Comments on: A Lot Cheaper Than Hiring A Full-Sized Helicopter. Or Is It?

By: COURYHOUSE

COURYHOUSE — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 17:36:23 +0000

too many drones -not a good idea…. things will be falling from the skys…

By: Rich Rubasch

Rich Rubasch — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:20:51 +0000

Footage looks great but so far these drone cameras are illegal to operate commercially for ANY use in the United States. You can only operate them as a hobbyist. Fines start at $10,000. No matter the six and no matter if they are flown on private property, they cannot be billed out for a commercial job.

By: Hal

Hal — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:20:40 +0000

Good catch on “quad” and you’re right that the legality may be an issue. How about a tiny version like this one?

http://www.bitcraze.se/2013/02/pre-order-has-started/

By: adhocvideo

adhocvideo — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:15:44 +0000

Stunning footage. I actually got brief “butterflies in my stomach” when the base-jumping shots started.

I’m not sure why it’s called a “Quad-copter” when it has 5 rotors.

These are really cool devices; I’d love to have one and a camera to go with it. However, according to forums at other sites, such devices are technically illegal once a camera has been attached and “commercial purposes” are involved. (I seem to recall reading that at least one person/business entity has been “fined out of business” for using one). It seems they are considered “drones” by the FAA, and right now, only government agencies, the military, and, I think, certain research orgs can be authorized to use them. I, for one, hope that changes.