I am a total newbee and am confused. I have a NEX5 camera and want to send it up to take still pics and maybe some video, As I am just starting I want to go first with the minimum equipment needed to take some stills and see the results. I have the camera a Mobi wifi card to send images to my Ipad and a remote trigger for the camera. Here is where I am having the problem ...what else is essential? I am fairly handy and can fabricate things like a fixed camera mount from aluminum, but will that work...? Do I need a controller? Or can you program flights without?
Thanks.
Replies
I would start with a smaller camera system if it's your first foray into aerial photography.
The 3d Robotics Iris+ is a very capable machine and the hardwork has been done for you. Just add a gimbal and GoPro3.
Budget $1100 for the drone and gimbal, $50 for a lipo charger, $150 for a transmitter, $40 for a receiver. Add the GoPro and you're ready to take stills and video.
I would highly reccomend an Android tablet or smartphone to run DroidPlanner2 so that you can plan automated flights.
It is also desirable to have an FPV system to allow you to frame shots and video in realtime. This will add another $250 to $700 dollars to the costs depending on whether you choose a monitor of FPV goggles such as Fatsharks.
It all sounds expensive..... because it is.
Or you could just buy a DJI Phantom like everyone else.