Novice Question: How to use camera without flying

lissieej · Apr 8, 2019

So I've recently bought an Air and have done a couple of flights but would like to use it just as a camera. I've heard it can be done, but struggling to find any videos etc on how to do it. Like do you still need it linked to the remote? etc

(Appologies if this has been asked multiple times before)

msinger · Apr 8, 2019

You can find a lot of videos on that topic here.

NAVMAV · Apr 8, 2019

One thing that helps: REMOVE PROPS!!~

(Kinda obvious when you think about it.)

Rgds, NAVMAV

MAvic_South_Oz · Apr 8, 2019

Yes, remove props, but of course you won't be starting the motors anyway.
You can leave the arms folded too, just take the gimbal clamp / cover off as usual, fire it up and connect to Go4 and usual viewing device, and film / photograph away.
Very good steady video even when walking rough terrain.

The hardest thing is holding the quad and operating things . . . I don't often film without flying, but just maybe snap off a photo here and there holding onto it.
A neck lanyard helps at least while walking and videoing.

I'm not sure if there is one avaialble for the Air, but the MP and MPP had / have a special frame available to hold the quad while filming, just like a handle . . . hang on . . .

This . . . Katana | Mavic Pro/Platinum

Another fellow made his own (But for $50 I think it's a no brainer to buy a decent one without all the fuss.)

Maybe search a bit and see if there is an Air one is out yet.

SpitFire · Apr 9, 2019

yes, another way is to buy Arris Raptor skids for your Bird. Which raise your drone about 3 inches above the ground
when landing in grass. And, you can grab it by the skids to film or video while walking. Skids attach firmly to the body of the drone. Only cost you around $40.00 for the skids, And they have more then just one use. Has two purposes, actuality three. Because you can snap on pontoons when flying 0ver water.