WHY do you want the Vision?

[Shedracer]

For me, it was because it gave me an all-in-one integrated solution w/o having to piece things together.

Same for me, as long as we in the UK receive the DJI promotion discount for current owners.

 

[jsansing]

Longer flight times, telemetry, camera tilt ( I never bought a gimbal), Vision appears to be more stable, ease of installing battery, ability to start and stop videos and/or take stills from the ground station, ability to see battery charge condition while in flight, and lastly, I wanted another quad. Will remove gopro and fpv tx and start using the original Phantom for fun flying.

 

[vbluguitar]

My sense from the OP is that he doesn't really care why I want the vision, the question was just an excuse to make snarky comments about the new product and its cost.

But regardless I will respond, lol.

I have been on a search for an easy simple solution UAV platform that takes both photos and videos. As a photographer there are many times when getting one or two aerial photos would be very helpful, and it sure is nice to offer a few flyover videos to some of my clients who own apartment complexes and already use me for their walkthrough videos. This brings up current FAA restrictions, I know, but that is another discussion.

The UAV needs to be able to be controlled with an FPV solution that controls the camera and at the same time gives me exacting feedback on what I am taking photos and video of.

So enter the vision

It has many features that I find attractive. Is it perfect - if it had a gimbal I would say almost.

Feature 1 - App for smart devices that allows full control over the camera and gives you immediate feedback of what you are capturing.

Feature 2 - The device uses a 5.8 ghz radio tx/rx so that it does not suffer interference problems from local wifi networks or from the smart phone that is controlling the fpv and camera.

Feature 3 - Your FPV signal has the same range as your actual quad because your hand held transmitter gets the signal from the copter in 5.8ghz and then creates a local 2.4ghz network that your smart phone connects to. So your smart phone only has to communicate to your hand held transmitter, not the quad. This is HUGE. The Go pro system forces you to connect your wifi device directly to the go pro mounted on your quad, making the range about 100 feet or less. Also, this corresponds with Feature 2 because using your go pro wifi controller or go pro smartphone app with the current Phantom or any other 2.4ghz setup can cause you to lose signal leading to death and destruction. DJI has bypassed this limitation. Frankly this is the biggest improvement in remote camera control since FPV was introduced.

Feature 4 - The camera actually captures RAW images unlike the Go Pro which only does jpg. As a real photographer (not a hobbyist) I have all of the software needed to edit RAW files and much prefer the RAW format because of its ability to accept serious color correction and image adjustments vs JPEG.

Feature 5 - The video quality, from the samples that are now available on youtube, is good. Its not as good as a gimbal system, but its on par with the gopro3b mounted to a non gimbal UAV. I have Adobe After Effects and can fix any wobble with warp stabilizer, so I am good without the gimbal, though I may upgrade it if they come out with a gimbal for the vision camera. Its always best to work with more stable video than not, lol.

Feature 6 - cost. Yes I could probably save a few bucks building my own. If I went with the new 350qx from blade (once they fix the breaking blade issue) I could get a similar platform for 800 bucks, but it won't work with my Iphone and I won't be able to take pictures because of the 2.4 ghz issues so its a moot point. it becomes useless to me. To get the same setup with a 5.8 ghz radio or 5.8ghz fpv system I would still be way over the 1200 that is the asking price for the Vision, so the price actually isn't that bad.

Feature 7 - simplicity. I charge the battery and read the manual - I set it up with my phone. I am in business. I don't have to fuss with figuring out how to mount stuff, how to sync 4 escs and 4 motors, or setup a custom gyro, I just take the thing out and use it. That is worth it to me.

Hope that helps you understand why someone would be interested in this product. If I already had a working UAV system I probably would have a similar opinion as the OP, but I am starting from scratch with this one, so I would rather just get something that works.

On a side note, I am a builder personality but sometimes it just ain't worth it. My home got struck by lightning in September and it destroyed my homebuilt custom editing monster PC. Though I miss it, I went out and bought an iMac. I just didn't have the time or energy to spend days rebuilding a new PC, I was up and running the next morning with the Mac.

 

[PhantomFan]

Frankly, I think the self-tightening props seek to address a non-problem, and create a new one in the bargain - the inability to balance the props. (Yeah, I'm a believer in doing that for the sake of the motor bearings).

Next off, 99% of the time I just want to go out and >>>FLY<<<. Who gives a rats *** about videoing?? How many YouBoob videos of quadcopter flights can you watch? And if you were going to waste an evening or three doing that, would you really watch a Phantom??? Hell no...show me someone ripping it up with some performance monster quad or unique design frame. That's what holds my attention.

IMHO (please don't be insulted) the Phantom is akin to my R/C plane TRAINER airplanes from 22 years ago. Rubber bands holding on the wings, tough, repairable and ultimately, expendable - something to learn to fly on. Sure, invoking the electronic gizmos make it easy to advance your skills while the craft survives - and provides an affordable and remarkably capable entry level platform from which you can REALLY advance. It is largely for these two reasons (skill advancement and pure fun) why I am a fan of this quad...but the Vision is a whole 'nuther animal for which I (personally) have no use.

The larger battery bay is a big plus...but I can get around that with two additional battery packs. The rest of it...meh.

PF

 

[baja5b-ss]

JSG
I'd like to know why your so negative against the vision, the OP says WHY do you want a vision?? Not lets try and pick faults and say WHY your set up is best, because it clearly is for you to pick faults on every vision thread.
Come to think of it all your post are negative in one way or another, I would really like to see just one of your vids with your phantom, gimbal and GP3 because it is so good, so lets just see how good your set up is compared to the stock plug and play out the box vision. No edits just take a vid and some pics, and no bull excuse why you can't.
Just a shame you can't upload to the net directly from the field, you know like the vision.

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[PhantomFan]

I don't perceive justsomeguy's comments as negative. Frankly, he makes several good points.

One is with regard to frequency. It's a non-issue. I have v 1.1.1 (2 antenna) and I'm not the least bit concerned about a solid lock between Tx and Rx.

There's thousands of videos out there proving that the original Phantom is MORE than adequate for the production of excellent video. In fact, with ordinary care (balancing props as necessary, flying in Atti, and in calm wind conditions) the machinery and camera are capable of producing fine-quality video. The REAL limitation in high quality video is the PILOT not the equipment.

That being said, why would you need a Vision or buy one if you already had a Phantom? No reason I can see. If you are an amateur, the above rules apply. If you are a professional videographer, you wouldn't stoop to a Vision. The small size and lifting ability of the platform is FAR too limiting.

The demographic DJI is marketing to with the vision is the self-indulgent attention whore youth who also paste their exploits all over Facebook, YouBoob, and other social medial. The Vision just simplifies and enables the "look at me and see what my life is about" children to do what they need to do to validate their lives.

Here's a piece of advice for those folks from an old-timer: Grab you buddies and go out and fly. ALOT. Have FUN. Come home happy with an intact machine and a smile on your face. Allow your hobby to give you a good attitude so you feel the urge to be good to yourself and those around you.

My. $.02

PF

 

[baja5b-ss]

Come to think of it all your post are negative in one way or another,

That's not thinking. That's just another lie.

Just a shame you can't upload to the net directly from the field, you know like the vision.

You're confused. Again.

You can upload to the net directly from the field using GoPro's app.

Why anyone would want to do that is another discussion entirely.

OK maybe a tad wrong 98.9% BS or trolling.
Many reasons why you would want to up load directly, but if you don't have the bacpac then know.
Still want to see just 1 of your unedited vids with your set up, I mean it's so good compared to the vision. Why not share with us and maybe we could just buy a phantom V1 or V2 for that matter.


Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

Come to think of it all your post are negative in one way or another,

That's not thinking. That's just another lie.

Just a shame you can't upload to the net directly from the field, you know like the vision.

You're confused. Again.

You can upload to the net directly from the field using GoPro's app.

Why anyone would want to do that is another discussion entirely.

OK maybe a tad wrong 98.9% BS or trolling.
Many reasons why you would want to up load directly, but if you don't have the bacpac then no.
Still want to see just 1 of your unedited vids with your set up, I mean it's so good compared to the vision. Why not share with us and maybe we could just buy a phantom V1 or V2 for that matter.


Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

My excuse?? Link me then I use the phone and can't be bothered to.

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

Found it, TBH not very good is it, not sharp, jumpy, looses focus overall toss and that set up cost you how much. Then you have the cheek to slag RTR vids of the vision off after that lol, stick to it you never know you might figure it out.

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

Don't be upset it's only my opinion, still don't say what your kit cost.
If it was about £500 might be wortg the downgrade, could always upgrade to make it vision quality.

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

Don't be upset it's only my opinion, still don't say what your kit cost.
If it was about £500 might be worth the downgrade, could always upgrade to make it vision quality.

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[baja5b-ss]

Sent from a tapapants

Sent from a GS4 using tapacrap

 

[vbluguitar]

Why is FPV required? Most of the solutions capture wide angle photos and video that are easily cropped in post for web delivery to "clients."

To be able and control what you are photographing is paramount to a photographer. Shooting images without FPV would be akin to me walking around with my camera and shooting pictures without using the viewfinder. It also helps when setting up flyover shots. We work with apartment complexes that have areas that are great looking and areas that don't look so good. I need to be sure that I am getting the correct footage, so its required. Photos will still be cropped but its useless if I can't see what I am photographing.

Another non-issue. Even flying in well populated areas (from a wifi standpoint) I have not "suffered" these interference problems that you allude to.

Many people have "alluded" to fly offs, so whether or not you have had issues is irrelevant.

RAW is good if you're interested in photos. Whether DJI's "RAW" is truly RAW is still undetermined however.

I am ok with M or S RAW, or what ever compressed RAW formats are available. Its better than jpeg and will allow flexibility in editing

This is crazy talk. Fixing any wobble with AE vs. capturing much better video before post? That's easy. Capture the best possible video which will be better than someone trying to fix video in post (Vision 1 axis servo gimbal vs. 2 axis brushless gimbal footage).

You obviously didn't read what I said. I said exactly what you are saying. I feel that a 2 axis brushless gimbal is the best solution and will buy one if it becomes available for the Vision. Did you skip that part? AE will be used with or without the gimbal because even with a gimbal there still is camera shake. But I said the same thing you did and agree that getting the best image to start with is the best way to do it. This even goes back to why FPV is required...

On a side note, I am a builder personality but sometimes it just ain't worth it. My home got struck by lightning in September and it destroyed my homebuilt custom editing monster PC.

Yeah, surge protectors are SO expensive and SO complicated. If they are too confusing you can also unplug your system if a storm is forecasted.

[/quote]

Are you really that much of a troll? I can be a jerk to you too, but prefer a civil conversation.

1. You weren't there when the storm hit

2. You are not aware of the situation because I made no inference into the situation as it occurred

3. You have no idea what surge equipment I have in place. As a professional photographer who makes a living dealing with digital images, I have hundreds of dollars in suppression, but it didn't help.

The storm hit in the middle of the night. The first indication that I had of the storm was when the strike woke us up, when it hit our home before the main storm itself hit. The lighting traveled through our cable modem and destroyed my modem, router and 3 computers without touching our power grid or surge suppression gear, costing me over $3000, about $1500 of which had to come out of pocket. Oh and BTW, even with the suppression gear, I still unplug if I am able to for EVERY STORM. But thanks for your snide, immature remarks. What goes around comes around, just keep that in mind.

 

[DJW]

I think for those who know what they are doing the Vision is too limiting for them, they want to customise a craft to do a special job very well and excel at that task and something built to suit their equipment and flying style.

I'm not so technically minded. All the technical stuff on RC goes straight over my head. I have looked at flight options for a year or more now, originally looking at the Skyhawk, then the orginal Phantom and now looking at the Vision.

I really like the idea of the Vision as a first choice to learn from. It appears to be a simple get out the box and fly. I can concentrate on learning to fly this and filming with this knowing everything I need is all there and in theory work and be safe with it.

If I get to learn to fly the vision well and gain confidence with it I may look at the Phantom 2 \ pro 6 months down the line. Maybe after that I could find the Phantom too restricting if I really get into this and gain new skills.

From the videos I have seen the Vision looks simple to learn, fly, maintain and film with. I'm not expecting it to be as great as some of the specialist stuff that people pay thousands for or spend hundreds of hours building over months. But I feel the Vision will do well at what I want it to do.

 

[vbluguitar]

I think for those who know what they are doing the Vision is too limiting for them, they want to customise a craft to do a special job very well and excel at that task and something built to suit their equipment and flying style.

I'm not so technically minded. All the technical stuff on RC goes straight over my head. I have looked at flight options for a year or more now, originally looking at the Skyhawk, then the orginal Phantom and now looking at the Vision.

I really like the idea of the Vision as a first choice to learn from. It appears to be a simple get out the box and fly. I can concentrate on learning to fly this and filming with this knowing everything I need is all there and in theory work and be safe with it.

If I get to learn to fly the vision well and gain confidence with it I may look at the Phantom 2 \ pro 6 months down the line. Maybe after that I could find the Phantom too restricting if I really get into this and gain new skills.

From the videos I have seen the Vision looks simple to learn, fly, maintain and film with. I'm not expecting it to be as great as some of the specialist stuff that people pay thousands for or spend hundreds of hours building over months. But I feel the Vision will do well at what I want it to do.

I totally agree with this - its a good way to get started. For what I am going to use it for, it will add to my products, but its not the main part of my products. I will be doing most of the shooting with my current equipment, but will be able to offer extra content which will set us apart. The aerials I will be taking will make up about 10 percent or less of the final product. I don't really need a $5000 setup to do this. Just something that fits my needs and this should. Whether or not it actually does remains to be seen. I will be getting one next week, so I will let you know once I have some material to post.

 

[Fleabane]

For me three reasons:

1. I'm still very new to this hobby, I have the Phantom 1, a F550 I recently built and a Discovery Pro kit on order. But I wanted something I could pick up and fly without worrying re gimbal settings, Go Pro camera, extra batteries or crashing a lovingly built piece of electrical art (lol that's how I like to think of my F550 with all the cabling!!). The Vision allows me to concentrate on flying and learning to be a good pilot as opposed to blaming my "build" ability!!

2. It's great fun and exciting having something so new and learning with everybody else rather than coming to the party late - I just enjoy that extra dimension

3. I'm a girl pilot - so clearly out numbered in a very blokey orientated world - so it's probable the two reasons given above are just as crazy as me engaging in the hobby in the first place

Anyway collected my new toy last night, set up and flew just as it got dark - it's simple, the lights work incredibly well, it's reassuring to see battery and satellite level as a simple read out on the iPhone, it flew for a good 10 minutes, lots of hovering and only 52% battery drain (it wasn't fully charged to start either) and it was huge fun

If you can afford the cash - go for it, the Phantom 2 Pro won't be here until the Spring (so I've read), so in the meantime I'm enjoying a new gadget to master

 

[StingFlight]

Back when Apple released their first iMacs,. most PC users (and even Mac users) questioned why anyone would pay more for a box that had no expandability and less power than a regular computer or home built PC's.
But people still bought them for one reason: ease of use in an all-in-one design.

This is pretty much the same thing in a way, as the Vision is clearly not being made for or marketed for hobbyist and DYI types, but more for the newbies who simple want to plop down a bunch of a money for a new toy and go out and start capturing stills and video.
I'm sure a number of newbies will buy it and soon discover that the video from a non-stabailized gimbal looks amateurish tho.

How about looking at it from this perspective: A filmmaker who doesn't give a S**t about building aerial camera systems or doesn't give a toss about technicalities, wires and the latest gimbal that takes 600 hours and a PhD to get working.. But a filmmaker thats on a 'under £1000 budget' and wants to concentrate on his art of FILMMAKING ONLY!

 

[vbluguitar]

Lets face it, Artists and content producers STILL primarily use non-windows based systems to create their products, the Mac being at the forefront. Comparing the Vision to the Mac and calling it "an expensive toy that is very limited" is kind of a bad comparison because Mac is still the number one computer used for content creation, and its very good at what it does. This is coming from a guy who has been custom building PCs since the late 80s.

I do agree that many will find the Vision hard to film with because they have no experience with RC and won't know how to smooth things out. They may not have the software necessary to finish the product either. But I have already seen samples of warp stabilized footage from the vision that are decent quality. It may not be movie screen quality, but its ok for web content. Someone who is a skilled pilot and good with software should be able to create usable content with the vision.

But the Vision is still too new to pass final judgement. We will see. Its kind of like the Flite test video where the hexa-copter broke and they had to use the tri-copter to get the shots for the movie they were filming. It had no gimbal, and it was a much simpler, harder to control platform, yet the skill of the pilot allowed them to get the shots they needed.

 

[vbluguitar]

For me three reasons:

1. I'm still very new to this hobby, I have the Phantom 1, a F550 I recently built and a Discovery Pro kit on order. But I wanted something I could pick up and fly without worrying re gimbal settings, Go Pro camera, extra batteries or crashing a lovingly built piece of electrical art (lol that's how I like to think of my F550 with all the cabling!!). The Vision allows me to concentrate on flying and learning to be a good pilot as opposed to blaming my "build" ability!!

2. It's great fun and exciting having something so new and learning with everybody else rather than coming to the party late - I just enjoy that extra dimension

3. I'm a girl pilot - so clearly out numbered in a very blokey orientated world - so it's probable the two reasons given above are just as crazy as me engaging in the hobby in the first place

Anyway collected my new toy last night, set up and flew just as it got dark - it's simple, the lights work incredibly well, it's reassuring to see battery and satellite level as a simple read out on the iPhone, it flew for a good 10 minutes, lots of hovering and only 52% battery drain (it wasn't fully charged to start either) and it was huge fun

If you can afford the cash - go for it, the Phantom 2 Pro won't be here until the Spring (so I've read), so in the meantime I'm enjoying a new gadget to master

DANG IT, mine isn't coming until Tuesday...

Oh well - its way to windy to fly here anyway. Gonna be windy and rainy until Monday anyway. Shoot. I am glad to hear that you had an easy time flying it. If you want a fun little copter to practice on, the MSR is only 70 bucks. Its very acrobatic and will test your skills, but it will also improve your skills. Also, there are a lot of good simulators out there for practicing. Welcome to the hobby. We have a lot of older women who come to our flight club with their husbands, but none of them fly... So its cool to see a girl enjoying flying.