I have been interested in the world of UAVs and quadcopters for some time now, but have never moved much beyond my few single rotor RC helicopters. Back in December, I purchased my first quad, a HeliMax 1SQ to try my hand at flying something other than single rotor helicopters. It is a fun little quad, but very limiting in ability to carry anything. As I am wanting to do some aerial video, I decided to move up. But to what?
Not wanting to have too much invested in a quad which I could possibly ruin, due to my lack of flying skills, I decided to go for something cheap. And this is how I found the WLtoys V959 camera equipped quadcopter. For less than $70 it is an all-in-one RTF package, with a 60fps standard def camera built-in. I find the integrated camera, mounted against vibrations, and running at 60fps, really helps minimize the jello effect seen with the keychain cameras others have put on these micro-quads, although the lack of high definition, or even wide angle, is a little disappointing. But, for the cost, I can't complain, much.
I may add an 808 #16 keychain camera to try HD, and possibly attempt some FPV with this helicopter. I have done some tests, and find it should be able to lift at least fifty additional grams without much modification. While the WLtoys V959 is on the lower end of quadcopters, I personally think this was a good investment for me. To repeat an analogy a friend of mine used, this is the Cessna to a 747. Just as a pilot wouldn't buy a 747 to learn flying on, I felt it unnecessary to invest several hundred, or more, on a high-end quad, when all I really am wanting to do now is get the basics.
Comments
I have no doubt if you hold inventory near the holiday season you could sell a ton of these for ~$100. I love the idea of just being able to fly it without any real setup time or worrying about crashing. When I launch my quads now it is a 30 minute process just to get everything setup and perform all the pre-flight checks, would be nice to have something like this I can enjoy playing with without the fear of losing it. Most of us have engines in our quads that are as expensive as this little guy.
Chuck, I have thought the same thing. Kids, friends, those in other RC hobbies, the tinkerer, and even the higherend hobbyist just looking for something to beat up without fear of a huge loss of money. It is a toy, yes, but a very sophisticated one indeed.
This is going to make a great gift for those people who love watching and flying my quads but don't want to invest in the hobby.