Looking to buy a drone

a.m.c

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Just like everything else... There are too many options which makes it nearly impossible for me to make a decision... (can you tell I'm female???)

I originally started looking at the GoPro Karma, but after doing some more research I think the DJI Mavic might be better for what I want to do. I hope to be using it for sledding in the winter, and hiking and biking through the summer so it has to be easy to pack around. I am not super tech savy, and completely novice at flying. I do have other GoPro products so I thought it might be nice to stick to the same brand to make the most of all the accessories... All the reviews i've found online, so far, are done in a city park on a calm day, but that is a much easier life than what I would put a drone through...

Anybody with reviews, tips, or opinions?
 

arff

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Also remember to look into a Drone flying license and regulations.
 

Grinder

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I have the Mavic. Great rig has beginner mode, slower responce and limited distance and height. There is obstical avoidance in front and under. If you do choose the Mavic with chargers and 3 batteries around $1600.00 and before you turn it on go to their website and purchase the dji care refresh. If you turn mavic on you must get the refresh before 48hrs is up or you have to make a video following their insturctions to prove no damage has yet ocured. Its $100.00 insurance for a year. Covers damage from water and crashes. You send in damaged and they send back refurbished. You can also look at the cheaper dji spark. Around $700.00 us
Dont fly too close to animals as the drones have ultrasound on belly to see ground contours for landing. Pisses the dogs off.
https://youtu.be/74Cm1p3fr0g

https://youtu.be/p1d_ptE6yrc
heres a link for rules and regulations

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Mavic less than 1kg no licence required just follow the rules
What ever you choose get uav forcast app. Gives you all the info for your flying area.
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arff

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Great information

Remember heli pads can be registered aerodromes.

In Leduc the one at the Fire hall is registered so for us we need a license in the City.
 

arff

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So you need a license to legally fly in the City.
 

arff

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Plus the heli pad has its own license.
 

Grinder

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In Leduc or Nisku cant fly because of airport period but I can fly along the river, out at Alder Flats etc. no licence required because im under 35kg. Im surprised the fire halls arnt getting into uavs. From 90m up i can see individual shingles. It would make sar easier if you could get birds eye view without bringing in the big bird
 
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arff

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In Leduc or Nisku cant fly because of airport period but I can fly along the river, out at Alder Flats etc. no licence required because im under 35kg. Im surprised the fire halls arnt getting into uavs. From 100m up i can see individual shingles. It would make sar easier if you could get birds eye view without bringing in the big bird

You can fly in Leduc as long as you phone with flight plan and have a license.

We did video of our rec center a few weeks ago. Worked good
 

maxwell

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only problem with the mavick for what you want to use it for is the engine power. It has trouble overcoming strong winds and up/downdrafts. the phantom series can power through pretty much anything in that regard however they are not portable at all. i would stick with the mavick and just be careful with the weather
 

Grinder

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According to dji 35km wind max. If its 25 or more no fly for me.
 
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a.m.c

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You can get wraps for them!?! oh boy...
Thank for the awesome info!! I figured it would be about $2000 to get all set up... The insurance is sure good to know about!! Do you have any footage or pictures online?
 

a.m.c

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The phantom is why I started looking at DJI, Maxwell! Very impressive! But I already quit packing around my big Canon camera on the sled because it was too much extra! Do you bring yours to the hills? Any footage to show off?? I am really curious about the Follow Me feature.
 

Grinder

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https://www.istyles.com/skins/drone/dji-mavic-pro/
For the wraps keep in mind camo looks cool but if the drone goes down camo not so good thats why I went with colorful.
I havent tried the follow yet but the orbit works great. Stand on middle and mav keeps camera on you at what ever speed rotation around you. I gotta get out more. I will try to post some of my vids so far.
 
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Grinder

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takethebounce

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If I was getting a drone today, it would be the Mavic. Since it has came out there have been few that offer the versatility of the Mavic. It may not be the best camera, most stable or most powerful but its compact transport and general performance characteristics make it a contender in any category. As I would want to transport mine in a pack, or tunnel bag, summer, winter, have decent battery life, which is still minimal, and still have a competitive price point compared to higher end drones. In higher winds any of the lighter drones won't be as stable and have less power, so the conditions can be limiting.

I do encourage learning to fly your drone in safe open areas though. And yes, pay attention to the TC rules for flying your drone. Some people feel these rules are too restrictive but the reality is someone's hobby drone flying doesn't take precedent over protecting the lives of people travelling by air.

I have a nice Phantom sitting on my desk right now that someone crashed on the airfield who will never see it again lol. It won't power up otherwise I would be taking it home.
 

lilduke

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Not something Id want to haul around the mountain, but they are pretty cool & get awesome footage.

Pretty much making the helicopter obsolete for backcountry film production.

 

a.m.c

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takethebounce, I agree - Rules are in place for a reason and some people are too ignorant to follow them. Happy to say, that I'm only in town for work, and most of my free time will be spent past where the dirt road ends :) No one can complain about me flying there :p X marks it !
 

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