If I'm trying to max out distance, do I want sport or position mode? I know sport mode really drains the battery, but you're also moving a lot faster. I wasn't sure what would be the most economical...

Faster vs Slow there is the question. Faster spends more.

I vote for sport mode, but don't ram the stick to full forward.

What's the reason for maxing out distance. Is there something really far out that you want to get footage?

And don't fly abruptly to get the best miles per battery.

Reading several threads 30 - 32 miles per hour seems to get the max out of the battery.

markhowerton1@y Posted at 2016-6-10 05:46
Reading several threads 30 - 32 miles per hour seems to get the max out of the battery.

All depends on altitude as well.
I've had 24-27 minute flights at sea level

DJI-Ken Posted at 2016-6-10 00:37
All depends on altitude as well.
I've had 24-27 minute flights at sea level

What is the battery autonomy under water ?

DJI-Ken Posted at 2016-6-9 14:14
What's the reason for maxing out distance. Is there something really far out that you want to get fo ...

I've got a cruise coming up & I'd like to get the most amount of footage possible while the ship is anchored out. I'm guessing that it'll probably be about a mile from the beach.

I've gotten my longest distance flights (4+ miles out) using P-mode with obstacle avoidance turned OFF, which lets the P4 fly up to 38 mph. I call this P-Fast mode. This is a little slower than Speed mode, which is 44 mph max. and P-Fast mode appears to be the best compromise in battery burn rate vs. max. distance that can be traveled.

I also like the flight performance characteristics and video quality that P-mode provides over Speed mode.  Speed mode is great for getting somewhere fast and having fun flying, but if you want smooth video shoots - especially with pans and slow turns, Speed mode's increased responsiveness to minor stick movements can produce jerky, unattractive video. Of course, you can also switch back and forth between Speed mode and P-mode during your flight.

dperhac Posted at 2016-6-10 23:00
I've got a cruise coming up & I'd like to get the most amount of footage possible while the ship i ...

That distance across the water will be no problem at all.

david.p.mann@ea Posted at 2016-6-10 23:05
I've gotten my longest distance flights (4+ miles out) using P-mode with obstacle avoidance turned O ...

Sounds like you are enjoying your P4, I love mine

dperhac Posted at 2016-6-10 23:00
I've got a cruise coming up & I'd like to get the most amount of footage possible while the ship i ...

I wasn't allowed to take my drone on the cruise I just was on (Carnival).{:4_157:}

I've gone a mile and a half out (2.4 Kms) and then returned using Sport mode all the way.  I had about 35-40% battery left when I landed.

One thing to watch is that you don't head out on a long trip with a tailwind.  The battery will drain faster as you push into the wind on your return.

jwt873@gmail.co Posted at 2016-6-10 23:52
I've gone a mile and a half out (2.4 Kms) and then returned using Sport mode all the way.  I had abo ...

If doing a long distance flight, you should always try to head out into the headwind.

treeboyy Posted at 2016-6-10 23:43
I wasn't allowed to take my drone on the cruise I just was on (Carnival).

And that's exactly why I'll be taking a paper copy of their policy who shove in their face

dperhac Posted at 2016-6-11 09:27
And that's exactly why I'll be taking a paper copy of their policy who shove in their face

What cruise are you doing, if you don't mind me asking?

treeboyy Posted at 2016-6-12 09:34
What cruise are you doing, if you don't mind me asking?

Carnival Valor out of Canaveral. I know the Bahamas has beyond stupid rules but I've already got it registered there so as long as I can get it past customs without having to pay that 70% duty then I'll be happy. And it's going to Half moon cay which is owned by Carnival so I'm hoping to at least get to fly there. I'll find out in about an hour if they let it on board

treeboyy Posted at 2016-6-12 09:34
What cruise are you doing, if you don't mind me asking?

I got it on, no questions asked