ken . I’m going to stick to being a DJI fan boy 😂
Good info to know; I continue to be a DJI user
Autel makes a great door stopper, Tamiya will make a more affordable version soon.
Ken, This is off the topic, but I am looking to use either my Mavic 3 or Mini 3 Pro as a ground gimbal camera and am not finding any mounts for either. Do you make one?
I have seen them for the original Mini to mount the drone to the controller or to a handle or stick, but not any universal or for the newer models.
I have an Autel Evo 2 Enterprise that I can’t land offshore on a slow moving vessel without it trying to flip over. Autel support was absolutely no help with a resolution. So they lost out big time on me buying a dozen more.
My nano+ just randomly stopped on a return to home, no wind, sunny day, about 1/4 mile from landing, from 20% battery at initiation, went 1/3 the way, stopped flying towards the sun, started rising into the sky, refused to move forward under my control, then plummeted into the lake showing 8% battery left. Hot garbage.
Flying towards the sun with OA on with RTH is certain death for an autel quad
Thank you for this. I work with a non profit clearing trees on area waterways. They are having me be their second drone pilot. Ive got a mini 2 that I stopped flying shortly after the FAA announced the bs trust test requirements. I'm now working on my part 107.
I've been evaluating drones again and seeing if there are any viable alternatives to DJI products and their geofencing. Often times we are along a river operating at or below treetop level with no data or cell coverage. If we get into a geofenced area its hard to get an approval to fly.
I was looking at autels but after seeing this they are certainly out until they can prove they have fixed the broken things? For a customer service rep to leave twice speaks VOLUMES.
I just with skydio was more viable and I'm disappointed by their lobbying they are apparently doing vs investing in newer consumer drones.
It is sad and frustrating. I invested into the Lite+ series and had been extremely pleased with the results. I decided to dump allegiance to DJI and wait for EVO III as it had been announced. Except EVO 2 Pro V2 came out. Okay... EVO III still coming. Good things coming - it's going to be insanely better. Telling all my DJI buddies sporting new Mavic products, "Just wait. EVO III is going to rock it." And then comes EVO II v3. I honestly can't say I see enough "good things" to invest in v3. Not to mention, we've all noticed the big promises with no results. It feels like DJI is standing there saying, I told so.
Pretty much..... nanos release did force and push them to delay the mini 3 pro and innovate like crazy....
Now they can coast with the air 3 and mavic 3 pro after
Has this video just saved my drone purchasing a…, quite likely I think.
Yeah that would be a problem. I would own a Sky Dio, but at the time I was ready to pull the trigger on it, there was something like a 6 month wait. It was a blessing in disguise actually because I am pretty sure I would be disappointed because I never track and follow anything. Not even myself. It has a market, but I am not it.
Are there any updates on these Autel issues? I'm seriously considering moving to the Autel platform for enterprise work and moving away from DJI if possible but, some of these issues are concerning, especially at these price points. Any advise on best platforms for inspection, thermal, and mapping/Imaging? Thanks
Sadly no , autel has been really quiet to say the least
I totally agree with your comments!. AR has poor customer service, (case in point - ever notice that their chat line is always "offline") poorly written documentation of their products, very confusing identification of their products (i.e. EVO I, II; V1, V2, V3), lack of backward compatibility (essentially leaving customers with older products in the dust), and the poor downloading ability of the software,/firmware.
Really agree that if you (AR) are going to feature a new product at a trade show then have it available shortly after that.
I think AR will go BANKRUPT soon if it continues to function as poorly as it has. It has a lot of potential but their business model is dysfunctional
It is too bad but worse than that AR says they know they have problems but seem to not be able to fix them.
They won’t go bankrupt they will just cease to operate a robotics division. The parent company Autel Automotive is lucrative. For them taking a loss here is money under the rug for a failed project I suppose
not bankrupt- will fold the robotics division.
@@Matanumi is not good business any way you want to look at it
Price is another problem this is what gives DJI a leg up in the drone and market if autel wants to compete they should try not to make their prices high on something like the nano
iNTERESTING! I will never buy any Autel product again after they dumped the X Star drone customers and not being able to buy the battery from them or any other manufacturer. I liked the X Star and is now sitting on my shelf useless. Also the thing which cheesed me off is that you can't even fit any alternative Lipo battery as the software will block it as NOT ORIGINAL. So conclusion NEVER buy AUTEL again (I have bought DJI instead.
Still waiting on the promised moonlight mode for V1. They said it was coming. It hasn't.
I have 3 DJI drones and the evo ll v3. It seems that they are trying to find their niche. They don’t want the low end but they see DJI owning the space under $1500 a unit. That leaves them with the mid tier to say 3k.
The problem is people are starting with the lower end DJI products and are familiar with them so they stick with them even towards more expensive drones
I went with the Evo for one reason. I compared the images and video shot with both the Maveric and the EVO. I just liked the Evo images better both video and still
Yuneec did the same crap. Now look at them, not even in the game any more.
My v3 does 10 bit log no problem. DaVinci verified. You just have to find the secret setting to record in H.265.
is not 10-bit... I've tested in h.265 and autel has confirmed so Im going to call bullshit on that
@@OriginaldoBo ok. When I get home tomorrow, I'll put up a screen shot of the color tab in DaVinci showing 1024 color editing from a video I will make tomorrow with my v3 Enterprise 6k.
Ok…. Right there the enterprise camera is not the fucking same for fuck sake glad I came back to this. Listen with your motherfucking ears EVO 2 V3 “not the enterprise” the EVO 3 V3 is using the same camera as the lite series. Jesus fuck I swear people don’t listen
@@KimoPollock um... Ken was clearly talking about the consumer model. The enterprise model still uses the old Evo 2 Camera sensor while the consumer model uses the sensor from the Lite+. You really should do a little research before you call someone a liar.
@@OriginaldoBo I did listen and admitted you were right LAST NIGHT in our Twitter discussion. You don't need to come in here saying I don't fucking listen. I did listen. You just missed my concession on Twitter.
Great information Ken thank you
I will give you Problem number 4.
I just enquired about buying Evo Max 4T here in Australia and upfront I was given a warning from Australian dealer that it take 6 months and up to get a warranty job done on Australia.
That's not good enough
@@Matanumi ... certainly not a good sign when a distributor is trying talk you out of buying a product rather than trying to talk you into buying a product.
I agree wit everything except color science. Proven its definitely the best out there.
As a professional that gets paid to do this for clients I’ll disagree and majority of clients do not like Autels color
@@OriginaldoBo same here, my clients on the west love what it produces but I hear you though.
It’s late 2023 and my new EVO I V3 has been back to tech support twice. It is still almost impossible to get tech support on the phone. It takes 24 hours to get an email reply. I purchased my drone in September and we are almost into December and I have not been able to use my new drone. Very disappointed with Autel.
Same compatibility problem with their Live Deck. I got one for my Evo II, and it works find, except for the ethernet which never seems to have been fully functional unless you got lucky. They then when on to make a livedeck 2, which is incompatible with Evo II v1, and theres rumours of Live Deck 3 with the same issue. Maybe they're getting these things sourced from someone else that they cant change or something, but it seems to be a theme.
It's 2024 almost 2025 I'm looking serious about buying that Evo Enterprise thermal drone for $3,000 bucks is customer service or quality changed???
Customer service is a disaster
BIG RANT HERE! As of Oct 2023, no 10 bit for the V3 and I called them and they flat told me they have no intentions to add it ever. They told me that if I wanted to return it, it would be a $150 repackaging fee. I told them that their smart controller SE video feed was lagging all over the place after all updates and calibrations so I wanted to return it for that reason, they still mention the $150 repackaging fee. I asked about the V2 and they told me it didn't have remote ID and they were discontinuing support in March. SO what are they going to support? Autel has gone to SHIT!
I’ve been saying everything you’ve been saying for awhile now
Short sighted company thinks they have the market cornered. fool me once.....
That number 3 is my biggest problem with Autel, Of course apart from the others. I just can't believe that nothing is compatible? It's crazy.
No spare parts available online for sale.
They sound like they are risk adverse… was looking to get away from the DJI domineering hold on the market, but really don’t see it happening any time soon..
I think Autel needs to do better as they are a direct competitor to DJI. I have bought the DJI mini 3 pro and just passed my part 107. I'm looking for a secondary drone and I'm looking more to the Air 2s or Mavic 3. I love the built in screen of the RC controller.
I have the Mavic 3 pro on order. I was looking at something better than my mini 2. The timing of the mavic 3 pro couldnt have been better.
I was looking at a backup to that. I'd love a non geofenced drone. However with this video I can justify an autel. Especially since its not on the faa compliant list since i just passed my 107 and need RID regardless of size.
Damn right @Ken Booth. Sanity at work is paramount, it's why I left my old company. Feeling like a real person again. Good on you man!
Just just the way in the customer service retail world. Service is often on the back burner for any retail company. Many companies forego any service warranties from vendors for better pricing (volume purchasing). Most of those products have limited shelf life, have no implied warranty other than at store or retailer level, or some extended warranty offering. That's why you see very low cost service extended warranties at big box chain stores. Less than 5% of those items ever fail so selling even 25% of low cost extended warranties cover the costs of replacing an item vs having to pay for the service repairs from the mfg or third party provider. Just how it works..
People that work in CS on any retail level know this gong in. Ken has been with Autel 2x, and other companies... have to be careful with those bridges though. That last CEO guy thought he had his way with Autel, and then a later company only to find out otherwise...
Randall then went on to DSLRPros which has a UAS division. They are primarily DJI (another company he worked for and left) and supporter for training and use of various UAS applications in California. Probably a better experience for him since it's not really a retail level service provider as much as it is client support based.. not consumer level. Since it is not consumer level, the Execs can extend more of those ideas for CS and support to their specialty clients.... very few every have to deal with low level customer support issues, and upper management giving various bottom line reasons their ideas will not happen in that same timeline. Same happened when he was at DJI..
Very valid points
Do you think Autel may have got cocky betting on the fact DJI would get banned in the states making them the go to provider here? Just a thought ?
No. Autel got lazy and saw how good their numbers were in enterprise and cashed in a little too much.
Forgot to offer good support. Released drones unfinished, didn't support older product lines. very expensive paperweights.
Meanwhile the mini 2 and air2s are so freaking good they stand the test of time with newer products coming out
Great info Ken
Never saw how the SC SE was going to be compatible with Lite Series. It's 3 bands don't align with these drones 900mhz/2.4ghz/5.8ghz is going to pair with a drone that uses 2.4ghz/5.2ghz/5.8ghz? Were they going to just shut off 900mhz and say 2 out of 3 ain't bad? I have a reseller still swearing it will work. If so, bring it. I HATE that little batwing controller. Even with your sticks/lanyard loop the run time is pathetic, and the threading for the sticks is separating from the Gimbals. Range is great, but seriously? Using a phone as a display in 2033? Meanwhile DJI supports all O3 aircraft with all 3 consumer controllers, mix and match. Sigh... Autel, STOP riding that treadmill! Change or fail!
....they'd rather fail and have some crack at enterprise at this rate.
Bro your thumbnail game is on a different level
I have to much time to think
To be honest, the Autel Evo 2 version one with its "Live Deck" and the reality of having the ability to have two controllers working together was something no other consumer drone manufacturer was producing.
Then I buy an Enterprise Version 2 and NO "Live Deck" . Add features, DON'T remove them!!!!
Luckily a solution is inbound shortly
Um... DJI has had dual RC control for years. It worked on the Mavic Pro back in 2016. I used dual control in my Mavic 2 Pro. Most of the Enterprise drones still have dual control. It always strikes me as bizarre how quickly people make false statements.
Yea this kind of shit happens all the time in business. Too many people running shit that have poor business sense in high positions. They have an unrealistic vision that is unable to compromise to actually make the product successful. Not respecting all the staff and give thier input serious consideration is the worst thing for any company as seen with autel. My opinion . I'm 59 and don't have to work another day in my life because I listened to and respected every word my staff suggests to me. Yea no bull
In the past I loved Autel drones, now I don't. Reasons are same as in your video, but support works maybe "fantastic" in USA, but not in UE
Its not even good in USA
Excellent editorial Ken. 👍
No problem with the audio
Alrighty good to know
I don't really like your criticism of Autel Robotics. In one point I agree with you 100% that the support (especially in EUROPE) should be better. But well, I do not buy my Autel drone at Amazon and Co.
I left DJI because I had bought a Smarcontroller for my Mavic 2 Pro (OcuSync 2.0), and when the Air 2 came on the market with its shit DJI FLY APP, my Smarcontroller has never worked properly again, because the has made an emulator as OcuSync 3.0, and my 600€ have not been worth it at the time. But well, everyone as he thought that it is good (or not).
To the software of AUTEL Robotics, I personally have DJI left because I had no desire to constant UPDATE on GEO ZONE and on monitoring. I own since February 2021 an Autel Evo 2 Pro (my first Autel Robotics) and have so far no problems, have as the first in Europe an Autel Evo Nano + and an Autel Evo Lite + Bekommen, and so far I have no problems, on the contrary, fixed connection, very good range, and always ready when I need them. But ok, YOUR CRITICISM is yours and I do not have to understand it, only as I can read (in the comments here) are many who can not understand this criticism. I wish you a nice day, and will spread your video in each of my Autel group, everyone should then decide for himself whether he should believe a RUclipsr or his instinct and test yourself.
I don’t really like your cirticism of ACTUAL DJI products. You told the community that the Mini 3 Pro batteries were dying during cold temperatures. You intended to gleefully wait for that to happen (wishful thinking?). You also strongly criticized the Mavic 3. The product was not yet ready for market launch. Correct, but Autel has (wonderful) exactly the same difficulties in the same drone business. From my point of view you should definitely stop criticizing DJI. Why? Because your last DJI was released on August 23, 2018. Nice that Autel is well received by you, too bad that criticism is only accepted in one direction. It would be better for Autel if the loyal fans didn't defend their product so blindly and one-sidedly, but rather opened their horizons a little. No one denies that a plan to unseat the market leader is very ambitious. Autel should convince with QUALITY. Therefore, the argument "back then in 2021" is not so convincing in my view. Just take a look how blindly and one-sidedly the comments in "your" Autel groups will be. Nice to see the fans are loyal. But please not at any price.
@@allegriach I made a bet with a friend this morning who would be the first to respond here with their pointless comment, and now guess who won? Me, I knew you would answer. You talk about Li-Ion batteries, and yes, I wrote what you said As you surely know hardly one has flown here Germany or Schweize due to the rain, in Italy many have flown with 18° in winter . And what about the other problems with the Mini 3 Pro (camera fogs up, connection problems and finally the Active Track also no longer works properly) where are your criticisms here?
I will never buy DJI again, and when I read the comments here is not everyone with this criticism video so completely agreed.
Connection problems, Constant update, GEO ZONE, AEREOSCOPE and, and. I am not criticizing DJI, DJI has a head start of almost 8 years, and Autel is the only competitor, not to mention the patents that DJI has stolen from Autel Robotics. What positive today and here? I knew that you would also give such a video right away your mustard, and I had bet on who will be the first to answer here (the DOBO or you) and I won that bet, so everything according to plan. Marcell, ich habe gewonnen, denke daran du bist mir was schuldig. Ich wüste der Typ wurde gleich hier seine sinnlose sanft hier ausgeben.🤣
@@glm-mediaworld
I started a counter bet: he will criticize DJI, will say he doesn't criticize them, the criticism will refer to products he neither knows nor owns. Thanks to RUclips. Finally, he will say that other comments are nonsensical and his answers are most likely rather unprofessional.
@@allegriach Maybe you missed that I test all products from DJI (still today), not my no, but from friends from the group COPTER FREUND HESSEN, where we organize regular meetings, and I also see the errors (the list is long), but HEY, you certainly know better.😘
@@glm-mediaworld I‘m just SHOCKED when I read through the comments here or in other social media groups. I don’t believe people testing but not owning the product. Example: You often use AEB with your Nano+. Why not testing AEB Nano+ vs Mini 3 Pro. The one you borrowed for some weeks? An Autel fan would write, if DJI fails against Autel.
For my part I had a couple of flight with temperatures below zero, even below minus 10 this winter. I don’t mind Autel and DJI succeed both in this point.
But again: The feedback from Autel owners is quite shocking me. I personally expected more pertinacity among general owners. Not only the well known fanbase who‘s comments are everywhere.
That thumbnail though 👍🏼👍🏼
My Evo 2 version 1 is a complete orphan
It’s definitely a bummer.
I gambled with the lite hoping the rumors of smart controller compatibility would come true. Its not a complete deal breaker for me but lets just say I am really disappointed
Picture only 12bit，and the video is 8bit
Good video,
SCARY thumbnail!😂
still waiting on the smart controller se for the nano and still waiting for the latest sw update for the v1 to fix the remaining last few issues
hello, I have the impression that Autel is doing like Yuneec, abandoning the leisure drone for the professional drone
Couldn't of said it better... Brother
Autel has been a lousy company for a very very long time.