Has it all been worth it?

[jlynde]

I don't know if I would have ever gotten into flying drones if it wasn't for my job. That is not all I do, but it is a cool thing I get to add to my tool box. It is nice to be able to get away from my desk and take pictures if I am needing some fresh air.

 

[Dave Pitman]

....like any well run global company into the US like other companies do.

Some random tech facts.

Rare earth magnets were invented by the US and Japan. Now, 90% of manufacturing of them is in China. China controls the global processing and manufacturing of all rare earth minerals.

Semiconductors were invented in the US. And now the most sophisticated ones are manufactured in Taiwan.

Solar cells were invented in the US. Google says that 80% of global production is in China.

LiFeP04 (Lithium iron phosphate) batteries were invented in the US. China is the global manufacturing leader.

The US has led the world in invention. China leads the world in manufacturing. I think the US has only "ourselves" to blame for the current circumstances. We've benefited from inexpensive goods at the expense that now we are dependent on China for much of our material world. The current US regime wants to basically eliminate wind and solar energy products and subsidize fossil fuels. Isn't that a fitting commentary on how ridiculous this all is?

Frank Wang (DJI founder) is Chinese and Chinese educated. He built DJI from China. I'm not sure why we should expect DJI to move to the US for the sole purpose appeasing some politicians. Even if they were to do so, considering the current political environment in the US, it may not be safe for their employees.

I started flying multirotors for fun. Now days, mostly for work. The consistent innovation by DJI over the years has been incredible to watch and use.

 

[anotherlab]

Flat Screen technology has been built up in Southern Wis. DJI shoots itself in foot by not having presence in a major market like the US. I understand the manufacturering process needs to be in China.

Are you referring to Foxconn? They abandoned their plans for manufacturing LCD panels in Wisconsin four years ago. There is a company named Séura that makes outdoor TVs and luxury displays for indoor use. They are sourcing their panels from Asia.

 

[PINEBARON]

Every hobby I've had has been worth it, drones being the latest. I spent hundreds of thousands on my hobbies, always going over the top, never earned a penny from them but continue to enjoy and cherish every moment with them.

 

[Rchawks]

My turn. I started building and flying rc gliders at 21 or 22 years old. I've always loved this hobby or anything to do with planes. I've got it real bad, always have. I used to tell people all the time that flying kept me young. I ended up mounting a digital camera on a modified sailplane I had built to take photos with a servo mount and no display to see what pictures I was taking until I got home which meant a lot of work to get a good shot because I was guessing at the angle. I ended up crashing at my nephews farm due to radio failure and after 25 years I stopped flying.
People I used to work with would ask why I didn't own a drone since I had the bug so bad. Well on the way home from work one day I seen my first drone pilot and I stopped to talk to him. He was doing a real estate shoot. I was impressed, he was using waypoints I later found out. Soon after I purchased my first drone, a mavic mini. It had been 10 years since I took to the air and it fun. Even with all the years of flying radio control I was still nervous until I learned the ropes. I've always been self taught and learned to fly by doing it on my own and with the gliders flying in very strong wind and lift I had many crashes starting out. Lots of rebuilding until I didn't make those mistakes again. I'm very careful about how I fly with my drones of which I now have 7. I have spent a lot of money from my point of view on the drones I have and after 5 years of flying drones, no I don't regret the money I've spent. I love doing it. I fly for fun and have zero interest in making money from it. I take pictures for myself and rarely post anything as it's for my own pleasure. I know I have shocked many people with before and after pictures that I have shared showing the drastic change over the years. That makes the hobby really fun for me. I pretty much fly every day depending on the weather. I really like all the options I have with the neo and other drones I own and FPV has opened a new door for me now. I'm still shocked with what a difference using a headset means for flying with FPV and each drone has it's advantage. I used to think all anyone needed was a primary and backup drone, but now I get it. This is one of my early pictures from my camera mounted sailplane. I received a call from CNN for permission to post.

 

[sawman]

I started like Rchawks, flying rc gliders in 1979. Mounted "Keychain" cameras first, then GoPros, even a full size dslr once (on a Multiplex Twinstar)! Those were certainly the good ole days. I have a second hand Air 2s that I bought for $400 and it's been great for capturing local landmarks. Never made a dime from anything, so no need to dump in large sums.
I also fly full scale but spend most of my flying time powered paragliding (part 103), without all the hullabaloo of the drone world.

 

[Rchawks]

I started like Rchawks, flying rc gliders in 1979. Mounted "Keychain" cameras first, then GoPros, even a full size dslr once (on a Multiplex Twinstar)! Those were certainly the good ole days. I have a second hand Air 2s that I bought for $400 and it's been great for capturing local landmarks. Never made a dime from anything, so no need to dump in large sums.
I also fly full scale but spend most of my flying time powered paragliding (part 103), without all the hullabaloo of the drone world.

I did the Keychains as well.

I’ve also flown in a homebuilt RV4, Full Scale Sailplane, towplane, and a Autogyro, all as a passenger during Eagles Day events just to name a few. I love the memories of all those flights over the years and happy I did it when I was younger. I’m content to stay on the ground now at my age with all my flights in the air being with drones and not with me.

 

[Parkerjh]

It is the same exact question that could be asked and answered about DSLR cameras. They are but a simple tool that can be used for fun, hobby or profession. Drones are only what you make of them and for 99% of users, it is just a fun past-time. Like any hobby, spend what you can afford and if it gives you joy then it was a good investment. For those that want it to be more than that and get good at some particular aspect of it then it can absolutely be more. Just like DSLR photography, once you develop a specialized skill, whether it’s cinematic videography, mapping, real estate shoots, or inspections, there’s potential to turn it into something that pays and not just a hobby. Make it whatever you want to be. I've made over $1M with my drones over the years using nothing nothing more than whatever the current drone was at the time - Phantom 4, Air2s, Mavic 3, etc. Nothing complicated or special.

 

[sawman]

It is the same exact question that could be asked and answered about DSLR cameras. They are but a simple tool that can be used for fun, hobby or profession.

Ooooo...another rabbit hole, Lol !! I had a Kodak, several of the Lumix series and now Nikon. It's soooo easy to separate me from my money.
But like you said...good times!
Once I saw the increased capability of drone cameras, it occurred to me that I should capture local landmarks for posterity. That sent me down the Photoshop and Metashape hole. Was fun but quickly got complicated and time consuming. Still do it, just not as much.

 

[Photobobhunt]

As a retired professional photographer, (turned competitive photographer), I contemplated getting a drone back in 2014 when I was a member of a local photo club. But they really weren't ready.
Fast forward to 2021 I decided to get one to get a different perspective on my photography. I also decided to get a 107 Certification, for more access, and it paid off since I have been doing real estate photography and a few building progress jobs. I am currently negotiating a contract for AC Unit inspections . All easy work ........ but I really don't think I would have gotten into drones if I was only flying as a hobbyist.
Without 107 certification you are very restricted. And even more restricted without Remote ID .......... Not to mention the people who think they know the rules (I don't want to insult all the ladies name Karen).
Even with travel out of the country there are lots of restrictions, but you don't need to worry about remote ID . But it gets more complicated with a above 250gm drone. I flew in Iceland, South Africa, The UK, and a few other European countries . Most countries require registration and sometimes a online test. I got more "flack" trying to fly in Hawaii by the policeman who made up the rules as he went along. I was in the right..... he had a gun, so he was the winner.
To sum it up, If I was interested in building a business, I would defiantly stay with drones, there are lots of opportunities.
But at my stage in life, I earn with my Air2S, and travel with my Mini 2.
Like many have stated don't invest heavily until you are sure you want to continue in the Hobby....or if you need more for a business, and I do recommend getting a 107 certification if only to be more knowledgeable.
My 2 Cents