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Archive 2017Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
p.3 #1Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
wsalopek wrote:
1) how serious is the display/video black out during still photos?
2) how do you handle the blackout while flying and shooting stills? or do you mainly do a frame grab from the video?
3) i wonder if this is an issue with other brands of drone?Tnt...
Blackout is very brief or non-existent....does not interfere with flying at all.
Grabbing a frame from the 4k video is an option, but like I said, blackout is not an issue.
I've flown other types of drones, and have never had an issue with blackout.
--
Bill
In fact, even the best drone with 4k camera can imperfectly transmit colors and lose clarity due to lack of light. You need to read reviews and look at personal experience because you never know in advance how your drone will behave.
tntcorp wrote
questions to users of mavic pro, phantom 4 or 4:1) how serious is the display/video black out during still photos?
2) how do you handle the blackout while flying and shooting stills? or do you mainly do a frame grab from the video?
3) i wonder if this is an issue with other brands of drone?
Blackout is very brief or non-existent....does not interfere with flying at all.
Grabbing a frame from the 4k video is an option, but like I said, blackout is not an issue.
I've flown other types of drones, and have never had an issue with blackout.
--
Bill
In fact, even the best drone with 4k camera can imperfectly transmit colors and lose clarity due to lack of light. You need to read reviews and look at personal experience because you never know in advance how your drone will behave.
Feb 08, 2019 at 06:58 AM
p.3 #2Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
A heads up for Canadians or those who intend to visit Canada & fly a drone while here. Effective June 1 new laws come into effect & although they look to be for drones they are actually the laws for anything RC that exceeds 250 grams & flies. Members of MAAC have been exempted as long as they abide by MAAC's safety rules but at the current time we haven't been advised if the exemption also works for AMA members.
https://blog.navcanada.ca/new-rules-for-flying-drones-in-canada-8-things-to-know/?fbclid=IwAR2GUw0U70VSaUsEER3maDknmHvAtGSgaFlchPR2cYz2UYFJX-YNLi0-d9U
Also this may be of interest too. https://www.dji.com/ca/newsroom/news/dji-drones-meet-new-transport-canada-requirements-for-flight-near-people?fbclid=IwAR1E-sZaIPYkQza8OSpbKPbRvs7jCVcoVrU5WmOArwNfmYhp-jTuBitU_ow
https://blog.navcanada.ca/new-rules-for-flying-drones-in-canada-8-things-to-know/?fbclid=IwAR2GUw0U70VSaUsEER3maDknmHvAtGSgaFlchPR2cYz2UYFJX-YNLi0-d9U
Also this may be of interest too. https://www.dji.com/ca/newsroom/news/dji-drones-meet-new-transport-canada-requirements-for-flight-near-people?fbclid=IwAR1E-sZaIPYkQza8OSpbKPbRvs7jCVcoVrU5WmOArwNfmYhp-jTuBitU_ow
May 31, 2019 at 02:59 PM
p.3 #3Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.
it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
May 06, 2020 at 11:00 AM
p.3 #4Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
tntcorp wrote:
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.
it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
Bulging does happen to lipo batteries quite often...mostly it's after they've been drawn down to a lower voltage than recommended (3.2 volts is the typically agreed upon lowest voltage).
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.com
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.
it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
Bulging does happen to lipo batteries quite often...mostly it's after they've been drawn down to a lower voltage than recommended (3.2 volts is the typically agreed upon lowest voltage).
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.com
May 06, 2020 at 11:31 AM
p.3 #5Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
wsalopek wrote:
tntcorp wrote
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.com
hmm, yes, i may have drawn down the batteries below 10% during flight, but is there any warning or caution in the battery manual.
all dji wanted me to do was to email photos of the bulging batteries.
i'll checkout the link. thank you!
May 07, 2020 at 09:57 PM
p.3 #6Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
tntcorp wrote:
it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.Bulging does happen to lipo batteries quite often...mostly it's after they've been drawn down to a lower voltage than recommended (3.2 volts is the typically agreed upon lowest voltage).
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.comhmm, yes, i may have drawn down the batteries below 10% during flight, but is there any warning or caution in the battery manual.
all dji wanted me to do was to email photos of the bulging batteries.
i'll checkout the link. thank you!
OK...just pictures...interesting.
Please let us know if they replace the batteries.
Thanks...
wsalopek wrote
tntcorp wrote
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.com
all dji wanted me to do was to email photos of the bulging batteries.
i'll checkout the link. thank you!
OK...just pictures...interesting.
Please let us know if they replace the batteries.
Thanks...
May 08, 2020 at 10:23 AM
p.3 #7Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
wsalopek wrote:
tntcorp wrote
wsalopek wrote
tntcorp wrote
does anyone have problem with swelling dji batteries for the mavic pro 2? i have two which are bulging and will pop of one latch during flight.it seemed that dji is aware of the problem but does not appear to announce a recall, because one of the fw updates added the ability to detect and generate a warning for unlatched battery during flight.
i am curious to know if others users are also experiencing similar problem.
I never run my batteries down past 20%...if you have gone down to 10% or less...or esp near zero, and esp if done multiple times, that might have caused the bulging issue.
That said it could very well be that your batteries had manufacturing defect.
.
I'm thinking DJI would want to see your battery logs, which are downloadable (I think) from the Mavic...or maybe can be accessed directly from the batteries.
Good information here:
hrrp://www.mavicpilots.com
all dji wanted me to do was to email photos of the bulging batteries.
i'll checkout the link. thank you!
Please let us know if they replace the batteries.
Thanks...
yes, will do..
May 09, 2020 at 05:31 AM
p.3 #8Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Cicopo wrote:
A heads up for Canadians or those who intend to visit Canada & fly a drone while here. Effective June 1 new laws come into effect & although they look to be for drones they are actually the laws for anything RC that exceeds 250 grams & flies. Members of MAAC have been exempted as long as they abide by MAAC's safety rules but at the current time we haven't been advised if the exemption also works for AMA members.
https://blog.navcanada.ca/new-rules-for-flying-drones-in-canada-8-things-to-know/?fbclid=IwAR2GUw0U70VSaUsEER3maDknmHvAtGSgaFlchPR2cYz2UYFJX-YNLi0-d9U
Also this may be of interest too. https://www.dji.com/ca/newsroom/news/dji-drones-meet-new-transport-canada-requirements-for-flight-near-people?fbclid=IwAR1E-sZaIPYkQza8OSpbKPbRvs7jCVcoVrU5WmOArwNfmYhp-jTuBitU_ow
Transport Canada has a web site that identifies No-Fly Zones for drone operators. What it doesn't show you is that all National Parks, National Park Reserves, and National Heritage Sites prohibit drone use, as do all Provincial parks here in BC.
I knew about not flying in National Parks, but I thought the provincial parks were still okay as long as you abided by all the other regulations... so I guess now my Mavic 2 Pro will be returned to Amazon.
A heads up for Canadians or those who intend to visit Canada & fly a drone while here. Effective June 1 new laws come into effect & although they look to be for drones they are actually the laws for anything RC that exceeds 250 grams & flies. Members of MAAC have been exempted as long as they abide by MAAC's safety rules but at the current time we haven't been advised if the exemption also works for AMA members.
https://blog.navcanada.ca/new-rules-for-flying-drones-in-canada-8-things-to-know/?fbclid=IwAR2GUw0U70VSaUsEER3maDknmHvAtGSgaFlchPR2cYz2UYFJX-YNLi0-d9U
Also this may be of interest too. https://www.dji.com/ca/newsroom/news/dji-drones-meet-new-transport-canada-requirements-for-flight-near-people?fbclid=IwAR1E-sZaIPYkQza8OSpbKPbRvs7jCVcoVrU5WmOArwNfmYhp-jTuBitU_ow
Transport Canada has a web site that identifies No-Fly Zones for drone operators. What it doesn't show you is that all National Parks, National Park Reserves, and National Heritage Sites prohibit drone use, as do all Provincial parks here in BC.
I knew about not flying in National Parks, but I thought the provincial parks were still okay as long as you abided by all the other regulations... so I guess now my Mavic 2 Pro will be returned to Amazon.
May 28, 2020 at 12:15 PM
p.3 #9Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Molson...
I'm not familiar with the intracacies of Canadian law, but the Mavic Mini comes in at 249 grams...so it could be an option for you...yes the sensor is smaller, but at least you might be able to fly it where you want.
I'm on a mission to find, or more likely build, a sub-250-gram drone that can carry at least a 1-inch sensor. I'll probably have to tear a camera apart to it's bare bones. I see folks have done that with GoPro's...getting the weight down from about 80-some grams, to 17, and in so doing can fly a GoPro at less than 250 grams total weight including battery (maybe 5 minute flight times).
Anyway, sub-250-gram drones are getting more and more popular due to the sometimes differing regulations at that weight limit.
--
Bill
I'm not familiar with the intracacies of Canadian law, but the Mavic Mini comes in at 249 grams...so it could be an option for you...yes the sensor is smaller, but at least you might be able to fly it where you want.
I'm on a mission to find, or more likely build, a sub-250-gram drone that can carry at least a 1-inch sensor. I'll probably have to tear a camera apart to it's bare bones. I see folks have done that with GoPro's...getting the weight down from about 80-some grams, to 17, and in so doing can fly a GoPro at less than 250 grams total weight including battery (maybe 5 minute flight times).
Anyway, sub-250-gram drones are getting more and more popular due to the sometimes differing regulations at that weight limit.
--
Bill
May 28, 2020 at 12:27 PM
p.3 #10Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
I may be wrong but as I know it flying in Parks (Federal or Provincial) is a no no & weight has nothing to do with it. Primarily this is to protect the wildlife from the idiots who want to get closer as well as to prevent fires caused by Lipos which can be a problem even when cared for properly.
May 29, 2020 at 06:47 AM
p.3 #11Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Cicopo wrote:
I may be wrong but as I know it flying in Parks (Federal or Provincial) is a no no & weight has nothing to do with it. Primarily this is to protect the wildlife from the idiots who want to get closer as well as to prevent fires caused by Lipos which can be a problem even when cared for properly.
Yep, that make sense. I was just saying that in some circumstances and in some places, the 250-gram cut-off might make a difference...that said, it may be the weight factor never makes a difference, esp in certain countries.
Also...as far as flying "IN" a park, (and I speak here from the USA perspective), technically a person CAN fly in a park, as long as they take off and operate the drone from OUTSIDE the park, as while the parks control their own land, they do not control the airspace...that's up to the FAA.
Now of course that said, there's also ethical reasons not to fly in parks, and even safety reasons, but...I'm sure we can all imagine being at the edge of a huge park, where a flight a few hundred yards in to take an image, would not bother anyone. Not condoning that, just pointing out that particular detail about the laws.
I may be wrong but as I know it flying in Parks (Federal or Provincial) is a no no & weight has nothing to do with it. Primarily this is to protect the wildlife from the idiots who want to get closer as well as to prevent fires caused by Lipos which can be a problem even when cared for properly.
Yep, that make sense. I was just saying that in some circumstances and in some places, the 250-gram cut-off might make a difference...that said, it may be the weight factor never makes a difference, esp in certain countries.
Also...as far as flying "IN" a park, (and I speak here from the USA perspective), technically a person CAN fly in a park, as long as they take off and operate the drone from OUTSIDE the park, as while the parks control their own land, they do not control the airspace...that's up to the FAA.
Now of course that said, there's also ethical reasons not to fly in parks, and even safety reasons, but...I'm sure we can all imagine being at the edge of a huge park, where a flight a few hundred yards in to take an image, would not bother anyone. Not condoning that, just pointing out that particular detail about the laws.
May 29, 2020 at 11:41 AM
p.3 #12Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Cicopo wrote:
I may be wrong but as I know it flying in Parks (Federal or Provincial) is a no no & weight has nothing to do with it.
This is my understanding as well. The sub-250g drones are not regulated by Transport Canada, but the Parks Act and the provincial parks regulations are totally separate and prohibit the use of UAV's, period.
I don't know why I though provincial parks were okay, though... perhaps this varies from province to province, like Alberta where they are sadly revoking park status of a lot of their parks.
I may be wrong but as I know it flying in Parks (Federal or Provincial) is a no no & weight has nothing to do with it.
This is my understanding as well. The sub-250g drones are not regulated by Transport Canada, but the Parks Act and the provincial parks regulations are totally separate and prohibit the use of UAV's, period.
I don't know why I though provincial parks were okay, though... perhaps this varies from province to province, like Alberta where they are sadly revoking park status of a lot of their parks.
May 30, 2020 at 09:07 AM
p.3 #13Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Because I'm so involved with the fixed wing & helicopter side of RC in my area I do know through the forums some parks do (or at least have in the past) grant permission by request to allow float plane flying at some parks. Again I don't know whether it was a rare thing or something a Park Official enjoyed watching or just what determines where or when. It's not common but I have read forum posts about it happening.
May 30, 2020 at 02:13 PM
p.3 #16Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Yeah that's awful.
Jun 11, 2021 at 04:40 PM
p.3 #17Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
Bump.
Recommendation for high IQ stills (well, primary emphasis).
Recommendation for high IQ stills (well, primary emphasis).
Aug 28, 2022 at 06:07 PM
p.3 #18Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
I've had the Mavic 3 for close to a year now. Still image quality is impeccable with the 24mm equivalent primary lens, not as good with the secondary 140mm equivalent secondary lens (but perspective and magnification is worth a ton). Both are infinitely better than trying to photograph through commercial jetliner windows!
The Mavic 3 has a superb range and flight duration which are really important for drone photography. It's not cheap, about as much as an expensive normal-range lens for my Sony ($2000+). Definitely get the fly more kit because battery management / charging / spares is key to effective drone photography. Definitely get a remote with built-in screen. Having to connect and disconnect your phone and respond to calls / texts while flying your expensive drone is major suckage.
The Mavic 3 has a superb range and flight duration which are really important for drone photography. It's not cheap, about as much as an expensive normal-range lens for my Sony ($2000+). Definitely get the fly more kit because battery management / charging / spares is key to effective drone photography. Definitely get a remote with built-in screen. Having to connect and disconnect your phone and respond to calls / texts while flying your expensive drone is major suckage.
Nov 04, 2022 at 04:55 PM
p.3 #19Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
RustyBug wrote:
Bump.
Recommendation for high IQ stills (well, primary emphasis).
The Mavic 3 Classic was released about a week ago, it's about $1500 and has the same MFT sensor as the Mavic 3 from a year ago. MFT is about as big as it gets in these types of drones (I don't keep super close contact with the industry to know for sure).
There have been several drones in years gone by that also had MFT sensors, but were much larger (DJI Inspire, etc).
Then there's been several with "1-inch" sensors - for less money. The DJI Air 2S has a 1-inch sensor for $1000.
Another option is a person can mount, say, a Ricoh GR2/3 (nice and small/lightweight for it's APS-C sensor size), on various drones. This is more doable for folks who like building a drone, but of course creates even higher IQ than MFT - generally speaking. And with the right size drone, a full-frame or medium-format camera can be mounted and flown as well.
There's really no reason a person can't strap a GR2/3 onto any of these Mavics, set it to interval shooting (there are also radio-controlled shutter releases), and fly around taking pictures with both the DJI on-board camera AND the GR2/3.
All this said, if a person wants easy/convenient and pretty darn good IQ, the smaller DJI drones (Mavics) with an MFT sensor is very attractive.
Bump.
Recommendation for high IQ stills (well, primary emphasis).
The Mavic 3 Classic was released about a week ago, it's about $1500 and has the same MFT sensor as the Mavic 3 from a year ago. MFT is about as big as it gets in these types of drones (I don't keep super close contact with the industry to know for sure).
There have been several drones in years gone by that also had MFT sensors, but were much larger (DJI Inspire, etc).
Then there's been several with "1-inch" sensors - for less money. The DJI Air 2S has a 1-inch sensor for $1000.
Another option is a person can mount, say, a Ricoh GR2/3 (nice and small/lightweight for it's APS-C sensor size), on various drones. This is more doable for folks who like building a drone, but of course creates even higher IQ than MFT - generally speaking. And with the right size drone, a full-frame or medium-format camera can be mounted and flown as well.
There's really no reason a person can't strap a GR2/3 onto any of these Mavics, set it to interval shooting (there are also radio-controlled shutter releases), and fly around taking pictures with both the DJI on-board camera AND the GR2/3.
All this said, if a person wants easy/convenient and pretty darn good IQ, the smaller DJI drones (Mavics) with an MFT sensor is very attractive.
Nov 04, 2022 at 05:17 PM
p.3 #20Official drone DISCUSSION thread (not primarily for images)
lightskyland wrote:
I've had the Mavic 3 for close to a year now. Still image quality is impeccable with the 24mm equivalent primary lens, not as good with the secondary 140mm equivalent secondary lens (but perspective and magnification is worth a ton). Both are infinitely better than trying to photograph through commercial jetliner windows!
The Mavic 3 has a superb range and flight duration which are really important for drone photography. It's not cheap, about as much as an expensive normal-range lens for my Sony ($2000+). Definitely get the fly more kit because battery management / charging / spares is key to effective...Show more →
I think I recently saw that one individual was frustrated with the remote with built-in screen. Aparently while in mid-flight, he needed to connect to a service for permission to fly but couldn't with the remote. I'm sure it was his error for not doing his homework in advance. So, while the phone is a PIA for sure, it can help in situations where you need to connect or call a flight tower for permission to fly.
I've had the Mavic 3 for close to a year now. Still image quality is impeccable with the 24mm equivalent primary lens, not as good with the secondary 140mm equivalent secondary lens (but perspective and magnification is worth a ton). Both are infinitely better than trying to photograph through commercial jetliner windows!
The Mavic 3 has a superb range and flight duration which are really important for drone photography. It's not cheap, about as much as an expensive normal-range lens for my Sony ($2000+). Definitely get the fly more kit because battery management / charging / spares is key to effective...Show more →
I think I recently saw that one individual was frustrated with the remote with built-in screen. Aparently while in mid-flight, he needed to connect to a service for permission to fly but couldn't with the remote. I'm sure it was his error for not doing his homework in advance. So, while the phone is a PIA for sure, it can help in situations where you need to connect or call a flight tower for permission to fly.
Nov 04, 2022 at 06:41 PM