Drone Repair recommendation

Jim Dockery

Well-Known Member
After a bad crash in The Alabama Hills I thought my drone was totaled. Luckily I wrote it up and Jeffery said he had gotten a badly busted drone fixed so I decided to give it a try. DJI Drone Service (not associated with the manufacturer) has a policy to send you a shipping label, and return it for free even if you don't accept their offer. It took a couple months (not sure if corona virus affected this) but I just got my drone back for $300 and it seems to fly like new!
 

JimFox

Moderator
Staff member
After a bad crash in The Alabama Hills I thought my drone was totaled. Luckily I wrote it up and Jeffery said he had gotten a badly busted drone fixed so I decided to give it a try. DJI Drone Service (not associated with the manufacturer) has a policy to send you a shipping label, and return it for free even if you don't accept their offer. It took a couple months (not sure if corona virus affected this) but I just got my drone back for $300 and it seems to fly like new!
That's awesome news Jim! I look forward to seeing some new great drone photos.
 

Jim Dockery

Well-Known Member
Jameel, if I was in the market now (which I was up until I got my Mavic 2 pro fixed) I'd wait until the Autel Evo II Pro is out and has be reviewed. The first units are selling now, but I haven't read a full review. It looks to be a close match to the Mavic 2, but shoots 6K video (which would allow some 4k cropping in post which would translate to zooming after the fact). Another important difference is no geo fencing built in, which means you can break the rules more easily. Not that I would very often, but in the mountains I could really use more altitude at times if I take off in a valley when I'm not worried about being in air space with planes/choppers (which I could hear or see in the vicinity).

Be prepared to get hooked! It does take a while to get your skills up to shoot good video, but just flying up to get a high perspective for stills is dead easy and can be done your first day. I do find myself looking at the world differently when I have it with me, esp. in places I've been before I wonder what new perspective I can get from the air. Of course it is another bunch of tech stuff to bring with you, esp. back-country, so can mean leaving other gear behind. It also takes a lot more time and effort than unzipping a case and pulling out your camera to snap a shot, even with a tripod.

PS. I really like the small semi-hard case for packing just the drone over a larger one that is hard to fit in a day pack. Of course, just like with a camera, you'll want extra batteries. I have 3 and would like another couple for back-ups. DJI has a charging station that fits 4 at a time that you can leave for a few hours to do them all.
 
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Jameel Hyder

Moderator
Staff member
Jameel, if I was in the market now (which I was up until I got my Mavic 2 pro fixed) I'd wait until the Autel Evo II Pro is out and has be reviewed. The first units are selling now, but I haven't read a full review. It looks to be a close match to the Mavic 2, but shoots 6K video (which would allow some 4k cropping in post which would translate to zooming after the fact). Another important difference is no geo fencing built in, which means you can break the rules more easily. Not that I would very often, but in the mountains I could really use more altitude at times if I take off in a valley when I'm not worried about being in air space with planes/choppers (which I could hear or see in the vicinity).

Be prepared to get hooked! It does take a while to get your skills up to shoot good video, but just flying up to get a high perspective for stills is dead easy and can be done your first day. I do find myself looking at the world differently when I have it with me, esp. in places I've been before I wonder what new perspective I can get from the air. Of course it is another bunch of tech stuff to bring with you, esp. back-country, so can mean leaving other gear behind. It also takes a lot more time and effort than unzipping a case and pulling out your camera to snap a shot, even with a tripod.

PS. I really like the small semi-hard case for packing just the drone over a larger one that is hard to fit in a day pack. Of course, just like with a camera, you'll want extra batteries. I have 3 and would like another couple for back-ups. DJI has a charging station that fits 4 at a time that you can leave for a few hours to do them all.
Thanks Jim for the advice. I'll keep an eye on the Autel. From what I hear though, DJI has a big lead in terms of their tech over the competitors.
 
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