Bridges
Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA
I believe my next photo purchase might be a drone rather than a new body or lens. I don't need wall sized prints but would like to produce 16 x 20's. I have seen some 6000.00 to 12,000.00 units which would work nicely but out of my budget range! Anyone with a suggestion for a drone 2000.00 or less that does what I'm asking for please let me know.
Thanks,
Mike
The most notable drones for consumers seem to be DJI, Autel Evo, and Yuneec Typhoon. I have studied all of these and own 2 DJI's and a DYI drone. There is a lot of controversy about these from performance, to company warranties, and many other things you wouldn't believe. There are Internet forums for all of these and a good source of info; as well as Facebook etc. There are many you tube videos of the camera performance also..I would suggest you look them up on you tube go to the forums read the manuals and then seek further discussion. As you study you will find what questions you need to further your decision. By the way these drones are around $1000 and personally I am thinking of the Autel Evo. Its quite reliable; is Seattle based, great photography; both video and stills. Hope this helps for a start.
I have two DJI drones, the best being a DJI Phantom 3 Pro. It takes great video and stills. However, I am not sure at 12 megapixels it could take you to 16 x 20's. However, I have no experience in producing prints that large. You may want to look at the DJI Mavic. They have done some great things with this drone, I think they have made some major improvements in the camera AND its big advantage is that it is very portable. Many photographers choose the Mavic for this reason. It is light, portable, has good flight times and folds up to a very small size. Check out youtube for lots of info.
This might help. I have the air and love it. Allows me to take it when hiking and traveling in my camera backpack with the rest of my gear.
The new Mavic 2 Pro has some very attractive specs - uses a Hasselblad Camera
20 MP 1" CMOS Sensor
Adjustable Aperture f/2.8 - f/11
10-bit Dlog-M color profile
I own a Phantom 3 and if I had to make a purchase right now I would buy the Mavic Pro. The improvements DJI has made is remarkable! It is much easier to fly and the video is rock solid.
I was actually shocked to find I could buy a Hasselblad camera on a drone for "only" $1500. The Mavic 2 Pro has a 1" sensor, which should give you the 16x20s you're looking for.
I've been looking at the Mavic 2 Pro.
don26812
Loc: South Bay of Los Angeles, CA
DJI and a Mavic 2 Pro would be what I would get if I were upgrading my Mavic Pro. I believe DJI has about 70% of the market. Finally, be prepared for lots of regulations and a learning curve in many areas. The drones recommended here are complex systems and you need a fair amount of knowledge to use them effectively.
But boy are they fun!
Should you pay $99 for a year of insurance?
The other day , a man in the area was flying his drone in the park. I went over to visit with him and ask general questions. One thing he said was he can only go up to 400 feet with his drone and he has to take not a real pilots test but one very close to the real test. Also he showed me on his phone where airports were located - mainly private landing strips and there were plenty near by that he has to stay away from. So if you get used to all the laws about a drone, I'm sure it can be a nice hobby. He uses his for real estate photos.
On the list of drones provided, do those all include auto-return home function?
Be aware: most colleges and universities are banning drone fly-overs of all sporting events. In Ann Arbor, MI the penalty can be severe.
And YES on the $99/year insurance.
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