To build or not to build...

[The Moose]

Hi there

New here so please go easy on me.

I've been very tempted by a DJI Phantom 2 with gimble mount to use with a GoPro camera, however I'm aware that often this type of mass-produced product doesn't always offer the best value for money.

Hence why I'm here - I'm reasonably competent with electronics in general, with an iron and with a screwdriver.

So, do I purchase the DJI Phantom 2 with the iOSD, FPV glasses etc or do I forget all that and try to build something?

Then, the next question - what do I buy and build?!

I shot (photography) with a 5D so I don't think I'll build a 'copter to carry that - just a GoPro will do.

I look forward to your thoughts and thank you for your help in advance!

 

[John Doecliff]

A good entry point into building your own quad is a DJI 450 (flamewheel). Or anything in the 450/550 class. It's not huge but will accomodate FPV and a gopro and a gimbal. It's a kit so all of the math has been done as to ESC/ motor combo etc. You will have to buy a radio transmitter/reviever but if you want to keep going in this hobby you will need one anyways. One good reason to buy a phantom is it comes with the transmitter, parts are easy to come by and as long as you dont destroy it it has good resale value. If you find out that this hobby is not for you a phantom lets you get in pretty cheap and then get out again. If you go with a kit you will have the same or maybe even more invested and probably wont be able to sell the quad allthough the radio will have some resale value. It all depends but when I listed my phantom on craigslist and had probably 50 emails of people that wanted it. I sold it in a day easily. My flame wheel would probably never sell by itself especially with out a radio. If it did I would not get anything near what I have into it.