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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:20:44 PM EDT
[#1]
Quoted: I want to buy a drone. I have no idea what I want to do with it. Pretty much screwing around, maybe take some vid or pics for Instagram, but mostly fucking about. Last time I kicked the idea around, there were no FAA regs, everything was $1000+, and I want to say the DJI Phantom was the cats pajamas, and there really wasn’t any first person consumer options. Knowledge boys, point me in a reasonable direction where I can have some fun for under $500. The credit card is ready, and if Amazon can get it to me tomorrow, that’s a plus. For 400 or so you can get a dji mini2 refurb, controller and three batteries and multicharger. For another 75 or so you can the replacement warranty if you wreck it, which is not easy to do as long as you pay attention and don't get carried away. ETA 499 with warranty Official Refurb by DJI 469 |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:29:03 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: For 400 or so you can get a dji mini2 refurb, controller and three batteries and multicharger. For another 75 or so you can the replacement warranty if you wreck it, which is not easy to do as long as you pay attention and don't get carried away. ETA 499 with warranty $411 Amazon Warehouse Official Refurb by DJI 469 Thoughts on the FPV headsets? |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:33:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thoughts on the FPV headsets? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: For 400 or so you can get a dji mini2 refurb, controller and three batteries and multicharger. For another 75 or so you can the replacement warranty if you wreck it, which is not easy to do as long as you pay attention and don't get carried away. ETA 499 with warranty $411 Amazon Warehouse Official Refurb by DJI 469 Thoughts on the FPV headsets? Never tried one. Looks pretty cool and I could see their use. For me as a novice, I like to be able to see my drone alot of the time. I like to fly it sideways to get people doing stuff from a side view and with fpv, you would not be able to see what it coming up and so are more likely to run it into trees or a building. Eta if I am flying it over 200 feet or so I am not likely to be able to see it, but also not likely to hit a 200 foot tall tree. I am talking flying 30 or 40 feet off the ground. |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:38:58 PM EDT
[#4]
DJI Mini 2 from costco.
Completely foolproof no license required. |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:43:07 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: DJI Mini 2 from costco. Completely foolproof no license required. +1 on the Mini 2. I got one 3 weeks ago and like it. A bit of a learning curve with the app but not too bad. Total greenhorn here on using my first smart phone. Just double check for phone compatibility before buying. I get a solid 23-24 minutes with 15-18% left on battery. |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:52:34 PM EDT
[#6]
Costco has the Mini 3 now. It's ~$800. That's what I'm going to upgrade to
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:55:51 PM EDT
[#7]
Kinda liking the idea of the Costco mini, could pick one up in the morning…
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Posted: 9/30/2022 9:56:21 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Costco has the Mini 3 now. It's ~$800. That's what I'm going to upgrade to Advantage of the 3 vs 2? |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 10:03:01 PM EDT
[#9]
Don't buy this one.
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Posted: 9/30/2022 10:10:23 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Advantage of the 3 vs 2? Many, the big ones for me are 4k video recording and collision avoidance. https://www.techradar.com/versus/dji-mini-3-pro-vs-dji-mini-2-which-is-the-best-small-drone-for-you |
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Posted: 9/30/2022 10:27:57 PM EDT
[#11]
$338 at Amazon. That's how I bought mine. Looked like someone opened it and sent it back. Buy the DJI Refresh Care also for $79 for two extra years. Takes the anxiety out of flying.
https://theforklift.net/items/171994158 If you end up buying from Costco, be sure to activate the refresh care before 48 hours. You can still do it after but it's a little more involved. You have to take a video showing all the things work. If you buy used from Amazon, you'll have to make the video. No big deal, I had to do it. Here's the link with instructions The Mini 2 takes fantastic pics/vids.    
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:16:18 AM EDT
[#12]
The Mini-3 has front, rear up, down avoidance. Camera can rotate 90 degrees, better resolution/camera than mini 2. Both can do 4K, Cost is almost 2X over the -2
I have a Costco Mini 2 pkg. Bought it when they had a $100 rebate (June) sale. First "real" drone. Last month I crashed it unto a powerline (Mini3 would have avoided it). Broke the gimbal camera bracket, glued it in place but it would not calibrate. Submitted an RMA to DJI, shipper was provided. Two weeks later and $103 I had a brand new Mini-2. Good communications. In the past 3 months I logged ~42 flights; over 54 miles. Longest flight 1 1/2 miles. I like the automated Return to Home feature when the battery runs low or loses connection to the controller. Fastest flight ~33 mph I am using it with a Galaxy S22 Ultra. In direct sunlight after a while the display dims, first flight this became a mega panic mode when I could not see where the drone was. Press Return to Home and could still could not see it. It was ~100' above me and could not be heard. Flown it over a lake a few times ~150' above, no one notices it. One day I may get the Mini 3, for now the 2 is good enough for a newbie. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:49:51 AM EDT
[#13]
Get the Mini 3 if you are most interested in capturing video.
Get the FPV if you care about the experience. My BIL has the Air 2S, my FIL has 2 of the mini 2, and I have the FPV. Glad I went with the FPV but the video quality it records is not nearly as good as the others due to the lack of stabilization. FPV also requires FAA registration which is a nothing burger. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:50:55 AM EDT
[#14]
The Mini 2 is a great all around drone. I've been using it, but I'm somewhat wishing I had went with a Mini 3 for the better camera. I try to do sunset/sunrise stuff which really taxes a camera. Also, when doing pictures for HDR use I like the mini 3 iso changes a bit more.
If you intend to really try to get into doing drone video and picture work I'd go right to the mini 3. Edit: Also worth pointing out soon to be implemented changes will cause the drones to now broadcast your info. I'd buy sooner rather than later and not let it do any updates. Its the FAA Remote ID requirement. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:22:02 AM EDT
[#15]
I like my Mavic 2 a lot.
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:23:54 AM EDT
[#16]
A lot depends on what you want to do with it. If you just want to fly around and take some pictures, some of the smaller DJI drones are pretty sweet. If you want to use 3rd party software, then you are somewhat more limited. I do mapping, so I was more limited - Mavic or Phantom. If you want to carry stuff (like shark bait), then there are heavier hitters (payload drones, not DJI camera drones), but their camera are not as good - plus sometimes their flight control software is not as good.
If I won a lotto or two - I would probably order a Gannet Mako. 10kg payload. Controller to handle a crap load of sensors. Money is about all that limits the camera pod. With the large battery, I think it has an hour and a half flight time. Hell, maybe I would also get a drone with a thermal sensor - but I think I could add that to the Mako as well. I think budget thermal drones are probably hard to find under 10k. Mako is a bit more than that. I have not looked at the current MSRP - as I think they only went into production this month, but they were targeting 20k. It's much smaller little brother is the Gannet Black - and I think they are close to $4k, then you need spare batteries. The high capacity battery for the Mako alone is over 1k. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 10:19:28 AM EDT
[#17]
I’m off to Costco with the intent of getting the Mini 3.
I found this video this morning, and loved the dude’s honesty/candor.  Ultimate Drone Buying Guide for Total Beginners 2022 |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 10:45:36 AM EDT
[#18]
Is there a commercial drone that allows multiple people to “livestream” the camera footage to their phone? If so what kind of distance limitation to the video stream? And is there a way to increase the distance to as far as the drone operator can receive a signal?
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Posted: 10/1/2022 11:06:49 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Advantage of the 3 vs 2? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Costco has the Mini 3 now. It's ~$800. That's what I'm going to upgrade to Advantage of the 3 vs 2? https://www.dji.com/mini-3-pro?site=brandsite&from=nav I flew a buddys Mini 3 last weekend. Very easy and forgiving. The other thing he said he liked is the 3 comes with a controller, vs having to use a phone. He said the newer phone (apple) is a PITA to use as the holder blocks both ends, making it difficult to use. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 11:29:38 AM EDT
[#20]
Costco sold out. 17 at distribution center waiting to be shipped out to stores.
Best Buy is nearby, gonna scope out their stock and pricing. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:02:36 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Advantage of the 3 vs 2? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Costco has the Mini 3 now. It's ~$800. That's what I'm going to upgrade to Advantage of the 3 vs 2? Better collision avoidance is the biggie, better camera. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:03:27 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I’m off to Costco with the intent of getting the Mini 3. I found this video this morning, and loved the dude’s honesty/candor.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xje3cqnG-QYou'll be surprised at the wind it can handle. @Engineer |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:04:07 PM EDT
[#23]
I plan on getting the Autel nano+
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:05:16 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Costco sold out. 17 at distribution center waiting to be shipped out to stores. Best Buy is nearby, gonna scope out their stock and pricing. Let me help make your life easier. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/consumer/ci/40227 |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:27:29 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryI got it in my head that I’m dead set on playing with it this weekend. So, I am the proud owner of a Mini 3 with the screen on the controller. Don’t tell my wife. I’m gonna go unbox it and fly it in my garage. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:35:57 PM EDT
[#26]
Love my Mini 2 but wished I waited for the Mini 3 Pro. Biggest gripe is having to fully commit your phone to the Mini 2's controller whereas the Pro has the onboard screen. And it's not a smooth process to out stretch the spring loaded bracket while squeezing in your phone with the other hand, then having to wrap the wire around to plug it in.
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Posted: 10/1/2022 12:55:06 PM EDT
[#27]
With your user name and avatar, you're going to be bored with a picture taking drone in no time at all. I have one, a DJI Inspire 1 V2, that was given to me. I rarely fly it. I do enjoy my fpv drones though.
I flew this one around the neighborhood this morning. Iflight XL10 I built earlier this year. It has an ExpressLRS rx/tx control link, so your only boundaries are your batteries. I had this out 1.6 miles in early testing, and it flies in acro mode most of the time, so you can do stunts with it.  Attached FileNot knockin' the Dji mini, still might pick one up for scenic stuff, but fpv is alot more fun IMHO. Look into whoops for good cheap starter fpv fun. One advantage to the sub-250g class is, no Remote ID, which is coming next year. Not saying it'll affect me much, as I fly in the open desert anyway, but it will affect park flyers and professionals who work with drones. https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:09:02 PM EDT
[#28]
Fuck you GD!
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:14:13 PM EDT
[#29]
Fuckin’ thing doesn’t come with a charger? Seriously?
Like we all have 30w USB-C wall chargers on every outlet…. Gonna have to go to the house and try to hook it up to the wife’s laptop dock. See if it catches on fire. In the meantime, I ordered one off Amazon that should be here by 5.  Attached File |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:25:01 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: With your user name and avatar, you're going to be bored with a picture taking drone in no time at all. I have one, a DJI Inspire 1 V2, that was given to me. I rarely fly it. I do enjoy my fpv drones though. I flew this one around the neighborhood this morning. Iflight XL10 I built earlier this year. It has an ExpressLRS rx/tx control link, so your only boundaries are your batteries. I had this out 1.6 miles in early testing, and it flies in acro mode most of the time, so you can do stunts with it. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/319951/20221001_080954_jpg-2546406.JPG Not knockin' the Dji mini, still might pick one up for scenic stuff, but fpv is alot more fun IMHO. Look into whoops for good cheap starter fpv fun. One advantage to the sub-250g class is, no Remote ID, which is coming next year. Not saying it'll affect me much, as I fly in the open desert anyway, but it will affect park flyers and professionals who work with drones. https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id You are probably correct, but I think Ineed to go through this intro stage to figure it out. FPV does look badass. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:30:02 PM EDT
[#31]
what ones can drop ordinance? asking for a friend of course
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Posted: 10/1/2022 1:39:42 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Fuckin’ thing doesn’t come with a charger? Seriously? Like we all have 30w USB-C wall chargers on every outlet…. Gonna have to go to the house and try to hook it up to the wife’s laptop dock. See if it catches on fire. In the meantime, I ordered one off Amazon that should be here by 5. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/122080/image_jpg-2546443.JPG You need the fly more combo. Buy it now. Seriously. You'll want it by the end of today lol. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 2:02:01 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: what ones can drop I also have a friend who is curious about this. 
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Posted: 10/1/2022 2:45:57 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You need the fly more combo. Buy it now. Seriously. You'll want it by the end of today lol. Likely. I’ll suffer through the weekend to figure out what I don’t know, then I can order whatever I figure out I want by next weekend. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 2:47:15 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: what ones can drop ordinance? asking for a friend of course Not this one. LOL You might be able to rig one of these to drop a black cat or smoke ball. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 2:50:59 PM EDT
[#36]
DJI mini or Mini SE is one of the best starter drones.
If I can fly one anyone can. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 3:03:03 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I also have a friend who is curious about this. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: what ones can drop I also have a friend who is curious about this. Need some input from the Ukrainian guys. I know I would love to setup some targets in my backyard to drop some dummy grenades on. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 3:45:44 PM EDT
[#38]
Damnit, now I want one.
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Posted: 10/1/2022 4:28:50 PM EDT
[#39]
Used up my first battery charge, just kinda messed around flying it inside my garage a little bit, then outside and around the area. I was able to take some pictures using the drone’s internal memory. I’ve got some micro sd cards coming later this afternoon. I’ll share some later.
I did not pay attention to my actual flight time. Fly more pack would def be nice. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 4:30:01 PM EDT
[#40]
Don't try to hover it in your house if you don't have a stable GPS connection
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:00:02 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Don't try to hover it in your house if you don't have a stable GPS connection I don't know about the Mini 3 but my FPV will use a downward facing camera below 30' to maintain hover, which doesn't require GPS. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:17:53 PM EDT
[#42]
I’ve been interested in a drone, but I live too close to an airport so I can’t fly it without traveling. That’s enough to keep me from committing.
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:21:37 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Fuck you GD! This. Now I feel the need to upgrade my Mavic Air. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:23:17 PM EDT
[#44]
What's the prop noise like on these?
I had a larger one years ago and it was quite loud. You'd be hard pressed to sneak up on anyone with it |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:27:17 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: DJI Mini 2 from costco. Completely foolproof no license required. +1 If you budget was higher the Air 2s. 
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:29:31 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What's the prop noise like on these? I had a larger one years ago and it was quite loud. You'd be hard pressed to sneak up on anyone with it Watch the video I posted above, the dude hovers all of them in his house while he talks, gives a good sense. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:31:23 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Watch the video I posted above, the dude hovers all of them in his house while he talks, gives a good sense. you crash it yet?
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:33:30 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You need the fly more combo. Buy it now. Seriously. You'll want it by the end of today lol. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Fuckin’ thing doesn’t come with a charger? Seriously? Like we all have 30w USB-C wall chargers on every outlet…. Gonna have to go to the house and try to hook it up to the wife’s laptop dock. See if it catches on fire. In the meantime, I ordered one off Amazon that should be here by 5. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/122080/image_jpg-2546443.JPG You need the fly more combo. Buy it now. Seriously. You'll want it by the end of today lol. Tried to tell him. A Mini 2 with three batteries and rapid charger is way better than a Mini 3 with 1 battery and slow ass in drone charging. |
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:34:30 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: what ones can drop ordinance? asking for a friend of course  
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Posted: 10/1/2022 5:35:08 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Tried to tell him. A Mini 2 with three batteries and rapid charger is way better than a Mini 3 with 1 battery and slow ass in drone charging. But a Mini 3 + Fly More Combo = Mo Betta.
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