basic quadcopter with reasonable camera

[procol]

Hi All,
I just want a basic machine, don't need or want to do any tricks, just take some aerial footage of some places we visit.
have been looking at the Syma range, X5 variations
and the JJRC V686 or similar.
I realise the picture will not be anywhere near perfect, just wanting a machine that will hover or move gently and have as best as possible picture in this price range
Suggestions appreciated
Thanks

 

[Birdy]

The Symas are tough to beat especially if you’re a beginning flier. Really decent prices, lots of choices on where to buy, and replacement parts are readily available. The camera quality is definitely on the lower end but it doesn’t sound like you’re overly concerned about that.

Suggestion: Take a look at the new Syma X5 HC (and associated models) with altitude hold feature. I got one recently and the hold function works great. Gives you a very stable platform for videos and pictures. Should be able to get one for $50 US or less.

 

[John Smith]

I can also tell you the JJRC V686 isn't bad either. Decent enough quality for the price and its easy to fly. Only downside would be that you tend to be lucky to get more than maybe 7 mins out of the battery. Heard your probably going to get about 5 minutes more life from the Syma but im not sure how the camera compares. Hope this helps

 

[procol]

I can also tell you the JJRC V686 isn't bad either. Decent enough quality for the price and its easy to fly. Only downside would be that you tend to be lucky to get more than maybe 7 mins out of the battery. Heard your probably going to get about 5 minutes more life from the Syma but im not sure how the camera compares. Hope this helps

Thanks Birdie and John
I would imagine that the cameras on both are pretty much similar in performance, as they read as the same spec,
any thoughts ?
the JJRC V686 also looks quite a bit bigger in size overall than the Syma..

 

[Jackson]

are pretty much similar in performance, as they read as the same spec,

Specs don't mean much, check some YouTube reviews.

 

[procol]

The Symas are tough to beat especially if you’re a beginning flier. Really decent prices, lots of choices on where to buy, and replacement parts are readily available. The camera quality is definitely on the lower end but it doesn’t sound like you’re overly concerned about that.

Suggestion: Take a look at the new Syma X5 HC (and associated models) with altitude hold feature. I got one recently and the hold function works great. Gives you a very stable platform for videos and pictures. Should be able to get one for $50 US or less.

Thanks Birdy, re the camera, from what i can make out from the you tube reviews, the colours aren't particularly true, especially grass, and trees leaves tend to bleed together, but im just hoping to get a pretty decent outline of the buildings and surrounds from above. some of the aerial shots from above seemed quite decent.
I did notice the X5 HC, when looking yesterday so will re look.
I realize that its not a lot of money, but just didn't want it to be a wasted exercise
the other one I was looking at was the Tarantula X6 with a 5 mp camera, sure it cost more, but the you tube review had really bad wavy images, surely it should be relatively stable, any thoughts appreciated

 

[procol]

I have just been reading about what is called jello, which is what I presume is the vibrating, ripple effect you see on the video, it appears on the tarantula quadcopter review video but not on a lot of others, is this possible to remedy..
thanks..

 

[John Smith]

Thanks Birdie and John
I would imagine that the cameras on both are pretty much similar in performance, as they read as the same spec,
any thoughts ?
the JJRC V686 also looks quite a bit bigger in size overall than the Syma..

The jjrc is bigger yes, however (my opinion) i think this makes it easier to fly for a beginner, i find the small ones hard to control

 

[Birdy]

The jjrc is bigger yes, however (my opinion) i think this makes it easier to fly for a beginner, i find the small ones hard to control

Well, I guess one quick point to make (if I'm correct on this) is that the JJRC quad features FPV and the Syma (at least this particular model) does not. Totally different quads.

 

[procol]

oh well, I plunged in and bought a syma x5c-1, as long as it fly's and is relatively stable ill be happy.
the video it takes looks acceptable as well
here's hoping
thanks all...