DJI Phantom 1 - Outdated?

X

xocomil

Well-known member
I live in Guatemala where camera gear is not cheap ... saw a DJI Phantom 1 for sale with DJI hardcase, extra battery, prop guards and gopro 3 black for around US$600. The guy is negotiable to a point. I don't plan any trips to the US soon or I'd get one there.

So question is, how outdated is the drone at this point.

I would use it in my docs / news features on occasion - these are for broadcast in HD (though we're not talking Natgeo here obviously).

I've never flown a drone before - FYI

PS - Phantom 3 without case sells for $1250 locally
 
I'd say the Phantom 1 with a 2 or 3 axis gimbal with a Gopro 3 black is still viable.

I have an Inspire One and still use my Phantom 1 now and again.

Does it have a gimbal ?

I would suggest if you've not flown before to practice on a simulator or a smaller quad to get use to flying. The small quads can take a bump or two but the Phantom 1 loaded with gimbal and camera will sustain damage even with a small collision. Plus it's dangerous if you loose orientation or control and hit property or person. Practice as much as you can before you commit to putting the Phantom in the air :)
 
Forgot to mention battery life is not great on the P1 when loaded with gimbal and Gopro I get 6.30 minutes max leaving 20% in the battery pack after each flight.
 
The Phantom 1, which I own and enjoy using, has a short flight time. The trade-off is that it uses MUCH cheaper batteries than the later models: a Turnigy 2200mAh 3S 11.1v is about $18 shipped free in the US.


However, you need a gimbal to get decent video. The Phantom1 doesn't come with a stock gimbal and it doesn't sound like the one you've seen has had one fitted. The 2-axis Zenmuse H3-2D, which I believe is discontinued and sells for at least $150 on EBay, works well. The 3-axis Zenmuse H3-3D is more expensive and doesn't work on a stock Phantom 1. There are various Chinese gimbals that are much cheaper, but will be trickier to get working well. See the discussion here: http://www.phantompilots.com/threads/phantom1-3axis-gimbal.17450/

Looking on EBay just now GoPro3 Black's sell for around $250 and Phantom 1's sell for $250-$300 ... so $550 might be a fair offer. Or look out for one with a gimbal and pay a bit more? Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top