DJI has announced a version of the Phantom 4 – like the Pro and Pro +, it features the 1″ Sony Sensor, larger lens and higher resolutions and bitrates. It is sold without the rear and side obstacle avoidance (I personally don’t use them anyway!) – the good news is that you get the top […]
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The Drone Report – 2017 #1
The Drone Report – 2017 #1 Introduction – this article will bring the reader up-to-date (mid-2017) in terms of most facets of the consumer drone (multirotor) business. Please consider it an “Executive Summary” and excuse the lack of detail on each of the many subjects involved. Note – this is also slanted toward the N. […]
Beginner Drone Suggestions for 2017
Most beginner drone pilots will be best off if they fly one or two “toy grade” models before stepping up to a fancier camera drone or true FPV racer. In the video below I give a quick rundown on some of the current modes that may serve this purpose well. For various reasons – detailed […]
How to Pass the FAA Part 107 Exam – hints, tips and comments
In mid-January, 2017 I passed the FAA Part 107 test on the first attempt. Although I was pleased to pass the test, my score, at 82, was lower than I anticipated. The following discussion will provide some food for thought for those interested in taking – and passing – this test. Who are You? How […]
Best Selling Camera Drones on Amazon – Jan/Feb 2017
Best selling consumer camera drones (up to $2K) on Amazon in January – February time period. Drone sales on Amazon are often indicative of overall consumer drone sales as a decent percentage of customers prefer ordering from them. Please see notes at the end for our opinion on the trends driving these sales and rankings. […]
Consumer Drones Are Nuisances, Not Profits
At CES, a whole new flock of fly-high, fly-fast, fly-bad drones were introduced and now the category is suddenly destined to be the next monstrous consumer category. Some were so small they fit in the palm of your hand. In fact, I think I stepped on one in the show’s crowded aisles … but it might […]
DJI discontinues MOST of Phantom 3 line – as well as Phantom 4.
In a surprise move, DJI has announced the termination of production of many of their Phantom quadcopters. Here are the units they claim to have discontinued: Phantom 3 Pro Phantom 3 Advanced Phantom 4 (original) The communications from DJI do not mention the Phantom 3 Standard, however they do mention this: “The (DJI) consumer drones […]
Parrot lays off Hundreds after Slow Drone Sales- Why they are losing the Drone Wars
Is Parrot the Canary in a Coal Mine…or, simply a bird that failed to fly properly? Recent news stories such as this one at Marketwatch have reported sagging drone sales and massive layoffs at the French Drone maker Parrot. In this article we delve a little deeper in the stories behind the story. Parrot was […]
CES 2017 Drone Report – Nothing New under the Sun
The vast Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has always had a reputation for hype. After all, it’s the largest show of its type in the world and the resulting PR filters out for months afterwards. When it comes to drones, however, CES may soon be irrelevant. Read on…. Many years ago, massive companies like Apple, MicroSoft […]
Biggest Drone Stories of 2016
As 2016 draws to a close, we are presenting our opinion on the biggest drone stories of 2016. Please leave your opinions and comments below the article: FAA Part 107 and Ramifications for prosumer and light commercial space. News: FAA moved on both registration…and then commercial use of small uAS (sUAS – also called Drones […]
