Decision help wanted

[jimbrewus]

So I've been researching some of the RTF better quads and have narrowed the list down to two.

1) DJI Phantom V1.1.1 $479.00 http://www.helipal.com/dji-phantom-gps-drone-rtf.html
2) 3D Robotics IRIS+ $750.00 http://3drobotics.com/iris/

Both are RTF and will need some add on items to get them where I want to end up.
I like that the IRIS+ can follow you as the subject it also appears to have some pretty cool features.
The DJI has the name and is well known in the industry.

As you can see there is a separation in price but either way will end up over $1,000 when all is said and done. End goal is a nice stable video platform that I will not outgrow.

Opinions??

 

[Hugh Hemington]

Where are you coming from? Do you fly RC now?

I don't know about the outgrow part, if you anticipate moving to 4k video at some point. Neither of these will carry much more than a Hero3. It seems you're motivated to go with RTF. Have you looked at OFM (Only Flying Machines)? They specialize in video platforms, and focus on features and performance over aesthetics. There's also an active forum member here who builds custom quads. You may find that a larger quad or hex that folds serves you better in the long run than a "pretty" quad that's smaller. And an open frame is easier to self-service or modify than a closed or heavily integrated frame. When it's up in the air doing the job, what do you care how it looks (within reason -- nobody wants a ball of wires)? If you wanted better/larger motors on your Phantom or IRIS, how would you pull that off? They're pretty, but you're too locked-in!

There are many companies building RTF multi-rotors from currently-available parts -- often BETTER parts. The outcome is based on the testing and care put into selecting the parts and planning the assembly. As equipment improves, you may appreciate a platform with bolt-on upgrade potential you won't find with a DJI or 3DR proprietary system.

If you want video, you will probably wind up flying FPV quite a lot, which will probably mean goggles sooner than later. What features do you value now or anticipate wanting in the future? Put them in order of importance. Or maybe describe the ways you want to use a quad?