Hi everyone,
I wanted to get some people to weigh in on some options for buying a drone. I'm concerned that Remote ID and upcoming regulations may make current drone models limited in functionality in a few years. I've done a fair amount of research and the most conclusive information is from DJI's official comment on the FAA proposal page from March 2nd, stating "we believe a substantial portion of our products will be able to conform with the ASTM broadcast standard by the time the requirements exist" ... "as to the broadcast method, we believe it is indeed a software upgrade for many but not all current models.” Given this information, it seems that they may be able to meet the broadcast standard, though perhaps not the network standard which they seemed more unsure about. In summary, it remains unsure whether or not current drones will be able to fully comply with regulations, though there is a significant chance they will be able to at least partly do so. Here are the options I'm considering:
- Purchase the Mavic Air 2 now, sell it in the future in the event of regulations landing that limit its full capacities. Upgrade to the future "Air 3" or equivalent that will more definitively have compliance.
I wanted to get some people to weigh in on some options for buying a drone. I'm concerned that Remote ID and upcoming regulations may make current drone models limited in functionality in a few years. I've done a fair amount of research and the most conclusive information is from DJI's official comment on the FAA proposal page from March 2nd, stating "we believe a substantial portion of our products will be able to conform with the ASTM broadcast standard by the time the requirements exist" ... "as to the broadcast method, we believe it is indeed a software upgrade for many but not all current models.” Given this information, it seems that they may be able to meet the broadcast standard, though perhaps not the network standard which they seemed more unsure about. In summary, it remains unsure whether or not current drones will be able to fully comply with regulations, though there is a significant chance they will be able to at least partly do so. Here are the options I'm considering:
- Purchase the Mavic Air 2 now, sell it in the future in the event of regulations landing that limit its full capacities. Upgrade to the future "Air 3" or equivalent that will more definitively have compliance.
- Pros: More capable drone in my hands (range, camera quality, battery capacity, wind resistance, quick shot modes), able to better practice intricacies of photography with adjustable settings and filters
- Cons: Potential large drop in value in the future if regulated, dropping resale value significantly
- Pros: Highly unlikely to be regulated (as it stands, drones 0.55lbs and lower are exempt from regulations per the proposal), more compact, decent camera
- Cons: [When compared to Air 2] Unable to fully adjust camera settings, limited range, less wind resistance, lower quality camera, no follow-me mode, lower build-quality