Go for a Matrice 210v2 or even the v1. You can find them used at good prices (eBay). This is a more rugged drone than the Inspire 1 and it takes X4S (great, mechanical shutter), X5S, XT... You can also integrate a Micasense for your multispectral work. You can contact me for advice if you want.
I am in agreement with the 210 V2 series for sure. The only issue to me is that acquisition times are faster on newer models. I use the Micasense Rededge MX paired with a 4S for ag but also have an M3M. Honestly, I reach for the M3M more often though because I can get the work done about 25% faster. Also, comparing results from both, the Rededge produces the same results as the M3M and since 99% of customers want NDVI, the M3M fits the bill. The Blue spectrum sensor on the Rededge makes it more powerful to me, but like I say, no need for the NDVI. I still use the Zenmuse XT 640R with that drone because I am totally satisfied with accuracy and quality. More than anything, I get great thermal maps on inspections with the 210/XT combo. X4S for mapping and X5S for beauty. I am just agreeing that the 210V2 is a totally underrated setup and available at a great price point. I bought my first one new. having had said that, I won't be buying any more of them. We have an Autel Max 4t because I love the Autel connection reliability. This is one of the drones for inspections. We have an M350 as well just to have access to current payloads like Lidar. We bought that with the H30T. I still prefer to use the XT for mapping though. To demonstrate how important time is, we use the DRTK-2 with the DJI drones just because setup is faster than our Emlid gear.
I signed in to this forum today because I do not have an I1 any more. One has come up for sale locally. I came here to be inspired (pun intended) to buy and have an I1 again. I have a few spare parts left over and can use all of the lenses that i have for my X5S used with the 210. I think the straw for me selling my last i1 was that I was using it for a power grid inspection one day. It just would not hold position well enough to do what I wanted with the camera. It really pissed me off. The 210 is rock stable in the air and can use two payloads so seamlessly. Maybe the only reason for me to have an I1 is to pop in the firmware that a fantastic forum member created that puts the I1 in holy shite mode and makes flying it recreationally a blast.
Sorry about the rant, I only planned on supporting the m210 comments.
1. Should we drop DJI and find another drone company that won't be under attack like TikTok? If so, what other drone makers are out there that are even close to DJIs price point? I don't think that DJI will be locked out in the end. I wish that there was an American made option, but I can't think of one that makes sense. Dragonfly in Canada had promise but I can't understand the marketing strategy. And how to you get support?
2. Does anyone make a drone that still uses the Zenmuse camera and mount? I think that you could find a small manufacturer that will but whats the point of buying DJI payloads if you are leaving the platform?
3. What are the current drone models out there, other than the DJI Inspire 3, that folks are using for terrain and vegetation mapping (fully automated flight that is reliable)? I never knew that the I3 was even a consideration as a first choice for mapping. Truth is that if your needs are just vegetation mapping, then try out an M3M. It has a great RGB camera and the spectrum's of the payload may work for you. They are 5 megapixel so pretty reasonable resolution. The camera can shoot every .7 seconds so it will map fast. The terrain following on the drone is also excellent. The cost of the M3M with extra batteries and a base station are less than a micasense camera. it is great to have the best of the best but maybe this drone would work for you. There is always fixed wing options. There are better drones but the Ebee will get the job done if you are mapping large area's. if budget is no issue, then maybe an M350 so you have payload options.
