Hi guys! So I've been really interested in getting a drone this past month, but I can't quite decide which one to get exactly. I've been looking at the Phantom Standard, as its on sale for $695 CAD and it has a great looking camera. I'll mainly be using it for aerial photography. But the Advanced model has a much larger range than the standard (2km VS 5) So I have a few questions. . What's the difference between Lightbridge and WiFi? . I've seen a lot of videos of drones all of the sudden loosing power and crashing. What are the chances of that happening? . What happens when the battery dies, or the drone goes out of range? Or would it be better to wait a little bit and save up to buy the Phantom 4? Keep in mind this will be my first drone, Any help would be great thanks!
Also, what exactly is the difference between the standard and the advanced? Besides the Lightbridge and larger range
Most of the differences are incremental - better sensor in the camera on the advanced. Dual GPS system. Lightbridge is an advanced technology that by itself cost 2K+ just 18 months ago. It is longer range and more reliable and provides more bandwidth (better quality) in a digital signal. We usually suggest buying a toy model for a first drone - but someone careful enough can start with a Phantom. Or, buy both and play with the toy first and then try the simulator and some very conservative flying. Frankly, the Standard would probably make a better first model - less $$ for you to lose when something happens. If you crash and burn you can still sell the remains for about 1/2 of your money. Once you decide if you are going to stay in the hobby then you can step up to a Phantom 5 (next year) or a heavily discounted 3 or 4.
Is the better sensor in the camera and the dual gas system worth the extra $400 though? I'm pretty careful with things, hence why I figured I'd might as well start with a phantom. I've read that people can only get to like a range of 300m in some cases though. I live in a pretty rural area and I'd mostly be using it to take videos and pictures of forests, rivers, mountains, etc. Do you think I'd have that issue? I honestly can't see my self going any farther than 2km. As it is my first drone and I'd be really scared of it like all of a sudden just dropping out of the air like 4km from me.
The range could be an issue. If you intend to fly 250 meters plus regularly I'd say go for the Advanced model. There is only a $300 US difference - maybe more canadian. For that you get a better sensor, dual GPS (definitely better), VPS (ground sensing) and lightbridge. Yes, I'd say it's worth the money for most people provided they have the money to spend.
Alright thanks. I think I'll go with the advanced model then. What's duel GPS? And is the ground sensing kind of like what they've introduced with the Phantom 4? Sorry for all of the questions I'm really new to drones.
Dual GPS means both US and Russian constellation reception - meaning more accurate positioning. It may even have the capacity for the European and Chinese satellites. You will often get 16+ satellites instead of about 8 on a USA-only GPS. The VPS is not as fancy as what comes with the P4 - it is more for allowing the machine to fly both indoors and when within a few meters of the ground. This is something I have rarely used but it does allow the craft to know more - for instance, do a better job at auto-landing and auto-takeoff and maybe also to follow the ground better when filming.
Alright good to know. You said I should get the advanced if I'm planning to go over 250 metres. Is that all the standard can do reliably? Even with an antenna mod? I literally live in a place with very few power polls and transformers if that makes a difference.
Some people get further - even much further, but with drones reliability is a big deal. So solar storms and other stuff including trees and mountains can shorten your range. So I would say that those who desire 1000 ft. plus should go advanced. Sure, you can mod antenna - but remember that the FPV display (monitor) is not as good either (lower res) and that the Advanced controller is more full featured and can hold larger tablets. The Standard is really made for a phone - and, tell you the truth, I don't like my iphone 6 with my Pro as well as I liked the Nexus 7 (bigger screen). I'd rather have more capability than less. It adds a measure of safety and reliability.
If I were to buy a standard, and decide to sell it to get an advanced how much do you think I could get for the standard?
If you have to worry about that you should probably reconsider your purchases. The best course of action is to assume you will lose, crash or otherwise do away with your purchase within a year or so. If you are a conservative pilot and your units lasts you can probably get about 40% of the original price in one year.
Well, I was just asking because if I got the standard and it didn't quite fit my needs I'd sell it to get an advanced. I'd hope the drone would last longer than a year xD I'm only 17, so $700 is quite a bit of money for me. This is why I want to be 100% sure which drone I want
It's an expensive hobby any way you look at it - compared to some. The Drones lose value from the moment you buy them until you sell, crash or lose them. I have always suggested that people look at it as a monthly cost of operation. So if you spend $700 and get year out of it and then sell the piece for $300, you have spend 400 for a year - or about 35 per month. That's about the low end of costs. Unfortunately, they are not as cheap as low-end tablets and even laptop computer - over time. It's more like taking a laptop and playing catch with it - it wouldn't last as long!
