Drone purchase question

My father-in-law has the Mavic and loves it. As you mention, I think there are two types of drone owners: Those for whom the primary thrill is flying the drone and it just happens to capture video to commemorate the event and those who are videographers and flying a drone is a way to get amazing video. I'm not sure how useful that observation is to your question, it's just something that I've been thinking about as I consider a drone.

As for the Mavic, the only criticism I've heard from my FIL is that the interface between the Mavic and his iPhone 1) requires that he remove the iPhone from its case and 2) sometimes the connection between the Mavic controller and iPhone can be finicky and the Mavic can lose contact with the iPhone. Other than that, the Mavic is stellar.

I just saw that DJI has released a $499 drone that's designed to appeal to those who are hesitant to spend double that on a drone. It seems to be getting favorable reviews at this point.

 

I have the Mavic and it is totally worth it. I fly it daily. I love it - it is a hobby, but I can quickly see how I would want to make money from it. I am looking to become UAV 107 certified.

I, also, think I am going to go look at a Phantom 3 pro (my brother has and loves it) - still a very capable drone - just no collision avoidance or some of the advanced modes...but it's not hard to fly at all. I can get it on AMEX points for like 52k points (special they have in certain metros)...

I would look into this (fry's electronics has them pretty inexpensive). I WOULD NOT GET THE SPARK. IT IS A GADGET and fits your description as a toy! The gesture capability is not good and you would want to get the controller (more money).

I would look to a P3Pro or if you don't need a 4k video camera (actually 2.7k is fine - I shoot in that mostly anyway), I would look at a base P3 or P3 advanced. You can find them for under $500 (google Phantom 3 and look in shopping - I think Fry's has one for $399 refurbished) and with more capabilities than the spark and you will be able to fly it in windier conditions, have more control and more.

Check out some of my pics here...

www.instagram.com/modroneindy or you can see a video (recent) and you can click through some other vids I did.

Hope you get one - it is a pretty cool thing! I carry mine in my car and when I need a little break, I pop it up and get some pics or vids!

 

A toy is what you use for a hobby. If you want to make money from what starts out as a hobby consider specializing in taking video of real estate that is up for sale. Properties with lots of land or architectural features that street photos can't emphasize can be sold more easily with great aerial shots. Sell those services to real-estate agents and brokers. Then you can turn your hobby into revenue generating business. If you want to really make big money attach one of the 360 degree cameras to the drone and offer up those services.
Making money from tech purchases is not a crime.

 

There are already a number of businesses that are using drones with mounted 360 cameras to assist in selling real estate.
Results from Google Search.

 

I sometimes shoot Marketing campaigns at $100/hr and got the Mavic pro to offer it if brand wants it but haven't used it for that purpose yet. Originally bought the Mavic to shoot my vacation in europe and all the traveling I'm doing for work and vacation this year. I already know that the Mavic will pay for itself if I have to pull it out 2-3 days/times for my shoots. I don't do real estate and in LA where I live you can't fly these things everywhere so I haven't really been playing with it.

I'm a minimalist though and feel you shouldn't waste your money on stuff that will keep you busy when you can be busy building yourself and your wealth. its a fun device and quite amazing. its a crowd gatherer. If you don't have a full time purpose for something, its just a depreciating place holder. I'd love to fly more more but i busy going to the gym, meeting women and building a career. those things make me forget about my toys even though I love flight, gadgets and even went to flight school.