Co-worker mentioned that she was thinking about selling the DJI drone that has been just sitting in the box after being set up & used only a couple times. Her husband didn't get into it like she thought he would.

From what I've gathered, it's a couple years old & from her description, I think it's a Phantom (unsure of specific model), as she indicated it was pretty tall when 'parked'.

My only drone experience is with an indoor lightweight that I got a few years ago. It's too light for outdoor flying, as a light breeze will crash it.

At a hefty discount, would an older Phantom still be a viable device? And, is the software still compatible with the older models?

I haven't flown any larger drones. Just small light weight cheap ones.

I'd check on the supply of spare parts for it. Cause you're likely gonna crash it. But if you can get spare parts like props & etc. I'd say go for it.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I haven't flown any larger drones. Just small light weight cheap ones.

Yeah, mine is a Sky Viper, or something like that, about $30 at Target.

quote:

Originally posted by myrottiety:
I'd check on the supply of spare parts for it. Cause you're likely gonna crash it. But if you can get spare parts like props & etc. I'd say go for it.

Caught her before she left for the day.

She's pretty sure it's a Phantom 4. She's going to try to get it out this weekend & take some photos & details down.

DJI makes a quality product. The phantom is very durable and the only thing you'll likely need are new batteries. The batteries don't age well unless they get used regularly.

If you want to buy a nice "older" drone, the Phantom would be a great one if the price is right.

when the III came out it was pretty expensive, followed by the next model which dropped prices on the III by a great deal

that said if I had a chance to buy a III right now I'd jump on it

Think of it as a camera first of all. Flying one is simple. DJI Makes it easy mode. If you want to make videos, they’re great.

The Phantom is still a great drone especially if it’s the 4. The batteries can last a long time as long as they are stored at the proper discharge level. If the husband never got into it the batteries are most likely toast. Since the cost of batteries are a large part of the overall cost take that into consideration.

You are going to want two batteries at the very least and most likely three would be great so figure that cost in as well.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
The Phantom is still a great drone especially if it’s the 4. The batteries can last a long time as long as they are stored at the proper discharge level. If the husband never got into it the batteries are most likely toast. Since the cost of batteries are a large part of the overall cost take that into consideration.

You are going to want two batteries at the very least and most likely three would be great so figure that cost in as well.

Oof, batteries appear to run around 150-200 per...
She'd mentioned that if she could get 200 for the Phantom she'd be happy with it. Guess I'd need to double that to add in a spare battery if she only has 1...

$200 still a good deal. The original battery might still be good. I’m pretty sure they have an automatic discharge like the Mavic. Basically if you charge the batteries and don’t end up flying it will discharge your batteries down to a proper storage level.

The only way it will be toast is if the guy flew it and dropped the charge way down to like 20% and left it like that for months.

Good to know, thanks.
I'd read similar on the description on a replacement battery on the DJI site.

Phantom 4 is still a very relevant drone.
It will most likely use the original DJI GO app, which is available on the Apple App Store (not sure about the Android version).
A battery is good for 15-20 minutes. Spares are pricey, but still available. Do not buy an off-brand battery. Stick with factory DJI batteries.
At $200, it’s a great value and will be great to learn on.
Enjoy.