Quadcopter for Arial Videography

I am trying to build/buy a quad for filming.

My budget is around $400 for the quad alone, although I did find a DJI Phantom for $620 new which I may spring for, but here is my issue; I think that it may be possible to build a better quad for less money, but, I am a complete newbie at this, so I am not 100% sure what parts to get that will all fit together, and will give me good performance for the money, as well as being easy to fit together. I am also thinking that with the Naza in the DJI, it may in fact be the thing that makes the DJI so good… I know two people with phantoms and they both like them, but have said that to be able to get usable shots out of it, I would need to purchase a gimbal, they are from around $70-$200 (Need a bargain on this if you guys can find one). Would anybody is the know be able to compile a list of parts (all from the same retailer if possible) to build the perfect quad? I will be using it with a GoPro (last one was stolen, might wait for new one to come out before repurchasing).

Thanks a heap guys,
Algy.

Comments

  • building your own will be a fun project but it will be far too unstable to get any usable footage. Stability is key for decent footage and that is where you pay a premium.
    There are plenty of 'DIY Drone' websites out there with step-by-step instructions.

  • +1

    I'm a new owner of a DJI Phantom 2 with the zenmuse h3-3d gimbal + gopro.. I highly not recommend you doing this… the reason is it took me several hours to assemble and set up the gimbal, something that should be straight forward but its not…I build computers and motorcycles and it was very complicated for me. if you're not good at eletronics I would recommend staying with the ready to use setups…. btw this is my first footage with it.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqH_9xraBlo

    • wow, that's awesome video footage. So the whole thing cost you under a $1k?

  • under 1k?? I'm reaching 2k already haha… I wish it was that cheap… just the spare battery is $200. :/

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