You NEED a DRONE, Dude > $50 with HD cam? Unpossible! (2 Viewers)

[Softballguy]

After more reviewing and watching of videos decided to go with the Phantom 3 Standard..
Had a HELL of a time getting the Go app to run on my Samsung Galaxy 4, but found a work around on a forum and had some fun learning how to use it over the weekend.

Created this short video of our Vineyard, "Orchard" and our backyard with the nice Fire Pit.

Nice. I had problems getting the app to sync as well. Turns out you have to put most of the new phones in airplane mode and it will work.

 

[snogger]

After more reviewing and watching of videos decided to go with the Phantom 3 Standard..
Had a HELL of a time getting the Go app to run on my Samsung Galaxy 4, but found a work around on a forum and had some fun learning how to use it over the weekend.

Created this short video of our Vineyard, "Orchard" and our backyard with the nice Fire Pit.

Nice. I had problems getting the app to sync as well. Turns out you have to put most of the new phones in airplane mode and it will work.

My issue was just getting past the "activation" part. Spent 45 minutes with DJI Support and the best they could do was recommend getting a new phone.

As I was working with them I kept searching... one recommendation was to NOT download the Go app from Google Play. They recommended scanning in the QR Code from the quick start manual and install that way.
After uninstalling the app, and following those steps I was able to activate and start flying

 

[SteevieG]

Any recommendations on a good drone in the $300 range?  Not for professional use, just fun.

 

[snogger]

Took my Phantom III up to Canada for our last trip of 2017 and have to say...

This Sunrise video made dealing with mornings in the 20's and highs in the 40's worth it

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Is the Syma X5C still the best buy in the ~$50 range or are there better ones these days?  I'm going to get one for my brother for Christmas, it's a virtual guarantee that he'll crash it 6 times before nightfall.  I'm not getting him anything over $60, max.  TIA.

 

[Brony]

Is the Syma X5C still the best buy in the ~$50 range or are there better ones these days?  I'm going to get one for my brother for Christmas, it's a virtual guarantee that he'll crash it 6 times before nightfall.  I'm not getting him anything over $60, max.  TIA.

I had this one. Worked pretty good as a beginner drone til I let daughter fly it to close to the house and it flew out of range then crashed into house.  Unfixable engine beyond my capabilties. 

It does drone things and does take pictures, video, so for $50 it's fine.   I'd recommend getting extra battery packs since each battery is good for ~7 minutes. I'd also recommend flying in open areas (no ####, right?) - you can control it pretty well in tight areas, but one small push on that joystick and the thing is gone in less than a second.  That model has lots of online support. 

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I had this one. Worked pretty good as a beginner drone til I let daughter fly it to close to the house and it flew out of range then crashed into house.  Unfixable engine beyond my capabilties. 

It does drone things and does take pictures, video, so for $50 it's fine.   I'd recommend getting extra battery packs since each battery is good for ~7 minutes. I'd also recommend flying in open areas (no ####, right?) - you can control it pretty well in tight areas, but one small push on that joystick and the thing is gone in less than a second.  That model has lots of online support. 

My brother is an idiot.  50% chance it ends up in a retention pond or on someone's roof before 12/25 is over. 

That's pretty much all I'm looking for - (relatively) easy to fly, fun, takes halfway decent photos/video.  Not even considering an expensive one, he doesn't need it.  I'm looking at this one that gets mentioned a lot in this thread as well as a couple of others on Amazon that get similar/better ratings in the $40-60 price range, just wondering if two years later, there are better options at that price point.  Thanks for the info, Brony.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Specifically, the UDI U818A (most recommended across the webz) and the DROCON X708W (highest avg rating on Amazon in the price range)

 

[shuke]

Specifically, the UDI U818A (most recommended across the webz) and the DROCON X708W (highest avg rating on Amazon in the price range)

What did you find out about the UDI U818A?  It's only $25 on Amazon.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

What did you find out about the UDI U818A?  It's only $25 on Amazon.

I don't really remember to be honest.  I ended up buying him the Syma X51A or something....

 

[shuke]

I don't really remember to be honest.  I ended up buying him the Syma X51A or something....

The X5C-1?  How was it?

 

[Evilgrin 72]

The X5C-1?  How was it?

That's it.  Looks cool in the box, won't know how it works until I give it to the Ox a week from today.

 

[shuke]

OK, got the X5C-1 and 4 extra batteries for my son.

 

[LAUNCH]

https://youtu.be/Gh5pAT1o2V8

R1, with Skydio Autonomy Engine, is the first flying camera combining artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced robotics. Skydio maps and interprets the world in 3D.

 

[SWC]

so if i buy one of these am i like automatically required to do extreme sports and wear tight jeans or what brohans take that to the bank bromigos 

 

[mr. furley]

OK, got the X5C-1 and 4 extra batteries for my son.

UPDATE? DID SUPERBABY CRASH IT YET?

considering getting one since we now live across from an area that would be drone friendly 

 

[snogger]

Not sure if I shared all the drone videos I created last October in Canada or not.. But here they are in case anyone is interested( added music to make them a little more interesting )

Sunset Over Woman River and Rowe

Sunrise in October

South Rowe

M&M Portage

 

[shuke]

UPDATE? DID SUPERBABY CRASH IT YET?

considering getting one since we now live across from an area that would be drone friendly 

Lol at "superbaby".  He's 13.  We are getting old.

We haven't used it yet.  Waiting until spring.

 

[mr. furley]

Lol at "superbaby".  He's 13.  We are getting old.

We haven't used it yet.  Waiting until spring.

13! 

for review

 

[Chaka]

https://youtu.be/Gh5pAT1o2V8

R1, with Skydio Autonomy Engine, is the first flying camera combining artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced robotics. Skydio maps and interprets the world in 3D.

That is incredibly cool.  Probably not that practical for everyday use but I really wish I had one for my upcoming trip to Antarctica.

 

[Johnny Rock]

Where are we at with drones now guys? Looking for something with decent value for my 10-yo son. Is icon’s OP Syma still decent? We loved our Syma helicopter before the battery lost its charge.

 

[Ted Stickles]

My budget was $300 for something new, unused, and sealed as a gift.  I ended up picking up a DJI Spark mini drone after doing quite a bit of online research for about $220/shipped from eBay.

 

[[icon]]

Where are we at with drones now guys? Looking for something with decent value for my 10-yo son. Is icon’s OP Syma still decent? We loved our Syma helicopter before the battery lost its charge.

I’m guessing there are much better options out there now. Curious to hear about them  

 

[PIK95]

Do they have them with some sort of warning to the controller if there is another flying near yours? Maybe like a radar thing if not? A camera that watches the sky and the ground?  I would hate to have a mid air crash after spending all that money? 

 

[[icon]]

Do they have them with some sort of warning to the controller if there is another flying near yours? Maybe like a radar thing if not? A camera that watches the sky and the ground?  I would hate to have a mid air crash after spending all that money? 

 are you seriously asking if there is 360 degree collision avoidance radar on a $50 drone? No. 

Im not even sure there is any on the $1000-2000 Pro-Sumer models. Flyer beware. 

I’ll say the cheap ones are designed to be crashed. I’m pretty confident you could smack two into each other midair and they’d be just fine. Hell we intentionally try to take each other out of the air sometimes  

 

[PIK95]

 are you seriously asking if there is 360 degree collision avoidance radar on a $50 drone? No. 

Im not even sure there is any on the $1000-2000 Pro-Sumer models. Flyer beware. 

I’ll say the cheap ones are designed to be crashed. I’m pretty confident you could smack two into each other midair and they’d be just fine. Hell we intentionally try to take each other out of the air sometimes  

Do the expensive ones actually have radar? I was half kidding but wow.

 

[E-Z Glider]

My budget was $300 for something new, unused, and sealed as a gift.  I ended up picking up a DJI Spark mini drone after doing quite a bit of online research for about $220/shipped from eBay.

That's a good deal!  I'm getting the Spark too (glad to hear your research lead you to the same one). Love the size and reported ease-of-use. Pretty pumped to add it to my arsenal. 

 

[[icon]]

Do the expensive ones actually have radar? I was half kidding but wow.

Oh I was saying I don’t know if even they have it.

I know they have stuff like GPS hold in place, the ability to automatically return to the launch point and land when battery gets low, etc 

 

[Johnny Rock]

I ended up ordering the Altair Aerial Hornet. 

https://altairaerial.com/products/aa818-plus-drone

 

[Ted Stickles]

That's a good deal!  I'm getting the Spark too (glad to hear your research lead you to the same one). Love the size and reported ease-of-use. Pretty pumped to add it to my arsenal. 

It seems to be a mini in every sense of the word.  I'm shocked at how small the OEM box is. 

Debating whether or not to get the remote controller, which I haven't seen for under $90 anywhere.

 

[E-Z Glider]

It seems to be a mini in every sense of the word.  I'm shocked at how small the OEM box is. 

Debating whether or not to get the remote controller, which I haven't seen for under $90 anywhere.

Yeah, I got the combo pack that came with all the accessories. Sounds like you need the controller to fly it any distances or to do much beyond the pre-programmed shots. Love that you can take off and land from your hand. Got lots of plans for this thing!

 

[mr. furley]

Lol at "superbaby".  He's 13.  We are getting old.

We haven't used it yet.  Waiting until spring.

UPDATE???????

 

[snogger]

Seems like a pretty good Drone for less then $100

I have the DJI Phantom 3 and love it..

 

[eoMMan]

What are the laws regarding drones being shot out of the skys?

 

[snogger]

What are the laws regarding drones being shot out of the skys?

In most states, If over your property it is considered trespassing and is legal to take down a drone over your property.

 

[Ron Swanson]

In most states, If over your property it is considered trespassing and is legal to take down a drone over your property.

It is recommended to use a crossbow if in the city limits to avoid the noise of discharging a weapon.

 

[matuski]

Do they have them with some sort of warning to the controller if there is another flying near yours? Maybe like a radar thing if not? A camera that watches the sky and the ground?  I would hate to have a mid air crash after spending all that money? 

I believe the nicer drones have collision avoidance for lateral and below.  I don't think they defend for collisions from above.

 

[skol asylum]

My favorite drone.

 

[WDIK2]

I've been looking into the DJI and other drones for a while now, but couldn't quite pull the trigger.  Made a comment a while back to my boss about a drone being helpful in our line of work.  He laughed it off with the reasoning being (biggest client) would never let us fly on their property.

Boss found out on a conference call that another company that does work for (biggest client) has used a drone.  So now I'm looking into getting an official FAA UAV certificate. Should be fun.    

Ordered a study guide to see how tough it is to obtain the certificate before I pull the trigger on a drone.  The company will buy one, but would still want one of my own to sharpen my piloting skills.   

 

[WDIK2]

With reports of "drone swarms" in Colorado and Nebraska being all over mainstream and social media, I picked a good time to order a drone to fly in Nebraska.   I will let you know if I cause a local stir.   

 

[scottybo]

I've been looking into the DJI and other drones for a while now, but couldn't quite pull the trigger.  Made a comment a while back to my boss about a drone being helpful in our line of work.  He laughed it off with the reasoning being (biggest client) would never let us fly on their property.

Boss found out on a conference call that another company that does work for (biggest client) has used a drone.  So now I'm looking into getting an official FAA UAV certificate. Should be fun.    

Ordered a study guide to see how tough it is to obtain the certificate before I pull the trigger on a drone.  The company will buy one, but would still want one of my own to sharpen my piloting skills.   

Did you pass? I watched this about 4 times and passed.

 

[grateful zed]

people still have drones? 

 

[WDIK2]

Did you pass? I watched this about 4 times and passed.

Have not taken the test yet, but that video is on my to-do list.  Glad to hear you passed.     

 

[WDIK2]

Did you pass? I watched this about 4 times and passed.

Oh, did you use anything other study guides besides that video?

 

[scottybo]

Oh, did you use anything other study guides besides that video?

Just a practice test twice: https://3dr.com/faa/drone-practice-tests/2-2/?submitted=true

 

[fantasycurse42]

Can I get a drone recommendation?

Simplicity of use and flying time are important. Kids want to play with and it will most likely end up getting destroyed, so cheap is good.

 

[D-Day]

https://youtu.be/Gh5pAT1o2V8

R1, with Skydio Autonomy Engine, is the first flying camera combining artificial intelligence, computer vision, and advanced robotics. Skydio maps and interprets the world in 3D.

I think that would be a waste on me riding my indoor stationary bike, but it is a Peloton.

 

[fantasycurse42]

https://www.amazon.com/Ruko-Quadcopter-Beginner-Brushless-Batteries/dp/B07VCD1SRL?SubscriptionId=AKIAIWQDLOMSAIGTOFWA&tag=keithe-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07VCD1SRL#customerReviews

Going with that... I know nothing about drones, so if anyone has an opinion, I'd be happy to hear.

DJI Mavic Mini and Holy Stone HS720 are also being considered, if anyone has any of these...

 

[WDIK2]

https://www.amazon.com/Ruko-Quadcopter-Beginner-Brushless-Batteries/dp/B07VCD1SRL?SubscriptionId=AKIAIWQDLOMSAIGTOFWA&tag=keithe-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07VCD1SRL#customerReviews

Going with that... I know nothing about drones, so if anyone has an opinion, I'd be happy to hear.

DJI Mavic Mini and Holy Stone HS720 are also being considered, if anyone has any of these...

How old are your kids?  Be prepared to crash or lose it.  Also be wary of the reviews for the drone you linked from Amazon.  Fakespot.com did not like the reviews.

The DJI is more money and it can still be crashed or lost, but DJI is at least a "name brand" drone.  The higher priced drones are going to be easier to fly, but I understand the issue with younger kids.

Just flew mine (Autel Evo) for the first time in town.  It's amazing how stable and easy it is to fly compared to the $75 drone I had previously.  I'm sure the less expensive ones have gotten better in the last few years though. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

How old are your kids?  Be prepared to crash or lose it.  Also be wary of the reviews for the drone you linked from Amazon.  Fakespot.com did not like the reviews.

The DJI is more money and it can still be crashed or lost, but DJI is at least a "name brand" drone.  The higher priced drones are going to be easier to fly, but I understand the issue with younger kids.

Just flew mine (Autel Evo) for the first time in town.  It's amazing how stable and easy it is to fly compared to the $75 drone I had previously.  I'm sure the less expensive ones have gotten better in the last few years though. 

Thanks, so is the one I linked basically two dudes sitting in a garage putting them together as an order comes in?

the specs all seem great, but I’m not sure if they’re a real company. The Holy Stone HS720 seems to be a slightly more legit company, but idk.

I need something delivered by Thursday and I’m between those 3. I like the one I linked bc it comes with two batteries, has a long flying time, and appears to have some “autopilot” type features.