Drone recommendation - easy to fly + good video/camera quality

mlionel20 on 29/12/2017 - 14:56

Hi all, I am looking for recommendation for a drone mainly to inspect my double storey roof tiles for cracks, but also for fun to play with. I tried a friend's drone (can't remember which brand but not the super high end type), but I found it difficult to navigate it and find it easy to crash it. Hence I am looking for
1. Built in video with at least 720p resolution
2. Built in camera so able to take photo of roof tiles
3. EASY TO FLY. I heard the higher end ones have some form of stabiliser / balance to make it easier to fly? also to lower risk of crashing it

I don't mind paying for a higher end one as long as it meets the functional needs.

I've read about the Mavic Pro DJI, but also the Xiaomi 4K drone.
Can the tech-savy Ozbargainers guide / give some advice on this?

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • Randxyz123 on 29/12/2017 - 15:02
    +2

    Get a spark. It’s the perfect starting off drone. Easy to fly , decent camera and can be found pretty reasonably priced.

  • richrichie on 29/12/2017 - 15:06
    +1

    I have a DJI spark. I find it quite easy to fly and take videos. Video quality is quite good, but not 4K.

    I got it from dcxpert ebay store. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DJI-SPARK-QUADCOPTER-FLY-MORE-CO…
    The 20% off has ended (but they have it frequently) but the current ebay 10% code still works. Around $850 will get you the combo.

    • ozkiwi75 on 29/12/2017 - 17:15

      Couldn't agree more!

      I also own a DJI Spark and they're fairly easy to get used to. The video quality goes up to 1080p at 30fps, which is good enough for most recreational users. Also, I would recommend getting the combo as you can fly farther with the dedicated controller and less risk of losing signal.

  • Arcticviper on 29/12/2017 - 15:15

    Parrot Bebop Gen 1 has the Skycontroller + Drone Bundle for $299 at Harvey Norman. Very cheap and pretty good quality video. I would buy it if I didn't have one.

  • 88mph on 29/12/2017 - 16:28

    Maybe a Borg? You'd have to lure one from the Delta quadrant first though…

    • Icant Isimplycant on 03/01/2018 - 19:13

      lmaaoooo i just googled "Borg Drone" thinking it was an actual drone brand

      • 88mph on 03/01/2018 - 21:04

        My sense of humour is drier than the Atacama…

  • endotherm on 30/12/2017 - 03:26

    I have a larger and therefore more stable drone, the DJI Phantom 3 Advanced. I used it to check my two storey roof too, wooden frame and cement tiles. While the aircraft is typically rock solid in flight, with GPS positioning etc, it didn't like being close to the roof and became very unstable. The only time I ever crash the thing is when I deliberately get close to an object. I'm a fairly experienced flier and I had a lot of trouble in this instance. Keep in mind you need to get close to the object to get sufficient useful detail. The camera in these things is generally wide angle to fish-eye, almost 180° so you need to get closer than you think, even with full HD 1080 or 4K. If you are looking for cracks, that is going to be a big ask, unless it is massive. I was checking for missing pointing from the capping tiles, and that was hard to pick out unless you are super close or very still. Being so close causes disturbances in airflow, and causes instability. Getting close to a house with nails and steel plates etc in the roof causes magnetic deviations and upsets positioning and handling, so you can't rely on GPS and compass to hold it steady. You will need to hover and keep it still if you find a fault so you can get a stable picture, otherwise it is a useless blurry mess if you think you can fly slowly past and freeze-frame it later. It takes a lot of experience and skill to fly it completely manually without relying on all the expensive positioning tech you are seeking (and will be useless for this flight). I can almost guarantee you will lose it trying to fly it in this mode for your maiden flight and while you are learning. My advice is to get a ladder and harness and climb up on the roof and inspect it with your eyes.

    • mlionel20 on 05/01/2018 - 04:13

      Thanks for the advice. This sounds logical

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