I'm working my first professional job as a UAV pilot for a conservation agency, I've used a lot of multispectral imagery in school and with my current job. I've used several DJI drones with MAPIR and Micasense sensors. I'm contemplating getting into some agriculture analysis as a side gig (or more, depending on how well things take off).
Trying to figure out the system I would use initially is a bit of a challenge. I don't have the funds for a super high end system and would rather not take on a lot of debt, as a side gig I feel like it would be better to start off cheap and build up.
Based on the research I've done, I'm thinking on the low end I could get a P4P with a couple of MAPIR cameras for around $2500, not counting extra batteries and processing supplies. On the higher end I could either get a P4 Multispectral, or a P4 with a Micasense MX, but both of those are pushing it a little bit price wise.
I came across the Parrot Bluegrass Fields drone (which I've since learned is discontinued), and the specs and promotional videos obviously sound great. However I've never flown a Parrot drone or used Sequoia imagery. I assume the drone doesn't really compare to a DJI, but would you trust it as a potential source of income? Would you rather have a cheaper drone with a decent camera, or a decent drone with a cheaper camera? Or, is it worth it to go into a bit of debt to get something a lot better?
Trying to figure out the system I would use initially is a bit of a challenge. I don't have the funds for a super high end system and would rather not take on a lot of debt, as a side gig I feel like it would be better to start off cheap and build up.
Based on the research I've done, I'm thinking on the low end I could get a P4P with a couple of MAPIR cameras for around $2500, not counting extra batteries and processing supplies. On the higher end I could either get a P4 Multispectral, or a P4 with a Micasense MX, but both of those are pushing it a little bit price wise.
I came across the Parrot Bluegrass Fields drone (which I've since learned is discontinued), and the specs and promotional videos obviously sound great. However I've never flown a Parrot drone or used Sequoia imagery. I assume the drone doesn't really compare to a DJI, but would you trust it as a potential source of income? Would you rather have a cheaper drone with a decent camera, or a decent drone with a cheaper camera? Or, is it worth it to go into a bit of debt to get something a lot better?