Hello Multirotor addicts

[Trenton Finn]

Hello.
I am new to the forums and fairly new to multi rotors. I cut my teeth on a Blade 350 QX2 and several micro quads and I am ready to pull the trigger on my dream machine. I have saved a little over $4,000 over the past two years telling my wife "don't get me a Christmas or birthday present. Just put the money you would have spent towards my quad/hex".
I want to have the ability to fly FPV in the future but it is not my main goal at the moment. Eventually I hope to make this a part time business and or be able to use the machine to enhance my real estate business.
I have looked at the DJI F550 and the Inspire. I think I will end up with one of the two but I am certainly open to suggestions for other machines. The Inspire is attractive because it looks like it is extremely user friendly. My fear is that it looks to me like DJI has you by the short and curlies for firmware, upgrades, etc. the 550 appears to be more upgradeable and easier to repair after a crash. A good friend of mine purchased a RTF F550 with FPV setup with all the best components through Amazon (not sure why Amazon). He has never been able to get it off the ground so I am a little skeptical of the F550. I'm sure he could sort it out with some effort but to date it still just gets minimal lift and flips over.
I a, ready to pull the trigger. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Trenton

 

[Pumpkinguy]

There are a billion guys flying the 550. Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating but there is a lot out there. Noting wrong with them. My best advise is don't ask your buddy for help. Lol.
I would say if you are a hands on guy that gets satisfaction from a job well done, then build your own. If you are not then get a RTF. I think for a gopro carrier RTF is almost always gonna be cheaper. There are just so many incidentals you need to buy to custom build. Wire, connectors, charger, transmitter and it goes on and on and on.
I have no idea how the States laws are but up here in Canada if Real Estate guys use a phantom and shoot clients homes for sale without being licensed, Transport Canada is looking to crucify them. We even have a snitch line up here. Fines could easily be in excess of your commission.

 

[Trenton Finn]

Thank you for the reply!! It is greatly appreciated. I almost feel like the Inspire is a cop out. If you spend the money you can go fly. I've been looking today at the DJI s1000 (if I decide to go DSLR) and the Matrix Turbo Ace. I already have a GOPRO and for what I plan to do, that camera should be fine. It seems to me that there are several good options. Which only makes it harder for me to decide. I can only afford one copter at this time and I want to ensure I make the right decision. I'm an instant gratification kind of guy but I am trying really hard to fight that instinct and take my time with this purchase. Thanks again for the reply.