First Quadcopter Advice - DJI Phantom 1?

B

bbigelow

Member
Hello,

I'm looking for a drone under $500 (or even half that if possible), that I can attach my GoPro to and get useable areal footage. I have zero experience flying or buying these things. I don't need FPV or a robotic gimbal.

From my research, the DJI Phantom 1 seems like the best bet for my needs. BUT, there seems to be a lot of mixed feedback online, as can be seen from the Amazon page. However a lot of really good reviews elsewhere too.

(regarding the jello footage effect with gopro, I was going to try these tactics if it's not good enough out of the box).

At least from Amazon, a lot of complaints seem like possible pilot error or not reading the manual properly, but it's hard for me to discern.

I'm posting here because I'd love to hear from those with experience if this is a decent copter, or if it's something to stay away from? And if there's another copter with similar features to the phantom 1 in the same (or cheaper) price range that I should consider?

Thank you!

One more thing - I will be piloting this in rural Montana, mostly in very open areas, sometimes in mountain ravines. Is GPS signals less strong in areas like these? I can assume there will be no or little other radio interference. Seems like many reviews are from people loosing signal, perhaps due to ill planning.
 
Hi mate I got my wife a Phantom 1 and we both love it , she flies like a pro even tho she cant fly to save her life , Once you know how to set up and get the GPS working it will fly for you , your just need to tell it where to go so you feel like your flying , if you pop it into manual mode your see how hard it is to fly and not crash so the Naza M does a top job of making this a very stable camera platfrom , if you get a motor gimbal the camera footage will be really smooth , the gimbal it comes with it a fixed one , but gimbals are not that pricey now days and it does not have to have a gimbal controller as you can plug it into the Naza M this is What a Phantom can do with a motor gimbal , Get a Phantom you wont be sorry
 
Thanks for the reply! That footage looks great, and glad to hear the Phantom 1 is working out for you. I will probably go for it. Few more questions if you don't mind:

What gimbal do you use or would recommend on the less expensive side?

If I understand correctly, the Naza M is the copters motherboard that the motorized gimbal plugs into, allowing for RC gimbal control?

Sounds awesome, but without FPV, how will I see what I'm pointing the camera at?
 
Hi mate there is 2 ways to do it line of sight flying , the other way is use a go pro and a FPV transmitter to a receiver and a monitor or goggles to see what the camera sees ,The phantom one has a small lever on the back of the transmitter to tilt the camera down in flight , this is the sort of things to look for
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VRDL7ME
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WFR80D0
If these are to much a have a look at hobby king they 2d and 3d gimbals
Hobby King also do an FPV in a box for about £64 and thats everything you need
 
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