The French drone maker, Parrot launches the ANAFI Thermal, a light-weight and very compact drone with an integrated FLIR thermal camera aimed at professional drone pilots. This new drone is launched as an all in one package, which includes the drone, the thermal sensor, and the software. The ANAFI Thermal, three batteries, and a shoulder bag will retail for $1,900 USD and will be available at authorized retailers starting next month. The ANAFI Thermal competes head-on with the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual as it offers the same resolution (160 x 120) FLIR thermal sensor but at a lower price ($1,900 instead of $2,699 for the Enterprise Dual).

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Parrot announced an update and new pricing for the Parrot Anafi. This new Anafi update adds the ability to do more your Anafi. New features include HDR in both video and photos, hyperlapse video options, more cinematic flight modes, better dolly zoom options, and three more follow-me modes. These updates make this drone, which is one of my personal favorites, even better.

In addition to these new features, the base price has dropped to $649, with the option for a $799 extended bundle. The bundle includes two batteries, a travel bag and a handful of other accessories. Parrot continues to improve the Anafi, giving DJI’s Mavic Air ($799) better competition.

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Flying your drone high in the mountains is no easy task. If you go really high up, like what was done by Bartek Bargiel in the rescue of Rick Allen, you may even have to de-restrict your drone through a hack. At high altitudes, the air has a lower density, which makes it more difficult for your drone to fly. Lower temperatures also diminish your battery’s performance. This French video (English subtitled) explains in great detail what’s involved when flying your drone in the mountains.

Updated on 10/22/2018 with the video Part 2.

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Parrot recently cut the price of the Anafi by $100, lowering it to $599. That puts the Anafi right between the $399 Spark and $799 Mavic Air. If you were thinking the Anafi was priced a little too close to the Mavic Air, you may have been correct. This offer may come to an end on October 20, so now may be the best time to buy an Anafi. You can also choose to bundle an extra smart battery with your Anafi for $699. The Anafi was already one of my favorite drones under $100, and the new Anafi price makes this drone even more appealing For a full review of the Anafi, click here. expand full story

With the holidays around the corner, people want to know what is the best drone to give as a gift? I get asked that question all the time, but answering that question is not very easy. My favorite drone is the Mavic 2 Zoom, but I wouldn’t recommend that drone to everyone. Your purpose and your budget are two hugely important factors when looking for a drone. If your goal is to have fun, then I would recommend one of the inexpensive drones on my list. If aerial photography is your focus, then the best beginner drone has been the DJI Spark, but now there is some competition under $400. I’ll take a look at the entry-level competition as well as some of the higher performing birds, like the Mavic 2 Pro.

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