turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

I have the Parot Bebop not the 2. It is easy to learn to fly, if in trouble it has returns to takeoff button and a panic button. If you release the controls it stops and hovers, it has a take off and landing button, when it takes off it will go up 1 meter and hovers until you take control. It has GPS and you can set the max dastance out and up and you can set the time if you loose signal for it to return to the takeoff point. You can use it in the follow me mode. You can use a smart phone or IPad as a controller and see what your camera sees. The IPad or phone only has a range of <1000' but the Sky controller has a range of around 1.25 miles. The camera is great, very stable images that you can even take still pictures. Very easy to download to your computer. I paid <$180 for the drone from B&H on Black Friday and $100 for the sky controller on sale. It has a fly time of 15 to 20 min. The Bebop2 has longer fly time, and a few more improvements andruns around $550 with the FPV bundle. You have to sinc them and ensure you have GPS signal before use to prevent flyaway as in all drones. I heard some even DJI first flight they fly away on their own never to be seen again. (I think those are the ones so excited to fly it they didn't do all the pre flight checks). I still see on QVC and EBAY new BEBOP (non 2's) under $200

sr71 Loc: In Col. Juan Seguin Land

And when you buy anything weighting over .55 lbs to 55 lbs must have a registeration number somewhere on the drone...

nashwarrick

I just sold my DJI Phantom 4 well I traded it couldn't sell it so I traded it for a new Canon D70 with a lot of stuff for it.I had around 2000.00 in it.Its a great drone but when they come out with a new model you can not give the older model away.They are so easy to fly I'm thinking about getting one of the new small ones that DJI just came out with it's like 499 or 599 That's not to bad for a DJI product.....Good luck but the toy drones are HARD to fly.....

don26812 Loc: South Bay of Los Angeles, CA

As others have already said, if you are buying a drone to take videos and photos, you should be one that comes with a good camera. I currently have a DJI Mavic Pro (~$1000), and it takes excellent videos (4K) and still images - RAW .dng. The DJI Phantom 4 series is also a good choice.

I had a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ prior to the Mavic Pro and it also took high quality still images and video. I used it for about 2-1/2 years. The newer DJI models come with collision avoidance and various flying modes that make it easier to learn to fly one. That being said, these are complex systems, and you need to treat them as such. There is more to flying them (which in itself is not that difficult) but you need to properly maintain them and the software that controls them. There is a lot to learn if you are going to use them responsibly and safely. There at FAA (if you are in the US) regulations, as well as local ordinances you need to abide by.

But the good news is that there is a wealth of tutorials, and videos available to help you get started and add to your expertise.

Have fun. I added a recent photo I took with my Mavic Pro. You can do much better.

FWIW

(Download)

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I purchased one of those cheapies just for training for the same reason you are considering. After about an hour, I put it back in its box where it has been ever since. It was/is a piece of junk and almost impossible to control as it was whipped around by every little breeze. Now I'm looking for something better as this is a service I need to offer my Real Estate clients. There seem to be a bunch of newer ones at the $500 mark which is what I am considering at the moment. Several of my drone capable friends have told me they prefer the DJI inspire which is around $ 2k.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

From what I have been looking at on the web the camera is probably a very small mp like maybe 2mp, but the investment to learn on the cheaper ones may be a good idea as many videos online show what happens after a crash. Better to start with a lesser brand and it get bumped (hopefully not) and see if I like it then move up to a better model,
really do not know why my wife wants me to get one but if it keeps her happy then I am happy. Thanks Jerry

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

You know now that you bring up real estate that set a bell off in my head, we are selling our house ourselves to save on the fees, (will be on the market by end of June)bet my wife wants to get outside views from above as we have a large lot at 1/2 acre, the largest in this subdivision.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

The DJI sure looks good thats for sure wish the battery life would be longer but extra ones take care of that problem.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Thank you I appreciate the input.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Been looking at those smaller ones, someone earlier gave me a link, just am afraid to learn on a expensive one and crash it.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Will check them out thanks.

Michaele

I am 91 years old and never have used a remote control device. I just purchased the DJI Mavic Pro. It is expensive! However, I have used it about five times so far and it is amazing and very user friendly. The videos are very easy to create and the quality is amazing. The content, at this point is very poor but I am learning. Lots of tutorials to make the path to being proficient easy. I would highly recommend you look into this item. Don

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Suggest spending less for the toy drone. Something like the Syma 5D - (C or SW) will do for half the money for learning to fly. You will appreciate a more expensive model once you get your "wings". DJI has remained the standard for quad copters, but there are others as good, maybe better out there if you have the $$. New DJI Spark just out at $500, or a pro model Phantom or Mavic for $1K+.
Best deal - Re-certified Phantom lll (standard) for under $400. Personally, If I DJI was my choice, would opt for the Phantom lV Pro model for real estate photography. Do not own any pro models but have piloted Phantom lll, lV, and very little time on the Mavic.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

Ive been in a few Federal parks and wildlife preserves and there are signs every where no drone photography.
So keep an eye out for those signs.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

thanks Don