Entering new to quads not helis

[dizzymarkus]

Howdy Guys,
had a few questions I was hopeing someone could shed some light on for me :0)

Im looking at getting into quad copter and some gopro'ing----I like the introductory package of the Phantom 2 with the 3 axis gimble. What I am trying to figure out is can the gimble be controlled from the tx? IE-- can I pan and tilt the cam with the gimble? How easy is it to add a fpv to this unit ?

Anyone suggest something else besides this package? Pros conn?

thanks alot fellas,
Markus

[Tesla]

If your totally new to this stuff then stick with the Phantom, the transmitter should allow you to Tilt only, the other 2 axis (roll & yaw) are just used by the onboard controller and don't give you any manual control over them.

The FPVing side of things would be another bunch of add ons you would need. but... generally people don't FPV off of their gimbaled camera (your GoPro), the picture is so smooth its very difficult to tell what the copter is doing, i.e. fighting wind, nose down vs. nose up, any vibrations, etc.
- you would probably want a second (fixed) camera on there for FPV and if your going to do that then you might as well look at a different platform.

Long story short I would suggest stick with the phantom and DON'T plan on FPVing with it, just learn to fly Line Of Sight and how the stuff works. Then later buy another to FPV with.
- Also DON'T use the GoPro's WiFi, your new bird could decide to fly away on you.

[dizzymarkus]

I am not totally new to rc or helis :0)-- only new to quads and the cameras. I didnt want to drop 1000.00 and not be able to move the camera at all-- So I thought I would ask as it appeard more dampening than anything---good to know it will tilt. Totally understand with the wifi anf the Phantom, I also understood about a seperate cam for fpv-- I was more or less concerned with see what the shot was ;0) Is there a better platform for wsomeone who can already fly? -- I see the gps unit etc but unsure of whats what.

thank you,
Mark

[Big Island Guy]

Originally Posted by dizzymarkus

Is there a better platform for wsomeone who can already fly? -- I see the gps unit etc but unsure of whats what.

thank you,
Mark

If you already are competent with CP helis, you'll have no problem flying any of these. Your biggest challenge will just be learning all the jargon and systems, but compared to learning to even hover a CP bird, that's easy! If you want to do what Tesla suggests with a separate FPV cam, you'll find the DJI f460 or 550 offer more flexibility in that regard. Otherwise, for LOS, the Phantom is a great little platform to start with. It can do seriously good video.
The GPS is used for things like return to home, autonomous flying with way points and orientation assisted flying. It can be very useful, and even save your bird if you lose sight of it or other problem, but it is essential to learn what role it plays and when not to lean on it. It and self leveling are no substitute for knowing how to fly manually, and you already know how to do that!

[Tesla]

Sorry didn't read your title, if your competent with CP then build your own, use the Flamwheel F450 or 550 kit like big island suggested. The thing that drew me in from CP helis is that there's a whole slew of electronics and accessories for these things to learn about and tinker with so build a kit. It's not hard at all, I don't like RTF kits there too generic so I won't buy a phantom for my self.

I started with a F450 kit and and kind of quickly turned it into a totally different monster now, it's worth it to build. I only pushed you towards the phantom because I didn't see you were moving from CPs.