DJI Phantom Questions

This does not have the gimbal and is probably a slightly older model. The price is nothing special.
Check the model differences here:
https://www.droneflyers.com/2014/09/dji-phantom-models-differences-hobbyists-guide/

 

Can't be done. The Phantom 2 Vision+ is an integrated system.

If you want to fiddle around with range, you'd want to put your own system together using the P2 and Zenmuse gimbal and lots of other fancy parts. There are some examples around the web of people doing this and getting 2 mile range.

Personally - and also legally in my case (USA), I find that the stock ranges are more than enough for anything I do. When the P2 is at 250 feet of height, it's a dot in the sky. At a certain distance you are relying 100% on the vehicle systems (RTH, control lock,etc.) to retrieve the vehicle.

 

Sure, that looks like it will work - but it uses a separate camera and googles.....it's up to you whether you want to have two people (one spotter, one with the glasses on)....or, as most people do, just use a monitor screen.

 

Remember that inexpensive FPV systems need some good tuning to be able to do even the range of the stock P2V+ (200-300 meters).....you need to upgrade antennas, change the orientation, shield them, etc.
My cheapo FPV Phantom system has all kids of little glitches and can act funny when the camera (GP or Mobius) is taking pictures, etc.

My summary is this. The Vision+ is by far the best total system you can get for that price. BUT, if you want to spend quite a bit more and do a lot of fussing and tuning, you can make an FPV/GP system do as much or more. However, a cheapo FPV system often comes with performance problems also.

My Phantom is a dot in the sky at 300 feets - let alone 500 or 600. I find that many good aerial photos and videos are done at much lower altitudes.