I got to looking at drones online, and have really gotten the urge to buy one. The only reason I haven't is because I keep thinking that after about the first 20 minutes, I'll be like "ok, that was fun, but now what do I do with it"

So, if anyone has one, what do you do with it? Also, any info on brands or models would be appreciated too.

I'm pretty sure that Mario has one. In fact I think he even posted a video of it

I just got a DJI Phantom 3 Standard. In short, I LOVE IT. Digital Photography is my hobby, so I am having fun with it. Will likely work on getting my license so I can use it for commercial use to video my outdoor jobs, and maybe start doing real estate videos. It's a lot of fun.

Here are a few shots taken of the neighborhood of our rental house:









And a video taken while visiting at my parents house:



Just getting used to it, as I just got it for Christmas, but I LOVE it and if you have any interest, just do it. It's awesome

I was looking at the Autel with the 4K camera.

Autel seems decent. I watched a couple of reviews comparing it to the DJI. People liked their app more, but a few things to consider were the fact that it does not stop quickly so if you are flying at speed and something is in front of you, it can take 50 to 100' to stop, which is quite a lot. The Phantom is much more aggressive with this and stops almost immediately. It essentially tilts heavily and comes to a stop, or reversing direction depending on what you do with the stick. The Return To Home feature was a little scarier with the Autel, although it worked well. It apparently decends really quickly, and then as it gets close to the ground it stops and then slowly lowers. Probably not a big deal though as long as it works.

Were those pictures and video taken with the on board camera? Or did you replace it with a dslr?

KOT

On board 2.7k camera

I've always wanted a DJI - currently my preference goes to the Phantom 3 Professional, Phantom 4, or the new compact Mavic Pro.

In reality I have a cheap Chinese one with GPS but no onboard camera, and the lack of camera/FPV really limits enjoyment. Granted I can stick a GoPro on it and see stuff afterwards, but the fun is seeing a live feed (and knowing what you're filming).



(Video cap from an old GoPro Hero 3 Black).

The control of the Phantom is amazing. It is so easy to fly. I have no flying experience, and at first, my wife bought me a cheaper chinese drone. It was impossible to control in comparison. The Phantom is worth the extra money.

Damn it, y'all twisted my arm and I pulled the trigger

Agreed. The cheap Chinese one I have is at least easy to fly because it has GPS, so you don't have to keep correcting its position (it stays where you put it like a Phantom, does return to home, etc). But when you have to keep it FULLY in line of sight and have no idea what it's looking at - and, if far enough away, even what its orientation is - the fun diminishes.

I've almost pulled the trigger on a Phantom numerous times, but where I am isn't great for flying. But now that I'm moving somewhere where I'll have a lot more space to fly on a regular basis (so I don't always have to "go somewhere"), I'm probably going to actually do it. :-)

The Autel?

Yeah. The 4K camera and included case were part of the reason. Also I like the app and the remote better. But the not stopping as fast made me consider the phantom. The final factor though was Best Buy had the autel in stock.

Just make sure it can carry the payload of say, a Jack Daniels bottle or your favorite whiskey. I can already see you setting some waypoints directly to the liquor store

my buddy took the video of my xmas lights with a DJI Phantom 4.  it was very windy and the video still turned out pretty good.