It's the age-old question of the drone hobby — Do I get a camera drone, or do I dive into FPV?
In this blog post, we will look into the two primary types of drones, DJI/Camera drones and FPV drones. These two classes of drones are very different in capability, intended application and price.
FPV: What Is it?
The term FPV was first popularized in the 2010s, with many hobbyists repurposing parts and other electronics (such as baby monitors) to build their own drones. The term FPV means “First Person View” which in this case means pilots see exactly what the drone sees, generally via a pair of goggles. Since its inception, the hobby has greatly grown in popularity and with that there has become many companies creating pre-built drones and electronics for those looking to build their own drones. FPV unlike DJI drones requires more tinkering with software, hardware and soldering, but these drones can perform much more daunting flights and are designed for acrobatic flying which goes beyond the typical DJI drone.
What Are The Pros And Cons?
FPV is drastically different from DJI drones and offers many advantages and disadvantages. Determining what drone is right for you is strictly based on personal preference and your intended application. Below is a simple chart showing some primary pros and cons of FPV.
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Cons: |
A huge pro of FPV is there are hundreds of options for frames, flight controllers, motors and just about any part of the hobby!
With FPV being a much more hands on hobby, you're bound to crash and break things. Luckily, FPV drones are designed to be easily repaired at home with just a few tools!
Since FPV is a community driven hobby, there are countless open source projects for frames, hardware, and configurators like Betaflight and INAV! |
Get ready to learn lots! FPV requires you to have knowledge of soldering, Flight Configurators and more. Luckily, there are lots of useful resources on all the hobby!
Don't let Instagram or TikTok videos fool you, learning to control FPV drones and capture those amazing shots in derelict buildings or mountains can take months to years to master.
Getting started with FPV can be costly, especially if you decide to go for a digital system such as Walksnail or DJI. Luckily, after you've invested in your radio, batteries, and chargers you can use these for future drones you buy or build.
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Who Is FPV For?
FPV is for those looking to learn a new hobby and are willing to dedicate a substantial amount of time to building, repairing and learning to fly. This hobby requires lots of patience and troubleshooting and can take a very long time to master.
DJI Drones — What Are They?
DJI was founded in 2006 and released their very first drone in 2013, the unmistakable DJI Phantom! Since inception, DJI has rapidly expanded to cover multiple markets such as video production, audio and beyond.
Most DJI drones would be considered “Camera Drones” which generally means they are equipped with high-quality on board cameras and are very easy or intuitive to control. These drones generally feature a roster of features, for example the DJI Mini 4 Pro is equipped with multiple vision cameras to detect obstacles and stop in a heartbeat, preventing a crash.
What Are The Pros And Cons?
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All DJI drones are easy to learn to control and master. Thanks to the use of advanced sensors, they can easily hold their position, avoid obstacles or fly back to where they took off.
Most DJI camera drones like the Mini 4 Pro or Air 3S have insanely powerful cameras. These camera systems let you capture amazing video without the need for an external camera.
Worried about crashing? The higher-end DJI drones come equipped with a range of sensors that help the drone detect potential obstacles and stop, or bypass them.
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Consumer facing DJI drones have a lot of features for automated QuickShots or manual camera adjustment, but actual flight dynamics are somewhat restricted. Beyond C-N-S modes (Cinema-Normal-Sport), you can't take your flight to the next level.
Due to camera drones having highly intricate inner workings well surpassing the complexity level of FPV drones, the repairability of these drones is extremely difficult.
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Who Are DJI Drones For?
If you are looking to fly for fun but don't want to dive into complicated software, a DJI drone may be the best option for you. These drones are perfect for pilots who just want to fly and capture immaculate photos and videos without needing to learn the complicated aspects of FPV like software and wiring.
Conclusion
The final answer — it depends on what you are looking for. If you are a photographer or are just curious in getting started with aerial photography, a DJI drone is probably the best option for you. If you're looking to expand your tinkering skills and willing to make a time commitment to the hobby, FPV might be right for you!
