First Drone : Advice and Recommendations
Discussion
So I have been into video editing for a while now and it is obvious that a drone is what I need next to provide me with the footage and angles required to seriously elevate my videos. I am still learning and experimenting at the moment with various features of editing, however I have already bookmarked some nifty tools such as an online YouTube cropper, allowing me to split, crop and insert third party footage into my videos. I generally put music, and often multiple different tracks to my video's, and have now also learnt the importance of fading and adding "gaps" between phases / chapters.
I have no experience with drones other than watching a friend years ago with a DJI in the local park. I am aware there are laws but that doesn't seem to stop the locals near me sending them up and over everyone's gardens / houses. What I am after is something that will provide me with some decent fly time (20 mins?) and 4k footage ideally. Or at the least 1080p. I don't have a budget but suspect £500 - £600 ball park. I am quite savvy and learn quick with software so getting used to the features etc I will do over time and shouldn't have an issue with. What I am useless at is building / DIY -I DO NOT want to be having to build something from scratch and screw in various parts e.t.c. Also do these need servicing or professional attention every so often to keep the moving parts in check?
At some point I may also buy some editing software that has more advanced features than Clipchamp which is what I have used to date. It is fine for what I am doing now but I feel like I am nearing the point that I can push some more boundaries.
So in terms of drones then - any particular make or models that I should be considering? And any do's or don'ts or warnings?
I have no experience with drones other than watching a friend years ago with a DJI in the local park. I am aware there are laws but that doesn't seem to stop the locals near me sending them up and over everyone's gardens / houses. What I am after is something that will provide me with some decent fly time (20 mins?) and 4k footage ideally. Or at the least 1080p. I don't have a budget but suspect £500 - £600 ball park. I am quite savvy and learn quick with software so getting used to the features etc I will do over time and shouldn't have an issue with. What I am useless at is building / DIY -I DO NOT want to be having to build something from scratch and screw in various parts e.t.c. Also do these need servicing or professional attention every so often to keep the moving parts in check?
At some point I may also buy some editing software that has more advanced features than Clipchamp which is what I have used to date. It is fine for what I am doing now but I feel like I am nearing the point that I can push some more boundaries.
So in terms of drones then - any particular make or models that I should be considering? And any do's or don'ts or warnings?
DJI drones are pretty good and give you a lot of bang for your buck, i have a Mini2 that shoots in 4K and they can be had for well below what you suggested is what you would like to pay.
However, the Mini4 Pro is something else, it's expensive at around £1000 but then it is that much better than the Mini 2 i have. Collision avoidance for example, better battery life - the Mini 2 is about 25 mins or so - and slightly better camera.
If you can afford it, this is the one to go for and the controller is better as it has a screen built into it, the Mini 2 uses your phone as the screen.
Laws wise, a lot of people are either a) ignorant of the rules or b) just choose to flaunt them.
Because the Mini range is under 250grams in weight, the rules are lot less restrictive compared to the bigger drones - you can fly over people for example if they are uninvolved but you still can't fly over crowds of people.
You can fly in residential areas or industrial areas b ut if you go for a drone in excess of 250 grams, you can't.
You don't need a flyer id for a Mini drone but you do need an operator id but it is worth getting the flyer id anyway.
If you plan on using this commercially, you will need the A2 C-of-C for that and insurance is an absolute must
Hope that helps
However, the Mini4 Pro is something else, it's expensive at around £1000 but then it is that much better than the Mini 2 i have. Collision avoidance for example, better battery life - the Mini 2 is about 25 mins or so - and slightly better camera.
If you can afford it, this is the one to go for and the controller is better as it has a screen built into it, the Mini 2 uses your phone as the screen.
Laws wise, a lot of people are either a) ignorant of the rules or b) just choose to flaunt them.
Because the Mini range is under 250grams in weight, the rules are lot less restrictive compared to the bigger drones - you can fly over people for example if they are uninvolved but you still can't fly over crowds of people.
You can fly in residential areas or industrial areas b ut if you go for a drone in excess of 250 grams, you can't.
You don't need a flyer id for a Mini drone but you do need an operator id but it is worth getting the flyer id anyway.
If you plan on using this commercially, you will need the A2 C-of-C for that and insurance is an absolute must
Hope that helps
Edited by slopes on Saturday 19th October 10:11
Very informative thanks. I think initially I want something that I can happily make mistakes with, and properly learn. So I would choose the cheaper version first then once mastered would upgrade in around 1 year.
I find the law thing fascinating. The police don't police these days in any case, plus when you add a niche piece of legislation to the mix such as drone law, it just becomes far too complex for 95% of officers to deal with (if they were even about to deal with it). I have no intention of breaking the law but equally I have zero concern about getting into trouble either. Are there any cases where a local resident has been prosecuted for drone use? I am yet to hear of one and as I say, we are pestered by them near us by users who clearly don't care.
I would get the flyer ID, is that all online and is there any cost?
I find the law thing fascinating. The police don't police these days in any case, plus when you add a niche piece of legislation to the mix such as drone law, it just becomes far too complex for 95% of officers to deal with (if they were even about to deal with it). I have no intention of breaking the law but equally I have zero concern about getting into trouble either. Are there any cases where a local resident has been prosecuted for drone use? I am yet to hear of one and as I say, we are pestered by them near us by users who clearly don't care.
I would get the flyer ID, is that all online and is there any cost?
Looks like the 2 SE is the one for around £250. On Amazon the prices seem to be 800 and then 450 but that was a quick search. Also came across the Mini 3 for 450, so wondered what that offered. And is there more than one version of the 2, with the SE being the base version? It looks fine for a first purchase. Do they go forever or do they need servicing every so often & what is a propeller fails mid flight does it all go bandy or can it limp home?
Hi there - I occasionally use a drone for work, im a DOP / Cam op.
I have a DJI Mini pro 3 - image quality is pretty impressive, for its size, and is certainbly good enough for documentary work, establishing shots, and some basic car tracking shots. For anything more demanding, i'll hire i a drone specialist with something bigger.
The good thing about the sub 250 gram drones, is they can be flown in many more places than the larger ones, and technically you only need to have an operator ID (you register with the CAA for £11, yearly, and need to put your ID number on the drone).
The 3 pro was a big jump from the 2. different camera. But the 4 was not a big jump from the 3 (has same camera). But the 4 has a few software upgrades, like more advanced tracing modes, and better obstacle avoidance (has sideways detection as well - which the 3 pro doesn't).
If you can stretch to the 3 pro, id go for that over the 2. The pro gives you 60 fps for slow mo, and d-cinelike picture profile, which can be helpful for grading and matching to other cameras. There are a lot of deals and 2nd hand 3 pro's around, since a lot of peioe upgraded, so in my view, they're a bargin at the moment.
I have a DJI Mini pro 3 - image quality is pretty impressive, for its size, and is certainbly good enough for documentary work, establishing shots, and some basic car tracking shots. For anything more demanding, i'll hire i a drone specialist with something bigger.
The good thing about the sub 250 gram drones, is they can be flown in many more places than the larger ones, and technically you only need to have an operator ID (you register with the CAA for £11, yearly, and need to put your ID number on the drone).
The 3 pro was a big jump from the 2. different camera. But the 4 was not a big jump from the 3 (has same camera). But the 4 has a few software upgrades, like more advanced tracing modes, and better obstacle avoidance (has sideways detection as well - which the 3 pro doesn't).
If you can stretch to the 3 pro, id go for that over the 2. The pro gives you 60 fps for slow mo, and d-cinelike picture profile, which can be helpful for grading and matching to other cameras. There are a lot of deals and 2nd hand 3 pro's around, since a lot of peioe upgraded, so in my view, they're a bargin at the moment.
Ubiquitous2024 said:
Looks like the 2 SE is the one for around £250. On Amazon the prices seem to be 800 and then 450 but that was a quick search. Also came across the Mini 3 for 450, so wondered what that offered. And is there more than one version of the 2, with the SE being the base version? It looks fine for a first purchase. Do they go forever or do they need servicing every so often & what is a propeller fails mid flight does it all go bandy or can it limp home?
Id say its rare for a prop to fail mid air - I its mostly dependent on the user, as youve got to maintain and look after your kit - If you're chucking it in a bag and not inspecting it and looking after it, then you could end up with damaged rotors or dust and sand getting in the motors. Its a flying object that could do damage, so its goto be treated carefully. I had a seagull attack my drone and take it out of the sky, luckily landed in sand. But i noticed I had a cracked rotor, so didnt fly it again until I'd replaced the damaged one. (I bought DJI's fly more package, which contrined extra batts and some spare rotors).
In terms of lifespan - they tend to be obsolete or retired due to damage, long before anything inside is actually worn out. The motors for the props are brushless, so its only really the bearings that could wear out really.
The main risk id say, especially when first getting used to it, is not keeping at eye on the battery life. Goto always keep an eye on your battery life, and never leave it till the last minute to fly and land. Always fly safe
Edited by Fordo on Saturday 19th October 16:40
I got a mini 4k last week. Seems like a great bit of kit albeit it’s my first one.
Goes a long way with clear line of sight. Video and photo quality is excellent.
Battery really doesn’t last more than about 20 mins though.
Fairly cheap it £270.
No complaints.
You need to register it online. Think it was £11
Goes a long way with clear line of sight. Video and photo quality is excellent.
Battery really doesn’t last more than about 20 mins though.
Fairly cheap it £270.
No complaints.
You need to register it online. Think it was £11
Ubiquitous2024 said:
Looks like the 2 SE is the one for around £250. On Amazon the prices seem to be 800 and then 450 but that was a quick search. Also came across the Mini 3 for 450, so wondered what that offered. And is there more than one version of the 2, with the SE being the base version? It looks fine for a first purchase. Do they go forever or do they need servicing every so often & what is a propeller fails mid flight does it all go bandy or can it limp home?
The main difference between the two Mini 2 is the SE you have to put the phone below the controller, so you either have to hold it up higher or spend your time with your head bent right down.The Mini 2 the phone goes above the controller and is much easier to see for me.
Servicing wise, never had mine serviced and don't really see the need for what i use it for.
Prop will only ever likely fail mid air if you clip something and the prop is damaged and you don't replace it, sooner or later then it will become too damaged to function properly and could potentially lead to a shortened life span due to vibration.
I've flown mine into the ground - albeit not from a great height and not travelling in Sport mode - and it was fine, the only time i've eve had it decide to head home is when i've lost contact with it.
Once due to flying over some woods and lost sight of the satelites and the screen went blank - if this happens DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING - it will start returning to the last known contact point and you will be able to regain control.
Second time i was out of line of sight due to sunshine and flew the wrong way, once it went in to return to home mode, i let it do it's stuff and took control and flew back to where i was.
They are great fun, as long as you are sensible and i've had two cfrashes both of which were my own fault and trying to be clever. Best thing to do is, find some wide open space and just practice whizzing about until you are comfortable flying it. Think i probably logged about 5 hours flying before i really started with looking for decent picture locations etc.
I will say to get a decent rucksack to carry it in or a hardcase - they both come with pockets designed for it, in the case of the hard case it's custom designed.
Oh and download the Drone Assist app, it's invaluable in showing you where you can and can't fly and if possible, they give you a link to email if you want permission - say near an airport NFZ - and how to contact ATC.
I had that a while ago, got permission to fly within the outer edge of the NFZ as i was only going up 20 mts and wa sonly in the air for 10 minutes.
Also, i don't have one myself but if you think you might get hassle from Joe Public, you can buy hi viz vests with Drone Pilot etc written on it
slopes said:
...
Oh and download the Drone Assist app, it's invaluable in showing you where you can and can't fly...
Do this first. After a bottle of wine, I made an impulse purchase of a DJI Mini 2SE and then found that I lived in a No-Fly Zone, wih many other NFZs nearby. Net result is that I've had it since June and not yet managed to fly it. Anyone want a mint Mini2 SE?Oh and download the Drone Assist app, it's invaluable in showing you where you can and can't fly...
Pro videographer here. I use a Mavic Pro2.
All of the basics have been covered well. As you're fully into the editing journey, a couple of pointers to help inform your choice.
DJi drones give you the option of shooting in LOG. If you're not familiar with this, it's a process that captures a huge amount of 'information' that gives you immense latitude when you come to edit in terms of light and colour adjustment. When it comes out of the camera, it looks dull and washed out but that's because of the amount of info there. Once you start grading, it looks stunning. You can also get a free DJi LUT - a plug-in where the initial grading is done for you. Just drop this onto the clip and you can make your adjustments from there. This is useful when blending the clips from your drone with those from other cameras.
And for similar reasons, it's best to use the manual settings on the drone camera rather than rely on the auto setting. So if you're shooting at 25fps on your normal camera, then you need the drone set to the same (unless your'e going for slo-mo stuff).
If you do look for something other than DJi, it would be wise to select something that has those functions.
Things you need to get:
A set of ND filters, extra batteries and a fold out landing pad. The latter seems a bit geeky but when you're on a dusty field, long grass or other tricky surface, you'll be very glad of it.
Learn how to properly fly it manually. Don't rely on the auto fly settings. I practiced by going to a park and flying along the white lines of a football pitch - tracking the lines, turning, rising and landing on the corners, centre spot, etc.
And watch it over water. In some situations, it doesn't see the water surface instead taking the hight reading from the river/lake bed. So if you're doing a nice low pass over a river, it can suddenly drop worryingly close to the water!
HTH
All of the basics have been covered well. As you're fully into the editing journey, a couple of pointers to help inform your choice.
DJi drones give you the option of shooting in LOG. If you're not familiar with this, it's a process that captures a huge amount of 'information' that gives you immense latitude when you come to edit in terms of light and colour adjustment. When it comes out of the camera, it looks dull and washed out but that's because of the amount of info there. Once you start grading, it looks stunning. You can also get a free DJi LUT - a plug-in where the initial grading is done for you. Just drop this onto the clip and you can make your adjustments from there. This is useful when blending the clips from your drone with those from other cameras.
And for similar reasons, it's best to use the manual settings on the drone camera rather than rely on the auto setting. So if you're shooting at 25fps on your normal camera, then you need the drone set to the same (unless your'e going for slo-mo stuff).
If you do look for something other than DJi, it would be wise to select something that has those functions.
Things you need to get:
A set of ND filters, extra batteries and a fold out landing pad. The latter seems a bit geeky but when you're on a dusty field, long grass or other tricky surface, you'll be very glad of it.
Learn how to properly fly it manually. Don't rely on the auto fly settings. I practiced by going to a park and flying along the white lines of a football pitch - tracking the lines, turning, rising and landing on the corners, centre spot, etc.
And watch it over water. In some situations, it doesn't see the water surface instead taking the hight reading from the river/lake bed. So if you're doing a nice low pass over a river, it can suddenly drop worryingly close to the water!
HTH
littleredrooster said:
Do this first. After a bottle of wine, I made an impulse purchase of a DJI Mini 2SE and then found that I lived in a No-Fly Zone, wih many other NFZs nearby. Net result is that I've had it since June and not yet managed to fly it. Anyone want a mint Mini2 SE?
Where are you?I did a load of research before my first drone. Similar budget to you. I ended up with a DJI Mini 3 and bought a load of spares and extras. I have the RJC remote, so screen is on the remote and that's great.
Tbh, it's all I'll ever need, flys really well, much better than i can, pics and videos are really good, in fact they're better than I'd thought they'd be.
I really haven't flown it much though, I get too concerned about the fly zones etc. I should just fly it and worry about it afterwards.
Tbh, it's all I'll ever need, flys really well, much better than i can, pics and videos are really good, in fact they're better than I'd thought they'd be.
I really haven't flown it much though, I get too concerned about the fly zones etc. I should just fly it and worry about it afterwards.
nordboy said:
I did a load of research before my first drone. Similar budget to you. I ended up with a DJI Mini 3 and bought a load of spares and extras. I have the RJC remote, so screen is on the remote and that's great.
Tbh, it's all I'll ever need, flys really well, much better than i can, pics and videos are really good, in fact they're better than I'd thought they'd be.
I really haven't flown it much though, I get too concerned about the fly zones etc. I should just fly it and worry about it afterwards.
It's great looking at some of the pics in the Drone Pics thread and find yourself thinking....i don't have anything around here i can take pics of, but almost naything can be interesting.Tbh, it's all I'll ever need, flys really well, much better than i can, pics and videos are really good, in fact they're better than I'd thought they'd be.
I really haven't flown it much though, I get too concerned about the fly zones etc. I should just fly it and worry about it afterwards.
I've flown up high and taken pics of the town i live in
Flow down low and taken pics, flown during the day, flown at night, i've taken pics of water towers, water treatment works, churches, almost anything can be a subject.
Not much in the way of hills or mountains round here but i sometimes spend hours poring over google maps to find interesting features, then checking drone assist to see if it's within a flying area. For example, i've taken pics of one of the local road tunnels, a flyover railway line, it just sometimes takes a bit of imagination on how to get to somewhere to get those interesting pics.
Ubiquitous2024 said:
littleredrooster said:
Do this first. After a bottle of wine, I made an impulse purchase of a DJI Mini 2SE and then found that I lived in a No-Fly Zone, wih many other NFZs nearby. Net result is that I've had it since June and not yet managed to fly it. Anyone want a mint Mini2 SE?
Where are you?
What is this bound / unbound stuff? Do you have to register it online with an account / verification and is that griefy?
Also the advice says sub 249 you don't need to do any course or register the drone or get flyer ID. Many recommend an ID regardless, why is that, in case you lose the drone?
Also the advice says sub 249 you don't need to do any course or register the drone or get flyer ID. Many recommend an ID regardless, why is that, in case you lose the drone?
p1stonhead said:
Below 250g - You need to an operator ID. You don’t need any sort of licence.
Because it has a camera you need an operator ID, it's not a bad idea to do the flyer ID as well. As long as you are not planning on doing anything commercially then you're fine at that, however if you plan on doing anything commercially you will need the A2 C - of - C and make sure you get good insurance. Insurance is not a bad idea anyway, just in case. I did hear of someone who fly their sub 2540gram drone into the sails on a windmill because they were too close and got nervous, so the owners of the windmill are taking them to court and from what i remember, they don't have insurance so this could prove costly.
I have flown near things like windmills but i then use the zoom function to get that extra bit closer just to avoid any potential hiccups.
Ubiquitous2024 said:
Many recommend an ID regardless, why is that, in case you lose the drone?
That can help repatriate you with your drone but it's mainly a means to identify those that have used their drone with nefarious intent. Bit pointless as those with such intent are hardly going to provide the means for them to be identified.Yes my thoughts too. I just did the online test off the cuff and got 36/40. I was surprised at the questions I got wrong, basically they stated that you are allowed to fly over recreation parks and also over a group of people you are with to have a photo taken - thought you couldn't do either. I also misunderstood 400 feet as 400 metres so all in all I did fairly well from only watching around 10 mins online yesterday. But some of the questions were hilarious.
I will have to pay for an op ID when I get the drone then I suspect. I already have an idea where my first fights will be, I live near to a load of ranges and military land some of which have no restrictions on air space use but there is also heath land nearby which you can walk into off the beaten track and launch.
I will have to pay for an op ID when I get the drone then I suspect. I already have an idea where my first fights will be, I live near to a load of ranges and military land some of which have no restrictions on air space use but there is also heath land nearby which you can walk into off the beaten track and launch.
Yes my thoughts too. I just did the online test off the cuff and got 36/40. I was surprised at the questions I got wrong, basically they stated that you are allowed to fly over recreation parks and also over a group of people you are with to have a photo taken - thought you couldn't do either. I also misunderstood 400 feet as 400 metres so all in all I did fairly well from only watching around 10 mins online yesterday. But some of the questions were hilarious.
I will have to pay for an op ID when I get the drone then I suspect. I already have an idea where my first fights will be, I live near to a load of ranges and military land some of which have no restrictions on air space use but there is also heath land nearby which you can walk into off the beaten track and launch.
I will have to pay for an op ID when I get the drone then I suspect. I already have an idea where my first fights will be, I live near to a load of ranges and military land some of which have no restrictions on air space use but there is also heath land nearby which you can walk into off the beaten track and launch.
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