Is anyone else like me and just likes the customizability of having a seperate camera? Also the p2 with zemuse wont get outdated as soon.
I guess one question regards how long camera drones last in the field. I suspect 1 1/2 years max as a general rule. That means you are likely ready for another one and have no need to replace the camera. Also, having a separate FPV system can be a real PITA. If GoPro has an open API for complete control of their cams as well as a 5.8GHZ wireless setup with a basic (maybe 300 foot) range for close-in shots, that could make a difference. I always wanted to setup a P2 with a higher end bigger frame still cam - but now when I look at the price difference...that would cost me 2K to do it right....I think the P3 is close enough.
Your 1 1/2 years estimate might be spot on! Between minor crashes, mishandling, general wear and tear and technological advances... One needs *some* kind of flexibility in the world of quads. On the surface, it looks like you could build a Blade 350 from the ground up with parts of your own. At the moment it looks like the Phantom would be a totally different situation. If the camera breaks (beyond warranty) one has to make the decision of hanging a new camera altogether or a high price to replace the camera. In such a case, what happens to the FPV capability? Can you access it on your own or is it so proprietary it's impossible? Now here comes 3DR. Are they really David, fighting Goliath? Do they have so little to lose that it's a winning proposition anyway? Or are they so shoestringed that only quick success will ensure their survival? We who have so little (relatively speaking) invested get to stand on the sidelines and reap the benefits!
"high price to replace the camera" doesn't seem true in the world of prosumer cams because the GoPro 4 Black is $500 and any decent gimbal is $300+ so if you destroy your cam and gimbal, it's $800 to hang another one..... On the other hand there are 3rd party repair shops that will totally fix or swap out a Vision+ camera and gimbal for about $300. Which is the better deal? Other than the Solo - which doesn't exist and is in a completely different price category - there isn't really any decent GP camera control and FPV without rolling your own. As far as David vs. Goliath, this was a tale where David was the "consumers friend"....he wasn't offering a higher priced "sale". I think this is Goliath vs. Wanna-Be Goliath. To quote the 3DR CEO, he desires total control of the market! " If everyone is using our software, says 3D Robotics’ CEO, then we, not DJI, will control the market." That is from last week..... I would like for lots of serious players to enter the market at different levels.....but you may have it right that 3DR has nothing to lose except OPM (other peoples money).
Fair to say I think I mostly agree with you. I'm sure, however, there are many who would like to pay $400 or so for a quad but then might balk at having to spend $700 for a gimbal and camera. I toyed with the idea of "converting" my Blade to a carbon fiber frame (and sort of an open architecture) just to be able to get to everything more easily. But then you wind up having to "roll your own" for mounting a gimbal and camera. Apparently no simple answers in much of this any more!
