Been getting super interested in getting a drone for aerial videography.. anyone else

[GeoRick]

I go backpacking to some really nice places every year with a few really good friends that I grew up with, and have been thinking about how cool it would be to get a quad rotor drone to attach a gopro to and take videos with on our trips. Scope out nearby fishing holes in the remote Sierras and whatnot 😁

Anyone else been getting into this hobby? The multi rotor forum is cool, but I feel like such an ignorant newbie there. There is so much to it and many parts and learning involved.. so I'm thinking about getting a DJI F550, with a black magic mini camera and as nice a gimble as I can afford.. anyone else have a rig we can chat about?

-Rick

[GUNNTZ]

What area are you in and why a f550. You comment of wanting a quad, f550 is a hex.

[Exile Machine]

Build your own. Start with a 3DR Pixhawk flight controller w/GPS and 900MHz telemetry and build out from there. This is a very full featured flight controller that you will never outgrow. Stay away from cheap chinese plastic props. Get carbon fiber props. You will not regret it.

If you are hauling anything of value consider going with 8 motors/props for redundancy in case of failure. Either octocopter or X8 config. A quad will drop from the sky like a brick and without warning if any one motor/prop/ESC fails. There goes your fancy camera...

-Mark

[GUNNTZ]

I agree with exile, build your own to make it how you want and keep cost down. Ultimately your build or purchase will depend on your budget. Ask lots of questions, not all parts are equal or easy to use/program.

[Casual_Shooter]

We're on our second Phantom. Moved from their Vision 2+ (uses DJI's own camera) to a GoPro based Phantom.

Cool platform and very fun.

Look at 3d Robotics also. They have some cool products.

[brassburnz]

The first thing you need to do is buy an inexpensive quadrotor and learn how to fly. If you primarily want to take video, then the best bang for your buck is the SYMA X5C-1. It has a camera onboard, but not really all that great when compared to quads with a camera gimbel. On the other hand, you can find the X5C-1 for about 60 bucks. It looks like a small knock-off of the first generation DJI Phantom. My middle school robotics club started a "drone division" and we have four X5C-1's for the advanced kids. They actually take decent video and stills, but do not fly well in the wind. We lost one when it got caught in a gust of wind. PM me if you'd like me to send you a link to some pics and video.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_8?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=syma+x5c-1&sprefix=syma+x5c%2Caps%2C216

An 8th grader in our club has a DJI Inspire. That is a very nice set-up, but it's about $3.500. If you're serious about aerial video, this has all the features you need. It has FPV video (your provide the monitor, usually a smartphone), dual-remote (pilot and camera operator), or you can operate both from a single remote, GPS lock, altitude lock, auto take-off and landing, 4K camera, retractable landing gear. I can't remember all of the features off the top of my head, but it is nice. Comes in an airline approved case with room for 4 batteries. The case is a little bulky, but there is a lot of equipment in there. Not something you'd want to backpack around.

I don't think the camera has a microphone. When we played back the video there was no sound, which is OK because all you'd hear are the props anyway. Video is recorded on a mini-SD card. We filled up a 16 gig card in a couple of minutes. The 2MP camera on the X5C-1 still has space on the 16 gig card and that's from several outings.

You might be able to find a good deal on a 1st gen Phantom now that the Phantom 3 is out. The 1st gen Phantoms are old technology. They don't have the smart battery with higher capacity of the Phantom 2. They don't have self-tightening props of the Phantom 2. I've seen 1st gen Phantoms on Ebay for less than $300 and the prices are dropping.

I'm getting ready to build a purpose built quad, but I can wait a while now that we have access to the DJI Inspire.

If you want to see some crazy drone video production, check out this music video from OK Go. Everything is shot with a camera attached to a multi-rotor. Wait for the closing shot if you want to see some altitude.

[NATEWA]

What is the range on the syma?

[SuperSet]

I have a DJI Phantom 2 that I rent out to production crews.
Super fun to fly, although I've found drone footage to be more like slider shots in that you want to use them sparingly. Too much of a good thing can kill it.
I have the 3DR Solo on pre order, after seeing their amazing demo.

[Ricky-Ray]

What is the range on the syma?

According to Amazon's website approx 50 meters

[Mute]

I have a DJI Phantom 2 that I rent out to production crews.
Super fun to fly, although I've found drone footage to be more like slider shots in that you want to use them sparingly. Too much of a good thing can kill it.
I have the 3DR Solo on pre order, after seeing their amazing demo.

The 3DR Solo definitely looks cool. Waiting to see if it delivers.

[The Last American Hero]

I'm in.

I want extended range for both drone and its ZOOM-video (yes, stabilization will be vital) and even AUDIO feed back.

Yes, audio! I'd want to mount a spy (illegal?...I'm just evesdropping on mating grunts of chipmunks...I'm taking Bio 101 at community college, officer) parabolic mike or even a reel down mike.

I think Drones will be THE must have (beside water) in SHTF, especially Drones able to gather the needed info while keeping themselves at Stand Off (well outside shotgun) range.

Be nice to see if anyone is at a certain campsite before you hike a few miles.

Which existing systems have live video drone to ground feedback? And what is the range?

[advocatusdiaboli]

I agree with exile, build your own to make it how you want and keep cost down. Ultimately your build or purchase will depend on your budget. Ask lots of questions, not all parts are equal or easy to use/program.

In addition, if you are technically inclined, choose open source controllers for firmware/software you can upgrade for free to take advantage of the last developments and tweak it if you are so inclined. Of course, if you just want to fly, a canned version soberer but it will cost more.

[Jimi Jah]

I'd like one, but....

Last thing I want to do is waste $ on something that will most likely be outlawed in California.

Seems we get about a two year period of freedom on any new technology before Excremento outlaws all our fun.

[SuperSet]

I'd be more worried about some CalGunner shooting it down.

[advocatusdiaboli]

I'd be more worried about some CalGunner shooting it down.

You mean like this?

http://www.legitgov.org/Drone-Hunting-Permit

or this?

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-c1-colorado-drones-20140116-dto-htmlstory.html

It didn't pass due to public safety concerns about the potential for falling drone property and injuries. But the attitude is out there and some Kaifornistan Demonrat is going to pander to it eventually