Hi All,
I am very new but want to jump right in as soon as possible. My prime interest at the moment is vertical still photography (mapping, etc.) and I would like to order a fixed wing UAV and go from there. It will be a learning platform that I hope to use commercially at some point. Two models that were recommended are the X8 and MAJA and I am hoping to get some suggestions for which might be better or recommendations for another unit.
My needs are:
1. Stability in flight.
2. Performance and stability in windy conditions
3. Payload (both seem to have enough)
4. Width to handle 120mm camera pointed downward. I'm thinking Sony NEX7.
Thanks for any advice.
Rick
Replies
Hi Rick,
To fit an NEX series camera sideways you may be forced into the flying wing option. The Maja fuselage is only a hair over 120mm wide so you'd have to cut out a lot of the side walls to get it to fit which may weaken that area a little too much. With such a big lens you'll also need to find a way to keep the camera as high in the body as possible and maybe a retractable lens cover. Plus you'll need a way to trigger the camera automatically if the NEX doesn't have a time lapse function which I've found most cameras do not have. I think both planes cover the rest of your criteria well enough.
If you really want to get going right away then consider starting out with my RTF mapping plane the E382. That stitched image of the park was taken with a relatively inexpensive Canon S95. Everything is kept simple so it'll get you going quickly.