Camera Drones

I've been looking at the DJI Phantom for a while and would like to pick one up before the summer if I can swing the expense.

It also irks me when they're called drones by the media (of course insinuating they're remotely the same). If they're drones mine better come with a Hellfire missle. I also agree that the industry brought this on themselves and it'll be a hard comparison to shake now.

MrWizard wrote:
Dan
nice picture
these things are NOT military Drones flown in Iraqi, while sitting in Texas or Maryland

the are RC quad copters, high tech toys and utility devices
i don't have one, but i dislike the press and industry referring to them as Drones, it equates in peoples minds as weapons, a negative connotation re-enforced by idiots who fly them at the wrong time in the wrong places

i like them, and think i would enjoy having one
i don't like the bad press, they are getting, but that is partly the industries fault

I couldn't agree more with you Mr. Wizard!! I HATE the term "drone"! I like to think of my quad copter as a "flying camera". It's fun to fly but it comes with responsibility. Like most things in life common sense goes a long way.

Dan

You may also want to check out the FAA website as the laws are rapidly changing for drones, on who and where you can fly them. Being a pilot and also flying drones I have heard of some very close calls with aircraft because people do not follow the instructions delivered with every drone.

And be careful when getting up high - I've had two Parrots fly away on me, never to be seen again.

You need to pick your budget and expectations. I bought a Syma X5C-1 from Amazon, 4 extra batteries/charger, and some spare parts for $80 total. It's a lot of fun to fly. I haven't even used the camera yet, which I know is of very low quality. But it's a great beginner quad.

A friend of mine had something even smaller to learn on. Now he has ta DJI Phantom 3 with 4k camera, case, extra battery, etc. He has about $1500 invested. Flying his a a very different experience than mine. Mine is focused on the technical control of flying. The power and range are low so you can only get into trouble as far as you can see it from the ground. His is a lot easier to pilot, can go one mile+ away while streaming to a smartphone/tablet in real time. The GPS based systems will hold it in one spot with wind compensation, or even if you can push on it at 6' off the ground. And there are many options between and even higher prices.

I recommend picking up a toy to start with. Under $100 for a lot of fun. You can learn a lot of basics of flying them before deciding how you might want to spend on a better one.

I bought a quadcopter to test out and play with and some stupid tree jumped out of nowhere on my first flight LOL. They are fun to fly and I just wanted to test it out before investing any real money in it. The one I have is a cheap 70.00 of amazon but the thing it so light there has to be no breeze at all to fly it. The more expensive Phantom's I beleive can handle the wind a little better then mine.

rseymour21 wrote:
Thank you all for your info! This might be one of those deals where I might be better off enjoying other people's pictures. The expense of this activity is probably more than I'd care for, but I've seen some great pictures.

Thanks again! Ru

Or, wait until after Christmas when everything is on sale. Buy one cheap and see if you like it. Don't be concerned about the quality of the pics. Fly it and enjoy. Maybe you will find that it's not for you.

Most people don't buy a new Prevost for their first RV. :)

Also the national parks have a ban on UAV's. Well at least I didn't call it a drone. Lol

Dan
nice picture
these things are NOT military Drones flown in Iraqi, while sitting in Texas or Maryland

the are RC quad copters, high tech toys and utility devices
i don't have one, but i dislike the press and industry referring to them as Drones, it equates in peoples minds as weapons, a negative connotation re-enforced by idiots who fly them at the wrong time in the wrong places

i like them, and think i would enjoy having one
i don't like the bad press, they are getting, but that is partly the industries fault

Thank you all for your info! This might be one of those deals where I might be better off enjoying other people's pictures. The expense of this activity is probably more than I'd care for, but I've seen some great pictures.

Thanks again! Ru