F150 and quadcopter:

 

Except I trust your judgement. I'm still following this thread, and waiting for more home brewed vids.

I got a 19"/$150ish quad with a crap camera to start. I had a feeling it would most likely be sacrificial.

After a week, I have no doubt my initial instinct was correct. Current videos typically finish with the camera upside down. I hope this lives through the learning curve.

Assuming it won't, lets go bigger. The DJI P3 Pro, and P4 are at the top of the list for the next step up. If I read about solid support for replacement parts/service it would be a done deal. Follow me, and collision avoidance are very important for what I want to do. Our main thing is riding the RZR on dunes and trails. We'd love to capture those experiences to share. Have you seen a better bang for the buck? Too many choices!!!

 

You are correct, flying needs experience. Just because you can afford the $2000-$4000 quad with camera doesn't mean you have the experience to fly "out of" a dangerous situation.

I started on an $80 mini and followed all the advice I could on learning how to fly. This guy has a series of youtube vids Quadcopter Flight School .
I flew in the house up the stairs (gradual climb while moving forward) and then down the stairs and around a corner, in between doorways. It is tighter and harder than you would think. Doing all that with out any effects of wind (another variable). According to what I have read you need 20 +/- hours to be nominally proficient but once you get over that hump it becomes much easier.

The first inclination is to take it outside into the field and slam the sticks (let's see what this thing will do), everybody does it. During last Christmas Season the expectation was there would be 1 million drones (wrong nomenclature) as gifts...I said to my wife "and 600,000 will be broken by December 26."

As to your question about certain models: YUNEEC was the one of the first to introduce a "follow me" feature and they have excellent customer service/support. DJI (Phantoms etc) are known for flyaways (back to China) and horrible service (unless it has improved in the last six months).

I have not posted any additional videos in about six months, I have some to edit but have been stretched on time, lately. I started a company (for tax purposes) to provide aerial imagery and have done some videos for clients (pro bono/barter for other services). I would like to do it exclusively, but I make too much money in my day job.

One of my videos from St. Kitts and Nevis was picked up by a German travel service (like Travelocity) and I got over 40,000 plays in one week.

I have two "500" frames one with a 4K camera the other is 1080 and unless you have the correct monitor you can't tell the difference in image quality.

Downside to the YUNEEC it is slower than the DJI Phantoms because it is GPS driven, take off the GPS override and it will move.

Feel free to call, you have my number.

 

@william_04_x something I created...

https://vimeo.com/142205294

 

As usual, you're my hero, Mark.

My first flights, not much unlike your first vids, make it look like the drone is bouncing on the end of a big rubber band.

Now you're competent enough to add your own style to your flying, and video production. I wouldn't expect anything less from you.

Now, I wanna play catch up. Last week was great flying, with the POS I have now. Controlled landings, and a couple of nicely banked turns and flips. I was hoping to catch some good vid this past weekend, as we were out camping. The wind didn't want to comply. Had a break Saturday night(great visual/horrible camera conditions). By the end of a few sessions, I had stripped a drive gear. Grounded.




I already had 4 spare batteries, and a charger in hand. Spare props were on the way. Learned I need more than spare props to keep going.

The Yuneec 500 4K is at the top of the list now. Research has sold me on that, along with your trusted advice. I still need more practice with the bare bones machine to get basic skills.

You're an inspirational dude. One day, I hope we fly, or drive, or shoot.

 

Also, DL'ed some new editing software. Cutting and pasting may keep me busy while waiting for parts. It's hard to compile 3 minutes of interesting crash and burn footage, without being boring, when you only have 20 minutes of weak content to start with. LOL

 

I am always astounded as to how much footage you have to acquire to produce a tightly edited 3:00 video.

Keep practicing the flights and playing with the video.

 

Something I just finished:

https://vimeo.com/178412149

I also picked up the Typhoon H, it's charging and I hope to fly tomorrow.

 

Something I did for a friend:

https://vimeo.com/182330704

 

I did this a few weeks ago and finally got it edited.


https://vimeo.com/193264821

 

Moved up to an Autel Robotics X Star premium.

 

Amazing how much easier a better quality piece can fly. I guess because it pretty much flies itself. LOL

https://youtu.be/wAKDNxQCPBM

 

More goofing off...

https://youtu.be/OB0lCuWvRc8

 

Nice .... you have a "follow me" feature.

 

Gimbal control is manual. Actual POI is auto. Uploading dense digital content is not priceless.

A 1080P clip is easy.

https://vimeo.com/217393964

True 4K is a different animal....