Recommendations for a Newbie please

[maureen]

Hi All! I was hoping I could get some recommendations for either an entry level to mid level quadcopter. I have never owned/operated one before and would like one that isn't overly complicated. The main use would be to get some beautiful aerial video while traveling. I want good quality video and already own an older GoPro (Hero 3). Is there a quadcopter I can purchase that I can attached the GoPro to and save some money? Meaning, the copter has all the stability etc. to get the aerial video I want - without the camera, making it less expensive?

Also, since this is my first copter, would it make sense to buy a cheap model to get a feel for it? I'm pretty tech savvy and am good with computers etc - it's the actual flying that gets me nervous.

I would like to know your thoughts/opinions on the less expensive models out there between the $100-$500 range that would work for me.

Thanks in advance!

 

[dragger201]

Hey Maureen............yeah, get a cheap model but not a racer type.....something that is big enough to see out to 50yards or so. I started off with a JJRC knock off of the WLToys V686g. And be aware that even if you start out slow...........you're gonna bang it up pretty good. I'm like you my principal interest is in flying for aerial photography. I'm in the process of building an AP platform, but in the meantime I have 3 Syma X8s. Two HGs and one HC. The camera with the HC is crap, but the one with the HGs is not all that bad.

Here's a vid I made with the X8hg using it's stock cameral.

I have also used a GoPro knockoff of the Hero3(I think) that does 4K but haven't uploaded anything from it yet because of lousy internet.

 

[RENOV8R]

It's at the top of your price range, but the 3DR Solo is ready to carry a GoPro3 and highly rated.
https://www.amazon.ca/3DRobotics-SA...=UTF8&qid=1492908338&sr=8-2&keywords=3dr+solo

 

[maureen]

Hey Maureen............yeah, get a cheap model but not a racer type.....something that is big enough to see out to 50yards or so. I started off with a JJRC knock off of the WLToys V686g. And be aware that even if you start out slow...........you're gonna bang it up pretty good. I'm like you my principal interest is in flying for aerial photography. I'm in the process of building an AP platform, but in the meantime I have 3 Syma X8s. Two HGs and one HC. The camera with the HC is crap, but the one with the HGs is not all that bad.

Here's a vid I made with the X8hg using it's stock cameral.

I have also used a GoPro knockoff of the Hero3(I think) that does 4K but haven't uploaded anything from it yet because of lousy internet.

Thank you so much for the input and the video - that's exactly what I'm looking to do. Nothing incredibly challenging. I really appreciate the response!

 

[maureen]

Thanks for this - I'm going to check it out. BTW - I was at the beastie boys concert in 2004 at the garden when they gave out cameras to the fans for their movie... it was a great show! RIP MCA

 

[Jackson]

Here's a Solo at a better price. The 3 axis gimbal version + spare battery option is $362.50
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1301928-REG/3dr_solo_quadcopter_bundle_with.html

 

[RENOV8R]

Thanks for this - I'm going to check it out. BTW - I was at the beastie boys concert in 2004 at the garden when they gave out cameras to the fans for their movie... it was a great show! RIP MCA

If you can feel what I'm feeling then it's a musical masterpiece
But if you can hear what I'm dealing with then that's cool at least
What's running through my mind comes through in my walk
True feelings are shown from the way that I talk
And this is me, y'all, I M.C., y'all
My name Is M.C.A., and I still do what I please
And now I'd like to introduce...
I'll pass the mic to D. for a fist full of truth

 

[94Z28]

I enjoyed learning on my Syma X5SW both with and without the FPV camera. It was quite speedy in High speed mode for a beginner. A few weeks in I also ordered the X8C to step up a bit, It will eventually get a Xi Yi or Go pro for videos/pictures as well. I was fine with under 100$ in training drones, and will be stepping up to a Phantom shortly.

Hope this helps, the Syma are great learners and repairs are cheap if you do wreck, just don't put the expensive cams on these as they have some known bugs.

 

[maureen]

I enjoyed learning on my Syma X5SW both with and without the FPV camera. It was quite speedy in High speed mode for a beginner. A few weeks in I also ordered the X8C to step up a bit, It will eventually get a Xi Yi or Go pro for videos/pictures as well. I was fine with under 100$ in training drones, and will be stepping up to a Phantom shortly.

Hope this helps, the Syma are great learners and repairs are cheap if you do wreck, just don't put the expensive cams on these as they have some known bugs.

Thank you!