Drone Recommendations and New Zealand Flying Locations

anthonyyladd on 25/10/2017 - 01:59

Hey guys, I'm looking into purchasing a drone for video/photo as I go on holiday in New Zealand. I want to piece together a travel film by the end of it.

Xiaomi's Mi Drone 4K really stands out to me as the strongest buy at around $500 but I was curious if there were any other options which are recommended by you guys.

Requirements:
- Under $1000
- At least 1080p (4K is not absolutely necessary but would be preferred)
- Stabilised with a 3 axis gimbal
- Easy to simultaneously fly and frame shots for video
- Somewhat portable (don't mind having to buy a separate backpack for it)
- Able to shoot photos in RAW

Notes:
I won't be needing the drone til the end of January 2018 so I can wait for better deals
I have some experience with flying a drone (rented a DJI Mavic Pro and flew it for 4 days)
I may not have too much use for the drone until the next holiday I plan after NZ so theres a good likelihood that I will sell it on Gumtree or eBay

Also on a less important note, I'm headed on a cruise that stops at to Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park for one day each. Any recommended drone spots would be great! I will be asking in a NZ drone forum so no need to stress over this part of my enquiry.

Thanks in advance for the help!.

Poll Options

  • 3
    Just Get The Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K!
  • 7
    No! Get Something Else!
Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • meowmeowmeow on 25/10/2017 - 08:51
    +1

    You can't take drone's on cruise ships

    • Cheapo Moose on 25/10/2017 - 09:17
      +1

      I can't speak for other cruise lines but I can confirm that drones are on Royal Caribbean's prohibited list.

      • meowmeowmeow on 25/10/2017 - 10:07
        +1

        I would assume they are banned on all. I know they were banned on Princess cruises to NZ also.

        • anthonyyladd on 25/10/2017 - 11:11

          Oh no. Do you guys think photographers/videographers can receive any sort of exemption?

        • Cheapo Moose on 25/10/2017 - 11:48

          @anthonyyladd:

          I've heard stories where the cruise line will confiscate the drone but will allow you to take it off the ship on shore excursions.

          You would then have to surrender the drone again when you return to the ship.

          Be worth contacting the cruise line.

        • peterpeterpumpkin on 25/10/2017 - 11:59

          @anthonyyladd: Also banned on Norwegian and Celebrity. Tying a device to a hobby or profession doesn't always help, since all the ninjas, for example, would be using the same excuse for throwing-stars and smoke bombs.

          I also know people that were allowed to take them aboard for use at ports but that was a year ago. You can contact the cruise operator and ask for an exception in writing (if you're willing to take the risk).

        • anthonyyladd on 25/10/2017 - 15:07

          @SpottyMoose: This is exactly what I was intending to do. I've shot them an email, hoping for the best.

        • anthonyyladd on 25/10/2017 - 15:08

          @peterpeterpumpkin: I've shot them an email for exemption to use at ports, hoping for the best.

        • Cheapo Moose on 25/10/2017 - 15:17

          @anthonyyladd:

          Let us know how you go.

          I'm interested as I too have a cruise coming up next year.

        • anthonyyladd on 27/10/2017 - 01:33

          @SpottyMoose: They replied back with a no. No exceptions to the rule due to the safety of other guests. Damn.

        • Cheapo Moose on 27/10/2017 - 08:02

          @anthonyyladd:

          Bugger.

          Thanks for letting us know.

  • Cheapo Moose on 25/10/2017 - 09:16

    I'd be looking at something from DJI.

    Phantom 3 Standard can still be had for cheap.

    You might be able to find a Phantom 3 Professional or even a refurbished Phantom 4.

    You could even look at the Spark if all you need is 1080p.

    I still don't understand the obsession with everything Xiaomi on this site.

    Each to their own I guess.

  • Schema on 25/10/2017 - 09:18

    I have a Xiaomi Mi Drone in the post right now, first drone and it's pretty comparable to the Phantoms

  • NEVERfullprice on 23/11/2017 - 17:05

    The Kaiser Baas have their Delta Drone for 180 + get a Go Pro Hero5 for 380 (Bing Lee) = 560 total. Would love to know your thoughts as I am looking to get one myself as well. Not sure about their brand though, wonder if anyone here has one of them!

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