Why is there a lot of drones for sale without cameras?

[trcsmith]

Why is there a lot of DJI Phantom drones for sale without cameras? Mostly on the 3's and 4's. Are owners jut removing the camera for something else?

 

[N017RW]

Without Manual mode I don’t know either.

My guess.... crashes or other camera damage.

 

[itbbrian]

Why is there a lot of DJI Phantom drones for sale without cameras? Mostly on the 3's and 4's. Are owners jut removing the camera for something else?

Hi. I know that on my P3P after I did the latest firmware update that it fried mt camera and gimble and so now I am stck with a AC to flt without a canera

 

[flyboy73]

Why is there a lot of DJI Phantom drones for sale without cameras? Mostly on the 3's and 4's. Are owners jut removing the camera for something else?

Speaking from personal experience, DJI drones are pretty rugged, and will survive a lot and keep flying. The camera and gimbals however, are pretty delicate and seldom survive a crash. Thus, you will find a lot of perfectly flyable drones without the cameras.

 

[2edgesword]

I'm guessing a crash that destroyed the camera but left the drone in good flying condition. If you can get one at a deep discount it's probably a great way to build flying skills while not risking an expensive unit with a working camera.

 

[Droning in AR]

If you can get one at a deep discount it's probably a great way to build flying skills while not risking an expensive unit with a working camera.

I'll second this. Plus, you'll have spare parts should you need them.

 

[mdurbanek]

Generally the sensor is the most expensive part in any camera, often accounting for as much as 50% of the raw cost. And the gimbal is very delicate.