What kind of drone are you all using?

[Stefan johansson]

This far,I been using the parrot AR drone for some air video fun,but for serious photo shoots from the air,it's rather useless. When I really need good flight videos or photos,I call a friend,then,he can help me out with his DH 82,that's more stable than any consumer drone. With enough fuel,this thing keeps flying at photo speed for a long time.

 

[jase1125]

Phantom 3 and Mavic Pro. Just go in eyes wide open the Mavic does have some video quality issues. For example, if you record more than 30 FPS then expect bad aliasing. 4K 24/30 FPS looks good.

Also, you don't want to reduce sharpening, because that actually increases noise reduction for some reason resulting in less detail and blotchiness in shadows. Keep sharpening at 0 or +1.

Stills shot in Raw are pretty great - better than my P3A. Detail is a it higher with a sharper lens.

There is no doubt it is incredibly convenient and so portable. That makes the video issues acceptable IMO. However, I do wish I had the Phantom 4 Pro camera in the Mavic . The P4P is in my future for critical shots in the future.

For everyone else, I would not get the 3DR Solo. They are discontinued and the reviews weren't so great on YouTube. A friend has one and we were out flying together. I'll just say glad I got the Mavic.
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400' AGL is the legal limit, but even the Phantom will let you disable that within the DJI GO control app. I have had mine at 1500' a few times, as I live in the middle of Nowhere beside a mountain that rises 700' above my yard, so to fly over the top of that, I have to break the limit. P3 Advanced is VERY stable at 1500', but I was afraid to go any higher since most of the YouTube 'crash' videos seem to start with "So I was flying around 1600' up and then..."

Actually 400' AGL is the recommended limit, but there is no law or regulation that enforces 400' in the US. You can research it if you want, but for hobbiests, 400' isn't the law although one did agree to abide by the recommendation when registering with the FAA.

 

[RCAFBrat]

Actually 400' AGL is the recommended limit, but there is no law or regulation that enforces 400' in the US. You can research it if you want, but for hobbiests, 400' isn't the law although one did agree to abide by the recommendation when registering with the FAA.

Actually, refer to 14 CFR 107.51 which states in part the following:

§107.51 Operating limitations for small unmanned aircraft.

A remote pilot in command and the person manipulating the flight controls of the small unmanned aircraft system must comply with all of the following operating limitations when operating a small unmanned aircraft system:

(b) The altitude of the small unmanned aircraft cannot be higher than 400 feet above ground level, unless the small unmanned aircraft:

(1) Is flown within a 400-foot radius of a structure; and

(2) Does not fly higher than 400 feet above the structure's immediate uppermost limit.​

Cheers,

 

[jase1125]

Yes that is a recommendation, not law except for commercial operators (Part 107 is for commercial operators). Like I said research it more. Even courts have tossed out penalties against defendants for allegedly running afoul. I agree one shouldn't go above 400' AGL, but that is different than declaring it law. There is considerable debate among the legal community if this is a binding regulation or not. Regardless, they could pursue legal action under operating in a dangerous manner. Broad enough to get anyone they want really.

http://dronelawjournal.com/new-rulemaking-creates-uncertainty-for-model-aircraft-flyers/

 

[RCAFBrat]

jase1125:

My bad for not realizing Part 107 only applied to some drone operations.

For everyone's benefit:

Part 107 does not apply to drones operated per Part 101 where the following section defines applicability:

§101.41 Applicability.

This subpart prescribes rules governing the operation of a model aircraft (or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft) that meets all of the following conditions as set forth in section 336 of Public Law 112-95:

(a) The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use;

(b) The aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;

(c) The aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization;

(d) The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and

(e) When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation.​

Be mindful!

Cheers,

 

[jase1125]

jase1125:

My bad for not realizing Part 107 only applied to some drone operations.

For everyone's benefit:

Part 107 does not apply to drones operated per Part 101 where the following section defines applicability:

§101.41 Applicability.

This subpart prescribes rules governing the operation of a model aircraft (or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft) that meets all of the following conditions as set forth in section 336 of Public Law 112-95:

(a) The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use;

(b) The aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;

(c) The aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization;

(d) The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and

(e) When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation.​

Be mindful!

Cheers,

No worries, mate. Leave it to congress and the FAA to create ambiguity. Personally, I try and fly following the more stricter rules to minimize prosecution risk

 

[eyeseeyou]

My wife bought me a cheap little quadcopter for Christmas (a Syma x11). I was embarased when I opened it because I thought it was a kids toy. After flying it around for 5 minutes I was hooked. I ordered the bigger SYma X5C-1 and that still wan't enough. I looked at the AOSENMA but ended up getting the MJX Bugs 3

View attachment 688699

It arrived yesterday and holy crap! It's awesome" Brushless motors for $100. This thing actually lifted my very heavy iPhone 6 Plus with a case on it. I have a much lighter GoPro knock off coming and a plastic 2 axis gimble. So for about $200 I got 4K recording brushless drone. I can't afford $1000 to throw away on a hobby (yet).

Hmmmm

 

[zzzsmokeyzzz]

I love the Mavic! Amazing pictures and video

 

[Stefan johansson]

I use the parrot AR for drone photgaphy and some videos,of course the picture and video quality is awful,but IF i want high quality air photography,i got friends that can hela me using better photo platforms,like a DH82 or a two seater stearman.

 

[Billy Underhill]

I don't have a drone at the moment. Im not big into video, more of a photos guy, but I've been eying the DJI Spark since it was released. Looks like it would do more than what I need to at a more "reasonable" price.

 

[SparkFlash]

I don't have a drone at the moment. Im not big into video, more of a photos guy, but I've been eying the DJI Spark since it was released. Looks like it would do more than what I need to at a more "reasonable" price.

Yeah I was tempted to get one to play around with. My mavic pro is amazing though and sometimes I have to force myself not to get new toys for no reason. lol The Spark at 500 is a deal though and so tiny!

 

[jase1125]

I don't have a drone at the moment. Im not big into video, more of a photos guy, but I've been eying the DJI Spark since it was released. Looks like it would do more than what I need to at a more "reasonable" price.

Actually, comparing to the Mavic Pro it is not that good of a price. You could opt for a mavic without a controller and have far more capability and flight time.

 

[SparkFlash]

Actually, comparing to the Mavic Pro it is not that good of a price. You could opt for a mavic without a controller and have far more capability and flight time.

I have to agree. After I looked more into the spark I was disappointed about the wifi only flying controls.

 

[pacmania1982]

Mavic Pro here

 

[pacmania1982]

Actually, comparing to the Mavic Pro it is not that good of a price. You could opt for a mavic without a controller and have far more capability and flight time.

I think you meant Spark in the second sentence.

Also, its worth pointing out, if you opt for the drone WITHOUT a controller, then you are limited on range.

 

[SparkFlash]

Im tempted to grab a GoPro drone just to try it out. Anyone have one? (The latest one not the previous bad ones).

 

[pacmania1982]

Im tempted to grab a GoPro drone just to try it out. Anyone have one? (The latest one not the previous bad ones).

My problem with the Karma is it’s to fricken huge compared to the mavic. I do like the idea of a separate gamble and camera.

 

[SparkFlash]

My problem with the Karma is it’s to fricken huge compared to the mavic. I do like the idea of a separate gamble and camera.

Thats one of the reasons Im tempted to try it out. But yes its huge in comparison. Its like 2 in 1 considering DJI sells a separate gimble but its expensive. But really, I love my mavic so much I can't see anything else stealing me away.

 

[applepuree]

I have a Mavic Pro. 1 week old, 3 flights totalling perhaps 5 minutes, 3 disconnects within a minute, 1 minute video. So far not impressed. It flys nicely, but the video disconnects make it unusable for me.

I am probably going to return it. Only been waiting 2 years to get a drone

 

[wwooden]

I have a Mavic Pro. 1 week old, 3 flights totalling perhaps 5 minutes, 3 disconnects within a minute, 1 minute video. So far not impressed. It flys nicely, but the video disconnects make it unusable for me.

I am probably going to return it. Only been waiting 2 years to get a drone

Did you check if it's in RC or WiFi mode? That will make a huge difference in video quality as you fly the Mavic Pro. I have mine in RC mode and haven't had a video issue yet. Just a thought.