Hello everyone,
I currently have a Phantom 2 v2.0 with a Zenmuse h4-3d gimbal kit for a GoPro Hero4 Black. I transmit video down to a 7" Black Pearl monitor for FPV. I record using the video feature only in 4k quality.
I work as a Fire Investigator and use the drone for recording videos of fire scenes from elevated locations or locations where it is unsafe to walk/enter. Sometimes that means flying high above to get a image 300+ feet above a site, and other times that means flying a few feet above the burned out roof of a home or apartment building (as seen in the images below). That could mean very little hazards if I'm filming at a distance, or the potential for multiple hazards if I'm flying close.
After reading up on the Phantom 3 (Professional), the Phantom 4, and the Inspire 1, it appears that they all have the ability for the pilot to control the operation of the camera while flying. Starting, stopping, switching from video to stills, etc; all while keeping a video feed active. For those of you who don't know, the GoPro Hero4 Black does film in 4k resolution, but in order to get a live feed (FPV), the camera needs to be in video mode. If used in any other mode, such as Timelapse, then the live feed doesn't work. In my line of work having the ability to take single stills, or timelapses, or videos is much better than just having to pull those out of a video in post processing. Not to mention, all the images I get have the "GoPro fisheye" look. As I'm not supposed to be editing the images (evidentiary reasons), I have to leave the fisheye appearance in.
As I've never flown the Phantom 3 (pro), Phantom 4, or the Inspire 1, I don't know how much better they handle. I know most of them have the ability to use GPS satellites for navigation, along with a multitude of other cameras/sensors if GPS isn't available. That function alone right there would be golden to me, but I worry about the feature that causes the drone to correct its route when it senses an object is near. That could potentially take the drone out of the location I want it to be in as I may need to get close to get a shot.
Long story short, normally I'd go for the cheaper of the three options, and call it a day enjoying my new drone, but as I've noticed recently, all three drones have had their prices drastically reduced and into my price range. So, which of the three drones listed would be the best for the kind of work I'm using them for? Pros/cons to any of them from the pilot community here?
Sorry for the long-winded question, thank you for your time.
Clinton
I currently have a Phantom 2 v2.0 with a Zenmuse h4-3d gimbal kit for a GoPro Hero4 Black. I transmit video down to a 7" Black Pearl monitor for FPV. I record using the video feature only in 4k quality.
I work as a Fire Investigator and use the drone for recording videos of fire scenes from elevated locations or locations where it is unsafe to walk/enter. Sometimes that means flying high above to get a image 300+ feet above a site, and other times that means flying a few feet above the burned out roof of a home or apartment building (as seen in the images below). That could mean very little hazards if I'm filming at a distance, or the potential for multiple hazards if I'm flying close.
After reading up on the Phantom 3 (Professional), the Phantom 4, and the Inspire 1, it appears that they all have the ability for the pilot to control the operation of the camera while flying. Starting, stopping, switching from video to stills, etc; all while keeping a video feed active. For those of you who don't know, the GoPro Hero4 Black does film in 4k resolution, but in order to get a live feed (FPV), the camera needs to be in video mode. If used in any other mode, such as Timelapse, then the live feed doesn't work. In my line of work having the ability to take single stills, or timelapses, or videos is much better than just having to pull those out of a video in post processing. Not to mention, all the images I get have the "GoPro fisheye" look. As I'm not supposed to be editing the images (evidentiary reasons), I have to leave the fisheye appearance in.
As I've never flown the Phantom 3 (pro), Phantom 4, or the Inspire 1, I don't know how much better they handle. I know most of them have the ability to use GPS satellites for navigation, along with a multitude of other cameras/sensors if GPS isn't available. That function alone right there would be golden to me, but I worry about the feature that causes the drone to correct its route when it senses an object is near. That could potentially take the drone out of the location I want it to be in as I may need to get close to get a shot.
Long story short, normally I'd go for the cheaper of the three options, and call it a day enjoying my new drone, but as I've noticed recently, all three drones have had their prices drastically reduced and into my price range. So, which of the three drones listed would be the best for the kind of work I'm using them for? Pros/cons to any of them from the pilot community here?
Sorry for the long-winded question, thank you for your time.
Clinton
