I got a DJI Mavic Air 2 a couple of days ago and had my maiden flight this afternoon - I managed to stay clear from FAA violations and was amazed by all the AI embedded in such small device that weighs ~570 grams (1.3 lbs). This was sort of an ice breaker into some of the skill level 1 requirements with the end goal of a safe landing after some basic maneuvers and testing basic controls. Below are a few shots from two separate locations around the Palos Verdes area (California). The video files are just huge in size as recording defaults to a 4K resolution - video editing is in the next skill level of training sequence

Any other drone flyers around that would like to share experiences?

.


.

 

Hi Alam,

I'm used to fly an "old" Mavic Air since 3 years.

I bought it for the pleasure to fly and take films from the place I go with my fellows bikers (I'm member of a BMW club...), friends, colleages... More or less wherever I go.

I also help my BIL who organises a mountain bike event every year (almost 1200 attendants) to take clips for to deliver to the medias.

And then, you're hitting the point...
Edition takes ages, regardless the software you use.
Sometines, it's faster and easyer to use the DJI tool.
It's not probably the best but it allows you to provide your friends in a quick way with a nice video and to be honnest, it's sometimes enough.

Otherwise, I edit the clips with Openshot which is a very professionnal open source software and when I start using it, I know it will take time.

One of my friends TV director told me that everytime you plan to shoot something with your drone, it could be better for future editing to have a "scenario like" idea in mind.
He his right, it helps a lot but when your on, it's not always easy to plan something.

In fine, I like my drone just to fly when I'm not flying the helicopter. It's far less expensive.

Wish you all the best for the new year and tons of flights.

Jofo

 

I use a Mavic 2 Pro at work quite frequently. I do work in documentary video production and often rely on drone footage for establishing shots. It's ridiculously good for the price point - 4K in 10-bit, and the software makes flight manageable so that I can get reasonably cinematic movement without much fuss. All for around $1.5K!

I just wish there was something in between the Pro 2 and the Inspire. The Inspire can allow you to use M4/3 lenses and film in DNG Raw, but it's a big price jump - around $20K to get set up. And drones crash frequently enough that you really need a backup at all times, so your kit becomes $40K+ really quickly. Unfortunately, not worth the price jump for me.

 

I've been flying drones for the last 8 years or so. An absolute blast and some of the footage is amazing. Alas, California has made it more and more difficult to fly in most areas of the state. I find myself taking road trips out to the middle of nowhere just to fly. Enjoy your new toy.

BTW, is that Pt. Fermin Lighthouse?

 

Yep, I started out flying cheap toys initially before landing a Phantom 3 Std a few years ago, which I love. I use Photoshop Elements to enhance and merge the DNGs, don’t use the video so much. Thought about going professional a while ago as I get lots of positive comments, but the market is so saturated with hobbyists-turned-PfCO that there doesn’t seem to be much point shelling out ££££ for what would probably end up being beer-money in return. Hope you like the photos, they’re some of my favourites

 

On a completely basic level, I have been having a go with my 9 year olds bill basic drone that he got for Christmas.
I was expecting it to be much harder to use, or at least enough to wind the dog up with it
Living in rural France I have no idea on the rules but I suspect this one will get damaged beyond repair long before we get in trouble with it!.

If you

 

I have the dji spark. It's amazing for what it is.
Looking at upgrading but for how I use it, it does everything I want. I want to upgrade but I don't want anything much bigger. Why I want to upgrade if it does everything I want?
No particular reason. Just to have another newer version. Something I've been want G to try is a racing drone with fpv goggles.

 

I hear you, I'm just visiting but quickly learning and stumbling with many of the restrictions not only from the State but also from local municipalities.

That's the lighthouse on Point Vicente in Rancho Palos Verdes,

Thanks!

 

I’ve thought about upgrading my P3 to a P4Adv/Pro several times, just for the camera upgrade. I’m not bothered about in-flight gimmicks, and the point I keep coming back to is that if the P3 does everything I want it to, why bother? Put the cash towards the next watch

 

great pics! thanks for sharing & keep them coming!

 

Thanks, I will! In fact, here’s a few more I’ve just rediscovered...

 

Ok so I cracked. Last week I put in a silly bid on the ‘Bay for a Phantom 4 Pro and lo and behold, somehow it won. After eight weeks of delivering online lessons to a bunch of (lovely) 9 year-olds I felt like rewarding myself... and I’m not disappointed. What a brilliant piece of kit. Hello, from the North Somerset riviera.