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05/03/2015 07:13:10 PM · #1 |
Anyone here use a drone to take video and images? I am interested in getting one and was wondering if anyone on here had any insight as to the main differences between the DJi Phantom 2 and 3 copters? I have not read much as of yet but it seems that the 3 has live streaming which is something I am not interested in so other than that what is the difference between the 2 and 3?
I plan to get on with the Gimble. Also, what about camera options. Can the cameras be changed or can you buy one without the camera so you can purchase your own?
Hope there are members on here that have some experience with these.
For those that do not know what I am talking about.
https://youtu.be/SRfeogp6C_k |
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05/03/2015 08:00:27 PM · #2 |
i have a dji phantom 2
//www.dpchallenge.com/camera.php?CAMERA_ID=2326
3 is a massive leap on with dji light bridge tecnnology offering 720p preview in flight and 4k on the pro version of the p3
on the 2 you can buy it without then mount a go pro etc but its more expensive
check out my youtube feed im still learning with mine
https://www.youtube.com/user/cyberprop/videos |
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05/03/2015 08:17:52 PM · #3 |
I remember your Portal picture and loved it. Never thought about how you achieved it.
I've been reading up for an hour now and there are a few horror stories out there on losing the drone. I would die if I spent $1,000+ on a drone and it just left. LOL
I will look at your YouTube page when I get the chance. |
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05/03/2015 08:27:36 PM · #4 |
There are two camps of thought on the drones - cowboys who go out there and just "do it", and responsible folks :)
I have the DJI 2 and wish I'd done more research. Neither the 1 or 2 allow you to see what you're shooting (which in retrospect is dumbfounding), although you can jerryrig the 2 with a monitor, and antenna. VERY cumbersome. It uses the Hero 3/4, but you cannot use wifi to view what it shoots because it's the same signal it uses to navigate. Yes, another dumbfounding aspect of the earlier versions.
The truth is that you really need two people to shoot decent footage. One to keep an eye on the drone (they disappear in the distance REALLY easily), and the other to pilot. Though I was able to pilot the thing (even THAT is sold as a LOT easier than it really is), I could not both fly it, control the image, and keep an eye on it. If you're shooting in the city, you'll want someone to keep an eye out for billboards, power lines, people, buildings, anything that the drone can fly into. And you should become familiar with your city's codes regarding flying drones.
With the 3 (or any other drone that allows you to see what you're shooting) it may be possible. But you'd still want a second pair of eyes to see where the thing is at all times, in case it goes down. |
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05/03/2015 10:23:58 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by tanguera:
There are two camps of thought on the drones - cowboys who go out there and just "do it", and responsible folks :)
I have the DJI 2 and wish I'd done more research. Neither the 1 or 2 allow you to see what you're shooting (which in retrospect is dumbfounding), although you can jerryrig the 2 with a monitor, and antenna. VERY cumbersome. It uses the Hero 3/4, but you cannot use wifi to view what it shoots because it's the same signal it uses to navigate. Yes, another dumbfounding aspect of the earlier versions.
The truth is that you really need two people to shoot decent footage. One to keep an eye on the drone (they disappear in the distance REALLY easily), and the other to pilot. Though I was able to pilot the thing (even THAT is sold as a LOT easier than it really is), I could not both fly it, control the image, and keep an eye on it. If you're shooting in the city, you'll want someone to keep an eye out for billboards, power lines, people, buildings, anything that the drone can fly into. And you should become familiar with your city's codes regarding flying drones.
With the 3 (or any other drone that allows you to see what you're shooting) it may be possible. But you'd still want a second pair of eyes to see where the thing is at all times, in case it goes down. |
Unless I'm missing something all the models I'm looking at you can see what you are shooting. Maybe I'm missing something in what you are saying? Are you saying you can see where you are flying but you can't see the image that is snapped?
Does the model you have not have the capability for a phone or tablet to attach to it to view the flight? I think if I purchase I'll be going with the model that already has the camera.
Thanks for the input. I like to do a lot of research before I buy and hopefully do not wind up being a cowboy on this. Lol |
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05/03/2015 10:29:44 PM · #6 |
The Phantom 2 comes with a GoPro Hero 3 (or 4 at this point). And no, you cannot see what it is shooting/filming while it is flying. To do so, you have to get a separate monitor and mount it to the drone controls.
The other version has it's own camera (and I believe you CAN see what it's shooting while it's flying), but from everything I've read, the image quality is inferior. |
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05/03/2015 10:33:48 PM · #7 |
That's good to know and something I didn't think of when looking at the ones with an on board camera and the ones that you have to purchase a seperate GoPro with.
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05/04/2015 12:12:06 AM · #8 |
You should contact  alanfreed, he's done a lot with drone photography/video.
As an aside, on a few hacker pages/chats, I've seen people planning ways to either disrupt drone controls or to take command of them mid flight. I've seen a practical demonstration by one person who has modded his own drone to take over other nearby drones and command them. There's already an acoustic drone detection and location system designed to help law enforcement enforce drone no-fly zones, the idea being that the system tells law enforcement where the offending drone is, then an officer is dispatched to bring it down either with a specially designed net gun or a shotgun. People seem really touchy about the idea of drones filming them. |
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05/04/2015 03:52:29 AM · #9 |
mine is the dji phanton 2 vision plus with on board 3 axis gimbal and hd 1080p with fpv through the dji app so you can see what your camera is seeing also there is a lightroom lens profile for correcting the fish eye of the raaw dngs
i have the new controller with the gimbal wheel from the dji phanton 2 vision plus v3 thats version 3 not the phantom3! which uses the pro lightbridge link which used to be £1000 to allow hd inflight preview but is built into the phantom 3 and inspire 1
https://www.dji.com/product/phantom-2-vision-plus
haha you americans take stuff far to seriously drone guns chuff all use at 400ft up doing 40mph
i have flytrex installed that tracks flight data but the new 3 does this natively now, im looking into getting an inspire 1 and using it professional with a surveyor i know who is a private pilot for dam inspection work
my flytrex //www.flytrex.com/giles/
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05/04/2015 03:58:42 AM · #10 |
re hacking them they bind to one device on the wifi and 1 device only so not sure if they are using service interruption although the wifi is only for camera controls and preview the controller controls the flying via 5.8ghz
the go pro route allows for a better camera but isnt straight out the box and flying, requires you to integrate some form of phat shark glasses or lighbridge into it to allow fpv first person vision ie see what your camera sees. the go pro also allows 4k with newest go pro and go pro can do hd video and still ever 3 seconds
but the ability to just open the box and fly without soldering and messing around was what persuaded me to get the phantom 2 vision plus
as for loosing it, you take a 25 grand car out on the road just gotta be careful and sensible, practice practice and know your limitations, pre fllight checks and plan your flight.
of course the hobby is spoilt by knob heads who fly them into airports or other stadiums but these people are not part of the real community its like tarring all photographers because some nut job takes photos of kids at the park, oh wait you already do that in the states ;) |
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05/04/2015 10:33:56 AM · #11 |
I just saw this thread, and I'm also just about to head out the door... but I thought I'd offer a couple quick thoughts regarding the P2 vs. P3 questions you originally posed (I haven't read the entire thread, so maybe some of this is old news...)
There are a couple flavors of the Phantom 2... there's the Phantom 2 (which I have) and the Phantom 2 Vision, which comes with its own camera built-in. I use a GoPro Hero 3+ Black with my Phantom 2, and the imagery is fantastic (having the gimbal is a night/day difference!). I also have a Phantom 1.1.1 that does not have a gimbal, but it was great to learn to fly with it.
One of the bigger differences in the Phantom 3 is that both varieties come with a DJI camera included. The more expensive model will allow 4K recording, while the less expensive one is limited to 1080p. Personally, I think by the time 4K really catches on, we'll be on the Phantom 5 or 6 :)
A nice benefit of the Phantom 3 camera is that it does not have the fisheye effect that you see with GoPro models. That should make a lot of people happy. And it looks like all of the FPV (First Person View) capabilities are already built in, where you had to buy extra stuff to attach it to a P2.
PS -- You can see some of the videos I've shot of our local communities here:
Ambridge
Baden
Economy Borough
Harmony Township
Message edited by author 2015-05-04 10:37:23. |
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05/04/2015 12:10:13 PM · #12 |
Awesome info.
After a bit more research I found the UDI U818A. I think it has a 2mp camera and no FPV but it's only $52. I think I'll get this to dip my feet in the water on flying and understanding controls before fully submerging myself into the Phantom. If the $52 one decides to take a dive or slam a tree due to my inexperience I don't thing I'd be as mad as I would if it was the $1,000 Phantom. From what you are saying and what I've read I'd really like to get the GoPro model but cost and all the extra tweaking will keep me from that I think. Maybe when both the advanced and professional Phantom 3 is fully in the market the Phantom 2 vision+ may come down in price. May wait to see if that happens before pulling the trigger. Or one of you can upgrade and sell me your 2 at a deep used discount. LOL
I'm loving the YouTube channels as well. Thanks for posting. |
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05/04/2015 12:16:00 PM · #13 |
| I have a DJI Phantom Vision2 +. I'm a beginner with it and I have had some nervous moments with it. But these can be overcome with what others mention - practice; and more practice. I suspect that if you are familiar with flying remote controlled devices, it might come easier to you. This is one device where you need to read the manuals - for example there is a "return to home" mode where the drone will return to where you started when the battery loses its power. I have on a couple of times forgotten to press record. Doh! I agree with tanguera that another pair of eyes can help - even if you have the model with the connected smartphone. I find the severity of the wind also plays a factor. You not only have to steer, point camera, but also allow for the wind. Don't know where you are in the world, but in the UK there are major restrictions on where you can fly. (e.g. Not within 50 yards of people or buildings, unless licensed or have permission). |
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05/04/2015 12:19:08 PM · #14 |
Getting an El-Cheapo model as a learning tool is a good idea. You'll likely find that it's actually much harder to fly the cheap one than a Phantom. The Phantom uses GPS to maintain its position, and it's actually very easy to fly once you get the hang of the controls.
Another thing to consider would be to download a simulator app for your phone/tablet. I used "Electric RC" for the iPhone, and I found that the quadcopter simulator was very helpful in teaching me the controls. It was actually harder to fly the simulator than the Phantom, also!
I'm not sure what you're referring to about "extra tweaking" for getting a Phantom with a GoPro. I bought my Phantom 2 from B&H, which had the gimbal installed & ready to roll. I just had to connect plug the GoPro in, and off I went. Maybe you're referring to the FPV? That would involve extra tweaking... and it's something I haven't done myself.
Originally posted by SEG:
Awesome info.
After a bit more research I found the UDI U818A. I think it has a 2mp camera and no FPV but it's only $52. I think I'll get this to dip my feet in the water on flying and understanding controls before fully submerging myself into the Phantom. If the $52 one decides to take a dive or slam a tree due to my inexperience I don't thing I'd be as mad as I would if it was the $1,000 Phantom. From what you are saying and what I've read I'd really like to get the GoPro model but cost and all the extra tweaking will keep me from that I think. Maybe when both the advanced and professional Phantom 3 is fully in the market the Phantom 2 vision+ may come down in price. May wait to see if that happens before pulling the trigger. Or one of you can upgrade and sell me your 2 at a deep used discount. LOL
I'm loving the YouTube channels as well. Thanks for posting. |
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05/04/2015 12:41:16 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by alanfreed:
I'm not sure what you're referring to about "extra tweaking" for getting a Phantom with a GoPro. I bought my Phantom 2 from B&H, which had the gimbal installed & ready to roll. I just had to connect plug the GoPro in, and off I went. Maybe you're referring to the FPV? That would involve extra tweaking... and it's something I haven't done myself.
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Exactly - I had a local shop do the soldering and installing. Even so, this way of shooting is quite cumbersome. I'd hold out for any model with FPV already a part of the system.
Regarding flying by yourself or with another pair of eyes... that's really up to each person. If you're out in an empty field, there's really no problem. But I use mine for real estate purposes, and shooting in the city is VERY dicey. i.e. sending the drone up to the 400 foot legal "limit" makes it completely invisible if you don't keep your eyes on it. Not to mention telephone poles, power lines, billboards, cell towers, etc. Incidentally, flying near microwave towers can down your drone by disrupting the signal. |
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05/04/2015 12:42:59 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by Giles:
re hacking them they bind to one device on the wifi and 1 device only so not sure if they are using service interruption although the wifi is only for camera controls and preview the controller controls the flying via 5.8ghz
the go pro route allows for a better camera but isnt straight out the box and flying, requires you to integrate some form of phat shark glasses or lighbridge into it to allow fpv first person vision ie see what your camera sees. the go pro also allows 4k with newest go pro and go pro can do hd video and still ever 3 seconds
but the ability to just open the box and fly without soldering and messing around was what persuaded me to get the phantom 2 vision plus
as for loosing it, you take a 25 grand car out on the road just gotta be careful and sensible, practice practice and know your limitations, pre fllight checks and plan your flight.
of course the hobby is spoilt by knob heads who fly them into airports or other stadiums but these people are not part of the real community its like tarring all photographers because some nut job takes photos of kids at the park, oh wait you already do that in the states ;) |
This is one of the drone hacking projects I've seen. //samy.pl/skyjack/ I don't know much more about it than what he's written. If you just wanted to disrupt the drones, that would be easy...just send out a higher power signal on the same bands being used to communicate with the drone. The results would be unpredictable, but it would make operating a drone much more difficult.
Typically, the US Government's drones are controlled by encrypted satellite coms, which makes them a lot less susceptible to being hijacked. OTOH, I also know that the Iranians have captured at least one US surveillance drone supposedly by spoofing the GPS satellite signal, but the exact details are above my paygrade and GPS spoofing is probably beyond the capabilities of most hackers not funded by a government.
Supposedly the newer Phantoms with GPS have no-fly zones built in meaning that if you programmed it to fly over the airport or the White House, it wouldn't.
In typical American fashion, people are overreacting threatening to shoot down drones or what have you. Here, they just passed a law that makes it illegal for hunters to use drones to scout for game and also makes it illegal to use drones to harass hunters or fishermen/women... Evidently, there have been instances of both. I also believe that a drone operated by PETA in an attempt to disrupt hunting was actually shot down by a hunter and PETA threatened to sue for destruction of property...
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05/04/2015 12:48:19 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by Spork99:
I also believe that a drone operated by PETA in an attempt to disrupt hunting was actually shot down by a hunter and PETA threatened to sue for destruction of property... |
Maybe you need a special license to shoot drones ...and I'm sure they're less tasty than duck, grouse or pheasant. |
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05/04/2015 01:02:00 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by GeneralE:
Originally posted by Spork99:
I also believe that a drone operated by PETA in an attempt to disrupt hunting was actually shot down by a hunter and PETA threatened to sue for destruction of property... |
Maybe you need a special license to shoot drones ...and I'm sure they're less tasty than duck, grouse or pheasant. |
I'd love to know the details of that conversation in the PETA camp after their drone was shot down. "They did WHAT?!" :-P |
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05/04/2015 02:04:37 PM · #19 |
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05/04/2015 02:15:08 PM · #20 |
I'm a hunter and did not even think about it as a scouting tool. Interesting.
And yes I was talking about the FPV when I used "tweaking."
I think I'll buy the cheaper one today just for a fun try. My wife is already questioning the purchase so maybe this will help. I'm sure she'll see how fun it is and suggest we purchase 2......doubt it though. LOL |
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05/04/2015 02:34:15 PM · #21 |
Also becoming popular is FPV drone racing. Think podracing or the bike chase scene on Endor...
You can get started with those for just a couple hundred dollars.
//makezine.com/2015/03/24/8-fpv-drone-racing-videos-put-pilots-seat/ |
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05/05/2015 12:18:28 PM · #22 |
It looks very much like pod racing. Very cool. I imagine I would crash and burn immediately. |
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05/05/2015 01:46:33 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by markwiley:
It looks very much like pod racing. Very cool. I imagine I would crash and burn immediately. |
The beauty is that they use relatively low cost drones with low cost parts. The onboard flight controller will help stabilize the copter as well. They usually have varying degrees of assist from the "I'm a total spaz" setting to the "I'm a badass pilot" setting. People also use prop guards to prevent damage when they crash. |
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05/11/2015 08:32:28 PM · #24 |
Received my El Cheapo quadcopter in today. Glad I opted to spend the extra $17 for 5 more batteries. The 7 minute flight time on one battery is no fun. It was a little awkward to control but very fun. The 2mp camera is laughable but learning to fly it with even the slightest wind and trying to get it steady for a picture is a nice challenge.
I look forward to the day when I can get good at this copter and be able to get a Phantom and take my photography to new heights. Pun intended. :) |
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