Cheapest multi-rotor for arial video? Already have GoPro, Gimbal and cheap FPV

Discussion in 'Misc. Quadcopter & Multirotor discussions' started by cinetography, May 2, 2015.

  1. cinetography

    cinetography New Member

    So, I’ve had a Hubsan Quads X4 H107C HD for quite a while now and feel confident in flight (as long as the windows are too strong) and I’m looking to step things up. I already have a GoPro Hero 3 and this cheap gimbal which I managed to get super cheap:

    Gimbal:
    http://www.amazon.com/Brushless-Camera-Gimbal-Controller-Phantom/dp/B00GAY5YBU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430588567&sr=8-1&keywords=dji gimbal

    I’m considering a cheap FPV transmitter/receiver like this:
    FPV:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/L250-5-8G-250mW-32CH-VTX-Video-Transmitter-Module-for-FPV-Suits-Gopro-1-2-3-3-4-/321741420942?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ae948798e

    What would be my best and most affordable option option for getting into aerial video with a GoPro and FPV? I’ve built and modded RC cars and done a good amount of hobbyist level soldering including some SMD work for a several years now. I don’t need HD FPV or even good decent standard definition, I just want to be able to see what is in frame - what really matters is the recording to me. I’m a little hesitant right now to put too much $ up in the sky (on the ground is another matter), beyond the Go Pro (got two of them super cheap on craigslist - just needed to replace connector).

    Does anyone have any suggestions on cost effective RTFs or builds or am I just better off buying a used Phantom or something?
     
    cinetography, May 2, 2015
    #1
  2. Tyronestone

    Tyronestone New Member

    Hmm I just posted about the QR Y100 FPV hexacopter here and some with brushless motors if its any good. :)
     
    Tyronestone, May 2, 2015
    #2
  3. webman

    webman Administrator Staff Member

    I think the gimbal is going to be the tough part!
    Also, the math gets hard due to the very low pricing of the current models.....even though you have the GoPros, they are still worth something (you could sell them, etc.)...

    If you didn't care about stable video - and wanted most stills and FPV, I would say get a new or used old model phantom or Blade 350qx - about $350 or less if used. Add a basic FPV kit for about $150 at the low end and you are in business for less than $500.

    But gimbals are very delicate and hard to tune and setup. If you like a challenge you can probably dig around and find one.....but it's likely you will put many hours (and time is sometimes money) into getting things right.

    If you went for a Phantom 2 with a GoPro gimbal you would spend about $700 - maybe less if you really dig around. Then you have to add a basic FPV for $150 or more and your GoPro - so you will be at $850 plus your cam and not even have camera control, etc.

    You can see where I am going with this - at $1,000 the Phantom 3 Advanced starts looking really good when you figure the extras.

    But there is some wisdom in a less capable machine - simpler and the P3 is not quite ready for prime time yet (needs some firmware and software updates, etc.).

    If you want to tackle the project get a P1 or plain P2 and dig around the net for all the info on hooking up to the gimbal. I sold my Blade 350QX2 in perfect condition for $225 so it's possible to get stuff at that price level. But the blade has a lousy payload so go for the P2 if you want decent flight time and payload. The P1 can probably barely lift it and you will be limited to 6 minute flight times - but it could be fun.
     
    webman, May 3, 2015
    #3

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