I don't have projects on a scale where a drone would make sense for site survey and such. For me a drone would be an afternoon of fun, then fall into disuse. On the other hand, I feel that little, neighbor operated drones are an invasion of my privacy. I could be interested in a "fighter" drone that I could use to "neutralize" or escort neighbors' drones off the property.

Perhaps Fins could use a "tanker" drone for spirits delivery.

Nobody cares what you do in your yard. There is this ridiculous stigma that goes with drone users that they are all trying to spy on people. Trust me, that is not the case.

Surprised no one has mentioned Drone racing. I have looked at drones and considered buying one. The thing that has caught my eye are the videos of them racing. Now that looks like fun.

Its a totally different kind of hobby. They fly FAST and are FPV. My stomach could not take it, nor do i have the skills for it right now. For me, being digital photography is a hobby, the Phantom is perfect for me. I can't shoot jobsites for commercial use (advertising), but i did take the drone to a clients yesterday for practice and just for my personal collection. It was awesome, loved the outcome, and learned a lot of what to do and what not to do for when the time comes i get my license.

I hear it's a lot of fun when someone is holding the remote upside down, too. The point is to get the experience of maneuvering it with a cheap one before dropping big bux on a better one. If someone can steer a beach ball in the wind, I'd think a good one would be a piece of cake.

I agree, but it can also discourage people from a cool hobby. The good news, the cheap ones are cheap. If you go in understanding that a good drone is way easier to control, than go for it. You are correct that it can help hone your skills

I have a Blade nano QX.

It was part of a bunch of purchases that I made a year ago when I got back into RC stuff.
Got bored with all of it pretty quickly and the stuff has just sat. Came across the little quad while I was cleaning my shop yesterday and tried to fly it.
All 12 batteries I had for the thing are dead, as in won't hold a charge.
Back on the shelf it went. I might run down to the hobby shop and pick up a few today just because.

While I would love to get a DJI Mavic pro but I am hesitant for a few reasons.
Getting bored of it, FAA registration and I am too cheap to risk putting $1,000 in the air knowing it could just take off on me, never to be seen again.

Why would the FAA registration make you hesitant? Its cheap and easy. As long as you follow a few basic rules, you're good.

The Mavic has had an issue with flyaways, so not a bad idea to wait if that is the bird you want. Otherwise, it seems to be a great drone

Ok fellas... since y'all are serious about drones. You have to purchase this accessory.

https://www.dronesweaters.com

Lol

KOT

Nope.
I bought one of those cheap $50 quads for the reason you described.
What a waste of money.
While i agree with you that practice makes it perfect, with quads like DJI, it's unnecessary.
With all the advanced features of $1,000+ quads, GPS stabilization, FPV thru the phone/tablet app, etc. anyone can fly this thing.
There is an option for take-off and landing, and even controls swap so that if the quad is flying towards you, the left/right controls swap so you won't get confused.

So I bought mine a week ago today, while on an out of town project. Due to getting a stomach bug the next day, and still trying to work, I didnt feel like even thinking about trying to fly it until yesterday afternoon. This could be one of the biggest wastes of money Ive ever spent, but OMG! its fun!

Whats a good software (and preferably free) to edit video files and add music beds?

DEFINITELY not a waste of money!!!

If you have a Mac, try VideoPad Video Editor Free. Its very easy to use and works well.

I looked at DJI, then I decided to go with a Yuneec Q500 Typhoon G (GoPro 3/4/5 gimbal) as I already had a good video camera.

I went with Yuneec because it is not for tear-assing around the neighborhood, Yuneec drones are larger, heaver and more stable for aerial video and photography. The blades are 13 inches from tip to tip and it is super quiet. DJIs sound like a World War One plane, even 500 feet away due to the smaller blades at higher RPM.

That plus the fact the controller already has the screen built in. I absolutely love it, I get about 2400' of range (that is afar as I would go without freaking out), but I do adhere to the 400 foot height limit.

I paid $499 at Best Buy on sale and bought an extra battery. It has follow me, watch me, return to home, smart mode... everything. If the drone is completely lost and out of sight, just turn off the controller and it will come back and land from it's take off point and shut off the motors. I tried it a few times along with return to home.

Solid drone for the money, I love it.

I may be in the minority, but I actually like the sound it makes. At first I didn't but it helps me locate it in the sky if I take my eye off for a second to look at the screen. It's barely noticeable at altitude, but enough that it helps me track it.

I didn't want a drone that uses a camera I already have. Basically I just have a GoPro and my DSLR. Not going to fly my nikon around as a) its expensive, b) it's too heavy. The GoPro works great as far as vid quality, but I find them to be a pain the but to use. I like using the DJI app as it is an all in one app. I also like that it does not have a built in screen as I can use my phone, iPad Mini or iPad (I had to throw a different mount on it than what it came with). One thing I hate is the price of the DJI batteries. How much did the Yuneec battery run?

I really liked the Typhoon H, but it was almost double my budget. But the idea that it can lose a prop and still fly was nice. Also, the motorized landing gear was cool.

One thing that was a bit wild feeling when I was flying, I ran my drone way out over this golf course where I was working. I could hear it, but couldn't see it at all. I was flying only by camera.