The General Drone-Related Thread

benhben said:
My Air2s is a fairly noisy drone I think. I'm sometimes conscious of not using it unless I'm miles away from anyone. I know if im out for a relaxing walk it can be annoying to hear a drone zipping around the mountaintops. Does anyone with the newer drones know if theyre a bit quieter now or pretty much the same?
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Mini 4 pretty much is inaudible once you have a little bit of distance. Almost invisible too against greyish sky
 
benhben said:
My Air2s is a fairly noisy drone I think. I'm sometimes conscious of not using it unless I'm miles away from anyone. I know if im out for a relaxing walk it can be annoying to hear a drone zipping around the mountaintops. Does anyone with the newer drones know if theyre a bit quieter now or pretty much the same?
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I was reading a discussion on the noise produced by drones and the consensus was there's not been any improvement in noise although there's differences depending on the drones. I never thought my Mavic 2 was quiet although it's hard to hear when it's at full height and since buying an Avata, the Mavic 2 is definitely a lot quieter than the fairly piercing noise the Avata produces.
 
 
c18rch said:
No responsible drone flier would, but taking out a drone is treated the same as trying to take out a commercial airliner (endangering aircraft). They are protected by aviation law.
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Had one 2 to 3 meters above my head in the backyard a few months ago, they hovered there for a good amount of time. Been the only time one has invaded my privacy & they were so lucky i wasn't near my hose.
 
First flight with the Mini 5 Pro drone: (yes, it's a church!)

The Church of England’s generic website which lists its churches, claims St Paul's is a 'Victorian/Pre-War' church - judging by its peculiar, geometric tower, and tall, rounded arches, this would approximate it to around the 1830's.

St Paul’s is a welcoming, friendly, evangelical churches of all age ranges committed to growing in discipleship, working together in evangelism, social action and prayer and exploring the needs of our community and to be better equipped to serve those needs.

St Paul’s has two congregations that meet on a Sunday morning. The family congregation is a congregation plant started in 2013 and is led by, the now, Assistant Curate and meets at 9.30am.

“Jam’N’Toast” (Jesus And Me Talking On A Sunday Together) is a whole family orientated informal service focused on looking at how the narrative of the whole bible points us towards Jesus. The service makes extensive use of audio visual materials and splits into 5 age appropriate groups for teaching. Attendance is typically 40-60 with an even split between adults and children.

St Paul’s 11am congregation alternates between Morning Prayer and communion using both Common Worship and The Book of Common Prayer.

St Paul’s has four joint Sunday services a year where both congregations come together. These services are usually Parade services too and are well supported by the families of the popular church Scout Group, several of the leaders being part of the church family at Withnell.

View: https://youtu.be/is-qJQiowo4


Paul.
 
Nice vid, you're getting quite good at those Paul ;)

What are the still images like? An improvement on the Mini4? Also, have you weighed the 5, I've seen reports of them being overweight?
 
Paul Iddon said:
First flight with the Mini 5 Pro drone: (yes, it's a church!)

The Church of England’s generic website which lists its churches, claims St Paul's is a 'Victorian/Pre-War' church - judging by its peculiar, geometric tower, and tall, rounded arches, this would approximate it to around the 1830's.

St Paul’s is a welcoming, friendly, evangelical churches of all age ranges committed to growing in discipleship, working together in evangelism, social action and prayer and exploring the needs of our community and to be better equipped to serve those needs.

St Paul’s has two congregations that meet on a Sunday morning. The family congregation is a congregation plant started in 2013 and is led by, the now, Assistant Curate and meets at 9.30am.

“Jam’N’Toast” (Jesus And Me Talking On A Sunday Together) is a whole family orientated informal service focused on looking at how the narrative of the whole bible points us towards Jesus. The service makes extensive use of audio visual materials and splits into 5 age appropriate groups for teaching. Attendance is typically 40-60 with an even split between adults and children.

St Paul’s 11am congregation alternates between Morning Prayer and communion using both Common Worship and The Book of Common Prayer.

St Paul’s has four joint Sunday services a year where both congregations come together. These services are usually Parade services too and are well supported by the families of the popular church Scout Group, several of the leaders being part of the church family at Withnell.

View: https://youtu.be/is-qJQiowo4


Paul.
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That could be forgiven for being production level quality. Incredible really, considering the size of the camera and lens.
 
Be very careful with dji firmware updates. Re check all settings after.

Mine was quietly reset to useless jpegs !!!! In 16:9 too to make it much worse. Imagine then fun when i had to deliver this to a client
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Be very careful with dji firmware updates. Re check all settings after.

Mine was quietly reset to useless jpegs !!!! In 16:9 too to make it much worse. Imagine then fun when i had to deliver this to a client
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Yes, my one resets every time, I should have posted here a while ago!
 
Look at the different coloured leaves,
Swaying gently with the breeze,
Lovely reds, browns and greens,
All waiting to fall from the trees.
When they leave they twist and turn,
Ready to join the masses of fern,
Landing softly on the ground,
You can taste the smell of autumn, all around.


(Autumn, by Amy Boothby).


View: https://youtu.be/2SXbySwX3Kk?si=Gw0oBiaDPtrLq8WN


Paul.
 
A wise man once said, quality not quantity is what my channel gives, and I hope that rings true to all my subscribers and watchers.

So enjoy a brief look back from January through to the late autumn, set in time to a wonderful musical accompaniment.

Taking in quiet country areas with their beautiful churches and some pleasant landscapes, you all have my heartfelt gratitude for being a part of my hobby. Thank you for watching and your support.

View: https://youtu.be/S_k0DteMRxc
 
I’m just wondering which drone is best for just photography, I have no real interest in videos past the “dronies”. I had a Neo last year but didn’t use it much and sold it but wouldn’t mind having a sort of tripod less family camera that I can be in. Is the Neo 2 an improvement? Or should I be looking at the mini 5 pro? Also, the rules are changing in January is that right?
 
jonoooo125 said:
I’m just wondering which drone is best for just photography, I have no real interest in videos past the “dronies”. I had a Neo last year but didn’t use it much and sold it but wouldn’t mind having a sort of tripod less family camera that I can be in. Is the Neo 2 an improvement? Or should I be looking at the mini 5 pro? Also, the rules are changing in January is that right?
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Mavic 4
 
Put together some of the better clips/places we've been with the drone this year!

Happy to hear any advice for better shots too, I think I've got a bad habit of stopping the recording too early and being a bit jittery with the turns/movement.
Hoping to also get a few nicer clips of the dogs running, planning for a nice left-to-right of the frame run whenever we're next on a flat(ish) bit of ground
Thanks!

(I'm also not sure what happened to the video at Parys Mountain, I think that's more of an editing problem, sorry :oops: :$)
 
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jonoooo125 said:
I’m just wondering which drone is best for just photography, I have no real interest in videos past the “dronies”. I had a Neo last year but didn’t use it much and sold it but wouldn’t mind having a sort of tripod less family camera that I can be in. Is the Neo 2 an improvement? Or should I be looking at the mini 5 pro? Also, the rules are changing in January is that right?
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Updated rules are on the caa website, biggest concern is now you need a spotter with you if you are looking at your phone screen or display screen while flying a Drone
 
GreenNinja67 said:
Just back from doing the NC 500.

Fantastic trip.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwjXDQ]Eilean Donan Castle by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]


[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwkpgN]Scourie by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]


[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwiFBy]Sango Sands by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]


[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwkpfq]Dingwall Mudflats by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]


[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwkpbc]Kelpies by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]


[url=https://flic.kr/p/2rwiFgi]Loch Garry by Terence Rees, on Flickr[/URL]
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Regarding the Loch Garry image - its a shame you didn't pan a wee bit to the right to capture the end of the Loch.
It looks like a map of Scotland ;)
 
jonoooo125 said:
I’m just wondering which drone is best for just photography, I have no real interest in videos past the “dronies”. I had a Neo last year but didn’t use it much and sold it but wouldn’t mind having a sort of tripod less family camera that I can be in. Is the Neo 2 an improvement? Or should I be looking at the mini 5 pro? Also, the rules are changing in January is that right?
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What do you think the main reasons were you didn't use the Neo? The Neo 2 still uses a small 1/2in sensor while the Mini 5 Pro has a bigger 1in sensor that I find a good upgrade for still images. This is the best image quality you can get while remaining in the C0 category with the least restrictions.

The best option is the Mavic 4 Pro which has the larger 4/3 sensor for its main camera and two telelphoto cameras using smaller 1/1.3in and 1/1.5in sensors so if you're taking images of people you can get a more suitable focal length than the wide angle lens. However its weight puts it into the restrictive C2 class so it's subject to the full A3 restrictions which depending on where you want to use it may prevent you from flying it.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
What do you think the main reasons were you didn't use the Neo? The Neo 2 still uses a small 1/2in sensor while the Mini 5 Pro has a bigger 1in sensor that I find a good upgrade for still images. This is the best image quality you can get while remaining in the C0 category with the least restrictions.

The best option is the Mavic 4 Pro which has the larger 4/3 sensor for its main camera and two telelphoto cameras using smaller 1/1.3in and 1/1.5in sensors so if you're taking images of people you can get a more suitable focal length than the wide angle lens. However its weight puts it into the restrictive C2 class so it's subject to the full A3 restrictions which depending on where you want to use it may prevent you from flying it.
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Thanks for your answer, I haven’t had a chance to look at the mavic specs mentioned above yet.

As for the Neo, the photos were ok, but I guess I wanted better. I bought it actually to check on my roof, some tiles were loose and I wanted a realistic quote. Also, the few places I took it to, I was either not allowed to fly it or apprehensive about using a drone because of other people around. I used it one time in the snow and got my daughter sledding down a hill.

I think I’d like to stay in the sub 249 grams category and wondered if someone was going to say something other than DJI, I’ve been looking more at the mini 5 pro and as soon as I have a chance to look at the rules properly ill decide if it’s worth it.

Thanks again
 
I went from the original Mavic Pro (1/2.3in sensor) to a Mavic 2 Pro (1in sensor) and I found it a good upgrade for photos since I found the 1/2.3in sensor limiting especially for dynamic range which is a frequent issue with aerial shots since you often have a bright sky and dark ground. I still use the Mavic 2 Pro because I find the 1in sensor does a decent job.

There's no real competition to DJI at the moment which is particularly noticeable with the new US ban as people in the US are frustrated they have no real options for drones now. I think Autel were looking promising for a while but have pulled out of the consumer market and Skydio seemed to be looking good for automated flights but they also left the consumer market. There are I think a couple of brands DJI were rebranding their drones under to try to evade US customs in case you see another brand of drone that looks suspiciously similar to a DJI Mini.

I know what you mean about being apprehensive about flying a drone around people and even after flying mine for several years, it's still something that I worry about too much. I've only ever once had someone come up and complain (she was talking absolute rubbish) and most people are curious about the drone. I just absolutely adore the 180 degree stitched panoramas the drone can take, crop them down a bit to 21:9 which I find is a good balance to not being too wide and have them as my background on my work 21:9 monitor.
 
mav said:
Updated rules are on the caa website, biggest concern is now you need a spotter with you if you are looking at your phone screen or display screen while flying a Drone
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I always thought it was a bit dubious using a phone/display screen as you were meant to keep a visual line of sight with the drone at all times. As soon as you look at the screen you werent maintaining visual line of sight.

This change makes it easier to see if we’re adhering to the rules or not. Sadly it’s possibly a change due to all those ‘auditors’ using drones and their arguments with police over whether they are adhering to being able to see their drone. Far too many have the drone beyond VLOS can’t really see orientation without referring to the screen. I know my limit is circa 50m with the DJI mini for me to see its orientation too. How 500m was ever possible I don’t know.

It will affect generally law abiding photographers who fly on their own. My wife will be miffed that she will now be an observer/spotter when I fly the drone. Don’t think I will get her out early for sunrise shoots!
 
Afternoon, it’s been a while since I’ve used my Mavic 2, and 2 of my batteries are dead - won’t charge or anything. I’ve tried all the suggestions online and I’m either going to have to bin them or try and get them repaired. Has anyone tried this lot?

thedronehangar.co.uk

Battery Repairs

Shop new & used DJI drones at unbeatable prices! Top models like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Air 3S, and Mavic series. High-quality, tested pre-owned drones & brand-new DJI. Fast shipping.
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JohnMcL7 said:
I went from the original Mavic Pro (1/2.3in sensor) to a Mavic 2 Pro (1in sensor) and I found it a good upgrade for photos since I found the 1/2.3in sensor limiting especially for dynamic range which is a frequent issue with aerial shots since you often have a bright sky and dark ground. I still use the Mavic 2 Pro because I find the 1in sensor does a decent job.

There's no real competition to DJI at the moment which is particularly noticeable with the new US ban as people in the US are frustrated they have no real options for drones now. I think Autel were looking promising for a while but have pulled out of the consumer market and Skydio seemed to be looking good for automated flights but they also left the consumer market. There are I think a couple of brands DJI were rebranding their drones under to try to evade US customs in case you see another brand of drone that looks suspiciously similar to a DJI Mini.

I know what you mean about being apprehensive about flying a drone around people and even after flying mine for several years, it's still something that I worry about too much. I've only ever once had someone come up and complain (she was talking absolute rubbish) and most people are curious about the drone. I just absolutely adore the 180 degree stitched panoramas the drone can take, crop them down a bit to 21:9 which I find is a good balance to not being too wide and have them as my background on my work 21:9 monitor.
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I saw iphondo’s video about the van of DJI in America, just trump being trump I guess, maybe they want GoPro to make another kamikaze drone but for here, I think I’ll take a proper look at the DJI mini 5 pro, I’m not in a rush as we aren’t going anywhere for a few months where I’d use it and my roof is fixed haha.

I think if I read the rules properly I’d be more confident knowing I can fly it more places too, it seems the 249g drones are a lot less restrictive from looking during my break at work today so probably a better fit.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer me though so thank you.
 
Has anyone got mavic 4? Could you check if it already has both the UK2 and C2 labels or just the C2? If the latter I hope they will allow to self-certify. From today they must sell with UK stickers on.

P.S. the rules have now officially changed. Mavic 4 pretty much needs A2Cfoc to fly in less restricted rule-set. In low speed more (3m/s) you can get up to within 5m to uninvolved people. that's now workable. Anything in C1 is free for all (don't take this literally!!!!) almost like the old sub 250g
Other changes were made too. Be sure to check the official CAA announcements and documentation
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Has anyone got mavic 4? Could you check if it already has both the UK2 and C2 labels or just the C2? If the latter I hope they will allow to self-certify. From today they must sell with UK stickers on.
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I doubt it, I've seen no mention of it from either DJI or the CAA and I doubt DJI would be able to do it that quickly. My understanding is that the class marks are required for new drones brought to the market, not existing drones:

"Any new model of new drone and model aircraft placed on the market from 1 January 2026 must have a UK class mark. "

Hence the two year transitional period where the EU class marks will be counted as equivalent to give time for new drones to be brought in with UK class marks. I've also read claims the CAA are disorganised over the UK class marks and the certifying system isn't ready yet which having seen the mess the CAA keep making of these regulations I don't find hard to believe.
 
JohnMcL7 said:
I doubt it, I've seen no mention of it from either DJI or the CAA and I doubt DJI would be able to do it that quickly. My understanding is that the class marks are required for new drones brought to the market, not existing drones:

"Any new model of new drone and model aircraft placed on the market from 1 January 2026 must have a UK class mark. "

Hence the two year transitional period where the EU class marks will be counted as equivalent to give time for new drones to be brought in with UK class marks. I've also read claims the CAA are disorganised over the UK class marks and the certifying system isn't ready yet which having seen the mess the CAA keep making of these regulations I don't find hard to believe.
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I just feel like buying one (if i do) thats still useful in 2028 and beyond
 
jonoooo125 said:
I saw iphondo’s video about the van of DJI in America, just trump being trump I guess, maybe they want GoPro to make another kamikaze drone but for here, I think I’ll take a proper look at the DJI mini 5 pro, I’m not in a rush as we aren’t going anywhere for a few months where I’d use it and my roof is fixed haha.

I think if I read the rules properly I’d be more confident knowing I can fly it more places too, it seems the 249g drones are a lot less restrictive from looking during my break at work today so probably a better fit.

I appreciate you taking the time to answer me though so thank you.
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The GoPro Karma is a great cautionary tale which illustrates just how difficult it is to get a drone to market and that was against the original Mavic Pro never mind the more advanced range they have now. GoPro looked to be the right company to develop a drone and I liked their idea of having a modular design so that I could use the camera and gimbal elsewhere rather than buying a separate camera plus it could mean upgrades in future. Even putting aside the power failures of the drone and comparing it against the Phantom 4 the Karma was a poor drone due to issues with batterylife and range however against Mavic Pro it clearly had no chance.

I was reading an article more recently going into detail on the Karma failure more from the business side and I hadn't realised it almost ended GoPro as a company. Given the Trump administration could change their mind on the DJI ban at any time I can't see any companies changing their approach to drones to take advantage of the ban
 
JohnMcL7 said:
The GoPro Karma is a great cautionary tale which illustrates just how difficult it is to get a drone to market and that was against the original Mavic Pro never mind the more advanced range they have now. GoPro looked to be the right company to develop a drone and I liked their idea of having a modular design so that I could use the camera and gimbal elsewhere rather than buying a separate camera plus it could mean upgrades in future. Even putting aside the power failures of the drone and comparing it against the Phantom 4 the Karma was a poor drone due to issues with batterylife and range however against Mavic Pro it clearly had no chance.

I was reading an article more recently going into detail on the Karma failure more from the business side and I hadn't realised it almost ended GoPro as a company. Given the Trump administration could change their mind on the DJI ban at any time I can't see any companies changing their approach to drones to take advantage of the ban
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I think I read about the karma at the time, and GoPro was bloated, riding high with no real competition and it showed I think after the hero 7? When they finally added digital stabilisation to match was it the osmo? it’s a shame they didn’t get it safe enough to continue development, like you say the modular aspect was good, like having a flying ronin you could use when not flying.

I was going to say “I would’ve thought insta360 had a drone” but they do, I’ve just googled it and now I’ll have a look at that as well. It’s surprising the main camera companies never tried the drone market though, Ricoh started the 360 camera trend and seems like they gave up after a couple of tries. A canon drone would be expensive but at least the Sony drones would have a new update every 3 months it seems.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
Sony in fact tried to market a drone, something like £10k a pop and it finally crashed and burned. Japanese camera companies dont seem to understand gadgets and apps too well ..
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That’s interesting, I didn’t know that, which is funny because Sony has a history of collaborating with other companies to better themselves, even the PlayStation was a result of a failed collaboration. I wouldn’t say it can’t be done, Tesla managed to enter the car space and get a large market share but it would probably cost a lot of money to outdo DJI now, the insta360 drone at £1500 for a niche 360 shot is a bit much for me but maybe it’s just a test and they can add their action cameras on when they’ve got the basics ironed out
 
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