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Not quite a flyer yet, in New Zealand

NZBob

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Premium Pilot
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Nov 29, 2024
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Hi there
I am seriously considering buying a drone to enjoy flying it and to take video/photos. In my youth I learned to fly a small aircraft (a Victor Air tourer) and took a few glider flights. Gave it up to buy a house and have a family (no regrets). Flying a drone seems like a nice way to fly again, and I have always enjoyed taking photos.

I waited for the release of the DJI Air 3s, and then for black Friday specials, but now I am conflicted between the Air 3s and the Mini Pro 4. The Air 3s seems better in almost every way, apart from noise. I have watched many Youtube videos comparing them, but I am still not sure. Several said that the Mini Pro 4 is considerably less intrusive and will be noticed by the public far less, and the Air 3s quite the opposite. I live on the coast and think that the Air's ability to resist wind would be a huge advantage (as would the double camera), but all my training flights would be in the local (usually pretty empty) park. I really do not want to be a public nuisance!.

Do you find that the Air 3s does generate negativity from the public (c.f. the MP4?). Two days to decide, or miss the specials.

Thanks
Bob
 
Welcome to the forum, NZBob, from Hauptmann in North Texas USA!
Which ever one you choose should meet your needs. I have a Mini-Pro 4, which is perfect for me, but it is not particularly wind-resistant. Its main advantage for UK, EU and North America is its sub 250 gm weight. In NZ that is not a factor. Wind resistance may be.
 
Welcome to the forum, NZBob, from Hauptmann in North Texas USA!
Which ever one you choose should meet your needs. I have a Mini-Pro 4, which is perfect for me, but it is not particularly wind-resistant. Its main advantage for UK, EU and North America is its sub 250 gm weight. In NZ that is not a factor. Wind resistance may be.
Thanks Hauptmann, I appreciate the welcome :). Yes, fortunately no weight limits here (well, below some much bigger number). But, yes, it is pretty windy here quite often. They have a few retailers here that sell the DJI drones, and their stock levels suggest that they sell quite a few, but I can't recall seeing anyone fly one near where I live. I have not seen much of Texas, only a bit of Austin. From the map, it looks like you would have plenty of places to fly. Every time I look at a map of the US, I realise how small NZ is!
 
Hi there
I am seriously considering buying a drone to enjoy flying it and to take video/photos. In my youth I learned to fly a small aircraft (a Victor Air tourer) and took a few glider flights. Gave it up to buy a house and have a family (no regrets). Flying a drone seems like a nice way to fly again, and I have always enjoyed taking photos.

I waited for the release of the DJI Air 3s, and then for black Friday specials, but now I am conflicted between the Air 3s and the Mini Pro 4. The Air 3s seems better in almost every way, apart from noise. I have watched many Youtube videos comparing them, but I am still not sure. Several said that the Mini Pro 4 is considerably less intrusive and will be noticed by the public far less, and the Air 3s quite the opposite. I live on the coast and think that the Air's ability to resist wind would be a huge advantage (as would the double camera), but all my training flights would be in the local (usually pretty empty) park. I really do not want to be a public nuisance!.

Do you find that the Air 3s does generate negativity from the public (c.f. the MP4?). Two days to decide, or miss the specials.

Thanks
Bob
Welcome from the Midlands of England.

With your photography interest, you might find that the Air 3/3S will serve your needs well, with the two fixed focus cameras (the equivalent of 3X zoom), but the mini 3/4 pro also has an ace up it's sleeve with the ability to flip the camera for a lossless portrait orientation.

All three cameras (mini 4 pro & the two on the Air 3) have the same size sensor, so there's no advantage to be had with image pixel density one way or the other.

The only real advantage the Air 3 series has is weight and stability in less than perfect wind conditions.

I regularly use two weight classes: Mavic 2's and a mini 3 pro and in the last 5 years: I can't recall any more than one real problem, the remaining few 'encounters' boiling down to nothing more than a couple of dirty looks and a few snide comments.

Don't bend yourself too much out of shape concerning the rights of others when they really don't give a monkeys chuff about yours.
 
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Welcome, Bob, from the Hudson Valley, NY. I predict you will get hooked by the amazing simplicity of these modern engineering miracles! Very addictive... Enjoy, and we look forward to seeing some of your videography from over there!
 
I am seriously considering buying a drone

Welcome from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, USA. We have a Member's Map in the Upper Right of the Title Bar. Click on "Members" and then Click on "Member's Map…" Check it out and you might find some new flying friends.


Since you live in New Zealand, there are specific laws and rules for you to follow, please check to ensure these are current.


I do not have any advice to offer on which drone to buy, but I am sure that whatever your choice is, you will be happy with it… And when you do make that choice, do not look back. Just enjoy what you decided on…

But once you do make a choice, here is some Good Old Fashion Advice…

You paid a lot of money for that Drone, put your phone number on it. If your drone gets lost or stuck in a tree and it finally comes down when you are not around, give the finders an opportunity to contact you so it can be returned.

Now, for the Fun Part, But do not let the excitement of the moment get the best of you. When you are going out to fly, do it slowly and deliberately. Get used to a set procedure and even practice it.

There are so many things I could write but these are the highlights that I feel need mentioning.

Plug in your phone/tablet into your controller; turn on the Controller and DJI Fly App (if it does not start on its own…). On the Drone, open the front legs, then open the back legs, and then remove the Gimbal Cover.

The Gimbal is the most delicate item on the Drone and banging or bumping can damage it. I also fastened a short "Remove Before Flight" ribbon to the cover so it's more noticeable and I do not forget to remove it…

Turn on the drone and watch it come to "life." Watching the Gimbal go through its self-check is almost like watching a puppy or kitten opening its eyes for the first time…

Place the drone down (preferably on a Landing Pad) while it finishes its self-test (collecting satellites, etc…).

Check your battery status (Phone, Drone, and Controller), check the Signal Strength, by now the Controller should have reported it updated the Home Point.

Lift off, 6 feet (2-meters) or so, hover a bit, check the controls (move the drone a bit forward, back, left, right, yaw left and right). By now, your Controller will probably report again, "Home point Updated."

If you go out in a rush and race thru your start up and take off before the drone has finished it prep, it may update its Home Point over that pond or that old tree you are flying over and in your excitement, you'll fly the drone long past it Low Battery point and when it engages Return to Home and lands in the pond or in a tree; it will be all on you…

Now go have fun, learn to fly the drone by sight before you try to fly it out a distance depending on the video feed, FPV.

I would also advise you to use YouTube and watch a lot of the Videos on flying and setting up the Drone. When it is too dark, too cold, or too wet, you can "fly it vicariously" through YouTube. Also watch some of the Blooper Drone Videos and learn how not to fly your "New Baby."

Fly On and Fly Safe…
 
Thank you all for the welcomes and the advice! :-)

I am 90% there towards the Air 3s because of the stability in wind. I was reminded in one of your other threads about how photogenic our west coast is, and it is almost always windy there! I can feel the excitement building.

I have read through several threads now on MavicPilots and I am impressed with this community, the depth of wisdom and experience. I will read lots more and try not to ask too many noob questions.

Probably flying this coming weekend!
 
Hi @NZBob ...I, too gave up flying small aircraft for a woman and a house....almost 40 years ago...on 2nd house...still with 1st wife....I miss flying a plane, but this is a lot less expensive and although nowhere near the same challenge or fun of flying a plane, it is a great pastime..I have a min4 and fly with a guy who has had different Air series drones....they are a lot more aerodynamic ...I don't think the video in the 3S is as good as his old 2S , but it is still quite good....the Air series are a lot easier to see in the sky....more money but worth it if you get to fly a lot.....I see the 3S in my future
 
Welcome to the forum @NZBob! :)

Several said that the Mini Pro 4 is considerably less intrusive and will be noticed by the public far less, and the Air 3s quite the opposite. I live on the coast and think that the Air's ability to resist wind would be a huge advantage (as would the double camera), but all my training flights would be in the local (usually pretty empty) park. I really do not want to be a public nuisance!
The public will easily notice any DJI drone you’re flying, especially when it’s at lower altitudes (under 100 feet).

For training flights, it’s often better to choose a location away from people. Since training usually involves flying closer to the ground or staying near your location, it’s more likely that anyone nearby will see or hear the drone.
 
For training flights, it’s often better to choose a location away from people. Since training usually involves flying closer to the ground or staying near your location, it’s more likely that anyone nearby will see or hear the drone.
Thanks, this sounds like good advice :-)
 

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