I recently treated myself to a shiny new DJI Phantom 3 Pro quadcopter/drone. It's a very neat piece of technology. I'll post my photos here as I get them. To start with I am just flying it over my house and yard, but as soon as I get a decent travel case I plan to take it with me on the road.
Here are a few of my photos so far.. Sunset this evening from 400ft
Last week I did some test shots to see how it would cope with nighttime 8 second exposures.
Daytime shot taken on the first day I was able to fly it.. from 400ft looking straight down.
Looking North from my house there is a Cell tower. Again, taken from 400 ft.
Here it is hovering above the driveway.
I am still learning the finer points of operating it, but so far I am thoroughly impressed. Hopefully I can keep it in one piece!!
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
It is fun, although I always worry about mechanical/electronic failure when I fly it. If one ESC or motor fails then it will drop like an out of control rock. A $1200 rock. LOL.
I'm lucky in that I have a fairly large yard to practice in. I am going to have to start looking for more interesting places to fly though.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
I have payed around a bit with the images I took of the sunset. I think this one came out quite well. It is a composite of three images stacked on top of each other. The P3 can take a series of photos in rapid succession at different exposure settings. You can then process these images and combine them to bring out the best details in all areas of the image..
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
So far my longest flight was 18 mins 50 seconds. According to the DJI Pilot App (which you use to display video feed and flight telemetry, there was 4 minutes and 23 seconds of battery power left when I landed that flight.
The controller comes with the Phantom. Here is a photo of it after I first unboxed it.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Paul, survived my first flight! Upgrading from a Husban, this thing is 100X more stable. I was showing GPS connection up to 16 satellites at one point. Not the best conditions for a first flight- sunset with a steady breeze. Just happy to get it flying. Will work on camera settings next flight.
That's awesome Chaz! I think you will have a blast with it. Post your photos when you get them!
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
"It takes forever +/- 2 weeks for the A-10 to get anywhere significant..." Ice
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What a noob I am. When I started packing up the P3 for the night, I just realized that I removed all plastic film covers except the one on the camera lens. Was wondering earlier why some of my pics and video had so much glare and distortion.
If that's the only noob mistake you have made then you are going to be just fine.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
It's amazing how much the app has to offer in terms of customization of the camera. I'm still far from mastering it, but it's nice that at any given moment, 18 satellites can hold a near perfect (lat/long and altitude) hover while I fiddle with the camera.
Being in suburbia California, my flying options are limited. I need to drive south about 20 minutes to find more open areas.
"Sunny California" during the summer doesn't offer much in the the sky/cloud department. The early mornings with fog are my better options until Oct/Nov.
Damn, gave me the bug again. Have DJI phantom 1 under the bed that has never flown. After hearing the horror stories of it going missing on the first flight was not going to chance it. Been looking at the Inspire, but price point really puts it outta my league. And then having the ability to use 2 controllers. One for flight and a camera operator. WOW. I am dreaming This looks like it my be my step up. Need unload a mountain of electronics I never use anymore to.
Jim, the Phantom 3 is pretty amazing. It can do most of the things the Inspire 1 can do, but at less than half the price.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Yep the P3 is really like a flying camera (minus the Aperture control, but frankly that's not a big deal when dealing with aerial wide angle landscape stuff) and I'm still getting used to it after the P2 + GoPro. In fact I'm still using the P2 combo in some conditions such as last weekends windy weather where I didn't want to risk loosing the P3.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Very nice shots Archangel! I'm assuming you have a Phantom 2?
There have been some reports of cracks on the motor arms and a few people have reported the batteries becoming disconnected. I have to wonder though if the cracks are due to people flying too aggressively, putting extra strain on the arms, or landing hard. As for the battery problem, some were not making sure it was clicked into place properly. I don't know, maybe I have just been lucky with mine. I baby it though with smooth power application and I manually land it every time (I did one test auto-land and while it will get the Phantom on the ground, it wasn't exactly a smooth touchdown).
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
I've been reading about those rare occurrences of Phantom 3 battery fires so I picked up 3 Li-po battery covers from Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Explosionproof-Battery-Storage-185x75x60mm/dp/B00T01LLP8? ) I plan to travel with my P3P in the coming months. I've read the TSA is cool with it as long as the batteries are stored separate and in a Lipo protective bag. And as carry on, NOT with checked baggage!
Now, I don't plan on driving nails through my batteries, but it shows how fragile these things can be. I certainly don't want to risk dropping a battery and causing enough damage to see something like this:
Seems like sound advice regarding charging, discharging and maintaining the P3 batteries:
These things scare the hell out of me. I don't worry about ISIS, or big meteors, or global climate change (well, ok, a little). But drones sharing our airspace without being part of the "see and avoid" requirement represent a negligible danger now but within a few years...
I think there will be some regulations coming our way before too long. See and avoid is going to be tough. Most off the shelf drones are pretty small and hard for a pilot to see. They are quite capable too and the technology allows them to be controlled well out of visual range. For example, the Phantom 3 is advertised at being controllable out to 1.2 miles from the operator but in reality people have been pushing out much farther than that. The limiting factor seems to be the battery life.
I think the 400ft ceiling is a good thing and in the future I can see a requirement for a transponder (maybe constantly transmitting) that would show up on TCAD/TCAS systems on full size aircraft. The genie is out of the bottle so to speak. The technology is only going to get better and cheaper which means we will see more of them. Flown responsibly I don't think they pose a threat. The problem is that not everyone will see it that way.
Last edited by Paul Rix; 08/10/1503:15 AM.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
One thing that makes me crazy is the word "drones". THESE ARE NOT DRONES. THEY'RE *QUADCOPTERS*
The problem is that people are getting in the (BAD!) habit of labeling everything that flies as a drone. This is going to do nothing but screw us R/C pilots when the Nervous Nellie Coalition start yammering on about banning and regulating "drones".
I think that it is a bit too late to change that though. In the eyes of the general public and media, they are drones. Apart from the negative connotation that seems to be attached to the word drone, it is a far more catchy label than UAV, UAS or Quadcopter (which is only accurate when there are 4 motors anyway).
I think that it is unfair to both RC fliers and UAV/UAS/Drone operators to bundle them into the same category when it comes down to rulemaking. These craft are very different both in capabilities and the skills required to fly them.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
For example, the Phantom 3 is advertised at being controllable out to 1.2 miles from the operator but in reality people have been pushing out much farther than that. The limiting factor seems to be the battery life.
Have you seen the video of the guy that flew his P3P 7568 meters (24829 feet)in Taiwan? Claims stock equipment, no mods. Watch the battery at the end!
Originally Posted By: f15sim
One thing that makes me crazy is the word "drones". THESE ARE NOT DRONES. THEY'RE *QUADCOPTERS*
I have the same backpack Chaz, just a different label on the back.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Thanks Dave! Here is a shot of the sunset that day. The terrain is kind of flat here but we certainly have great skies.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Paul, great pics. you've definitely hit the sweet spot with the camera settings.
Changing gears for a minute. When I upgrade the battery firmware, for example I have 3 batteries, do I upgrade the aircraft and at the same time it upgrades the first battery? Then it completes the firmware upgrade, shut it down. (check .txt file for success) Insert the second battery, turn it on, and let it do its thing? How long does it take to update just the battery?
Hi Chaz, thanks. I have started using ISO100 and then adjusting the exposure setting so that the sky looks good. I am using the Exposure Bracketing feature a lot when shooting sunset/sunrise. It works great, especially when using RAW mode. You can pull out a lot of detail from quite dark areas, but if the sky is over-exposed then you can't do much to fix it.
As for updating the battery, yes, the process is just how you described it. It's very quick.
Last edited by Paul Rix; 08/14/1512:28 AM.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Another set of sunrise shots from over my house this morning. You can see Venus in the first two.
Last edited by Paul Rix; 09/02/1502:49 PM.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
That one did come out well Dave . The Phantom 3 really is a nice piece of equipment.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
I really like the shots of the low cloud/Fog - shame I can't do that legally in Australia due to the line of visual sight requirements.
I'm only just starting to get into my P3P - still hanging onto the P2 with the GoPro for video (as I want to finish off the project with the same camera) but I really think of the P3P as a flying camera.
Some shots from over in my side of the world from the weekend:
I shot this one of the "Super Moon" eclipse last night from above my house..
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Nice photos Chaz! I particularly like the La Jolla shots.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
A few from a short hike I did last week here in Texas.
This was a test shot taken before flight.
Tejas Trailhead and campsite near Lake Georgetown.
A section of the San Gabriel River
Looking East towards Lake Georgetown
Last edited by Paul Rix; 12/08/1507:09 AM.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Nice shots Chaz! Did you have any problems traveling with the P3? I have heard that the airlines are now not allowing Lithium batteries even as carry on items (not sure if that is 100% true).
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Nice shots Chaz! Did you have any problems traveling with the P3? I have heard that the airlines are now not allowing Lithium batteries even as carry on items (not sure if that is 100% true).
I traveled to Maui in mid-February without issue. Put everything (except batteries) in my DJI backpack. I had each battery stored in LIPO safe bags (http://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Explosio...s=lipo+safe+bag) and carried those in a separate carry-on bag. I was never questioned, both ways. Perhaps it was a recent update? No idea.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Nice... just got a drone myself... still learning, staying in yard for now but good shots coming from our beaches and bays in Naples... here's a sunset over my house. Naples Airport to the right, thunderstorm to the left...
Nice shots Chaz! Did you have any problems traveling with the P3? I have heard that the airlines are now not allowing Lithium batteries even as carry on items (not sure if that is 100% true).
I traveled to Maui in mid-February without issue. Put everything (except batteries) in my DJI backpack. I had each battery stored in LIPO safe bags (http://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Explosio...s=lipo+safe+bag) and carried those in a separate carry-on bag. I was never questioned, both ways. Perhaps it was a recent update? No idea.
Here in Australia my experience has been that I've had no issues - I always inform the counter staff & security that I have Lipos and they never seem to batter an eyelid about it. I always go prepared with the batteries in LIPO safe bags as well as tape over the pin connectors. I always check the carriers regulations before taking then on board to make sure they have changed them and I get stuck at the airport.
Nice... just got a drone myself... still learning, staying in yard for now but good shots coming from our beaches and bays in Naples... here's a sunset over my house. Naples Airport to the right, thunderstorm to the left...
Very nice shots Magnum. Which drone did you buy? Would you mind if I took a stab at processing that first shot in Lightroom (I'd need the original). I think there is a lot of detail in the darker areas that could be teased out (sorry, the Astro-imager in me ).f
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Got me a X-Star Premium... 800 bucks... easy as pie, a lot of auto features, 4k camera etc etc... Sure do what you like with whatever photo... I took a series and made a time-lapse... like I said, still learning.
After a quick run through Lightroom I came up with this:
I cranked up the saturation a bit. Hope you like it Magnum.
Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people. Carl Sagan
Took the plunge and got a cheap drone to practice with while awaiting the delivery of a Phantom 4 pro.
I'm getting it for my 61st birthday and to take away on holiday in Spain with the family 22 of us off to celebrate my wife's 60th birthday we have invited the whole family.
The drone film that goes with the advert for the property tipped me over in to getting one
Chlanna nan con thigibh a so's gheibh sibh feoil Sons of the hound come here and get flesh Clan Cameron
Just after the pic there was a flash of lightning and a drop of rain... I got inside just in time as the heavens opened ... maybe someone is upset with me???
First flight with the P4P just out the box lasted all of 30seconds ah well tomorrow is forecast sun
Chlanna nan con thigibh a so's gheibh sibh feoil Sons of the hound come here and get flesh Clan Cameron
Alicatt - the P4P is a fairly impressive flying camera (which you can see in the above) - I use it to compliment my Inspire 5XR which has a bigger sensor (though less resolution).
Nice camera and platform, I thought it was a 4K camera too? I really do like the look of the Inspire and if money was no object or I was doing this professionally then that would be what I would have gotten.
Yesterday was a bit of an disaster, the P4P was delivered at about 11am and just had time to check everything was ok with it and start to charge the batteries I got a spare battery with it as well as a set of ND filters, I live about 3.8km from the end of the runway of the local airbase and the F16s are turning on finals when they get to my property - as a foreigner in this country I keep my camera well away and don't, as a rule, talk about aircraft movements though I have seen some great sights here I know one of the C130 pilots that comes over and he has been known to waggle his wings if he sees me in the garden.
Anyway, the F16s were doing BFM up high yesterday so no flying for me, but at lunch time they all came in and stayed in so... Ah Ha! Ali can get a few minutes flying in Grand kids are in bed as I was ASS yesterday (Ali's Sitting Service) so P4P out and into the garden I go, calibrate the compass and get GPS lock so now I can fly ... I get the aircraft up about a meter or so and it gets dark all of a sudden, that is the point at which I took the above picture, then there is a bright flash, a deep rumble and a drop of water hits me... aircraft down, grab it and run, just got inside the door when the heavens opened.
That was my flight yesterday
Dinner time, weather has improved but not so much that I want to take the P4P out so I grab the X8-HW and go outside with the two of my sons and the grand kids and we have a play around with the aircraft, the Syma drones have built in flip function, you press the button and move the joystick and the aircraft tumbles in that direction but it does need a bit of height to do it, so up she went and a forward roll and... oooh the wind has caught her ... wind is too strong... away on a tour of the village goes the X8-HW with me running behind trying to regain control she is heading for a big construction crane so I command her down and she drops, missed the crane Phew! but have lost sight of the aircraft now. My youngest son and I start looking around the area but don't see it, I tell him to drive back and I'll walk back looking for it.
As I'm walking past the construction site of the new house I see the little drone sitting as proud as punch upright on it's feet on the path between the houses Oh the luck of that I think to myself! Then the owner of the house that is getting built comes out "Ah Men'eer, ..." He had seen the aircraft coming over close to the crane and then descend to it hit the gable wall of the house next door and land in their tomato plants, he had retrieved it and set it on the path for me to find. I thanked him and we looked at the short bit of film on my phone before I lost contact with the aircraft when it went out of range. The memory card has the full flight on it right up until I pick the aircraft up from the path
So all's well and we can have a laugh about it now but at the time I was really worried that it could have done serious damage.
Chlanna nan con thigibh a so's gheibh sibh feoil Sons of the hound come here and get flesh Clan Cameron