Looking for a starter quad

[ScottX13]

I am doing off roading and think it could be a good addition to out group if I could take some good videos.
Not sure where to start, I am not looking to have high quality video, but do want good quality.
Don't want to break the bank...spent enough on the jeep already.

That is a good starting platform?

Thanks

 

[GJH105775]

Welcome to the forums.
For the camera I'd suggest a Runcam, $40, and does 1080p. As for the quad there are a few questions, first is how long of a flight time do you need. The second is speed, does it need to travel fairly fast, or are you in an open field where you can go higher?

 

[ScottX13]

Not looking for speed. will be in the woods, so primarily will will in close quarters.
Would like good flight time, reading on the KODO UAV Quadcopter RTF w/Camera, reviews say flight time is about 5 min. That seems short. Can I get one under $100 with longer flight time?

 

[GJH105775]

Not looking for speed. will be in the woods, so primarily will will in close quarters.
Would like good flight time, reading on the KODO UAV Quadcopter RTF w/Camera, reviews say flight time is about 5 min. That seems short. Can I get one under $100 with longer flight time?

You'd be better with a 250 racer as you'll be in the woods, light but strong quad will fare better in a crash, I suggest you get multiple batteries, and just swap out. You should be able to get a 250 with 10 minute flight times, the $100 limit is a bit small, unless you are not including the transmitter ($25 is the cheapest full range worth buying), or are fine with something that is toy quality.

 

[ScottX13]

Someone suggested the DROMIDA Ominus FPV Quadcopter. It's $200, but count be a nice start. Any alternatives, I open to it.

Thanks

 

[GJH105775]

I'd suggest against that one as it has geared coreless motors ad because of that would not handle a crash well. Let me look, I'll reply back in a couple minutes.

 

[GJH105775]

Here is a good one that I suggest, it will need:
a transmitter, right here is a cheaper one
a flight controller (I suggest the KK2.1.5)
and a FPV setup (if you don't want to try to fly line of sight to get the recordings.) Tell me if you do want an FPV setup, I think you will need one to see what the camera sees, and to fly it out of sight as you said this was in a wooded area.



Check this post I just did out.

 

[Jackson]

Someone suggested the DROMIDA Ominus FPV Quadcopter. It's $200, but count be a nice start. Any alternatives, I open to it.

Very poor onboard video, lotsa shaking (rippling, wavy jello effect.)

Compare that to this.

No FPV though.
http://www.banggood.com/JJRC-H5C-Ex...-Quadcopter-With-2MP-Camera-RTF-p-945819.html

For about $65 you can get the quad, a spare set of motors and props, and 3 spare batteries.

I suggest you get something cheap to learn on, there is nothing intuitive about flying a quad at first. Hopefully you have someone to coach you. You will be crashing.

If your heart is set on the Dromida Ominus get this.

http://www.tinydeal.com/nine-eagles-galaxy-visitor-6-6-axis-24ghz-rc-quadcopter-camera-p-143605.html
http://www.banggood.com/Nine-Eagles...Quadcopter-with-HD-1080P-Camera-p-945098.html

Nine Eagles is the manufacturer, DROMIDA Ominus is just a Hobbico re-badge.

 

[ScottX13]

Interesting choice of the JJRC, cheap and looks good. I would like the FPV feature. Will help make sure you get the shot.
I use to fly RC planes, I still have the controllers and parts. Wonder if they could be used? I will need to see what I have.

 

[Fishy Tree]

If you're looking for a quad to film, the DJI Phantom seems to be very popular. However it's no starter, for what you're doing you want something cheap while you learn to operate it. Believe me, I just got into these things in January, I only have one quadcopter at the moment, I have lost one in a tree, then used spare parts to build a new one. In that time I have spent at least $500 on a $150 system. 80% of this was due to newbie screw ups, 10% was custom parts. 5% was cocky screw ups, and the other 5% was actual maintenance.

Just know what you're getting into. Filming with a quadcopter, first requires you learn to fly one. I thought I would buy it, put a camera on it and start filming, not how it works. BE WARNED this hobby is a money trap! Worth it though.

 

[GJH105775]

If you're looking for a quad to film, the DJI Phantom seems to be very popular. However it's no starter, for what you're doing you want something cheap while you learn to operate it. Believe me, I just got into these things in January, I only have one quadcopter at the moment, I have lost one in a tree, then used spare parts to build a new one. In that time I have spent at least $500 on a $150 system. 80% of this was due to newbie screw ups, 10% was custom parts. 5% was cocky screw ups, and the other 5% was actual maintenance.

Just know what you're getting into. Filming with a quadcopter, first requires you learn to fly one. I thought I would buy it, put a camera on it and start filming, not how it works. BE WARNED this hobby is a money trap! Worth it though.

The phantom is so easy a five year could learn to operate it, just gotta be careful with setup.
I second the money trap haha, if you get your kids started in you'll never have to worry about drugs and alcohol.... they'll never have the money nor time.

 

[Fishy Tree]

The phantom is so easy a five year could learn to operate it, just gotta be careful with setup.
I second the money trap haha, if you get your kids started in you'll never have to worry about drugs and alcohol.... they'll never have the money nor time.

I know the Phantom is easy to fly, I meant I would not recommend a first timer buy a $1500 quad for the first. That's what I meant. About the drugs and alcohol? IDK lol, I love a good vodka and orange juice... However, addiction is out of the question, my quad needs parts, far more important.

 

[GJH105775]

I know the Phantom is easy to fly, I meant I would not recommend a first timer buy a $1500 quad for the first. That's what I meant. About the drugs and alcohol? IDK lol, I love a good vodka and orange juice... However, addiction is out of the question, my quad needs parts, far more important.

Haha, good point, I am still building up to that phantom price tag, and I love my quad probably more than I would a Phantom.