After I get comfortable with the Syma, I 'd like to use a quadcopter for image acquisition

[G+_Lee Elliott]

After I get comfortable with the Syma, I'd like to use a quadcopter for image acquisition. Unless I've missed it, you haven't talked much about the best build (including the best camera) for that use case. If you have talked about it, can you point me to the appropriate episode?

[G+_Wayne Black]

If you want to build one yourself, others here might have some more insight.

But, if you want something that's ready to fly out of the box, the Walkera Scout X4 with the iLook+ or GoPro is getting some pretty high raves for video filming.

Check out some of Bo Lorentzen video reviews  on YouTube and his website reviews: http://www.fpvguy.com/2014/09/scout-x4.html

He has some good recommendations.

[G+_Lee Elliott]

I'm not at all averse to building my own, especially if it can save me a substantial amount of money. I was hoping for sub $700, but that may not be reasonable for any kind of decent image quality. Thanks for the tip, though.

[G+_Wayne Black]

Now we're on a budget and building your own would be the way to save some money.

I think the things that are important for good video shots, are the gimbal and a good camera. That puts you suddenly starting at around $400 to $500.

If you're just shooting single shot pictures, that can drop the cost significantly as you're not needing a stabilizing gimbal.

Soon the rest of the community will wake up and you'll get some more ideas.

Good luck with your project! 

[G+_Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ]

We're building that in about 6 weeks. I promised the good folks that we would lay off Quadcopter builds for a while. :)

 

Total price for my x450 w/camera-stabilizing gimbal: $220

[G+_Wayne Black]

Well that definitely is a  cheap... er, I mean inexpensive build. Anxious to see it!

[G+_Lee Elliott]

I'll be waiting.....

[G+_Ben Reese]

I got a Hubsan X4 for Christmas and it has a camera built in - forward facing only. I've just had the opportunity to fly it inside so far, but I've got some excellent footage of the floor, the ceiling, the ceiling fan, the floor upside down, the back of the Christmas tree (upright and upside down), excited kids, terrified kids, crying kids, and my feet. Maybe I'll do a bit better outside this weekend.