I'm interested in aerial videography and photography. Ultimately, I would like to get a DJI Phantom 3. However, I have no experience with remote control, so I want to get a cheap quadcopter with an HD camera to learn and practice on before investing in the DJI. I've read lots of reviews and recommendations, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to either the Syma X5C or the Hubsan Quads X4 H107C, but I'm open to considering others if there's a compelling reason that I've overlooked. I'd like to hear your recommendations, and the pros and cons of each model with respect to learning skills transferrable to the DJI for aerial photo/videography. Thanks!
You basically will be mastering flight orientation. The Husban is quite small so I guess you could practice indoors. In the Syma class this is a good and less expensive alternative. http://www.Banggood.com/JJRC-H5C-Explorers-2_4G-6-Axis-RC-Quadcopter-With-2MP-Camera-RTF-p-945819.html The newest CF version (make sure you get the CF) has larger motors than the Syma, Video looks decent too, maybe even best in class. Do buy some spare parts with any quad you choose. http://www.Banggood.com/JJRC-KH5C-001-H5C-H5-Syma-X5C-X5-Propeller-Motor-Landing-Gear-Combo-p-963440.html http://www.Banggood.com/JJRC-H5C-New-Motor-0820-CW-CCW-p-970603.html http://www.Banggood.com/Syma-X5C-Motor-Gear-4PCS-p-942325.html http://www.Banggood.com/Upgraded-Syma-X5C-X5-37V-600mAh-25C-Lipo-Battery-p-926400.html You could also get some colored vinyl tape and stripe the front arms like the Phantoms, to aid in orientation.
I usually suggest not getting a camera on the first model - maybe on the 2nd...... The models mentioned are all good learners - after testing yet another toy last week I still come back to the Hubsan Quads with prop guards as one of the best trainers for flying both indoors and out (small yard and even a park). In the "expert" mode I've even flown it against 14mph headwinds - it was a good educational tool to learn the effects of wind. Flying the bigger GPS quads like the Phantom is actually much easier than these toys - which is why it is great to learn this way. It's always good to have skills which exceed what is needed for everyday use. There are lots of paths to the promised land. If AP is your main goal, I'd suggestion something like this Quad 1 - a toy like the Hubsan Quads - get it down so you can fly well Quad 2 - find a great deal on a used or refurb Phantom 1, Blade 350qx, etc. - about $250-$300. Learn how to fly GPS and Barometer stable quads while having some fun with small cameras and interval shooting (stills) from them. Quad 3 - that Phantom 3.
Webman, why would you recommend no camera on the first quad? I want to have a camera so I can learn to frame shots while flying, practice circling an object while videotaping it smoothly, and just learn how different ways of flying the drone are going to look on video. I hear you can remove the camera from the Syma X5C and fly without it. Would that be a good option? I can't really afford to get a$250-300 2nd quad and a Phantom 3. The Phantom 3 + an iPad or Android device + a spare battery + a carrying case for it are really going to stretch my budget to the max. I figure I can afford to get a $50 practice quad first just so I don't do all my crashing on the $$$ one. (Rather, I figure I can't afford not to.) But I'm hoping, after I get my bearings, to be able to take the plunge and get the Phantom 3. Do you recommend strongly against going directly from a toy quad to a Phantom 3? If so, why? Thanks!
My point about the camera is because it's best to concentrate 100% on learning the sticks - and that takes a lot of practice. Since most of us end up destroying or losing our first quads, it makes sense to just use it for learning. If you have to multi-task (worry, look or think about the camera framing), then you take away from your sticks practice. If you've never flown R/C I'd have to say it could be a stretch to go right to the P3. Some people do it....just that I tend to be more conservative. First - while you are thinking about all of this - why not order a $25 Hubsan Quads or similar? That way you can fly while you consider the options. Also, remember this about a good deal on a Phantom 1, etc - you can sell it for just about what you paid for it! So if you find something new or slightly used for $350 or so, you can likely get $300 for it when you sell. This makes the cost of ownership quite low. When it comes time for a P3 consider the various models - even the Standard is quite capable and you will save $$ on the initial purchase. Some of the discount cases are quite good and cost less than the factory models. But, yes, you could get the Syma and remove the camera until you are confident. I think it's best to just do it - don't overthink it. Get started one way or another and then make the future decisions when you come to them.
Thanks, Webman! Great advice. Is there any reason you recommend the Hubsan Quads over the Syma? (I will be flying exclusively outdoors.)
For outdoors the Syma is just as well. The Hubsan Quads is good for both.....although I've lost two of them outdoors! One was to the bay (I flew high and could not tell the orientation) and the other I lost in a bush about 30 feet from where I was flying but could not find it...ever! It was during the winter and it didn't even show up in the spring.... At least the X5 is large enough that you will see it when it is stuck in the tree. I learned a LOT with my original X1's. Once I got the hang of them I put a keychain cam on and got to film my first crashes....
That's one of the main reasons I'm leaning toward a Syma X5C. I don't have great eyesight and I'm afraid, with a small copter, I won't be able to see it, or see the orientation, and it would be much more likely to get lost! Although, if I saw a particularly good deal on an X4, I'd probably get it. Something about it really appeals to me, even though I suspect the X5C would be more practical for my purposes. How did you attach the keychain cam to the X1?
I think there were some holes in the F/C plastic board that I put copper wires through and then mounted a piece of foam board on them. There is always a way to velcro, zip tie or otherwise put a cam on. But if you get the X5C you can just remove or protect the cam for the initial flights if you are worried about destroying it.
