I want to take photos of houses for realtor purposes and want to know the cheapest way to start out in the drone. I believe the go pro to be the best way possible but if there is another please let me know. I jave nothing to use now and want to get an idea for a setup and the cheapest cost possible.
Thank you so much!
Replies
Which direction did you take in the end, Michael?
GoPro's don't make good UAV cameras
GoPro operates on the same frequency as most drones.
You run the risk of crashing even if the GoPro is shielded.
Best all round set up in my opinion is Blades QX3 with the CGO camera.
$999.00 at most stores
http://www.horizonhobby.com/350-qx3-ap-combo-rtf-with-safe-technolo...
This is what I get with the QX3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHGKuaZqXSE
If cheap is what you want by a used Parrot AR2 and get the GoPro case that fastens to the bottom.
@Jack A Go Pro has no effect on 2.4 Ghz RC control whatsoever unless you try to use the wifi on the Go Pro, so that advice is not well informed. I have no particular love for expensive Hero 3/4 cameras but there is not a better camera (unfortunately) on the market for shooting video on small multi-rotors, annoying fish eyed lens not withstanding. And most gimbals are balanced for them.
No one would use a Gopro on a drone without FPV which on a GoPro operates in the 2.4 Ghz range same as 95% of R/C drones.
Also the little WiFi controller that comes with the GoPro operates in the 2.4 Ghz range.
http://shop.gopro.com/accessories/smart-remote/ARMTE-002.html
My QX3 came with copper shielding material to put on the GoPro with a warning that it may result in erratic movement or crash with or without the copper shielding
The CGO2 camera operates in the 5.8 Ghz range and has no effect on the UAV.
When I run my camera I switch my phone to 5.8 Ghz only.
Just to be on the safe side.
I also have the Gopro clone CGO1 which operates in the 5.8 Ghz range.
So you think all those airborne Go Pros are used with the Go Pro wifi app? You have never heard of a $5 live video out cable that plugs into a video transmitter? Or the wifi switch on the Go Pro! The vast majority of drone-based Go Pros are probably used with live a video out cable through the USB port in conjunction with a video switch and dedicated FPV camera. It is the only serious choice when you need high quality video in a small form factor. That's why everyone uses them -- with the wifi switch off. You do not generally ever need shielding with a Go Pro.
If you have no control of the GoPro why would anyone use it?
What frequency do most after market gimbal's operate on?
If the GoPro while sitting 1.5 inches below the reciever on the quad is operating in the same 2.4 Ghz as the quad what are the chances of a disaster?
Better than 75%?
What does GoPro say?
Jack,
People use Go Pros because they offer near commercial grade video in a tiny size. That is it. They suffer the lack of control and absurdly wide field of view and having to press 'record' each time they take off. Seems amazing even to me that people (ie me) do but no one has yet equaled it in weight and video quality up to 4K although DJI is now making good proprietary cameras and forcing this to change -- note the Solo will offer control over the Go Pro.
I am not going to argue about your notion that a Go Pro emits 2.4 Ghz when you turn off its Wi Fi. It does not and presents no risk to RC control. If you want to educate yourself on the topic there is a wealth of info out there. I only replied as it seems you were offering misguided advice based on a lack of understanding as to how the ubiquitous small uav aerial camera actually works. But it is true - I am sure many a drone has been lost to people firing up the wifi on a go pro. But that is a newbie mistake.
(BTW gimbals do not operate on any frequency. Most short range FPV is 5.8Ghz. Most RC control is 2.4 Ghz. Long range FPV video is often 1.3 Ghz. Please read up on this....)
Cheers,
Marc
Going to the other end of the scale this is nice but not worth the price.($160,000.00)
I'm not impressed.
I can buy a computer program for a few hundred dollars that will convert my video in to what that thing will produce.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/what-happens-when-you-rig-...
Here is where DJI owners go for support when their GoPro equipped drone flys away or crashes.
https://www.facebook.com/djiflyaway
YUNEEC actually builds electric aircraft you can get in and fly.
They are the parent company who builds Blades QX3 and CGO2.
I have their hand held camera holder ($149.00) that turns the CGO2 into a handheld gimballed camera.
I can trot down the street and the video looks like its shot on rails.
GoPro has nothing like this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FHu4wwrXYE
I do this quite a lot (my wife is a very successful realtor so I have only 1 client). I use and prefer my own Arducopter DIY machines but the same results can be had with an off-the-shelf machine. Truthfully, a Phantom 3 is what you want if you just want to get to work. It is not cheap exactly but at 1200-1500 it is the best deal and you do not need a Go Pro as it has its own 4G camera and proprietary gimbal. Right now everyone is furiously selling their Phantom 2s as they want to buy Phantom 3s so you could get a good deal on what was only a few months ago perfectly good gear. And if you primarily do not want video then a Phantom 2 will be fine. Used they are about $500.
You should know that this forum is not geared towards DJI products so you may want to head over rcgroups.com and read /subject yourself to the 100s of pages of the phantom threads.
If you want good results with a better camera such as Canon cameras with CHDK etc then, this is the place to get that info. But you will need to make it yourself to some extent.
Do yourself a favor. Buy a cheap $50 quadcopter and learn to fly it around before you put more valuable equipment in harms way or draw the ire or unwanted attention through mishaps. As long as you are doing it for yourself(ie not advertising), and are discreet and sensible, and a competent pilot, I doubt you will end up on an FAA hit list. At least I have not. Good luck.
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