Advice on a quadcopter as a present

nihicib2

Hi all

Im looking for some advice on a present for the other half, he's into photography and filming and has been mentioning a quadcopter recently. I wonder if any of ye could give me some advice on these, i.e. which type to buy ( I was looking at the DJI Phantom, but if there are any other types feel free to enlighten me) any extras I should be considering and any good sites where I could get one.

Thanks a million in advance

civdef

DJI Phantom is probably the most popular model out there, well proven and very nicely packaged.
It's relatively pricey - you could build a machine that has the same capabilities for around half the cost - but this is a big job in itself. There are several DJI Phantom sellers in Ireland and the UK - just google to compare prices.

One to have a look at it the Quanum Nova Hobbyking sells, very similar style, but based on open source technology and an awful lot cheaper at the moment. Only thing is though, you'd be buying it from Hong Kong - with obvious implications if you have any problems with, Hobbyking are a reputable company - but a long way away to deal with.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55106__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_Mode_2_Ready_to_Fly_.html


I should caution that any quad of this size can do harm if not operated correctly, well capable of causing serious injury - so it shouldn't just be looked on as a camera accessory, it takes a fair bit of commitment and practice to learn to operate one safely.

nihicib2

civdef wrote: »

DJI Phantom is probably the most popular model out there, well proven and very nicely packaged.
It's relatively pricey - you could build a machine that has the same capabilities for around half the cost - but this is a big job in itself. There are several DJI Phantom sellers in Ireland and the UK - just google to compare prices.

One to have a look at it the Quanum Nova Hobbyking sells, very similar style, but based on open source technology and an awful lot cheaper at the moment. Only thing is though, you'd be buying it from Hong Kong - with obvious implications if you have any problems with, Hobbyking are a reputable company - but a long way away to deal with.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55106__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_Mode_2_Ready_to_Fly_.html


I should caution that any quad of this size can do harm if not operated correctly, well capable of causing serious injury - so it shouldn't just be looked on as a camera accessory, it takes a fair bit of commitment and practice to learn to operate one safely.

Thanks for that, I wouldn't have the confidence or know enough about the kits to order one from Hong Kong.

He's aware of the safety implications in relation to the quad and as it is an expensive and serious bit of kit it would be looked after properly and not used as a toy. He might be able to incorporate it into some of his work so I know he would take the usage of it seriously.

I was looking at this type, I wonder would the camera be of good quality, and should I order a second battery or anything else, as I said I haven't a clue myself so want to make sure that if I pay this amount of money that I get a good product

http://quadcopters.ie/phantom-2-vision.html?

search=phantomhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/DJI-Phantom-Vision-Aerial-Quadcopter/dp/B00FW78710/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416568715&sr=8-1&keywords=dji+phantom+2+vision

civdef

Definitely I'd recommend spare batteries - they take an hour to recharge for 15 mins max flying time.
As regards using the quad commercially, just be aware that opens a whole other realm of regulations, licences etc.

I haven't used a vision2, so can't say much about the camera other than to point you on to these:

http://www.cnet.com/uk/products/dji-phantom-2-vision-plus/

http://gizmodo.com/dji-phantom-2-vision-review-buttery-smooth-quadcopter-1559567158

Gavin

You should really go for the vision 2+. It has a gimbal which basically means the footage will be smooth, not shakey. Absolutely worth the extra money.

nihicib2

Gavin wrote: »

You should really go for the vision 2+. It has a gimbal which basically means the footage will be smooth, not shakey. Absolutely worth the extra money.

I was speaking to one of the guys in the copter shop and he said that the Phantom 2 & H3-3D would be a better buy, if used along with a go pro. Do you know if the vision 2+ has a camera included (I couldn't make out on the site) and would the Phantom 2 & H3-3D be equal to it if used with the go pro?


http://quadcopters.ie/for-everyone/phantom-2-and-h3-3d.html

Gavin

P2 + their gimbal and a good quality gopro is a good option alright, you have a replaceable camera which is better than the P2V+

More expensive of course!