Drones

[Agrismith]

I've searched the forum and can't seem to find a thread about drones.
I wouldn't mind getting a drone. Just to play with mostly. Maybe a few arial shots of work sites just for myself.
Everything on the internet points to DJI. I was just wondering if anyone on the forum had any input.

 

[li150ss]

I got a DJI phantom 3 about 4 years ago, it's just stuck in a cupboard i've only bothered with it 4/5 times. It seemed to be a good thing when i did fly it ,good video shots. I'm not in a position to compare it to anything else , i wouldn't have a clue. Pity i can't be bothered with it.

 

[Bullet2012]

Another vote for DJI
Also read this before you commit

Drones: how to fly them safely and legally

Article focuses on commercially bought drone systems, model aircraft, providing advice on flying safely, looking at guidance and laws that surround their use.

www.gov.uk

I have a DJI Mavic Pro and I use it a few times per month as a drone but also use it for hand held filming of some things as the gimbal really gives nice smooth video as opposed to a shaky phone camera.

 

[Red'n'Black]

Another vote for DJI
Also read this before you commit

Drones: how to fly them safely and legally

Article focuses on commercially bought drone systems, model aircraft, providing advice on flying safely, looking at guidance and laws that surround their use.

www.gov.uk

I have a DJI Mavic Pro and I use it a few times per month as a drone but also use it for hand held filming of some things as the gimbal really gives nice smooth video as opposed to a sucky phone camera.

I have my eye on a Mavic Pro, used ones seem to go for £350 - 400. But it will have to wait now as I spent this month's toy budget on a TIG welder instead.

They're in the size bracket where you need a licence now but looking on the CAA website it doesn't look difficult or expensive.

 

[Bullet2012]

Basic registration is simple, just an online test and fee , but lots of restrictions still apply, such as distance from people and property, number of people etc. I have not looked at anything more than that as I personally do not need it.

 

[Bullet2012]

have my eye on a Mavic Pro, used ones seem to go for £350 - 400.

Battery condition would be my concern, genuine mavic batteries are £85 each now, I have no idea if the remote control batteries are replaceable

 

[voipio]

I asked Secret Santa for a cheapie drone. £30, or thereabouts. It lasted about 10 flights, before the prop transmissons started to fail. Not unexpected, based on the reviews, and it was only ever flown indoors, but it was good fun. It's weight was sub-100g, so no need for a licence. It used air pressure sensing for height feedback, and it was interesting to see how wind gusts outside, or someone opening or closing a door, affected its altitude indoors.

 

[AVI_8]

I would advise to get one of those cheapie toy drones to get some practice on how the controls work before spending several hundreds on a good one, they’re actually very easy to fly but if you’ve never flown model aircraft before it can take a wee bit of time on the controls to get used to them when it’s coming towards you especially although removing your hands from the controls will bring it back to a hover.

 

[chunkolini]

every time I see a drone outside I want this.
Meet Spudzilla the O/A spud gun.

 

[Ruffian]

I have a dji mini 2, can be found cheap (circa £300 with 3 batteries etc)
Works well enough for me to check out roofs as well as photo video etc.
Under 250g so is less regulations etc.

 

[Kayos]

I bought my son a cheapie one, the very cheap ones that won't hover are useless

This was about £100 with 2 batteries, comes with a controller and a camera that sends videos to your phone

Good fun, I have no interest in spending more however one of my PV installers does some great footage of the bigger installs. He has a DJI, not sure on the model

 

[Bullet2012]

I would advise to get one of those cheapie toy drones to get some practice on how the controls work before spending several hundreds on a good one, they’re actually very easy to fly but if you’ve never flown model aircraft before it can take a wee bit of time on the controls to get used to them when it’s coming towards you especially although removing your hands from the controls will bring it back to a hover.

In my opinion the DJI are extremely easy to use, extremely stable, set able altitude, set able max height and distance with auto take off and return activated all you have to worry about is the direction you are going.
Then the fun stuff with features like, follow me, terrain follow and fixed wing modes.

 

[Bullet2012]

every time I see a drone outside I want this.
Meet Spudzilla the O/A spud gun.
View attachment 448379

I feel like that when the paraglide peeps are about but think the .308 would be a better option