Notice a lot of you post 'drone' shots. Advice on buying one, please.

Local Walmart has them priced from about $100 up to about $350. Are these worth having? Basically looking to use it to take overhead pics of homes as I am a real estate appraiser. But I can also see me using it for outings like camping and vacations. Not wanting to spend a ton. Definitely want the 'follow me' ability. And a little longer run time that 10 minutes would be nice, too. 180degree camera I think is a must along with simple operation. Give me the skinny on drones please...!

 

Really? This post has been viewed over 90 times and not one comment?

 

... That's one way to react.

Probably most people don't have drones.

 

Typical 3rd gen forum post.

DJI is a good name.

 

My tacoma has a drone at about 53mph.

 

I'm sure MOST people don't but I have seen hundreds of pics on this site that were obviously taken with drones. Just looking for some info as I kinda think I want one. I guess I coulda posted another 'what's the biggest tire I can run without a lift'. Haven't seen one of those in a couple hours...

 

I mean you could google search... top 10 drones?

 

I did that actually. Was just hoping this would yield a little more personalized real-world info from people actually using them. Someone will chime in and give me the skinny. I have faith.

 

Your budget doesn't really fit what you want.

DJI Mavic Air if you can drop 800. I think they might even have the Mavic Air 2 now.

Watch out for one that has follow to ensure it has collision avoidance. Otherwise you have to be aware of it's path with trees, poles, etc. With avoidance it will look out for those while following and... Wait for it... Avoid them!

Used to be able to find the Air with a fly more kit on Amazon for 8-900 on sale. If you want anything more than a toy save for a bit longer if you need to get something quality. 100 bucks will barely buy the DJI Tello which is a basic basic shitty cam (but useful for learning if you want to play in the meantime til you can get a bigger one).

Quick edit:

Also things you'll probably find handy is the return function, auto land, and most in the Air and above category will be programmable where you open a GPS and you say go here, then here, them here and to this elevation, then go here, then return home.

Drones are fun.

But also keep in mind almost all footage you see is edited! Look up raw footage from the drone you choose to get to see what it looks like before the beautiful clips you see, so you don't get discouraged the first clip you make.

One more edit: Check OfferUp, CL, etc.
Lots of people drop money on a new one, then give up after a few flights! Take advantage of them!

 

That's kinda where I'm at. Don't wanna drop a lot of coin till I learn a little about them. A guy did some work for me once and had one he had over $8 GRAND in!!! I thought surely a guy could get one for $2-300 bucks and see what the fuss is all about. Maybe not...

 

I added a few edits to my previous post. Check them out.

And yeah, you CAN drop 8k, but youre talking like 6rotor, carbon fiber, 8k cust crazy shit. Seriously, check your local used sites. Look at DJIs site, see what you like, then look secondhand.

 

Again, thanks for the info. Can you tell me why some need registered with the FAA? Just asking cause I saw a big disclaimer on the case that contained the drones at the local Walmart that said this...

 

You could probably find a used Phantom 3 if you wanna dip your toes in for around 2-300 used. Might have to get a few batteries though.

 

Just searched 'drone' in St Louis craigslist and this is the first one that popped up... https://stlouis.craigslist.org/pho/d/union-dji-spark-drone-with-remote/7080497700.html

Never considered buying used.

 

Pretty much anything that isn't a toy. Anything over .5lb? Then there are a lot of no fly zones. Best just to look that all up on your own, too convoluted depending where you might be.

 

Sparks are kind cool, I don't know the cameras resolution. Google DJI spark clips to see how the stabilzation and quality looks. Also remember you said you wanted follow, and I don't think the spark has follow?

The last thing I'll say is lighter drones need better conditions to fly. The spark till get bitchslapped around in wind. As you go up in models they can handle more of a breeze. Spend some time on the DJI site reading about them! Good luck!

 

Thanks for the info!

 

If you're flying it to take real estate pictures, you'll need an FAA sUAS license and register it commercially. Your state may also have other reqrequirements. NC requires another state license for commercial use. May want to research and consider that.

 

Seems more involved than I thought. AND maybe a little more expense than I want at this time, too, atleast for a quality unit. Gonne have to really look in to this more closely. I came real close to buying one at Walmart yesterday. Glad I didn't.

 

Didn't know they made a 3rd Gen Drone.

There is a photography section, and an off topic section on this forum where you would probably get better results.