Drone with 500g payload capacity

[eng3]

I'm in the US and have a part 107.
I'm trying to choose a drone that can carry an additional ~500g.
I'm thinking I would attach with a string and it would hang under the drone though I did find a payload kit for a mavic pro but its third party.

Unless I move up to the really expensive commercial drones, I can't find any that list payload specs because they are designed for photography.
However, I would assume people familiar with these drones might be able to estimate payload capacity or even from personal experience.

Ideally, I'd like around 30min hover duration but I'd be ok with something like 10-15min.

I'd like to stay in the $2-5K price range.

 

[jaja6009]

The Matrice 4 Enterprise And Mavic 3 Enterprise both have available PSDK payload drop systems that integrate into the controller so that you can push an on screen button to drop.

Prices for these drones are fluctuating with the trade war but I have seen the Matrice 4 for around $5K.

Both could handle a 500 gram payload but you will not see 30 minutes of flight with either when carrying a payload. This is going by landing at 20% battery.

For these drones and most others, DJI will not make the payload drop system and they will be aftermarket.

I would recommend the Matrice 4 E with the QZ FT4-P Drop System ($430). I have the system and it works great.

 

[eng3]

I don't actually need a drop system. I just need to carry the payload.

I mention the drop system because it tells me the drone can lift the weight. Otherwise I have no idea

How do you think the payload capacity of the Mavic 3 Enterprise compares to the non-enterprise consumer versions which are like half the price?

 

[Cafguy]

What will this payload be? Thats not much weight but your motors wont last nearly as long.

 

[eng3]

I'm not 100% sure yet. Something like a small disco ball tied to a string that will be under 500g.
I also suspect that a consumer drone will be able to lift it, but I don't want to spend $2-3K and find out it can't or that its blocking some sensor or damaging/overheating something

I think if I can get 10-15min, I think I'll be happy. It will mostly just be hovering

 

[Cafguy]

In that case most mavic models will do what you want Just dont over do it with the weight and you will be fine also dont carry anything hazardous. if it comes with an MSDS sheet you pretty much cant payload it.

 

[eng3]

Lol, my company once had a bottle of water with a MSDS sheet.
nah, nothing hazardous, not flying over people, all over our own private property.

ok maybe I'll go with a mavic 3 or pro version and use the remaining funds on extra batteries.

Is there any more detailed info on the difference between the Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Enterprise?
For example the difference in motors.
Or is the difference more in the camera system (something I dont care much about)

 

[Cafguy]

Or is the difference more in the camera system (something I dont care much about)

Yes..

 

[Capt KO]

If you want to go cheap but still have a decent camera, get a DJI Phantom 4 series. Very affordable used and can carry the 500g you require. Plus there are many load release attachments available online. I'm still flying a few P4Ps because of their load carrying abilities. I use an outrigger release clip in tandem with the remote release just in case of tangles.. enough tension and the load pulls free from drone automatically.

 

[moldorf]

you might try a fishing drone:

Amazon.com: SwellPro FD1+ Fisherman Best Fishing Drone with Bait Release, 4.8 LBS Payload, 1.3KM Range, IP67 Waterproof, Auto Return & Flip, Self-floating, Entry-Level, No Camera Included : Toys & Games

this one 7 pound lift capacity and 4K camera

Xpeace

SwellPro seems to be kind of dominant in this market. Many different models. I have no idea at all about the drones of about the carry/release mechanisms. I'm assuming the cameras, if they are present, aren't very good. Not sure if they have a micro-sd slot