I do not yet have a drone. I am very interested in the Phantom 2 Vision. For me, it would be a toy. I enjoy flying very small RC helicopters, both coaxial and single rotor. I am excited with the prospect of quality video and all of the possibilities of open air longer distance flight. What I'm reading on this forum has me concerned about the quality of this unit. If I'm reading the feelings correctly, it seems like a fair number of members feel that a lot of the problems stem from user error. I'm talking about things like "fly always" and control problems leading to crashes. I'm not asking for lengthy reviews or technical explanations. I would just like to know what the folks who own a use these things think from a dependability standpoint.

I've never had an issue with the P2 and had many flights. If you want a toy, I wouldn't recommend this - it's a serious machine that needs respect.

Some fly aways look unexplained but the majority of issues I've read tend to point towards user error or carelessness. Especially if attaching the cheap fake accessories as opposed to the recommended stuff.

nonrevs Posted at 2014-10-9 05:43
I've never had an issue with the P2 and had many flights. If you want a toy, I wouldn't recommend th ...

When I say toy, I mean I do not need this for any grand or business purpose. I understand the responsibilities of controlling a 10 pound flying machine traveling at 25 mph in 3D space. Thank you for your concern and the thoughtful reply

Bob,
You mentioned that you would enjoy getting quality video.  The Phantom 2 Vision or vision Plus will give you that.  Of course the Plus will give you smooth video with the 3D-axis.   I just wrote http://phantomknowledge.com/articles/buy-phantom2/ a related article.  

My Phantom 2 Vision Plus has worked well for me.  I probably have 50 or more flights so far.  

I would with out a doubt will recommend to you the vision plus! I've had it for 5 month now and it works perfect! just read and follow the steps and you would enjoy a lot!And in my opinion I thing a lot of fly-aways and crash are human errors the most of the time, all though some technical errors con occur, but I think are less than a lot a people think

All of the Phantoms are easy to fly.
If you've been flying small multirotors and coaxial helis, you'll have no problems flying a Phantom.
If you're going towards a P2V or P2V+, you need to do your homework.
Believe me, some knowledge goes a long way with these complex little machines.
There is an overabundance of information available.
FWIW, most of it is correct and not conflicting.
I can say that because I've helped get it posted and I read/monitor forums every day...
Start with the DJI manual.
Read the forums as best you can.
This one is getting bigger and better by the day.
RCGroups has no less that two dozen DJI related threads.
Ask questions if you're confused.
There are many pilots like myself that provide forum support.
DJI encourages this.

Do not expect something like you're considering to survive a crash.
The risk is yours, and it's minimized by doing what I've listed above...
Welcome, good luck, and fly safe!

T J Gilbert Posted at 2014-10-9 06:46
All of the Phantoms are easy to fly.
If you've been flying small multirotors and coaxial helis, you' ...

Thank you for the input.

Bobanglois52 Posted at 2014-10-9 07:19
Thank you for the input.

No problem...
Like I said, DJI encourages a team of us to assist pilots like yourself.
I'm happy to help!

Bobanglois52 Posted at 2014-10-9 07:19
Thank you for the input.

I think you might be interested with this.
All the answers in ONE place.

THE Ultimate Guide for all Phantom Vision and Vision+
[https://www.dropbox.com/s/mv8d1h ... ry%20Guide.pdf?dl=0

Fly safe

Fant0mas Posted at 2014-10-9 12:36
I think you might be interested with this.
All the answers in ONE place.

Looks like a great document. I'll read this before I even decide on what I'm going to get. Thank you

Hey Fant0mas!
Your document is a good one!
Thanks for going to the trouble...
I've posted the Dropbox link over on my RCG blog...

T J Gilbert Posted at 2014-10-10 01:22
Hey Fant0mas!
Your document is a good one!
Thanks for going to the trouble...

It's not only good...it's great

Thanks

It's ever so tempting to fly the Phantom out of the box and assume that you can learn the details as you go along. Who wants to read a manual? Unfortunately, the odds of this approach having a happy ending with the Phantom are slim. You really need to do your homework first. A lot of people don't - even now you'll come across posts here where people have taken to the sky without really reading the manual, without understanding Course Lock, Home Lock or what to do if and when things go pear-shaped. Some got away with it. Others are not so lucky.

Spend a few weeks on this forum and on YT and then take her up.

Happy flying.

insitb@singnet. Posted at 2014-11-12 07:20
It's ever so tempting to fly the Phantom out of the box and assume that you can learn the details as ...

+1

If you don't read the manual, be prepared to spend another $1,299+ because you WILL trash it!

Or your Ultimate Guide for all Phantom Vision and Vision+ owners

insitb@singnet. Posted at 2014-11-13 20:35
Or your Ultimate Guide for all Phantom Vision and Vision+ owners

Of course