Heya - Yeah in canberra,
1. Ability to decently track subjects while recording video as a single operator - If you want to use aircraft yaw to rotate the camera on the Inspire, the gimbal ever so helpfully dampens yaw changes, so it lags behind the control inputs, starting late and ending shortly after you like the composition! Controlling the X5 gimbal separately from the aircraft is possible, but you can either control pitch or pan on the gimbal using the left dial, but must switch back and forth if you need to adjust both. (There’s also a cute way to control both pitch and pan by tapping/dragging on the screen, but that’s not practical if you’re maneuvering with both thumbs at the same time.) Puzzles me why they didn't tie gimbal panning to the dial on the right side.
How’s the Yuneec interface? Is a single operator able to fly the copter and smoothly track a subject by panning/pitching the camera at the same time?
In all honesty I have only everdone this amnually.
There is no follow me mode on the H920, it does have the ability to circle around the operator.
We are pushing for an update in the firmware etc .... but hey ...
2. The Inspire looked like it would be relatively easy to check as baggage when traveling by airline. How’s the Tornado for airline travel? Also, the Inspire can be carried in a (large) backpack if you need to do a little walking/hiking to the final location . . . how would you transport the Tornado on foot? (I noticed in one of Yuneec’s videos that a hiker has it strapped to his back with copter arms extended and props in place!?)
I have travelled with mine as luggage - in its original box. Had no issues at all.
However if I were to be doing more airline travel than I do now with it - I would buy the pelican case for it.
3. NFZ limitations - I’m a fixed wing pilot and very familiar with the FAA regs. I’m looking for something that’s not going to restrict me (excessively) from flying when I have the appropriate authorizations. It sounds like Yuneec’s approach to NFZs is evolving, so any recent experience would be greatly appreciated in terms of understanding if the Tornado will be able to fly around in various types of NFZs.
If you have a PPl in your case a fixed wing pilot licence - simply contact them and they will remove the restrictions - with the caveat that you will be responsible for issues arising from breaking the law with no permissions !
:O)
I am 1 step off my own licence here for an RPA UOC
4. The I1/X5 autofocus was kind of hit or miss (it used a relatively large area of the image and I didn't find an option to treat it like a more traditional, small focus point). It also lacked AF Tracking when shooting video. I believe that the CGO4 has AF Tracking, is that true and does it work ok? Is the AF fairly reliable?
The AF tracking is actually quite good on the H920 and can be tuned similar to a regular camera.
I have had issues only when there is a major change in light levels, only for a oment or two - similar to my professional Canon gear really.
5. Range - what's a realistic range before the video cuts out (I think that drops before the control does, right)?
Yeah it drops before the controls do - but I have had mine out to almost 2km (1.5 / 1.8) I think they quote 1.5
Being a bit blunt ... but if i cant see my bird I dont want it up there - they cost too much to have flying out of sight.
Well at least until I can afford to buy several of them anyway.
All those guys that want FPV flights out to 100 km ... it will get there ... but thats not for me I am dealing with close work out to 1 km or so.
This works for me and I am happy with the results.
All in all it really needs an upgrade for many reasons - if you can handle doing the job by yourself or indeed with a second person on the camera and you can do some tech stuff yourself - for the $ its a great bit of kit.
I can get the H920 - CGO4 Camera, a Hand held Gimbal, the St24 with the Screen for FPV and Two Batteries setup for around $10500.00 AUD - With Manual Control over the Camera functions as it flies and 3 x Zoom.
The Aussie price for the Matrice 600 is around $7900.00 no cameras no batteries no gimbals and no FPV Screen.
Screen - Extra what ever tablet you use.
Gimbal - $4000.00
Six Batteries cost approx $1500.00 on a special.
(I am unsure if it can fly with just two batteries ... that would be $500.00 for two if it can.)
... No camera ..... Already up to 12500.00 without a camera.
Given you can put nearly any camera on the gimbals.
With the other batteries it comes in at around $15000.00 with no camera ..... So if cost is no issue and you have the work ... it could be worth it.
All systems have issues - the M600 or H920 are no different and I have heard stories on both.
Will each try to out do the other ... yeah - do i care nope ... I have a system that works for me and it cost less.
Its a little older than the M600 as well , so expect an updated version sometime soon - thats my bet anyway.
Cheers.
Doc