Drone advice needed for novice!

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ajsski99

ajsski99

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Aug 23, 2015
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Hi, I am interested in getting myself a drone as it has always been something I've wanted to try out... but I have no idea what one to buy as there are so many!!

I am 15 years old, never flown a drone before in my life, and don't have a heap of money lying around... also I am going on Holiday to the island of Menorca on the 15th of August 2017 and would like to get some aerial shots.

I would like something with decent range, at least 1080p video and have good connectivity, possibly through an app on my phone so I can see what the drone sees, size isn't too much of an issue, but as long as the drone isn't enormous it'll be fine...

Quite a big ask and I'm very picky I know... but if you guys can help me out I'd be very thankful...

Regards, Ajsski99


 
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Ok you are UK based? Look up the BMFA, its the main organisation in the UK, they list clubs, events and do annual insurance at an excellent rate with £25m 3rd party liability cover. I strongly suggest finding your local club and popping along, they should be very helpful. There is also a good forum, RCMF.co.uk which you should check out.

For a bit of research check out...
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sizzling

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Oct 18, 2006
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What country are you in? My advice would be to look up local model clubs. I'm heavily into RC aircraft but drones are not my thing, all I know is you will get much better if you build one, you will also learn how it goes together and how to repair it when it crashes. However you wont get one in the air by August and even the easiest to fly you are still going to be learning the basics in the next month, don't set your expectations too high.

Also some airlines have strict rules about lithium batteries used in drones, you would need to check you will even be allowed to take them. I'd also strongly recommended insurance, id never fly any model without it, I know how dangerous these things can be and the huge claims that can be made if property is damaged or personal injuries occur. There are reasons why most 1st world countries are looking into licences and new regulations to cover drones.
 
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JalYt_Justin

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Not a drone expert, don't own one myself, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

You should probably buy this drone: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Stone-F181-Quadcopter-Headless/dp/B00SAUAP5C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1484091867&sr=8-3&keywords=Holy+Stone+F181&linkCode=sl1&tag=geekw00-20&linkId=c189822c38de91f46a040e6d1797af0b
If you can't get one off of Amazon or other places, there may some places around your area that might sell some.

It is one of the most feature-rich drones for that price, and will most likely fulfill your purposes. Range of 100 meters max, has remote control, and has a 2 MP camera already installed. Not only that, it also has altitude stabilization to help you if you end up losing control.

Now onto the bad sides. It only has a flight time of 8 minutes, and, as with all drones at this price, it's not very durable by any sense of the word. You will want to keep very good care and make sure you take it on a few test flights before you use it in real world scenarios.

Also, if you're going to be travelling with it, make sure you're aware of the state's/nation's laws regarding drone usage. Not all places are lenient on new technology. There's definitely lots of research involved, and it's a necessity in order to use your drone legally and safely.
 
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sizzling

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Also claimed range 50-100m so you have to assume 50m is safe. A decent 2.4Ghz setup is safe to over 1km. I'm guessing this isn't really designed for outdoor use.
 
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JalYt_Justin

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Not really as useful for outdoor use, as at that price range there aren't many that are great for it. Don't know budget, so always assume the lowest, and for that price it's a good drone.
 
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ajsski99

ajsski99

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Aug 23, 2015
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Common sense? I'm 15 dude, I don't have £1000 to spend...
 
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ajsski99

ajsski99

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looking for something to make videos with... looked up a few videos of the drone you mentioned and the camera looks awful...
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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So what IS your budget?
 
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ajsski99

ajsski99

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I do have the funds available to buy a Mavic Pro, I also have a job which plays well, but I don't think I'm prepared to spend that amount, especially as I'm a beginner.
 
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ajsski99

ajsski99

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The maximum I would like to spend is £500
 
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Alabalcho

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As a beginner, I would do two things:
- would not spend more than USD/GBP/EUR 100 on a drone I will learn how to fly (you don't buy a Porsche for learning car, don't you).
- would check what are the rules at my destination, in your case - Spain. Although EU might have common rules for unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones), Island of Minorca/Menorca might have different rules, including total ban.
 
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sizzling

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Oct 18, 2006
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Ok you are UK based? Look up the BMFA, its the main organisation in the UK, they list clubs, events and do annual insurance at an excellent rate with £25m 3rd party liability cover. I strongly suggest finding your local club and popping along, they should be very helpful. There is also a good forum, RCMF.co.uk which you should check out.

For a bit of research check out https://hobbyking.com/en_us
 
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