Which drone ?

[DandJ]

Hot on the heels of the WTF thread on this part of the site.....
I've fancied a drone for a while but wondered if it would be another of those expensive things that gets put in a cupboard.....but a trip up to Scandinavia next year and having watched many many youtube videos of peoples trips...I'm going to get one, try to master it before next Spring and become an internet sensation (or not)
Looking at a DJI Mini 3. Any views on it? (I spent many years operating systems in helicopters including almost identical controllers so feel I should pick it up fairly quickly)

 

[HarryML7]

I bought my first drone earlier this year, DJI mini it is very easy to fly. Try MPB.com for used drones.

 

[Mick and Ruth]

Bought a DJI mini 2 about 3 years ago and arrived in Scandinavia in June looking forward to doing some filming whilst there for 3 months.
Have used it previously all over Europe, takes it out of bag plugs into phone and nothing! DJI 2 is not compatible with an I phone 15 plus which i had changed to a few months earlier so check DJI 3 . I have resolved the issue when I returned to UK by buying an attachment but DJI are not rushing to release software to support Iphone15 on their 2 drones.

 

[DandJ]

I'd look at buying one with a screen...(I currently have a 6 or 7 year old Samsung S8. It works, I'll not get a new one until it stops working or updates are no longer available (edit...that's now then..oops) ...and I'll then get whatever either of my daughters is upgrading from...maybe an Apple, maybe a Samsung...)

 

[steve69]

Don't forget to write your phone number on it in case it goes out of range. Happens a lot apparently.

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[Two on Tour]

Don't forget to write your phone number on it in case it goes out of range. Happens a lot apparently.

The DJI drones use "Return to Home" when they lose connection with the controller for a certain period of time, but yes, a contact number is a good idea.

 

[Masman]

I had DJI Minipro 4.Great bit of kit.But.After a year I sold it.Theres too many restrictions on where you can legally fly it.Theres a lot to learn if you are going to fly ot properly. You should register it with Civil Aviation Authority. Liability insurance is recommended. If you take it abroad you should register it with the country you are visiting. Not trying to put you off.But research before buying. Lots of advice on YouTube.

 

[DandJ]

Thanks for that. I'd started looking at what was required in Norway...which led me to what was required locally...which led me to a huge Red No Fly zone starting 1 mile from where I live and encompassing every large open space that I'd go and practice. A bit of chin scratching on this one.....the value of asking others and shared knowledge

 

[Nigel Crompton]

You register in the country of residence. AFAIC no need to register in visiting country
Insurance (in Spain) is cheap.
In Spain rules are Draconian, but mostly ignored. EG no flying in National Parks, but see YouTube videos of Spanish National Parks....

Republic of Ireland, next year's jaunt, seems to be quite relaxed about drone use.

(DJI Mini4 Pro)

 

[Guigsy]

I had DJI Minipro 4.Great bit of kit.But.After a year I sold it.Theres too many restrictions on where you can legally fly it.Theres a lot to learn if you are going to fly ot properly. You should register it with Civil Aviation Authority. Liability insurance is recommended. If you take it abroad you should register it with the country you are visiting. Not trying to put you off.But research before buying. Lots of advice on YouTube.

The restrictions on a sub-250g drone are pretty low. I wouldn't get anything bigger though.

I've got an old Mavic, which I found to be a faff because of using my phone as the screen. I've now got a Mini 4 Pro with the screen in the controller. It is more convenient. But I was expecting the screen to be easier to read in bright sunlight. It's not great. You can generally see what's going on, but there's so much info crammed around the edges on tiny text that becomes difficult. Particularly when you're switching from squinting at the dot in the distance and then looking down.

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[DandJ]

You register in the country of residence. AFAIC no need to register in visiting country
Insurance (in Spain) is cheap.
In Spain rules are Draconian, but mostly ignored. EG no flying in National Parks, but see YouTube videos of Spanish National Parks....

Republic of Ireland, next year's jaunt, seems to be quite relaxed about drone use.

(DJI Mini4 Pro)

The EU countries appear to have an EU wide set of rules, so those here in France are the same as in Spain (and from looking at them, appear to be almost identical to UK regs)...I'm going to Norway and frequently across to the UK...from what I can gather, I will also need to register in both of those countries.

 

[Coolcats]

Hot on the heels of the WTF thread on this part of the site.....
I've fancied a drone for a while but wondered if it would be another of those expensive things that gets put in a cupboard.....but a trip up to Scandinavia next year and having watched many many youtube videos of peoples trips...I'm going to get one, try to master it before next Spring and become an internet sensation (or not)
Looking at a DJI Mini 3. Any views on it? (I spent many years operating systems in helicopters including almost identical controllers so feel I should pick it up fairly quickly)

I hear the Ukrainian built ones are quite effective...

 

[GMLS]

I have the DJI mini 3 which seems to be the optimum combination of features and price.It will be better than my capability for some time

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

I too have the mini 3. Great features to avoid loss or damage and has everything needed to be flying in minutes. The camera is actually very good for the size.
Even though it’s light weight you still need to have an operator id due to the camera and a flyer id if above 250g

 

[Jabstatt]

Check out the rules. It is quite complicated. Join British Model Flying Association, makes it easy to get your registrations and also gives insurance which is the responsible way to go. Take time learning. Fly squares, then circles. Get used to turns.
DJI stuff is really foolproof. Easy to fly and maintain. Be responsible. It is very freely regulated but can so easily be abused. Respect the neighbours and care when using open spaces.Some find them very irritating.
For easy of use and regulation, consider a sub 250 gram drone, such as the DJI Minis.
Enjoy the sport. Go for goggles if you are nuts but take a chair!

Tony

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[matbic]

I find my DJI mini 4 pro easy to fly and extremely good quality video and photographs.

Whatever you chose if it weighs less than 250g it will require less registration.

For UK see this page: https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/registration-requirements-for-drones

For EU there are two categories of drone (in the under 250g weight) C0 - which limits you to only flying at least 150m away from people and property. Or C1 - which allows you to fly over property and near (but not over) people.

On my DJI mini 4 I got the C1 certificate by filling in a form on the controller, they send you the correct stickers and you send back photos of them in place.

It’s worth all the hassle the video and pictures have really been a great joy for us!

 

[Vic]

If using in EU, you need to register it in the first country you INTEND to use it. That does not mean the first country you enter. Most EU countries charge for this. However, Luxembourg does not, or didn'tlast year. You register it on line and if your plans change, then so be it. You will still have complied with the regs.

 

[DandJ]

Check out the rules. It is quite complicated. Join British Model Flying Association, makes it easy to get your registrations and also gives insurance which is the responsible way to go.

If using in EU, you need to register it in the first country you INTEND to use it.

Thanks....I live in France (you may not be able to see my location under my avatar?)