Drones for Beginners

[kcflhrc]

So I think I want to get a Drone with a camera and maybe VR goggles. I'm a beginner so I want something relatively inexpensive. Lets say under $200 at the very most. I have 10 acres so I will just be flying it on my property. Any suggestions. Looks like Walmart has a few starting at $99 up to $179 for a ProMark Brand.

 

[bunyip]

I have bought cheap drones and find they are difficult to fly yet alone control, I bit the bullet and bought a DJI Mavic Pro, they pretty much fly themselves, auto takeoff, auto land if you want, let go of everything and they just hover plus they have a 4K camera, an extremely stable platform but something to probably aim for.
Next model down is the DJI spark, about half the price (here) and some similar features.
Both are very compact too, not wanting to burst your bubble but is it worth waiting and saving for.
To make the analogy would you trade your JD for a cheap chinese tractor that 'looks' the same.

 

[mbohuntr]

So I think I want to get a Drone with a camera and maybe VR goggles. I'm a beginner so I want something relatively inexpensive. Lets say under $200 at the very most. I have 10 acres so I will just be flying it on my property. Any suggestions. Looks like Walmart has a few starting at $99 up to $179 for a ProMark Brand.

I got a drone with the camera and cell phone app.... works awesome. Personally, I wish mine had the auto return in case of loss of signal. Here's why... If I cruise around the yard, things are fine, but when I go 100' or so up, there is always a gentle breeze that makes it drift over the woods, and I cannot see which end is pointed where, so trying to bring it back is hair raising to say the least. I am always a second or two from losing sight, and control... I wanted to see the trails I'm cutting and where the wet spots are.

 

[ovrszd]

I've never tried a cheap drone.

I bought an Autel XSP last Spring. It's pretty smart. Takes 4K pics/videos.

Drone, Remote Controller, Charger, 3 batteries, extra props, Hard Case, $914.

Last time I looked I had flown 122 flights. I shoot a LOT of video and pics. Which is why I purchased the Drone. Icing on the cake is it's enjoyable to fly.

Here's an example of the pics available.

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'd go ahead and get the cheap one. That way when your neighbors use it for target practice, you're not out much cash.

:laughing:

 

[bunyip]

Richard is not very popular at our place, it was his video that got me started on 4K and buying the Mavic and SWMBO has not forgiven me:laughing:
I looked at the Autel and it has nice specs but not readily available here so that is why I took the specs and went the way I did with the DJI Mavic Pro, it is a long slippery slope.
I think they are comparable aircraft along with the Phantom but I must admit the lack of bulk sold me.
Thanks Richard:thumbsup:

This was 1080 and messing with movie maker
powlett 2 on Vimeo

 

[tungularafishcamp]

So how much do you have to invest in one before you can see the footage in your device when you run it? Might make flying it easier if you could watch the drone view realtime.

 

[ovrszd]

Richard is not very popular at our place, it was his video that got me started on 4K and buying the Mavic and SWMBO has not forgiven me:laughing:
I looked at the Autel and it has nice specs but not readily available here so that is why I took the specs and went the way I did with the DJI Mavic Pro, it is a long slippery slope.
I think they are comparable aircraft along with the Phantom but I must admit the lack of bulk sold me.
Thanks Richard:thumbsup:

This was 1080 and messing with movie maker
powlett 2 on Vimeo

Sorry my friend!!!! It's okay to blame me. Just remember I'm gonna blame you for something I do!!!

 

[ovrszd]

So how much do you have to invest in one before you can see the footage in your device when you run it? Might make flying it easier if you could watch the drone view realtime.

That's a good question! Having not shopped for the lower end drones, I don't know. Hopefully others with experience can che in.

I'm not condoning spending a grand. Just expect to get what you pay for.

 

[ovrszd]

I'd go ahead and get the cheap one. That way when your neighbors use it for target practice, you're not out much cash.

:laughing:

I firmly believe piloting any drone comes with much personal responsibility!!

 

[nybirdman]

A friend's wife purchase and "inexpensive" drone;he still looking for it!My nephew has a DJ Phantom purchased used off E-Bay;very easy to fly and difficult to loose ;.Video is in real time using a notepad.

 

[Doofy]

The Wife wanted one for Christmas so she is getting a dji phantom 3 professional. She is a photographer and outdoor Critter Nut so wanted a new perspective. Her Father lives next door and has been flying a dji drone for 3 years. Plenty of skill and knowledge there to share.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

1000$ would be impossible for me to justify for in my usage, a toy, but since it's almost Christmas and some folks will be getting the lates n greatest, maybe there will be some deals on higher end ones

 

[ovrszd]

1000$ would be impossible for me to justify for in my usage, a toy, but since it's almost Christmas and some folks will be getting the lates n greatest, maybe there will be some deals on higher end ones

You will definitely see an increase of "used" drones for sale. It's an acquired taste. Many drones are bought new, flown a few times, then stored away in the closet. It's becoming more common to see drones at 70% of new price with a handful of flights. The intelligent drones track their history. That record should be requested when considering purchase.

 

[bunyip]

Good point, I forgot about the log which in my case goes back to DJI in case of a fly off/crash that involves a warranty claim, I imagine Autel would be the same.
A friends wife is an estate agent in rural properties and is getting one for doing property inspection and appraisal and was impressed after having a play with mine (the drone).
I still shoot horse events and wonder if I can use it but suspect the sanctimonious organisers would find something to complain about, they have told me that the light reflecting off the lens spooks soooo many horses but in 20 years I have never seen it happen.
The other point with cheap vs expensive drones is the flight time, I get 27 minutes whereas the smaller ones only get about 5 minutes, then there is the range, mine is 7KM, my cheap one is 30metres but we are limited to sight flying by our authorities, I can see the rear light at 1KM.

 

[kcflhrc]

I should have expected this to get way off track like always.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

I should have expected this to get way off track like always.

Sorry KC if I helped derail it??

The title picked my interest because they are something I have thought about but have no experience with.
I see that the folks on here that do are all saying stay away from the cheap ones, and the ones that did start with the cheaper ones all went rapidly to higher end ones.
Seems like a lot of good advice here on your thread.

 

[two_bit_score]

So I think I want to get a Drone with a camera and maybe VR goggles. I'm a beginner so I want something relatively inexpensive. Lets say under $200 at the very most. I have 10 acres so I will just be flying it on my property. Any suggestions. Looks like Walmart has a few starting at $99 up to $179 for a ProMark Brand.

I should have expected this to get way off track like always.

Looks like the collective wisdom on this thread is saying to stay away from the cheap stuff.

 

[bunyip]

Just because you are not paranoid doesn't mean that there is not someone out there trying to get you