What is the best non-DJI/non-DSLR drone for images and video?

Kristina Fowler · Dec 13, 2019

Hoping some CDP subscribers can make recommendations on this, along with Pros and Cons. Looking for 20MP/4k minimum.Thanks in advance. K

JDS · Dec 13, 2019

I have an Autel X Star Premium that started my obsession with drones--it does well for a 12 MP and 4K video. There are a mess of folks who love the new EVO. May want to check them out.

This is a picture I took with my X Star. It's a very friendly platform to fly, that would be my best Pro--along with their customer service. The worst thing I can say about the Autel is the Geofence that cannot be turned off.

JDS · Dec 13, 2019

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Kristina Fowler · Dec 13, 2019

JDS - that's a very nice photo. I'll check it out.

adm_geomatics · Dec 14, 2019

Hubsan Zino (budget - not for mapping, but very good)
Parrot Anafi
Autel Evo 2 (coming)
Skydio 2 (reserve)
Yuneec H520 w/ E90 Camera
Yuneec Typhoon H3 (coming)

BigAl07 · Dec 14, 2019

chasco said:
Hubsan Zino (budget - not for mapping, but very good)
Parrot Anafi
Autel Evo 2 (coming)
Skydio 2 (reserve)
Yuneec H520 w/ E90 Camera
Yuneec Typhoon H3 (coming)

My question is how can you recommend the Skydio 2 without actually seeing or testing it in person?

adm_geomatics · Dec 14, 2019

BigAl07 said:
My question is how can you recommend the Skydio 2 without actually seeing or testing it in person?

Or have I? Thanks for assuming, but we did demo one, including the box at the last DroneDeploy Conference.

BigAl07 · Dec 14, 2019

chasco said:
Or have I? Thanks for assuming, but we did demo one, including the box at the last DroneDeploy Conference.

Well played then.

adm_geomatics · Dec 14, 2019

BigAl07 said:
Well played then.

Funny thing was that the box didn't work the first time though, lol. Why you never do live demos... I can't imagine leaving a box with a drone in it on one of our jobsites either, but the aircraft itself was pretty sweet. It will be more interesting when people get it in their hands and start writing custom python for it.

Capt Binkley · Dec 15, 2019

chasco said:
Funny thing was that the box didn't work the first time though, lol. Why you never do live demos... I can't imagine leaving a box with a drone in it on one of our jobsites either, but the aircraft itself was pretty sweet. It will be more interesting when people get it in their hands and start writing custom python for it.

One of the reviews I saw yesterday summed it up as "It's not perfect, but it's 80% of the way there."

This drone is only going to get better as the software updates come out. This and the Evo 2 have me salivating.

adm_geomatics · Dec 15, 2019

Capt Binkley said:
One of the reviews I saw yesterday summed it up as "It's not perfect, but it's 80% of the way there."

This drone is only going to get better as the software updates come out. This and the Evo 2 have me salivating.

I think the drone is further than that, but with what we saw of the whole solution your probably right. The automation of taking off from, landing back in and wirelessly charging from a box is got to be pretty sophisticated set of instructions.

vsasolutions · Jan 28, 2020

Still old school but 3D Robotics Solo is solid. You can have a Solo for $400 and pretty solid in wind. Great gimbal.

vsasolutions · Jan 28, 2020

Gotta get the GoPro 4 lens upgrade.

adm_geomatics · Jan 28, 2020

vsasolutions said:
Still old school but 3D Robotics Solo is solid. You can have a Solo for $400 and pretty solid in wind. Great gimbal.

The 3DR Solo was a game changer in 2015, but I think most of the people here have moved way beyond that technology. While the drone itself may be adequate the gimbal is very lacking for autonomous flight. Technology from 2014 and 2015 is going to do in a bind if that is what you are after.

vsasolutions · Jan 28, 2020

chasco said:
The 3DR Solo was a game changer in 2015, but I think most of the people here have moved way beyond that technology. While the drone itself may be adequate the gimbal is very lacking for autonomous flight. Technology from 2014 and 2015 is going to do in a bind if that is what you are after.

I agree. However Solex has done a great job with their software, mission planner and open solo has given it new life. You are limited to the GoPro 4. Miné is my back up if my Mavic is down and it does great in higher wind speeds.

adm_geomatics · Jan 28, 2020

vsasolutions said:
I agree. However Solex has done a great job with their software, mission planner and open solo has given it new life. You are limited to the GoPro 4. Miné is my back up if my Mavic is down and it does great in higher wind speeds.

Thanks for the info. Never heard of Solex before. Sounds like I have a reason to dust off the Solo and play.

vindibona1 · Oct 4, 2020

Kristina Fowler said:
Hoping some CDP subscribers can make recommendations on this, along with Pros and Cons. Looking for 20MP/4k minimum.Thanks in advance. K

I can't recommend anything and know as much as you do about what's available. I do know one thing... Check out the availability of parts and repairs in your part of the world before purchasing. There are many brands that do not have any repair facilities or ability to do repairs in the US. I had one that would have had to be shipped back to China and is now a paperweight.

Genesis · Oct 10, 2020

Hey JDS, are you sure about geofencing on the Autel X Star? I've had one for 3 years and never had such an issue. I'd love to hear more about that.
As good as the XStar is, I wouldn't recommend it as Autel has discontinued it and parts are getting scarce. Batteries are no longer available. Go with the Autel Evo 2 Pro. Highly rated, no geofencing, and probably my next drone.

BeeRAD56 · Oct 25, 2020

I'm a big fan of Autel Robotics because I believe their products are high quality and their customer service is excellent. I started with the XStar premium, then the EVO and now have the EVO 2 Pro which is an awesome platform, not only for it's camera but also it's flight capabilities.

Volatus Drones · Oct 28, 2020

The best non-DJI/non-DSLR drone available on the market today is the Autel EVO II Pro (6K Version). It's combination of sensor size, 360 obstacle avoidance, long battery life, passionate community, and tech support can't be beat.