terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Anyone ever used or has the drone offered by staples I think they are the Zoopa brand my wife was there yesterday and said she wants me to get one but I am wondering if I should pick up a better ie: more expensive and probably more durable one. She said they were on sale for $99.00. Recommendations appreciated, I can afford a more expensive one if they are much better than this one.

Violameister Loc: michigan

I do not have a cheap drone. But I do have the Nikon/Canon of Drones, made by DJI. Judging by the cameras you have, you will not be satisfied by either the flying or the photographing capabilities of any drone costing less than, say, $500. If you think you will be serious about drone photography, I heartily recommend a DJI product.

The $99 item will certainly be a fun toy, the enjoyment of which will fade quickly. And playing with such a toy does not prepare you for the more sophisticated products, which, in general, are easier to fly than the toys.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Thats what I am thinking but have never used one before are they durable or should I get a cheaper one to practice with before investing in a much better one and you are correct that I probably would not be satisfied with the capabilities of the cheaper one, and I know that you get what you pay for just don't wish to wreck a expensive one.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

The Drone is listed as a toy, it is aimed at those that race drones. It is quick and agile but to unsteady for good video. The camera is marginal as the link will show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1J4Zw2Y4WtA

Better to buy a higher end model and take out to the back 40 for training.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Thanks for the link interesting, think I will look up more for a comarison

Violameister Loc: michigan

The more expensive drones are generally quite sturdy. Most of us have crashed at least once, and likewise, for most of us, the drone survived the crash just fine. The problem, with drones, as with new teenage car drivers is overconfidence. Take it easy, fly in large spaces with nothing to crash against, first practice flying slowly and nearby, then as skills increase, fly faster, farther, and nearer trees and other obstacles. But take it slow.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Thats the good part of living in the desert lots of open space to practice in. Thanks for the advice

Violameister Loc: michigan

One other piece of advice: When you are learning to fly, turn on the camera and video every flight beginning to end. Then review it later. You will be reminded of things you tried that did not work, and, if you get unlucky and crash, you will have first hand evidence of what you might have done wrong. Then erase everything and use the card over for subsequent flights.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Spend $500 and get a DJI Spark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaehvFuTxXU

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

sounds like good advice thank you

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

interesting will check it out thank you for the advise, definitely would buy an extra battery to get the most out of it.

Clifster

The extra battery comment is spot on. Just when you are getting the hang of it (Drones, RC cars, flash units, etc.) is when the low bat light comes on.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I would get the $99 model and give it a try, but I'm sure it will have limitations. Of course, calling it a $99 drone is probably inaccurate since it is on sale from a higher price. I'm sure it will be severely limited in comparison with a $500 drone, but you can see if you have any interest in "droning." If you love it, you can put the cheapie on ebay.

I see they have an assortment of models, ranging from $20 to $18,000.

http://www.staples.com/Drones-UAV/cat_CL216560

russelray Loc: La Mesa CA

I have the Yuneec Typhoon H with Intel RealSense Technology. $1,899. I also have a $49 "crash & burn" drone. The Typhoon H is a lot easier to operate than the 49er. The videos are 4K, and the still photos can be shot in DNG+JPG format. 4K videos, DNG format, and RealSense were big sellers for me, and I haven't been disappointed. All of my DJI friends, who use drones (mostly Phantoms) professionally in Texas recommended the Yuneec for my needs. One friend in Houston has been using DJI since the first drone came out, and has been through the multiple incarnations of the Phantom. I had my heart set on a DJI but I figured if he was recommending the Typhoon H for my needs, I would give it a look. Extraordinarily happy with it, especially the RealSense for my real estate photography: "Follow Me," "Point to Fly," "Return to Home," "Point of Interest" and, particularly, "Curve Cable Cam" are indispensable to me. They allow me to focus on the videos and pictures for my real estate clients instead of where the drone is flying in the moment. It's collision avoidance system is top notch and I can tell you definitively that it works extraordinarily well around cell towers, utility poles, and wires. The ST-16 controller for the Typhoon is a joy to use.