Non-DJI Drone to Learn on

[James Jetel]

I'm looking for a drone to learn on, it'd be nice to be able to mount my own cams. Some stills clients are asking for those perspectives. Ultimately down the line would like to be able to pilot the bigger UAVs.

After buying the Ronin and seeing what their customer support is like, I'd rather not own any other DJI products.
Any suggestions? Maybe in the $2k-ish range.

 

[Nick Gardner]

For a learning platform I would suggest buying a simple kit in the 450 range with something as simple as a KK flight controller. You will learn how to build it, what does what, and you will actually learn how to fly as opposed to relying on gps and position holding. That will serve you very well when down the road yu have an expensive payload on a bigger drone and something goes wrong, or you have to fly indoors, or somewhere else where gps doesn't work like a ravine.

Nick

 

[Dan Kanes]

The Yuneec platforms fly pretty well for a starter set, good people too.

They have a GoPro gimbal...

Maybe a yuneec + gimbal + hero 4 or 5

If you want to get into heavy lifters - used and new freefly Alta 6'a are going for a song.

 

[Randall Brown]

I would check out the 3DR Solo. They are on fire sale right now at $400 at Best Buy with even an extra battery and you can mount your GoPro Hero 4 on it. I have a few and love these things. You do need a GoPro, I fly modified GoPro from Peau Productions on the solos.

 

[James Jetel]

Thanks for the great responses. I'm gonna go the unassisted route to start as Nick suggested.

 

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I agree with Randall.

I have a 3DR Solo. A very capable copter. I bought it at 1400 and paid more for batteries and accessories. Now it is at 400 level. You can do good work with it.

 

[Enrique Blein]

I'd go for a Phantom 2, crash it as much as you can and THEN buy a non DJI drone. There's no way not to crash a drone, so it better be a cheap drone at the beginning