I have been looking around for drones for taking footage, at least 1080, for a couple of weeks, and it seems like the good drones all are starting at 500$, for example the DJI Phantom, the Parrot BeBop and the Ghost drone. I have around 350$ I can spend on this thing. I own a GoPro and a Xiomi Yi so I would prefer a drone without a inbuild camera, but if it's good, whatever. Do you guys have any suggestions? What I am looking at right now is the Syma x8w then attach the Xiomi Yi, pretty good footage: Thanks!
Well one thing to consider is the extra weight of the Xiaomi and how it will affect the brushed motors. It's just a big toy quad. Syma's own 1080p camera for it has no internal battery to save on weight. In your price range you could look towards a CX20 with it's brushless motors, GPS and more. Lots of vids and info out there. http://www.Banggood.com/Cheerson-CX20-Opensource-Version-AutoPathfinder-Quadcopter-RTF-p-932145.html
Thank you Jameson, it looks great. I will buy it now, but I have 2 questions: #1 Does is have FPV (First Person View) or does it have a kit to get it, and #2 does it take smooth video, and how easy is it to fly? EDIT: do you have any recommendations for a cheap camera gimbal? I found this but I don't know if it is good.
No FPV, but looks like it would be a great candidate for this. http://www.Banggood.com/AOMWAY-FPV-5_8G-8CH-200mW-AV-Transmitter-Integrated-700TVL-CMOS-HD-Camera-For-Aerial-Photo-p-989258.html This gets great reviews and even the stock antenna has great range, between 900-1200M. Good video too. Smooth video will have a lot to do with how you mount the camera. I don't know if this comes with it, but with a little modification you can get a Xiaomi in it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-Gimbal-mount-Camera-Holder-Mounting-Bracket-For-Cheerson-CX-20-Quadcopter-/252072360381?hash=item3ab0aef9bd:g:yBMAAOSwDNdV1vhf You could get one of theses and still be within you budget. http://www.Banggood.com/Walkera-G-2D-Camera-Gimbal-for-iLook-iLook-Gopro-3-Plastic-Version-p-920780.html?p=ML1711535795201404KD Not too shabby. You might also find some use for this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/37mm-UV-Lens-Filter-Protective-Cap-Lens-Ring-Adapter-for-Xiaomi-Yi-Camera-/121820681107?hash=item1c5d141393:g:mEoAAOSwv-NWUFPc Do some more investigation and note the gimbal is not just plug and play, but there are lots of youtube vids out there.
Thank you mate, that G-20 gimbal is not too shabby at all! Thank you for all your help. I think this is what I will order: Cheerson CX20 - 206$ Walkera G-2D Gimbal - 70$ Lens Cover for Xiamo Yi - 3$ TOTAL - 280$ not a bad begginer filming setup
Note do some tests with and without, as the lense is an Ultra Violet filter. It has it's uses. With a little cardboard you can also make a little sun shield and tape/attach it to the lense holder.
Thank you for the info. I ordered the UV lens cap and Cheerson + 2D gimbal, says 14 days until I get it. I will try without FPV first, then if it's necessary for good shots I can get it. The Xiaomi Yi range is about 30 feet so I can try that. When my rig comes I will send pictures and video.
Just be careful, that's standard 2.4Ghz, the same as the transmitter, there can be problems so be carefull. Good luck with your new rig.
http://www.Banggood.com/Xiaoyi-Sports-Camera-FPV-Video-Output-Transmission-Cable-May-Charge-p-974512.html I think I can get this AV cable, do you have info on cheap transmitter, preferably with an app or something I can use on my phone. I think that FPV could make this CX-20 better. Cant wait for my rig! EDIT: would this thing work? or this?
