Hi! I am virtually new to the hobby and have owned a Hubsan Quads X4 H 107C for a few weeks. In the next few months or so I hope to upgrade to a DJI Phantom FC 40 with camera. What I would like to know is: how versatile/interchangeable are the cameras and mounts on this model? Are upgraded cameras available and where can I find them listed on the internet? Is the mount a variant on the 1/4 in AF Whitworth screw thread used for many years on 35mm (and other) cameras. My main objective would be to obtain high quality still photos that would print up to A3 (+). High quality video a bonus but not essential.
The FC 40 should still be around in a few months although I doubt DJI is actually making any more of them....you could also pick up a Phain Phantom 1 or even a P2 and then attach a camera. There is a BIG difference between getting good video and good stills - luckily getting decent still photos can cost a lot less! The gimbals, which stabilize the video, are an expensive and complex part. Most camera mounts require a little hacking (modification) on your part - but it's easy to do. The stock mounts are usually just some shock absorbing rubber spacers and a plate hanging below them. Many of them come with a GoPro type of mount which you can usually adapt most any camera to. There are no official upgrade cameras. If you want a stock quad at a good price with a decent still camera, consider picking up (instead of the FC40) one of the older models of the Phantom 2 Vision. These can be had in the US for as low as $750 or so...complete with camera and FPV capabilities and longer range. Or, you can simply look around for lightweight cameras with interval shooting to lift. I have used Canon s100,S95, GoPros, etc and they all work well for still photos. You'll want to find cameras that weight less than 240 grams or so with the mounting. Depending on the camera, you have to fly "blind" or else add an FPV system so you can see what you are taking pictures of. All of this requires some tech ability unless you buy the RTF Phantom I mentioned above. Good Luck!
