I flew my loaner P2V this morning, using my iTouch as a monitor. First time I've had FPV. The P2V flew fine, very stable hover. I did miss the front headlight I have on my regular bird for orientation. Since this is not my bird I am not adding anything but it strikes me how NOT easily to mod the P2V is. Lots of exposed power leads on a regular V1. On the P2V I think one could get power from the USB port (altho looks like special size). Otherwise one would have to pop the hood and solder in somewhere if there is no Aux cord. Doubt there is, the P2V is intended to be complete and self-contained.
What I as VERY impressed with was the remote camera control. With my Pv1 I have to start video before flight and turn off after...record whole flight....no other options. For single photos I similarly have to start timed pictures at beginning of flight and record hundreds in hopes of getting one or more usable. With the P2V I can turn on video only when there is really something to record, change between ALL recording options in terms of FOV, fps, quality, etc.. I can also take a still anytime I want, once framed an lined up. To my eye from one shot video the camera is the equivalent of the GPH3.
Surprisingly, caught me off guard, while recording video my FPV feed did not keep up in real-time, ended up 4-5 seconds delayed. I had no clue that would happen. Don't know whether there is a fix for that, maybe only happens when recording, or can be solved by Sd card or recording parameters.
Downside....the biggest is battery price. I will be very surprised if there are not hack/clone versions within 6 months. And, there are no other charging options other than their supplied 110v AC charger. There seem to be more things to charge before flying than my V1...but not really when I figure in that one does not charge the camera, so that is a wash.
The 1d stabilized gimbal with remote tilt is pretty good, and If one flew carefully, and seeing on-screen I think on could get great video. But it is still not as good or forgiving as 2d stabilization.
And, since the video files are not GoPro generated, the GoPro Studio (free version) de-fish feature is not available.
Didn't time my flight but it sure is great having all that time to work into the best filming positions and work slowly and methodically. All minutes are not of equal value. Another minute or two tacked onto a flight into recording territory is MUCH more valuable than the equal time after having landed for a battery change. Just sayin'.
I think for the absolute $ savings getting built-in camera, tilt, 1d stabilization, fpv, osd, AND remote camera control....you could buy 2-3 more batteries compared to a PV1 and buying all those things separately....and save yourself one complete head of hair. Lots to be said for it.
