Educate me on drones

[SDGT3]

I've been thinking about getting one as I travel a bit and have always loved photography and videography. Using a drone to get a different perspective has always intrigued me.

From the precursory research I've done, it seems like DJI may be a good brand with a wide spectrum of choices. For those who have used them for recreational use and not commercial usage, what is the minimum you recommend? For example 249g, object avoidance, how many backup batteries, carrying case for checked luggage, price range for a beginner, etc?

[Maleg]

DJI is a Chinese company that was accused of mass surveillance of its users through the drone hardware. The company I worked for banned them. It's been a minute since all that, but worth checking into if you are concerned about data security.

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by Maleg

DJI is a Chinese company that was accused of mass surveillance of its users through the drone hardware. The company I worked for banned them. It's been a minute since all that, but worth checking into if you are concerned about data security.

Thank you, that's good to know! Some of the controllers are attached to smart photos where an app needs to be downloaded and the hardware attached to the port. Would not want to download app or connect if that's true.

[Blansky]

I think the most popular amateur one is the Dj Mavic and down the line. The mini doesn't need a license I believe but the rest do. Some have obstacle avoidance and cheaper ones may not.

The guy that knew everything about them is no longer here on this site.

I've been looking at them too but wondered if it would just be a toy I'd stop playing with.

My plan was to get the mini and learn it a bit and if I still wanted to I'd move up the food chain by a grand or more. The mini starts at $500ish.

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-drones

There is info on Amazon as well about if you use your phone app or is sold with a dedicated controller.

https://www.dji.com/

[SDGT3]

Originally Posted by Blansky

I think the most popular amateur one is the Dj Mavic and down the line. The mini doesn't need a license I believe but the rest do. Some have obstacle avoidance and cheaper ones may not.

The guy that knew everything about them is no longer here on this site.

I've been looking at them too but wondered if it would just be a toy I'd stop playing with.

My plan was to get the mini and learn it a bit and if I still wanted to I'd move up the food chain by a grand or more. The mini starts at $500ish.

https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-drones

There is info on Amazon as well about if you use your phone app or is sold with a dedicated controller.

https://www.dji.com/

That was my thought as well, start with something simple to operate and modest. If it continues to hold my interest, perhaps go down a more slippery slope later on. Thanks for the info.

[VictorGMT]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

That was my thought as well, start with something simple to operate and modest. If it continues to hold my interest, perhaps go down a more slippery slope later on. Thanks for the info.

Just a thought.

Not drone specific, hobby gear in general.

New entrants are hesitant. So they decide to come in for a new unit at the very low end, and quickly need/want to upgrade. Used is terrifying.

Meanwhile, the "addicts" (I say lovingly) want the latest and greatest EVERY year.

Consider joining a drone forum, or scour local sites, and find an addict who bought a GREAT mid to high end unit in early 2023 and now is absolutely having conniptions because he is $500 away from affording the mid-24 model that haunts their dreams.

They will often do great demos and through in LOTS of extras. And they view that mid-to-high end year old model as embarrassing, all of their friends have moved up to the mid-24 v11.

I've seen this in archery, bicycles, unmentionables, ham radio gear, computers, musical instruments, etc. The addicted DESPERATELY want cash for the latest, but the new entrants find used gear intimidating.


Do some research and you could do yourself real well!

Enjoy.

[Easy E]

Everyone I know that has purchased a drone all say basically the same thing - I played with it a lot for the 1st month and now it just sits in the closet.

[John Deaux]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Everyone I know that has purchased a drone all say basically the same thing - I played with it a lot for the 1st month and now it just sits in the closet.

That definition fits me well, except for some reason I've felt the need to upgrade 4 times My current one is the DJI mini 3 with RC remote that has the built in screen. I will say that was definitely worth the extra cost. I go through phases, it will sit in the closet for a year and I'll get it out for a specific purpose and remember it's entertaining and use it for a month and then back to the closet....repeat...upgrade...repeat...

[TBT]

I have an original Mavic Pro with me overseas, and I have a Mavic Pro 2 at home in AZ that I use while Im there. The Mavic 2 has more features, flys faster, footage looks better, longer battery life, and it has more photo/video "modes" that are pretty cool.

With that said, I don't spend time getting the perfect shot and I prefer to just upload my footage, cut out the boring parts add it to my GoPro library with photos/video from the GoPro and hit the easy button.

I would suggest the Mavic Mini4 Pro Fly More combo with the pro controller for your travels ($1,150). If I was shopping today, that's what I'd get.

I've used DJI's repair service 4 times and I had great experiences. My original Mavic has been outside the warranty for a long time and it was a very reasonable $130 to replace the camera unit and send it back to me good as new.

Here's my favorite video to date. This was about a year ago using the Mavic Pro and GoPro Max (My Proposal is 2 minutes in, as always we're wearing our Rolex's )


https://youtu.be/mIKaS09kHt4?si=kutI6z3zRBVpUtEr

[subtona]

Dji & Skydio are the big two that i am familiar with.
These are both used by large entities.
For what it’s worth, nyc is switching from dji to skydio for their various agencies.


I have been flying dji for the last year. They are pretty intuitive but I have seen a number of costly disasters. Combination of both user error and hardware /software.


I’m now hearing about nightingale but don’t know much about them yet.

[Blansky]

Originally Posted by SDGT3

That was my thought as well, start with something simple to operate and modest. If it continues to hold my interest, perhaps go down a more slippery slope later on. Thanks for the info.

I know myself. That's why I'm hesitating too.

A few years ago, I put a camera on my motorcycle helmet and took lots of videos of riding on Wine Country Backroads but ultimately it's just a large file now on my computer. I never edited it or used it in any way.

So I'm wondering if that's what I'd ultimately do with drone footage.

[Jake Sully]

I have the DJI mini 3 and its a awesome drone. I got it because I didnt want to have to use my cell phone in connection with the drone. I have about $1400 in everything and the drone far exceeds my capabilities. First year I used it alot, got certified and registered it with the FAA and have dedicated N number on it.

I dont use it as much but at parties/gatherings I bring it out and take aerials to send out to folks which they really get a kick out of it. I also use it for aerials on Lot owner violations with a few HOAs I'm on since you dont want to step on peoples property per say. Lots to learn but this drone has lots of safeties built in so you dont run it into objects.

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Everyone I know that has purchased a drone all say basically the same thing - I played with it a lot for the 1st month and now it just sits in the closet.

That's good news for the used drone market. Personally, I'm a fan of the MQ-8B. Worth the purchase if you can get one at a reasonable price

[fozzyf18]

Whatever drone you choose, just make sure that you understand the airspace rules that are in effect in the airspace surrounding your intended flight path. The pilot of a drone, like the pilot of a manned aircraft, is required to adhere to standard flight rules.

Ignorance is never an excuse, and the drone pilot (you) remain responsible for any mayhem you may cause. Flying your drone into a FAA TFR, restricted area, or going left to left with a passenger plane in a landing pattern will get you attention and visits from people you don’t want to meet.

My wife gifted me an awesome X-wing fighter drone many years ago that had some great capability. It never left the box/house, and I have a very good understanding of the airspace surrounding my residence. In short, have fun, but just be careful!

[Maleg]

Originally Posted by fozzyf18

Whatever drone you choose, just make sure that you understand the airspace rules that are in effect in the airspace surrounding your intended flight path. The pilot of a drone, like the pilot of a manned aircraft, is required to adhere to standard flight rules.

Ignorance is never an excuse, and the drone pilot (you) remain responsible for any mayhem you may cause. Flying your drone into a FAA TFR, restricted area, or going left to left with a passenger plane in a landing pattern will get you attention and visits from people you don’t want to meet.

My wife gifted me an awesome X-wing fighter drone many years ago that had some great capability. It never left the box/house, and I have a very good understanding of the airspace surrounding my residence. In short, have fun, but just be careful!

Add that any use of the drone for commerial purposes requires a commercial pilots license.