I would buy the DJI Lito 1 for straightforward holiday footage on a tight kit budget. The DJI Lito X1 earns its extra cost when you want D-Log M for editing, a larger camera sensor or internal storage as well as a microSD slot.
DJI’s UK starting prices checked on 14 October 2026 were £299 and £369 respectively: a £70 difference for the standard kits, both with an RC-N3 phone controller and one battery. Decide whether those X1 features will help your footage before spending the rest of your budget on a bundle.
What the larger X1 camera gives you
The Lito 1 has a 1/2-inch sensor and f/1.8 lens; X1 uses a larger 1/1.3-inch sensor and f/1.7 lens. Both list 48MP stills. I would pay attention to sensor size and the editing options when deciding what the X1 upgrade is worth.
I favour X1 if you want to learn more about editing your footage. Its larger sensor and D-Log M give you more to work with. DJI lists 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/100fps slow motion on X1; use the higher frame rate when you want to slow a moving subject in the edit.
D-Log M needs a deliberate edit. You have to transform the flat-looking recording appropriately and adjust exposure and colour. If you normally trim a clip on your phone and send it straight to family, use Normal recording and judge the purchase around that simpler routine.
DJI’s Lito 1 specifications list Normal recording in 8-bit H.264 or 10-bit H.265. X1 adds D-Log M for colour grading. Try files in your editing software to check playback, particularly if you plan to use 10-bit H.265 on an older device.
Storage changes how you prepare for a trip
The X1 has 42GB of internal storage plus a microSD slot. The Lito 1 records to microSD and has no internal recording storage. With the Lito 1, put a suitable card in the aircraft before leaving home; with the X1, check both the selected recording destination and remaining space.
I would still buy a card for the X1 if recording several outings before returning to a computer. Internal storage provides a useful fallback when the card is missing or full, but it also needs emptying. Download the files, open a sample from the destination drive and confirm your backup before formatting either storage location. Follow the Lito first-setup guide to check charging, activation and a complete recording-and-transfer workflow.
DJI’s UK lists name Lexar Silver Plus and Kingston Canvas Go! Plus A2 V30 microSDXC cards in supported capacities for both models. Choose the exact range and capacity from the model’s list. Our drone microSD buying guide explains capacity and sustained write speed.
The controller and batteries can matter more than the model upgrade
Both standard kits use the RC-N3, which needs a compatible phone running DJI Fly. Check the official app download and compatibility information against your actual phone. Include the phone’s available battery, storage and connection in your flying plans.
The X1 Fly More Combo with RC 2 supplies a controller with its own screen and DJI Fly installed. I would choose that controller for regular outings where keeping the phone free and avoiding the mounting routine makes flying easier. A phone controller remains a sensible purchase if your phone works well with the app and you are comfortable using it.
Extra batteries answer a different need. If your outings involve practising the same shot or visiting several nearby locations, compare the complete battery-and-hub kit before choosing between aircraft. Our X1 standard versus Fly More comparison separates battery value from the RC 2 upgrade. A cheaper drone with enough batteries may serve those outings better than an upgraded camera with only one.
For occasional short sessions, start with one battery and learn how much flying you actually want to do. Manufacturer maximum flight times come from controlled conditions; wind, manoeuvring, recording and your return reserve affect the useful time available.
Plan an open first-flight route
Both Lito models have omnidirectional obstacle sensing, with forward-facing LiDAR added on X1. Start in an open area with a clear view of the aircraft and generous room around trees and buildings. Fine wires, difficult surfaces and low light affect detection; check the manual’s mode-specific guidance, including Sport mode.
For an ordinary X1 C0/UK0 kit, choose standard batteries and DJI’s permitted accessories. DJI’s UK guidance excludes Plus batteries and propeller guards from those ordinary configurations. The separately certified Fly More Combo Plus with RC 2 has its own permitted combinations.
Arrange your Operator ID and Flyer ID before flying, following the CAA’s current ID rules. Check the Drone Code and local airspace restrictions when planning the first outing.
Which one I would choose
Lito 1: a first camera drone for simple clips, with money left for a recommended card, suitable charging and any extra batteries you genuinely need.
Lito X1: the stronger fit for learning colour editing or having internal storage, with a £70 standard-kit upgrade at the checked prices. Leave enough in the budget for the batteries, charging and storage you need.
If your existing DJI already captures the footage you want, keep enjoying it. Better editing, a smoother camera move or a reliable transfer routine may be the more useful next step.
If you are moving from an older budget DJI, the Lito X1 versus Mini 4K comparison helps decide whether replacing the kit solves a real limitation. For a larger camera sensor or regular vertical filming, compare X1 with Mini 5 Pro before settling on an entry-level aircraft.
For a wider choice of first-drone formats, use our best drones for beginners guide.
