Hi, I would like to learn to fly a quadcopter and take some photos and video with it. There are so many possible choices I'm trying to get people who have some experience and who are willing, to help narrow it down. I'd like to get something that's under $1K for the final vehicle if possible. I would also like to get a less expensive practice vehicle, or more than one, if people can suggest some good practice models. Here are some general questions I'd like to learn about to begin with: how many channels, and what do they control? what type of battery system to get? what about a gyro, or gyros? how to know the orientation of the vehicle when it gets a fair distance away...is it with lights? what about drain on the battery from lights and photo/video equipment? what about some sort of auto-return system for when the battery gets low or it gets too far away? are there any tiny models that would be good to practice with indoors to start with? are there good fairly inexpensive larger models that would be a good next step to practice with outdoors? Thank you for any help learning these basic aspects, and anything else anyone is willing to explain or suggest!!! David Harrison Buford, GA
You have to start somewhere - here is my first advice. Buy the Hubsan Quads X4 - buy the propeller guards for it, as well as maybe 2 extra batteries and a couple extra sets of props. You can find it on Amazon, tmart, Banggood, etc.... It's small and you can start learning inside or in a small area outside. Toy quadcopters don't have any of those fancy features like return to home or GPS, but your next model will likely have it (those over about $400).... I wrote a book on getting started with Quadcopters: http://amzn.to/1n0eQUn You can also read a number of the articles on our blog and pick up most of the same hints, but the book has the basics in one place and in good order. Your other questions will naturally be answered as you learn - and as you start researching. I am in the process of writing another book on the DJI Phantom models which may be one which fits your needs after you learn. A lot of the answers will depend on exactly what you intend to do with your quad. If most of your work is going to be still photography, you won't need many of the fancier devices that make stable video possible. I'd say this - don't try to learn it all instantly. Buy and start flying the Hubsan Quads. Then start thinking - and making a list - of exactly what you want to do with your next quad. Learn all the various definitions (we have a glossary here and in the book). Another thing to consider is what your level of technical expertise is. Some quadcopters require much more in terms of technical understanding to tune up, assemble a complete system, etc.
Thank you for your suggestions and advice. I have ordered two of the X Nanos for $35 at http://is.gd/OABO52 as something to begin with. So far for a next step I'm thinking probably a Nine Eagles NE-MASF11 GALAXY VISITOR 2 for about $118 at http://is.gd/UDhbhX and will probably make a post asking people a couple of things about it. Since I want something RTF for the final vehicle I'm thinking the DJI Phantom 2 and expect to make a post asking about that as well. Thanks again for your help, and any additional advice or suggestions will always be appreciated! David Harrison Buford, GA
