Getting Started in Aerial Photography: Choosing Your Platform

Written By Ryan Knutson

These days, it seems that every company is starting to offer their own flying camera platform. While this diversity of choice is great for an experienced flier, it makes life more challenging when you want to start. In this article, I will describe what I have found to be the easiest way to get going in this exciting hobby.

Blade Nano QX

Of course, the first thing to do is to learn how to fly. Modern multi-rotors have many cool safety features and technology to make it easier for the beginner to get flying, but it is hard to beat basic flying ability. The Blade Nano QX is great because not only is it very small, easy to fly and durable, it also is available in a Ready-to-fly FPV (First Person View) setup. Both options are a great way to get to learn to simply fly.

When you feel ready to move up to a camera carrying platform, there are many options. While it is tempting to go to a discount online hobby store to get a cheap quadcopter, it is very worth it to spend the money to buy a good one. The two industry leading brands are DJI with their Phantom line, and Blade with the 350QX line. When it comes to differences, it is like comparing Apple to Samsung. DJI has a classic, curved design while the 350QX uses a very modern design.

Phantom 3

The DJI is the more expensive of the two, starting at $999.99 for the basic model with a camera. However, in that price you do get the DJI mobile app that pairs with the camera and streams what the camera sees to your cell phone. However, It is only available for Apple iPhones, which is a turn off for Android users. The Phantom 3 does have mass popularity on its side, and is very easy to find spare parts for online; very important if you are a beginner flyer. Some people have noted that DJI can have poor customer service, but they do try hard to make every customer happy. Their “smart battery” has decent life and is good quality, but as it has a brand specific connection, you will be forced to buy only the DJI battery, which is not cheap -$150.

350 QX 3

The Blade 350QX is slightly less expensive starting with a similar camera to the DJI for only $799. Because the battery connectors are more universal, a battery can cost pretty much however much as you’re willing to spend. A decent one should start around $40. The 350QX reportedly has a somewhat shorter flight time, but considering the price difference it is only down to preference. Horizon Hobby, the Company that owns Blade, is also known for good customer service. The Blade also apparently can transmit a live feed to a compatible smartphone, but it will not be as easy as the DJI system. However, there are also reports of the 350QX “return to home” feature malfunctioning, causing the quadcopter to fly away.

Both Platforms are very simple to get started, and have most of the features in common. They are about the same size, have about the same range and even have the same camera specs. There is so little difference that this is one case where it really would be acceptable to choose based on which one you think looks better.