Drone for taking aerial photos of anchorages?

[dunedin]

Inspired by the various “where is it” photos, I am interested in getting a low cost drone to take aerial photos of remote anchorages.

Don’t need fancy video technology, or super long range - just the basics, but ideally able to be launched and retrieved safely from the boat at anchor.
Not too expensive in case it takes an unplanned ducking!

Suggestions? Online searches suggested something like a Mavic Mini, which could be an option, but kitted out with box etc that is around £400.

 

[awol]

Try looking on Banggood.com - from about £10 up. Delivery can take a while but then you weren't going anywhere anyway.

 

[Refueler]

I used to review various Drones for companys selling such as Eachine ...

If you want an honest opinion - forget the cheap because the cameras are not stabilised (they talk about gimbal axis ... ) and the flight controllers are basic. You would need to spend at least 200 or so ...

WORD OF WARNING : Do NOT waste time or money on ANY that are advertised on Facebook - they are near all using DJI Mavic videos ($1000 machine) to try sell a $30 for 2 or 3x its real price ... DroneXpro is example.

For good quality photos - you do need to spend the money ... but you can buy second hand DJI drones like the Phantom series - which will give you excellent results. The Mavic Mini is getting good reviews, its main purpose is to give user a camera platform that is 250gr or less to stay under the legal registration limits.
You should be able to pick up a Phantom 3 Adv or Pro 2nd hand bundle for same or less money as the Mavic Mini ..

Here's my DJI videos made for Cruising Association ....

Pavilosta harbour :

Liepaja former Soviet Navy Port

Ventspils

 

[Paulg25]

SJRC S70W FPV Selfie Drone with VR 1080P HD Camera GPS RTF RC Quadcopter NEW | eBay

I bought one of these a year ago.... can't believe the price now... I paid double that!! ?

 

[claymore]

I bought one a couple of years ago
My advice would be to get one that has a lifejacket fitted.
They don't swim....

 

[LittleSister]

Wouldn't an underwater drone be more useful for checking out anchorages?

 

[Tzu]

SJRC S70W FPV Selfie Drone with VR 1080P HD Camera GPS RTF RC Quadcopter NEW | eBay

I bought one of these a year ago.... can't believe the price now... I paid double that!! ?

So worth a punt? I thought I'd not bother with them after buying a cheap very unstable one a couple of years ago but that looks like its got the essentials

 

[Refueler]

So worth a punt? I thought I'd not bother with them after buying a cheap very unstable one a couple of years ago but that looks like its got the essentials

Read on McDuff !! The link says 1080 camera ... but when you get into the description - its a 720 ..... good enough for Youtube / TV use but not good enough for HD editing etc.
Second - the drone specifically says its not compatible for Gimbal - meaning the camera is fixed and will not auto-stabilise.
Third - its brushed motors meaning they are less powerful and wear out easily.
Fourth - Its WiFi controlled giving short range - if you can get 100m - you'll be doing exceptionally well. If there's any WiFi activity nearby - that will be cut dramatically.

For the price ? Its a garden toy .... a lot of practice and mishaps on dry land before attempting anything else !!!

 

[Paulg25]

Refueler. Don't be so negative!

Read on McDuff !! The link says 1080 camera ... but when you get into the description - its a 720 ..... good enough for Youtube / TV use but not good enough for HD editing etc.

Mine has a 1080 camera. Search YouTube for videos.

Second - the drone specifically says its not compatible for Gimbal - meaning the camera is fixed and will not auto-stabilise.

Mine has a remotely pointable camera.

Third - its brushed motors meaning they are less powerful and wear out easily.

Spares are cheap. Powerful enough.

Fourth - Its WiFi controlled giving short range - if you can get 100m - you'll be doing exceptionally well. If there's any WiFi activity nearby - that will be cut dramatically.

Radio is 2.4GHz video is wifi.

For the price ? Its a garden toy .... a lot of practice and mishaps on dry land before attempting anything else !!!

Easy to fly. Has auto take off and landing. Has GPS built in. Not a toy but not professional.

You pays your money you takes your choice. ?

 

[Refueler]

Refueler. Don't be so negative!



Mine has a 1080 camera. Search YouTube for videos.



Mine has a remotely pointable camera.



Spares are cheap. Powerful enough.



Radio is 2.4GHz video is wifi.



Easy to fly. Has auto take off and landing. Has GPS built in. Not a toy but not professional.

You pays your money you takes your choice. ?

OK ... I followed the link that was given earlier and that led onto the description ... which I used to appraise.

Glad you like it ... any links to videos of your own on Youtube - genuinely interested to see its results ...

I saw this ...

 

[RupertW]

I will get my catapult ready as I got very tired of being buzzed at anchor by snooping drones.

Seriously though - is there any kind of jamming device available?

 

[Paulg25]

OK ... I followed the link that was given earlier and that led onto the description ... which I used to appraise.

Glad you like it ... any links to videos of your own on Youtube - genuinely interested to see its results ...

Sorry. No videos to post. Normally use it in the summer when all the family are here to take videos of the grand kids playing. We have 3 acres and they have electric quad bikes so useful for following them.
Camera isn't the best. OK on a sunny day.
The adverts are often misleading so you have to be careful.
Biggest issue I find is the battery. Flying time 15+ minutes but only comes with a slow charger! So I bought a fast charger and some spare 'generic packs' which I modded to fit. ? ?

 

[Paulg25]

I will get my catapult ready as I got very tired of being buzzed at anchor by snooping drones.

Seriously though - is there any kind of jamming device available?

Do you get a lot where you are then?

 

[awol]

I will get my catapult ready as I got very tired of being buzzed at anchor by snooping drones.

Seriously though - is there any kind of jamming device available?

9 Counter-Drone Technologies To Detect And Stop Drones Today

 

[Refueler]

I have to admit - that for the price its not bad ...

I am looking for a drone to use for fishing as my Phantom is too valuable to risk !!

 

[PCUK]

A 12 bore seems to jam them!

 

[dunedin]

I will get my catapult ready as I got very tired of being buzzed at anchor by snooping drones.

Seriously though - is there any kind of jamming device available?

You would need a long range catapault then. 90% of the anchorages I was in last year we were the only boat there.

 

[Poignard]

Inspired by the various “where is it” photos, I am interested in getting a low cost drone to take aerial photos of remote anchorages.

Don’t need fancy video technology, or super long range - just the basics, but ideally able to be launched and retrieved safely from the boat at anchor.
Not too expensive in case it takes an unplanned ducking!

Suggestions? Online searches suggested something like a Mavic Mini, which could be an option, but kitted out with box etc that is around £400.

.

Unless you need pictures in 'real time' Google Earth can be useful for previewing potential anchorages.

.

 

[laika]

I will get my catapult ready as I got very tired of being buzzed at anchor by snooping drones.

+1. Thanks to drones you and your guests can no longer sunbathe in the cockpit unseen by others because BZZZZZZZZZZ yup some pervy anorak is taking pictures from above which will end up on the Interweb. The noise of them is also intensely annoying in a peaceful anchorage. If they're less than the legal 50m from the top of your mast I reckon they're fair game.

 

[laika]

9 Counter-Drone Technologies To Detect And Stop Drones Today

oo I'd never thought of an Eagle. That would also be handy for dealing with starlings too. A parrot might be a bit more boaty though. I wonder if you can buy anti-drone parrots?