Quadcopter vs. helicopter

[UAV_PILOT]

Trying to decide whether or not to stay with a helicopter like a Trex 500 or use a quadcopter for FPV and aerial photography. What do you guys think is best to use? I know most will probably say quad because it's more stable but can video be just as good on a regular heli?

[Wesley888]

Both can do, but quad can just do it so easily. The big thing on the heli is that it can do heavier lifting and fly much faster, like shooting a speed boat chase scene.

[Thalios]

Really depends on what you want to do.

For the price of a good 500 (please forget the T-Rex), you can get a F550 from DJI which is MUCH more stable and more suited for AP stuff.

[Windbreaker]

I found it easier to balance parts on a quadcopter than a helicopter to minimize vibrations.

The quadcopter has just four motors and fixed pitch props, both easily balanced on a DuBros spin balancer.

I'm using an OpenPilot Copter Control board, so it's easy to fly.

And if there's a prop strike, a replacement prop is about $4. Replacement carbon fiber blades on my TRex 450 is $40.

So far I've had to replace only one prop.