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The Drone Thread

NightAngel79 said:
I have the DJI Mavic Pro, and while the phone mounts to controller, and you can change settings and whatnot, all flying is done with controller. You can tilt the camera from controller, but you don't actually move the camera, you move the drone and the camera follows.
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I had the chance to see the DJI Mavic Pro in action the other day. I have to admit that's all I've thought about since. So cool in flight! The builder I was working for at the time got his out to get a visual inspection of the heating / air and plumbing on the roof of the commercial building we were adding on to. Needless to say, I was very impressed.

I was curious if you are still flying the DJI Pro and if you are happy with it after the passing of time? Looking on the net I find all sorts of bundles, the Pro 2, a DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, etc.
The more I look, the more confused I get. :) As a beginner I don't have a clue what I'm looking at.
 
olbriar said:
I had the chance to see the DJI Mavic Pro in action the other day. I have to admit that's all I've thought about since. So cool in flight! The builder I was working for at the time got his out to get a visual inspection of the heating / air and plumbing on the roof of the commercial building we were adding on to. Needless to say, I was very impressed.

I was curious if you are still flying the DJI Pro and if you are happy with it after the passing of time? Looking on the net I find all sorts of bundles, the Pro 2, a DJI Mavic Pro Platinum, etc.
The more I look, the more confused I get. :) As a beginner I don't have a clue what I'm looking at.
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I still use and LOVE it!!! To confuse matters, they just released 2 new "Mavic" drones. Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro. Those are brand new, with Zoom having same camera as mine, but with a awesome zoom feature, and the Mavic 2 Pro having the best camera ever put on a drone, same as the Phantom 4 Pro.

The Mavic Platinum was just a facelift of my drone with small performance and noise upgrades. The most bang for your buck (imo) is if you went with my drone, the Mavic Pro, which came out Jan 2017(ish).

If you have any specific questions let me know. There is also cheaper options like the DJI spark and DJI mavic Air, also good drones.
 
NightAngel79 said:
I still use and LOVE it!!! To confuse matters, they just released 2 new "Mavic" drones. Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro. Those are brand new, with Zoom having same camera as mine, but with a awesome zoom feature, and the Mavic 2 Pro having the best camera ever put on a drone, same as the Phantom 4 Pro.

The Mavic Platinum was just a facelift of my drone with small performance and noise upgrades. The most bang for your buck (imo) is if you went with my drone, the Mavic Pro, which came out Jan 2017(ish).

If you have any specific questions let me know. There is also cheaper options like the DJI spark and DJI mavic Air, also good drones.
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To still be happy with your drone speaks volumes IMO. I was into RC cars a few years back. I was never quite happy with what I had. There was always something out there I wish I had.
I'm hoping to sell my cars and turn them into a DJI Mavic Pro or Mavic 2 Pro. They were a lot of fun but I wasn't into rebuilding and fixing them... which is half of the hobby.

I've looked at the Air and the Spark but after your testament of enjoyment from the Pro it's impossible for me to look further. I'm seeing a "fly more" package on Amazon. Extra batteries and props seems to be the package. Do you fly with one battery or have you invested in additional batteries? Is video editing software something to consider at some point? Is there something a man should have to begin the hobby or is it a fly and add as you go along sort of thing?

I appreciate your reply and opinions. When seeking advice it's always good to tap a source that you respect.
 
olbriar said:
To still be happy with your drone speaks volumes IMO. I was into RC cars a few years back. I was never quite happy with what I had. There was always something out there I wish I had.
I'm hoping to sell my cars and turn them into a DJI Mavic Pro or Mavic 2 Pro. They were a lot of fun but I wasn't into rebuilding and fixing them... which is half of the hobby.

I've looked at the Air and the Spark but after your testament of enjoyment from the Pro it's impossible for me to look further. I'm seeing a "fly more" package on Amazon. Extra batteries and props seems to be the package. Do you fly with one battery or have you invested in additional batteries? Is video editing software something to consider at some point? Is there something a man should have to begin the hobby or is it a fly and add as you go along sort of thing?

I appreciate your reply and opinions. When seeking advice it's always good to tap a source that you respect.
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Appreciate the weight you put in my opinions Rick!

So, fly more, it's available for every drone in some form or another. The Spark doesn't even come with a controller, so the package is worth it there. Otherwise, it would be overkill for me. I invested in 1 spare battery and that has been all I've needed. Even the couple times I did formally film something (church easter egg hunt 2 years in a row, lol).
You get 20(ish) minutes on a battery, depending on drone and conditions. Mine says 27 and if there is no wind I can get that. But, since we are talking a expensive drone, as soon as battery gets around 20% you are landing that thing. So you really only do fly for 20 minutes or so.

The spark is too low quality compared to the others. The Air is much closer to quality to my Mavic Pro, but with additional sensors mine doesn't have. Mavic Pro only has obstacle avoidance sensors in front, pointing forward.
But, for best camera quality, my Mavic Pro beats both of those, and the Mavic Zoom is updated, has killer zoom feature, with same camera. Mavic Pro 2 has best camera of all, some say in any drone ever (until a Phantom 5 comes out? lol). Phantom series is great, but there huge. Compact Mavic line of drones is king imo...
 
NightAngel79 said:
Appreciate the weight you put in my opinions Rick!

So, fly more, it's available for every drone in some form or another. The Spark doesn't even come with a controller, so the package is worth it there. Otherwise, it would be overkill for me. I invested in 1 spare battery and that has been all I've needed. Even the couple times I did formally film something (church easter egg hunt 2 years in a row, lol).
You get 20(ish) minutes on a battery, depending on drone and conditions. Mine says 27 and if there is no wind I can get that. But, since we are talking a expensive drone, as soon as battery gets around 20% you are landing that thing. So you really only do fly for 20 minutes or so.
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It's hard for me decide what to get. I'm in no hurry so I'll spend some more time doing R&D.
I think the Mavic Pro is a sweet spot considering bang for the buck and all. However, the Zoom with it's zoom and additional avoidance sensors has me tempted. I'd love to have the Mavic 2 Pro but I have no idea just how much time I'll toss at flying the thing. It's a healthy investment above and beyond what I consider a great drone.

Sounds like the fly more package would likely be a waste of money. Perhaps another battery is the ticket. I can see the chance of wanting to get a bit more air time but more than one extra battery seems like an overkill to me. Keep in mind that I live in Kansas. It's not like there are lots of interesting features to capture. :) I'm satisfied 20 minutes will likely get pretty boring.

lunatic59 said:
Aww dang, Rick. I saw this last night come through an alert on my phone, but I'd already gone to bed. This morning it's sold out.

https://electronics.woot.com/offers/yuneec-breeze-drone-w-4k-camera-bt-controller

Would have been a good starter drone for $130.00. :(

You might want to sign up for Woot! alerts. They do a lot of clearance on refurb drones. (That's where I got my Typhoon 4K :) )
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Story of my life... day late and a dollar short. :) I do appreciate you thinking of me. It's my nature to jump in with both feet... ask my disgruntled wife. :) I'll likely spend the big bucks and love it for a while... that's also my nature.
 
I actually won a little one on Amazon. It probably retails for about $100. It's a POS, but the price was right (free) and I'm learning how to fly it. I'll probably get a decent one once I'm comfortable with my aviation skills.
 
I've not flown anything but watched another do his thing. It looked like great fun. Years ago my oldest gave her brother and I some kind of foo fighters. Mini copters that somehow you were supposed to shoot each other in flight... which shut down the shot fighter. We played with them long and hard but they were just impossible to keep in the air. No need to shoot each other. We spent all of our time crashing without help.
 
olbriar said:
It's hard for me decide what to get. I'm in no hurry so I'll spend some more time doing R&D.
I think the Mavic Pro is a sweet spot considering bang for the buck and all. However, the Zoom with it's zoom and additional avoidance sensors has me tempted. I'd love to have the Mavic 2 Pro but I have no idea just how much time I'll toss at flying the thing. It's a healthy investment above and beyond what I consider a great drone.

Sounds like the fly more package would likely be a waste of money. Perhaps another battery is the ticket. I can see the chance of wanting to get a bit more air time but more than one extra battery seems like an overkill to me. Keep in mind that I live in Kansas. It's not like there are lots of interesting features to capture. :) I'm satisfied 20 minutes will likely get pretty boring.



Story of my life... day late and a dollar short. :) I do appreciate you thinking of me. It's my nature to jump in with both feet... ask my disgruntled wife. :) I'll likely spend the big bucks and love it for a while... that's also my nature.
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Completely fair point, and unless you are a professional photographer (i'm SOOOO far from that, lol) the higher end camera is overkill.

I will say, I have like 100 hours of aerial footage of just my neighborhood, flying that thing and watching the footage never gets old.

Some of my favorite drone youtubers are Ed Ricker (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnAtkFduPVfovckNr3un1FA ) who is a professional videographer, but has good drone reviews. And Ready Set Drone (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8MpuOzkNz7L0mJhL3TDeA ) who is more of just a drone guy/reviewer.
 
NightAngel79 said:
Completely fair point, and unless you are a professional photographer (i'm SOOOO far from that, lol) the higher end camera is overkill.

I will say, I have like 100 hours of aerial footage of just my neighborhood, flying that thing and watching the footage never gets old.

Some of my favorite drone youtubers are Ed Ricker (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnAtkFduPVfovckNr3un1FA ) who is a professional videographer, but has good drone reviews. And Ready Set Drone (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj8MpuOzkNz7L0mJhL3TDeA ) who is more of just a drone guy/reviewer.
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If you knew my track record with my RC cars you would highly recommend the Zoom with it's additional avoidance sensors. :) I always knew when it was time to go home after running the cars... they would be broken in some fashion or another. I ran them enough to become fair at it but there was always that unexpected bump or flip over that was the end of the run. Avoidance is a must for a reckless old man which makes the Zoom appealing. The camera would be sweet but the insurance of not crashing is paramount.

I've watched a lot of Ready Set Drone's youtubes already. I'll check out Ed Ricker.... thanks.
 
olbriar said:
If you knew my track record with my RC cars you would highly recommend the Zoom with it's additional avoidance sensors. :) I always knew when it was time to go home after running the cars... they would be broken in some fashion or another. I ran them enough to become fair at it but there was always that unexpected bump or flip over that was the end of the run. Avoidance is a must for a reckless old man which makes the Zoom appealing. The camera would be sweet but the insurance of not crashing is paramount.

I've watched a lot of Ready Set Drone's youtubes already. I'll check out Ed Ricker.... thanks.
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Ed Ricker has some cool stuff. I watched him a lot when I first got the drone. Casey Neistat as well, he's a vlogger/creator, but has some good DJI drone reviews/etc...

I *think* the DJI Air (came out... a year ago around time of the spark) has extra sensors as well, but couldn't swear to it off top of head. I know mine only has downward (for landing etc) and forward. I would LOVE to have side and back sensors. But not enough to buy another drone, lol
 
Ok... so now I'm right down to purchasing my first drone. I have my RC cars on the selling block but haven't moved them yet. I did some R&D and find that I'm surrounded by no fly zones. :( I can fly at my cabin but I can't fly within miles of my residence. All of the neat footage I hoped to capture is prohibited. In fact, my entire city is in a military no fly zone. That air space is also over lapped by three other airports. I understand that permission can be obtained by calling each of the controllers of my area but that would take half a day... and only hope to be granted clearance. I'm pretty bummed out.
 
olbriar said:
Ok... so now I'm right down to purchasing my first drone. I have my RC cars on the selling block but haven't moved them yet. I did some R&D and find that I'm surrounded by no fly zones. :( I can fly at my cabin but I can't fly within miles of my residence. All of the neat footage I hoped to capture is prohibited. In fact, my entire city is in a military no fly zone. That air space is also over lapped by three other airports. I understand that permission can be obtained by calling each of the controllers of my area but that would take half a day... and only hope to be granted clearance. I'm pretty bummed out.
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So, you don't actually call the towers and ask for permission, you are really just *informing* them you are going to be within 5 miles of the airport. It's not for the Tower people to deny you. The AirMap app was complied in conjunction with FAA and airports, and has handy forms/links for submitting flight plans, with links to call pertinent towers.

The miltary no fly zone is another thing though. But if that is separate from the airports you have around you should be fine. It actually is quite painless calling the towers. I've flown across the street from a motor airport a couple times (CVG). And it was quite painless. Plus, there is no danger or surrounding aircraft at 400ft. Within seconds they are way above that range.
 
NightAngel79 said:
So, you don't actually call the towers and ask for permission, you are really just *informing* them you are going to be within 5 miles of the airport. It's not for the Tower people to deny you. The AirMap app was complied in conjunction with FAA and airports, and has handy forms/links for submitting flight plans, with links to call pertinent towers.

The miltary no fly zone is another thing though.
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I live South of Wichita Ks.. where all the planes were once built... and many are still to this day. I have Boeing, Cessna, Beach Craft, and a field East of my town called Cook.. a private airfield that all overlap my residence. Then I have McConnell AFB with it's huge rectangle that swamps my city as well. Two miles to the South I have clear skies. I'm telling you that it's an ugly picture when looking at a map. In my searches I find a number of articles and news footage talking about zero tolerance for flying in the AFB's air space. My home town, five miles to my West, is clearly within five miles of the municipal airport. The flying hassle dampened my spirits to say the least.

My cabin has clear skies. It would be fun to fly the river and it's surrounding countryside. I can foresee a number of flights and video of the area. It is beautiful there and the different perspective should prove fun and interesting. However, I'm guessing a little of it will go a long ways. It's a small, short, private river that runs from a reservoir to the Arkansas River. Every mile of it winds through farming grounds and looks the same. If the eagles should return this fall I'll be all over it but that's not a given.

I'm not counting myself out as a consumer just yet. I'm just far less excited about the investment and use as I once was.

Your still is outstanding to say the least!!!
 
I stumbled and fell off of the fence. An AM trip to Best Buy and a lot of crazy money later, I came home with a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. I went ahead and bought the fly more package because the batteries are not available anywhere and I wanted the bag. The car charger and such might be nice too. Anyway, I've spent the day trying to update the firmware. Seems to be an endless flow of updates that are quite left handed for Android. It's been raining off and on all day anyway so some football and frustration kept me busy. Can't wait to fly this bad boy.
 
olbriar said:
I stumbled and fell off of the fence. An AM trip to Best Buy and a lot of crazy money later, I came home with a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. I went ahead and bought the fly more package because the batteries are not available anywhere and I wanted the bag. The car charger and such might be nice too. Anyway, I've spent the day trying to update the firmware. Seems to be an endless flow of updates that are quite left handed for Android. It's been raining off and on all day anyway so some football and frustration kept me busy. Can't wait to fly this bad boy.
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Congratulations!!! The fly more pack does have nice stuff. And I did end of buying a separate carrying case. I just use my enough to justify extra chargers and anything more than 1 extra battery.

Still, AWESOME! Can't wait to see some footage with that bad boy! Let us know if you put any up on youtube or anything.... I'm still trying to get to 4k views on my best video... lol (and yes, of course I'm going to post it again, lol)

 
The eagle's lawyer called. He's looking for residuals on the re-runs. :p ;) :)

I'd post some of my amazing aerial 4k video, but I haven't shot any yet. :( Honestly, it's been so crazy busy for me I haven't had much time to do more than take off and land a couple of times. It's fun as &^*&4, though. You're going to have a blast @olbriar . :)
 
lunatic59 said:
The eagle's lawyer called. He's looking for residuals on the re-runs. :p ;) :)

I'd post some of my amazing aerial 4k video, but I haven't shot any yet. :( Honestly, it's been so crazy busy for me I haven't had much time to do more than take off and land a couple of times. It's fun as &^*&4, though. You're going to have a blast @olbriar . :)
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Get on it! I got some cool footage of the Quarry earlier this summer, and I did take it to the Renaissance Festival Saturday. That turned out rather nice I think...
 
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