Trying to convince myself

Trying to convince myself that I will not destroy any Drone I purchase as soon as I lift off.
Never flown any remote operated flying machine, however my current hobbies are Trekking and Climbing. I feel a drone would be greatly beneficial from a photography point of view.
I am 74 years of age with good eyesight, so I am hoping to ask and listen to comments with a view to purchasing a sub-250-gram drone.

PS not only do I have to convince myself, also my dear wife

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Hi Paul @hoochman and welcome to GADC :+1: :+1:

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Hi @hoochman and welcome to Grey Arrows :wave:t2:

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Welcome once again!

@hoochman Which drone are you intending to purchase?

It certainly would, have a look at some of the pictures Naz @Fatboy posts while out and about :smiley:

It happens, but not very often.

Where are you based Paul @hoochman ? Perhaps you could come along to a local meet up and have a look at the types of drone and technologies available these days?

Modern drones like the DJI branded ones can quite literally fly themselves :slight_smile:

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Hi Paul @hoochman - welcome to GADC :+1: :+1: :+1:

I’m 71 myself and we’re certainly not the oldest members here - so age is no barrier.

If I can fly a drone, I’m pretty sure you will be able too - get yourself a DJI Mini to whatever budget suits your needs and being a GPS drone it virtually flies itself - if you get into trouble either take your hands off the sticks or make yourself familiar with the pause button - simples - no pressure :+1: :+1: :+1:

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As others have said, consider a DJI Mini xxx … it may be more expensive than other drones, but the ease of flying, feeling of confidence, safety features built in make it well with the extra cost.
You will find many posts on here where people have purchased a cheap drone, and regretted it afterwards.

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Welcome aboard @hoochman Paul. If you’re into trekking and climbing, a drone is an absolutely ideal piece of kit to capture it. I will also echo what has been said above, please please please don’t go out and buy a cheap DJI copy, no matter what the blurb says in the advertising, it will go wrong and you will waste your money and time. The reason the DJI stuff is more expensive is because it actually works. Our for sale section quite often has good kit, listed at very sensible prices by sensible people who love our hobby.

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Hi @hoochman

Welcome to the group!

From a photography point of view it will be amazing, flying something like a mini pro is pretty easy to pick up, especially out in the open. They have multiple modes you can select and the drone does everything for you.

I find there is a lot of knowledge and good advice all across GADC so don’t be hesitant to ask any questions, there’s no such thing as a stupid question!

Look forward to seeing what you buy and the subsequent photos :grin:

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Welcome Paul to GADC :clap: :clap:

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I am 72 and just started flying with a DJI mini 4 Pro a few weeks ago. It has benefits like following you flying next to you and around you by itself and collision avoidance which might be good for what you are looking at doing. Spend time choosing your drone. You will need to take your flyer’s ID on-line and register as an operator with the CAA which is quite straight forward costs around £12 a year at present. I am sure there are many on here who can give you better advice than I as a newbie!!! take time looking a you tube videos to get an idea of what they can do and what you want to use one for. The higher the cost the more it will be able to do.

As I say they are many people on here who can give you good advice. I hope this helps.

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Definitely a, go for it, from me too! I totally agree with recommendations to go for DJI Mini. Learn to fly in a nice open area and your confidence will grow quickly. Take your time and stay away from trees. Once you master the MIni, you can fly DJI … the controls are the same for the whole range. It’s a win/win. Check eBay for DJI Mini 2 very good starter and you can sell on when you want to upgrade. Good Luck and have fun!

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Welcome Paul to GADC

I would buy a drone if you are walking and hiking you can get some really good shots my Mini 4 pro is in my backpack most of the time I will upload some photos.

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That is reassuring. Currently looking at the DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2)

Cheers

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Thanks Dazzer78, should be fun and a little scary. Trying not to get on the wrong side of the law, or my wife!

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Sound advice, so yes it will be a DJI Mini 2-3 or 4 thanks for your input.

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The Mini 4 Pro is the one I am currently considering. Thanks for your advice

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Hi i am almost 80 and as others have suggested try dji mini drones. They are relatively easy to fly. I used a local football pitch with permission to get used to it. Its a great hobby…good luck Rodders

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Welcome to the club. Like you, I am 74 and bought my first drone (DJI Mini 3 (non-pro)) a year ago. I have never regretted it and am amazed at the stability, ease of use and high capability of this little (sub 250g) drone. There are good deals on for the Mini 3 at the moment, and I would recommend buying the combo package with RC controller (with built in screen).

I suggest you look at the many UTube clips on how to fly drones before buying as these tell you a lot about flying and give lots of tips. Then, when you get your drone, start off gently - no flying at crazy heights or speeds untill you have gained confidence. It wont take long before you will be hooked, like I am. Enjoy!

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Hi Paul, i have a DJI Mini Pro 4 bundle with accessories for sale if your interested let me know.

Regards
Simon