Hey all of you

The last couple of weeks I've done some reading on drone regulations in different countries and wanted to open a little discussion on what you think about the topic. Do you think it's worth the money to invest into drones for recreational purpose only with all those strict regulations and almost no spots to fly? I thought about getting a little Spark for my travel adventures in the mountains and different cities here in the US to get some memorable footage. After some research in the web I have to admit that my excitement got crushed a little bit...

Do you think it would still be worth it to get good footage or do you think it is too complex of a matter to fly?

Best wishes,
peselito

Don't think of a Spark as an investment. There is no monetary return. It is a luxury or toy or whatever you wanna call it. Think of it as a different type of camera that will allow you to get shots you wouldn't be able to get during your travels if you didn't have it.  Plenty of people use their drone everyday with no problems. No worries. Get one and enjoy it.

I would view it this way. If it was 2005 and you only owned a small pocket digital camera and you were considering getting a DSLR to bring along your travels. If you got the cash, do it. It's is clearly going to give you images you wouldn't have gotten with your pocket camera...

You would need to look at what restrictions there are for your region.  For me, they are very reasonable.  Don't fly over 120m, Don't fly over people or highways, don't fly near airports, Don't fly within 30m of people, immediately land if you become aware of an aircraft operating in your area (eg a helicopter)

Certainly well worth it for me.

It was the reason I returned my Mavic.
Even though it was one of the best products I ever bought.
Still miss it and thinking about re purchasing
So yes, it is worth it....

Yes, absolutely worth it - go and buy one today!

Where I live all the open spaces are banned for using any RC vehicles ☹️. Unless I go in and fly quietly without annoying anyone. There are few places far away from me that I can fly my drone. Am I going to drive for about an hour to fly my drone for about 30-45mins ? Don’t know

There are in fact very few restrictions, cities can be a problem, but many cities have already been photographed to death same as national treasures who wants any more of these photographs/ videos, think of yourself as a pioneer of this brand new technology finding areas that have never been photographed fro the air, there are so many the Sky is so vast. Forget about those complaining about restrictions they will always be complaining no matter what. Be the first to photograph something that hasn’t already been photographed, this can be something as simple as an aerial shot of your own home.

Well I think it’s totally worth it. I got a spark and I’m very happy about the purchase.

But I do have to add, I think the restrictions are essential! There are so many idiots that have enough money to buy toys like these.
They don’t care about their surroundings or people.
Every time I fly I make sure that I don’t bother anyone or also any animal or habitat. If everyone would be like this we wouldn’t need restrictions, but then we also wouldn’t need any laws also

I would get one too. If you do not then there will be so many times you will find on your travels that you will be saying "If only I had a Spark with me". Do it now and no regrets.

I think this debate is interesting, particularly in the Spark forums.  The Spark is the closest thing to a mass market, high volume consumer drone...I mean if it's on the shelves of Argos and Currys, literally anyone can pick one up.

It's not like the, arguably still specialist, RC planes hobby, where you can't buy that kit off the shelves, there is a learning process to go through and through that learning process, you become aware of the risks and dangers of breaking the rules.

These off the shelf drones have the capability of flying further, higher and maybe faster that the planes/gliders, and they are potentialy in the hands of families out for fun (As well as hobbyists of course).  Add to these the not small number of flyaways, and there's going to a be a high profile incident soon, which will likely accelerate the legislation

I think the inevitable additional legislation and severe software retrictions on the off the shelf drones will put off the hobbyists and drive them underground  and into FCC hacks, old Apps etc...) so that it becomes enjoyable again.  

That leaves the pro-sumer and pro drones, which have genuine and necessary range capability; the only way they'll be able to control these is through licensing and registration...I predict that in the EU very soon.  

I think 2018 will be the last fun year of consumer drone flying :-(

"Do you think it would still be worth it to get good footage..."

Only you can truly answer the above statement.  IMO, if you're currently capturing images of your travels via point & shoot or cell phone then the Spark will be a great addition and add a new perspective to your shots.  You don't have fly it up & out 1000 meters.  I bought my Spark for my motorcycle travels because of its size and the fact that I can get it in the air very quickly via gesture mode.

I believe if the UAV/Drones regulation gets tougher the manufacturers shall lobby against it as it is their bread and butter. DJI has introduced and worked with various authorities to raise awareness and traceability plus geo-fencing NFZ.

Anyway, before the going gets tough(or not) might as well enjoy it when you can.

You tube videos with record breaking achievements are nice to see but really it just adds threat to the freedom of UAV recreational and commercial activities.

Hi peselito,


I was in a similar situation as you.


The thought of a fly-away, tightening regulations, liability insurance, etc very nearly made me give up on the idea of buying a drone before I had begun.  I'm glad I brushed these thoughts aside and bought one anyway.


In my opinion, the reg's aren't really that restrictive. They are simple to follow, and are in there for a good reason.  If you're blessed with common sense and courtesy, then you'll be fine.


Go for it I say.  It's the best fun I've had with my pants on.

If you have to drive a long distance before you can legally fly, think about it well. In my case I can drive ten minutes and fly it safely and legally, so for me it was a no brainer.

I"n my opinion, the reg's aren't really that restrictive. They are simple to follow, and are in there for a good reason.  If you're blessed with common sense and courtesy, then you'll be fine."


Exceptionally well put!!
Quit worrying and jump in the pool!!!

Thank you so much for all thr answers guys! concerning the way I have to take to fly it legally: If I just stay at low altitude and inform the surrounding airports and heliports of my flight, I should be good to fly on a soccer field close to my home. As you guys pointed out, common sense is certainly needed and I can say I have it.

I mostly wanna take aerial footage of hikes in the mountains or above rivers. But maybe also some sport footage of my son.

I think I will get one ;)

I was resistant to getting a drone at all, but my wife needed some aerial shots for her business... I can fly in my back yard, and have done so 3 or 4 times. I like to keep my Spark close, and find it very easy to manage. Last weekend, we used it for the business use for the first time. Worked very well, got the pictures that we needed and they look sharp. Overall happy with the purchase, now if I can just the her Pixel2 phone to work with it...  My Note 4 only lasts for two flights before the battery is dead.

peselito Posted at 2018-1-18 15:41
Thank you so much for all thr answers guys! concerning the way I have to take to fly it legally: If I just stay at low altitude and inform the surrounding airports and heliports of my flight, I should be good to fly on a soccer field close to my home. As you guys pointed out, common sense is certainly needed and I can say I have it.

I mostly wanna take aerial footage of hikes in the mountains or above rivers. But maybe also some sport footage of my son.

Beyond the fun aspects of using the Spark, I've used my Spark to check the roofs on the house and sheds on our property after storms.  My parents would like to get some downward facing photos of their property in order to plan renovations and landscape improvements.
We also enjoy the aerial sunrise and sunset photos and panoramas that we can share with friends and family.
I'm a member of a Honda hybrid car group and am looking forward to shooting some footage of my car to include in a video for the members there.
I'm most interested in getting some scenes from the nearby beaches and islands, and really anything interesting or cool that I stumble upon.

I take issue with the comment "plenty of people have no problems, just get one!".  I've found "plenty of people" are regularly ignoring FAA regulations and flying dangerously.     That said, research your local area first before buying. Download AirMap and see what NFZ's you might have.  Also consider places you visit often, vacation spots, etc..  In my case it was worth it and I didnt mind driving a bit to find a good location.  YMMV

The spark has been money well spent. Its fun to fly, takes amazing pictures and video.  Easy to take along in a backpack and easy and quick to launch

Admittedly, I had the exact same question when I was looking into the Spark and getting into drones.

I bought the Spark anyways, and I absolutely LOVE flying it. Sure I have to drive out of the main Seattle area due to all the airports. Sure I can't fly it in a lot of places that I was hoping/planning to before reading all the regulations. But really, it isn't too bad.

Considering all of that, I do not regret my purchase and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Serious anxiety of being dubbed an accidental criminal. I'm absolutely passionate about aeriel photography. Willing to jump through hoops as financially permissible (average income). Unfortunately, I feel like I am being assaulted with uninformed hate due to the actions of a few idiots. There appears to be a line in the sand with zero compromise. Would you like to film a privately owned corn field or an scenic landscape of a lighthouse with a passing iceberg? Perhaps you would prefer the center of your living room over the 3,000 square miles of the Grand Canyon. There is no compromise. Helicopters, planes, cars, people, hot air balloons, are perfectly fine but not a flying camera. Gee what a nuisance if everyone flew UAV at a National monument/park. Funny thing is, I agree. Compromise however may be possible. Example:  

Serious anxiety of being dubbed an accidental criminal. I'm absolutely passionate about aeriel photography. Willing to jump through hoops as financially permissible (average income). Unfortunately, I feel like I am being assaulted with uninformed hate due to the actions of a few idiots. There appears to be a line in the sand with zero compromise. Would you like to film a privately owned corn field or an scenic landscape of a lighthouse with a passing iceberg? Perhaps you would prefer the center of your living room over the 3,000 square miles of the Grand Canyon. There is no compromise. Helicopters, planes, cars, people, hot air balloons, are perfectly fine but not a flying camera. Gee what a nuisance if everyone flew UAV at a National monument/park. Funny thing is, I agree. Compromise however may be possible. Example: Each Thursday, could we allow filming for one hour from sunrise + 1 hour? How about twice a month, open the park to aerial photography?  You could actually "share" the park, make reasonable rules...like no flying below/above X -feet, no flying over crowdes of people, no chasing wildlife, no closer than X feet from a monument. Seriously! Aerial photographers are not out to harass humanity. Just because a few idiots get the news headlines does not make everyone an idiot that needs to be punished and confined.

No, DJI is not a reputable company.

Only 2 ways to happily buy a drone:

1.) wait for a new, reputable company to start making drones
2.) Get a spark and immediately get a 3rd party insurance (so when the thing does disconnect and crash, you dont have to deal with DJI's abhorrent customer support).

a drone is an extension of your ability to capture images and videos you can't with a normal camera/phone.  You can get a birds eye view instead of the flat on the ground view.  It is an investment in a sense of capturing memories that will last a lifetime; not a monetary one.  The restrictions are typically to protect people, places and things while using common sense; which i know some people don't have given some of the post on here.  Needless to say, i've made that investment and haven't regretted it yet.  Fly have fun and enjoy the memories forever.

Scott V. Posted at 2018-1-17 18:43
Don't think of a Spark as an investment. There is no monetary return. It is a luxury or toy or whatever you wanna call it. Think of it as a different type of camera that will allow you to get shots you wouldn't be able to get during your travels if you didn't have it.  Plenty of people use their drone everyday with no problems. No worries. Get one and enjoy it.

I would view it this way. If it was 2005 and you only owned a small pocket digital camera and you were considering getting a DSLR to bring along your travels. If you got the cash, do it. It's is clearly going to give you images you wouldn't have gotten with your pocket camera...

very good point of view

Well, to keep out of trouble you'll need toy grade drone which in my understanding can be flown unrestricted.... hobby as it once was.
And current US legislation is that you'll need sub 250g drone to fly it freely as you like, where you like, when you like, 10 miles out, 20000ft high... as its unregulated and not registered so nobody can prove it's yours nor any rules apply to it. Can somebody, please, correct me if my assumptions are wrong...

Someone keeps posting that spark is classed as sub 250 gm. Battery not to count.

Bright Spark Posted at 2018-2-2 07:31
Someone keeps posting that spark is classed as sub 250 gm. Battery not to count.

My understanding is that it applies to liftoff weight. And I am pretty sure you cannot get airborne without the battery or slingshot.

Yes but a flight enabling 50 gram battery would change that.

Buy it! Drones are great! Just beware, it's easy to catch ODD (Obsessive Drone Disorder) like I did, I now have 4 of them and anxiously awaiting the next new one that comes out.

I don’t think the regulations are all that restrictive. 400ft ceiling VLOS, stay away from airports airfields, and the various other regulated airspace. Basically don’t fly stupid, be responsible and considerate of other people, know your equipments capabilities and limitations. It all seems fairly reasonable to me.

Grmachine Posted at 2018-2-2 14:19
I don’t think the regulations are all that restrictive. 400ft ceiling VLOS, stay away from airports airfields, and the various other regulated airspace. Basically don’t fly stupid, be responsible and considerate of other people, know your equipments capabilities and limitations. It all seems fairly reasonable to me.

Very well said. I totally agree. Just use your common sense and be aware of others when flying.

I'm  thinking this also, I don't  get to travel a lot now but the city I live in is in a Valley, and sometimes  amazing sunsets and things  from the surrounding hills. I'm waiting for Black Friday and Xmas deals. If there had not been an official DJI store in Rio De Janeiro, I would of probably not considered the getting one at all

I think so, I bought a spark in Toronto, and the whole city is a no fly zone, As long as I don't make stupid decisions, I am not harming anyone.

On my side too, I am worried by the 'too much restrictions' set in Canada...

So if I am on a class C restriction, I fly at 50 meters from the ground maximum.

I noticed planes (real ones) are around 200~400m on their corridor landing, so I  won't go up than that altitude except if I go outside the city.

But agreed, it's very frustrating.

to all the people that want a drone and don't have a place to fly  , join an RC club and like most clubs you will be able to fly at there field . you mite even buy a RC plane and learn to fly the correct way .

Absolutely get one—you’ll find that a drone like Spark opens up many great photo opportunities notwithstanding the restrictions.  Isn’t photography , to a large degree, about working within restrictions of weather, light etc. ?  Legal restrictions on where you can fly, while one more factor you have to consider, won’t prevent you from getting photos you’ll be proud of.  

peselito Posted at 2018-1-18 15:41
Thank you so much for all thr answers guys! concerning the way I have to take to fly it legally: If I just stay at low altitude and inform the surrounding airports and heliports of my flight, I should be good to fly on a soccer field close to my home. As you guys pointed out, common sense is certainly needed and I can say I have it.

I mostly wanna take aerial footage of hikes in the mountains or above rivers. But maybe also some sport footage of my son.

You're welcome   

Just to echo the rest of this feed..... Of course it's worth it, if you have the money spare do it¬!!! Got my spark last year still love it and have had so many great experiences with it and never really been held back by any restrictions. City centres and most parks worldwide are no no's but there are a million other shooting options and places to fly, even if you do live in the city. It's not too complex but like anything this rich in technology there's a lot of reading and research and of course lots of positive and negative thoughts and theories to sift through..... Ive had 98% positive experiences the onyl negatives i've had is the national trust in ireland and also seagulls trying to attack!!! BUY BUY BUY