Phantom 3 or 3DR Solo
Discussion
I've had both.
This is my post from the DJI thread. If you want more info... just ask. The DJI works straight out of the box - the Solo can be a faff... turning stuff on in a certain order... tablet & goPro and drone sometimes not talking to each other.
Pics & vid here>> http://stevecarter.com/random/aerial.htm
On the 'Drone Pics' thread I mentioned that I had just got a Solo 3DR and had ordered a Phantom 3 pro to compare the two, as the Solo was having trouble getting GPS lock (lots of bloody great hills here).
So - I just got the DJI up and running and here are a few initial thoughts. (Only done three flights).
Firstly, the phantom gets a lock within seconds. The second set of satellites must really help. So that is the main problem with the Solo overcome.
2/ The solo was easier to fly than the phantom. It was pretty much idiot proof (I, being an idiot, can testify). Everything about it was 10% better, faster, easier.
3/ I haven't tried the automaton flights yet in the phantom, but in the solo they were a breeze. Will get back on that.
4/ Solo much sexier machine than the Phantom (but what the hell - that is so unimportant... still).
5/ New 20mm lens on the phantom 3 gives an image with MUCH less barrel distortion than using a GoPro Hero 4 Black, so horizons are almost completely straight. Saves time in photoshop.
6/ Still images from the phantom are better than the GoPro.
So... in short... the Solo has been returned and I am going to keep the DJI. Sad to let the 3DR go as it was SO easy to fly, but the GPS lock was a real issue. I stood waiting for 15 minutes in a large open field waiting for a lock (which never came), and even though there is a youtube fix (ta for that PH), it means de-assembling the craft and putting a bit of cardboard in to help screening, which will void the warranty.
My real fear about drones is not the CAA or legislation, but birds of prey. There are lots here and twice I have seen them circle with an evil eye on the new noisy neighbour. I predict that this will kill my ambitions... though my rubbish flying might do me first.
I'll let you know.
ETA Here is a link to the 'screening' GPS lock mod - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfnssPs3Gw It's a real issue with the Solo... I'm sure they'll fix it at some stage.
Also... the training vids on the DJI website are well worth a watch.... and buy the case (for either) as they are a PITA to carry about otherwise.
The DJI will now do all the automated flights the Solo does. This vid is all automated >> http://stevecarter.com/random/thabove.mov
Lastly. Make sure your tablet is new enough with newish O/S to run the app(s).
This is my post from the DJI thread. If you want more info... just ask. The DJI works straight out of the box - the Solo can be a faff... turning stuff on in a certain order... tablet & goPro and drone sometimes not talking to each other.
Pics & vid here>> http://stevecarter.com/random/aerial.htm
On the 'Drone Pics' thread I mentioned that I had just got a Solo 3DR and had ordered a Phantom 3 pro to compare the two, as the Solo was having trouble getting GPS lock (lots of bloody great hills here).
So - I just got the DJI up and running and here are a few initial thoughts. (Only done three flights).
Firstly, the phantom gets a lock within seconds. The second set of satellites must really help. So that is the main problem with the Solo overcome.
2/ The solo was easier to fly than the phantom. It was pretty much idiot proof (I, being an idiot, can testify). Everything about it was 10% better, faster, easier.
3/ I haven't tried the automaton flights yet in the phantom, but in the solo they were a breeze. Will get back on that.
4/ Solo much sexier machine than the Phantom (but what the hell - that is so unimportant... still).
5/ New 20mm lens on the phantom 3 gives an image with MUCH less barrel distortion than using a GoPro Hero 4 Black, so horizons are almost completely straight. Saves time in photoshop.
6/ Still images from the phantom are better than the GoPro.
So... in short... the Solo has been returned and I am going to keep the DJI. Sad to let the 3DR go as it was SO easy to fly, but the GPS lock was a real issue. I stood waiting for 15 minutes in a large open field waiting for a lock (which never came), and even though there is a youtube fix (ta for that PH), it means de-assembling the craft and putting a bit of cardboard in to help screening, which will void the warranty.
My real fear about drones is not the CAA or legislation, but birds of prey. There are lots here and twice I have seen them circle with an evil eye on the new noisy neighbour. I predict that this will kill my ambitions... though my rubbish flying might do me first.
I'll let you know.
ETA Here is a link to the 'screening' GPS lock mod - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfnssPs3Gw It's a real issue with the Solo... I'm sure they'll fix it at some stage.
Also... the training vids on the DJI website are well worth a watch.... and buy the case (for either) as they are a PITA to carry about otherwise.
The DJI will now do all the automated flights the Solo does. This vid is all automated >> http://stevecarter.com/random/thabove.mov
Lastly. Make sure your tablet is new enough with newish O/S to run the app(s).
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 15th October 12:38
Don't buy a P3 just now.
They have changed the motors and the ESCs into a new system for production purposes.
So best to find out if what your buying will have the new board and motors.
No performance differences, however always nice to have the most up to date version for the sake of a week or two.
GetCarter said:
I've had both.
This is my post from the DJI thread. If you want more info... just ask. The DJI works straight out of the box - the Solo can be a faff... turning stuff on in a certain order... tablet & goPro and drone sometimes not talking to each other.
Pics & vid here>> http://stevecarter.com/random/aerial.htm
On the 'Drone Pics' thread I mentioned that I had just got a Solo 3DR and had ordered a Phantom 3 pro to compare the two, as the Solo was having trouble getting GPS lock (lots of bloody great hills here).
So - I just got the DJI up and running and here are a few initial thoughts. (Only done three flights).
Firstly, the phantom gets a lock within seconds. The second set of satellites must really help. So that is the main problem with the Solo overcome.
2/ The solo was easier to fly than the phantom. It was pretty much idiot proof (I, being an idiot, can testify). Everything about it was 10% better, faster, easier.
3/ I haven't tried the automaton flights yet in the phantom, but in the solo they were a breeze. Will get back on that.
4/ Solo much sexier machine than the Phantom (but what the hell - that is so unimportant... still).
5/ New 20mm lens on the phantom 3 gives an image with MUCH less barrel distortion than using a GoPro Hero 4 Black, so horizons are almost completely straight. Saves time in photoshop.
6/ Still images from the phantom are better than the GoPro.
So... in short... the Solo has been returned and I am going to keep the DJI. Sad to let the 3DR go as it was SO easy to fly, but the GPS lock was a real issue. I stood waiting for 15 minutes in a large open field waiting for a lock (which never came), and even though there is a youtube fix (ta for that PH), it means de-assembling the craft and putting a bit of cardboard in to help screening, which will void the warranty.
My real fear about drones is not the CAA or legislation, but birds of prey. There are lots here and twice I have seen them circle with an evil eye on the new noisy neighbour. I predict that this will kill my ambitions... though my rubbish flying might do me first.
I'll let you know.
ETA Here is a link to the 'screening' GPS lock mod - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfnssPs3Gw It's a real issue with the Solo... I'm sure they'll fix it at some stage.
Also... the training vids on the DJI website are well worth a watch.... and buy the case (for either) as they are a PITA to carry about otherwise.
The DJI will now do all the automated flights the Solo does. This vid is all automated >> http://stevecarter.com/random/thabove.mov
Lastly. Make sure your tablet is new enough with newish O/S to run the app(s).
Thanks for that really useful info. Could I ask, the video files that you linked to and that are for download from your website - how compressed are they please?This is my post from the DJI thread. If you want more info... just ask. The DJI works straight out of the box - the Solo can be a faff... turning stuff on in a certain order... tablet & goPro and drone sometimes not talking to each other.
Pics & vid here>> http://stevecarter.com/random/aerial.htm
On the 'Drone Pics' thread I mentioned that I had just got a Solo 3DR and had ordered a Phantom 3 pro to compare the two, as the Solo was having trouble getting GPS lock (lots of bloody great hills here).
So - I just got the DJI up and running and here are a few initial thoughts. (Only done three flights).
Firstly, the phantom gets a lock within seconds. The second set of satellites must really help. So that is the main problem with the Solo overcome.
2/ The solo was easier to fly than the phantom. It was pretty much idiot proof (I, being an idiot, can testify). Everything about it was 10% better, faster, easier.
3/ I haven't tried the automaton flights yet in the phantom, but in the solo they were a breeze. Will get back on that.
4/ Solo much sexier machine than the Phantom (but what the hell - that is so unimportant... still).
5/ New 20mm lens on the phantom 3 gives an image with MUCH less barrel distortion than using a GoPro Hero 4 Black, so horizons are almost completely straight. Saves time in photoshop.
6/ Still images from the phantom are better than the GoPro.
So... in short... the Solo has been returned and I am going to keep the DJI. Sad to let the 3DR go as it was SO easy to fly, but the GPS lock was a real issue. I stood waiting for 15 minutes in a large open field waiting for a lock (which never came), and even though there is a youtube fix (ta for that PH), it means de-assembling the craft and putting a bit of cardboard in to help screening, which will void the warranty.
My real fear about drones is not the CAA or legislation, but birds of prey. There are lots here and twice I have seen them circle with an evil eye on the new noisy neighbour. I predict that this will kill my ambitions... though my rubbish flying might do me first.
I'll let you know.
ETA Here is a link to the 'screening' GPS lock mod - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdfnssPs3Gw It's a real issue with the Solo... I'm sure they'll fix it at some stage.
Also... the training vids on the DJI website are well worth a watch.... and buy the case (for either) as they are a PITA to carry about otherwise.
The DJI will now do all the automated flights the Solo does. This vid is all automated >> http://stevecarter.com/random/thabove.mov
Lastly. Make sure your tablet is new enough with newish O/S to run the app(s).
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 15th October 12:38
With the Phantom 3, I presume you went for the Advanced? Can you manually take stills with it?
Is there a long list of stuff that I need to buy over and above the Phantom 3 itself?
Is the P3 much harder to fly?
Thanks for the pointer Andy, I'll hang fire - any idea of how to tell which motors come with it?
Just a matter of asking the dealer if the new stock is in yet.
I don't think they have arrived in the UK as yet... Boro on here sells them/advice
Quick google brings this up http://www.phantompilots.com/threads/notice-for-ne...
I'm still sporting the original P2 and there has been a couple of version changes on that model. All very confusing....
Do as much reading and youtube watching as possible before flying. I'm really glad I did as it helped a lot.
I still find it a bit nerve wrecking even after the last two years of flying.
The Moose said:
Thanks for that really useful info. Could I ask, the video files that you linked to and that are for download from your website - how compressed are they please?
With the Phantom 3, I presume you went for the Advanced? Can you manually take stills with it?
Is there a long list of stuff that I need to buy over and above the Phantom 3 itself?
Is the P3 much harder to fly?
Thanks for the pointer Andy, I'll hang fire - any idea of how to tell which motors come with it?
Video was compressed to buggery. I went for the pro.With the Phantom 3, I presume you went for the Advanced? Can you manually take stills with it?
Is there a long list of stuff that I need to buy over and above the Phantom 3 itself?
Is the P3 much harder to fly?
Thanks for the pointer Andy, I'll hang fire - any idea of how to tell which motors come with it?
This is knocked down to 1080 (the phantom advanced) http://stevecarter.com/random/abovetheboatbig.mov (25mb)
The Phantom pro is 5 times the resolution of that clip (and stunning - though it'll be a while before most people will see it that high res… how many have 4k monitors!?). It is REALLY detailed footage though.
The only thing you need apart from the phantom is a tablet… iPad .. Nexus etc. (Oh, and the case… you really need this or it's a pain to transport)
The P3 is pretty easy to fly. You need to start off in a BIG wide open space and take it step by step. The two great things are - if you get a panic (you will), just let go of everything and it will stop and hover, giving you time to compose yourself. Also, the 'return to home' button will bring the craft back to within a few feet of it's take off position and land it without you doing a thing.
It's less accurate, and not quite as easy as the Solo… but an hour's flying and you'll feel confident enough to arse about!
HTH
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 15th October 22:19
V8A*ndy said:
Don't buy a P3 just now.
They have changed the motors and the ESCs into a new system for production purposes.
So best to find out if what your buying will have the new board and motors.
No performance differences, however always nice to have the most up to date version for the sake of a week or two.
er, what exactly is wrong with the "old" motor and ESC?They have changed the motors and the ESCs into a new system for production purposes.
So best to find out if what your buying will have the new board and motors.
No performance differences, however always nice to have the most up to date version for the sake of a week or two.
x5x3 said:
er, what exactly is wrong with the "old" motor and ESC?
Nothing performance wise.They have put the ESCs into the main board and changed the motors to suit. This cuts down on production costs and to be fair probably makes for better quality and less fail rates.
The only worry is, will they stop making the old motors and ESCs?
DJI really do mess these things about. I know only too well with the P2.
I'm getting great footage with the P2 and Hero4. It's rock solid but I really would like the P3s App and extra thrust.
Nervous about an Inspire.
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