I’ve never owned a drone before, and my experience is limited, so please bear with me as I get started. I’ve only flown an ANAFI Parrot and DJI Mini 2 for work, taking photos of bridges.
I want to start flying drones for fun, mainly for landscape photography and simple videography. Nothing too crazy, just getting some flight time and enjoying myself.
Recently, I was given an old Yuneec Typhoon Q500 from my job. It was going to be tossed because the gimbal needs replacing after a rough landing. A new CGO3 gimbal will cost around $400. I’ve tested the drone, and everything else seems to be working fine. The kit includes the drone, chargers, extra rotors, a handheld gimbal mount, and three batteries. For a freebie, it seems like a decent starter kit.
My question is, should I invest in a used camera for the Typhoon Q500, or should I buy a new drone I’m familiar with, like the DJI Mini 2, for about the same price? Are there any significant differences between the two drones that I should consider?
The older Typhoon Q500 may lack the latest tech and could require more maintenance. The newer DJI Mini 2 provides advanced features, better stability, improved camera quality and greater reliability with modern support.
Here are some options to help you decide between fixing the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 or getting a new DJI Mini 2:
Yuneec Typhoon Q500 (with new gimbal):
Pros:
Stability: Larger size offers more stability in windy conditions compared to the Mini 2.
Flight Time: Typically offers longer flight times than the Mini 2 (around 25 minutes vs. 31 minutes).
Interchangeable Camera: Potential for future camera system upgrades.
Handheld Gimbal Mount: Provides stabilization for ground-based shooting.
Cons:
Cost: Replacing the gimbal adds $400 to the overall cost.
Parts Availability: Finding replacement parts for an older model might be more challenging in the future.
Bulkiness: Less convenient to transport compared to the Mini 2.
Learning Curve: Might have a steeper learning curve due to its size and features compared to the Mini 2.
DJI Mini 2:
Pros:
Portability: Lightweight and easy to transport.
Ease of Use: Generally considered beginner-friendly due to its size and weight.
Image Quality: Shoots high-quality 4K videos and 12MP photos.
Cost: No additional investment needed upfront.
Parts Availability: Replacement propellers, batteries, etc., are readily available.
Cons:
Stability: Less stable in windy conditions compared to the Q500.
Flight Time: Offers less flight time per battery compared to the Q500.
Camera System: No interchangeable camera system; the camera is integrated with the drone.
Gimbal: Lacks a separate handheld gimbal for ground-based shooting.
Recommendation:
Consider your priorities:
Stability and Longer Flight Time: If these are crucial, the Q500 (with new gimbal) might be better, especially for capturing scenic landscapes with smooth footage.
Portability and Ease of Use: If these are more important, and you’re a beginner, the DJI Mini 2 is a great choice.
Additional factors:
Comfort Level with Repairs: If you’re comfortable replacing the gimbal yourself, the Q500 becomes more attractive.
Future Upgrade Plans: If you see yourself wanting to upgrade the camera system in the future, the Q500 offers more flexibility.
The Verdict:
Since you’re new to flying drones for fun, the DJI Mini 2 might be a better choice for its ease of use, portability, and beginner-friendly features. However, if stability and longer flight times are essential for your landscape photography, and you’re comfortable replacing the gimbal, the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 could be a good option after the repair.