3DR Solo - Hands-on Review - Videomaker.com

[@ajalvarez1387]

Like everything about the 3dr solo I bought it with the gimbal with really good price...but I'm just hoping they go to upgrade a battery for a bit

[@ronchristenson5832]

Nice video and good review. My experience has not been so good, I decided that this would be my first "RTF" and purchased last summer, probably the second shipment of their release, waited 3 mos. for the solo and another month for the gimbal. I have built and flown several 3dr quads using their controller and GPS. The solo had problems from the start, mainly with GPS. Support was good until I flew it (at their advice) and clipped the top of a tree and it fell about 90' to the ground, shattering the shell (it had lost GPS and drifted away before I could get control). After that support was not so good, lost my service ticket, said it was probably my fault etc... . I replaced the shell and still fly it, but still won't hold GPS lock, it has locked up the controller on every software update ( I did the fourth update 2 days ago, still locked up). Anytime I try the "smart shots" feature it loses GPS and goes into "fly manual", very frustrating to say the least!. Most people I have spoken to speak very highly of it, me, not so much. After investing nearly 2300.00 dollars in this setup and seeing what is available now, I would not by another 3dr product. The controller is small and unbalanced and awkward to hold on to, but it is a very compact setup, it does have that going for it. I probably just got a "lemon" but have had enough of 3dr. Next purchase will be the Yuneec Typhoon "H". Don't mean to sound like a "disgruntled" owner but i feel very slighted by 3dr at this point.

[@RonaldBrown59]

Good review, I’m thinking of getting one.

[@tottedpotato]

Would you still buy one now that 3DR is on it's way out of the industry? Great prices on them currently, but still not chump change...I'm worried that it will be hard to track down props and batteries in the future.

[@romulusempire2425]

Excellent video,But How do Install the fans on the Bird the Proper way???

[@ChrisParayno]

best review yet

[@videomaker]

+ISLANDTECH PRODUCTIONS Thank you so much! Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelTitera]

Thanks for the review. What's the best HD drone under $1,000 ?

[@videomaker]

+Michael Titera good question. DJI makes great drones, and since they come with camera's now, they are a great value. Look at their line up, they have lots of options. Thanks for watching

[@MichaelTitera]

+Videomaker - Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@DoubleD72]

The dji phantom 3 professional which has been the #1 drone for the past year is now $999. Because they are about to release the phantom 4. If you have $1000 to spend that's the one to get hands down.

[@justinhall9475]

+Double D Spend the money if you don't care about customer service. Dji is the worst when it comes to costumer service.

[@DoubleD72]

Justin Brown that has changed. They now have a security measure now. Even if YOU Fuck up and crash they will replace it no questions asked. It's a fee but better then nothing. Dji has changed a lot. Truth is regardless of 3dr's customer service nobody is talking about 3dr anymore. Well except the people who own a 3dr. Lol

[@LateNightswithRob]

Great Video.

[@videomaker]

+Robbie soto Thank you! Thank you for watching.

I have 3DR Solo, but still watched this review. A lot of things have been missed about Solos features. For example gimbal tilt preset and speed adjustments of it. It would work almost the same as CableCam, but instead you would be able to fly Solo manualy, but camera tilting would be automatically. Camera tilts with easy-in-easy-out style - that makes your camera moves look like pro. Also, there were updates of Solo software/firmware. You have even more options (multipoint cablecam). And last - Tower (Droid planner3) application. This application will extend Solo capabilities for commercial use of your drone, not just filming. So I disagree with the opinion that Solo is an entry level drone. It is prosumer level drone. The only thing that bothers is GoPro. But hey, if you are videomaker so GoPro has more features that you can use in low-light, timelapse, nightlapse, because it is small you can put whatever you want etc. That is why I chose Solo - because my videos will be more usable and informative and I can offer not just aerial service, but I can add extra shots to my clip that would make it complete. I don't say Phantom is bad, but these drones are really very different. p.s. waiting for Hero5 :P

[@videomaker]

+Sigitas Čiapas Well said. We didn't mean to imply that the Solo is strictly an entry-level drone. Rather than it is easy to use for beginners.

[@aimhighmediaservices8875]

Very informative, and well put together. I really want one of these, can I have your's since your all done with the review?

[@videomaker]

+Aim High Media Services no Devin... nice try though.

[@videomaker]

+Aim High Media Services nice cameo too

[@kevinlarson1522]

What would be the best Smartphone or Pad for the Solo 3DR.....I'm thinking biggest possible screen.

[@lodstaana5085]

Kevin Larson am I too late for this...try Samsung Tab A 8.0

[@kevinlarson1522]

Ty

[@DFT46X]

How was the link between the camera and the controller? did you have any drop outs or any link breakage issues? any wifi interference at all?

[@videomaker]

+OH NAH Thank you for your comment. we only had the app crash once, the drone stopped and hovered. it was easy to get re-connected. Otherwise it worked as it should. it was the app in the phone that crashed, so the performance could be more related to the phone than the drone or the app. We flew it near a bunch of high end homes where there were loads of wifi signals and it didn't have any issue with drop out, link breakage or wifi interference. hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@DFT46X]

Awesome Thanks!

[@smeagolyetti4101]

come check out my Solo 3DR video, It flew 40,000 foot.

[@romulusempire2425]

Hey Chris I’ve need help with my this drone and my GoPro 4 black, my screen turns all green, So How Could I’ve Could really fix’s this situation

[@videomaker]

Thanks for your comment. We would need more details to be able to help. You might try making sure the drone and the camera have the most up to date firmware. Because of how people use GoPro's, they are also prone to getting damaged, so make sure it works outside of the drone as well.

[@ghettotech9617]

Good review

[@DoubleD72]

I wanted the 3dr solo to do so well when it was announced. And I have these issues with it. 1 gopro - I love go pro cameras for many things. Ariel video is not one of them. If the camera is pointing straight ahead or straight down its fine. But once you pan that camera you get the bent horizon issue. To me it looks awful. You can switch the camera to narrow view and it helps and you can also remove a little bit of it in post but it's not perfect and who wants to go through all that when you really don't need to with another drone. I like having my gopro on the ground ready for use in another platform. 2. Distance - having a drone ran via wifi is a scary thing. It's not reliable at all and the range is really poor. Dji definitely has the market on range with the light bridge technology. It's that extra security that is awesome. 3. The Gimbal - it's so low to the ground and it just doesn't feel well thought out and really bothers me. 4. Shaky Video. I am sure you noticed a video spots in your video where the video was pretty shaky. However they do seem to have good customer service which to me is their only upside.

[@fotouhi]

+Double D I was planning to get this one as a beginner. What brand/model do you recommend?

[@DoubleD72]

I recommend doing your research and getting what ever one you really like and which one has the best features you are looking for. There are so many now days. If you are looking for a beginner drone check out either the brand new dji phantom 4 that just came out today. It's almost idiot proof. It's only $1300. Or what I have that I love the dji phantom 3 professional. It is now $999 and an absolute amazing drone. Also the other new drone that was just released that is turning heads is the Yuneec typhoon H. That thing is amazing. All three of the ones I mentioned are top notch over this one I promise you. But buy what you like and what you really want. Opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. Lol but as much research, testing and flight time as I have I would never stear you in the wrong direction. If you need a hand with anything hit me up.

[@4WDBearAus]

It isn't connected to the GCS via wifi at all? Also, many view the GoPro as an advantage. Saves you having to buy a whole new multirotor for an upgraded camera. With a replacement lens it becomes a far better camera than those offered by DJI anyway. Agree, on the gimbal. Easily fixed though.

[@DoubleD72]

I personally like having my gopro on the ground charged and ready to go for other use. while my drone has a dedicated camera the is meant for arial video. the gopro is not exactly setup for arial video. yes you can change a lens or edit in post. but it has been proven that nobody is using gopros for drone use anymore. unless thats all they have. honestly fly whatever you have. it is better then not flying at all. the majority of people now flying camera drones do not go the gopro route. it is just fact and there are reasons why.

[@4WDBearAus]

+Double D a large portion of small multirotor operators still use the Gopro. they are the standard for HD recording from racing multirotors, and

[@DeejaySlamBB]

WAY too expensive !

[@ajalvarez1387]

It's easy to fly the upgrade the software but when They're going to upgrade a battery or a car charger is just not enough flight time

[@larsmartintangen7072]

It was suposed to be a drone that 3dr would continue to develop and owners could improove the solo so they didnt have to get a new drone ever, now 3dr have fired almost every engeneers and given up the commersal marked, its a lot of problems with it and you need to fix those problems youself now

[@DoubleD72]

Not sure if you were paid to make this review but my opinion this is not the drone to get. There are several on the market I'd get over this one. For many reasons. My opinion. And many others too I can asure you. But thanks for the reassurance why I didn't get this drone when it came out.

[@videomaker]

+Double D Thanks for the insight. We definitely agree that this is not for everyone. No drone is, really. For the record, we do not do paid reviews, and this one is no exception. :)

[@DoubleD72]

+Michael Delzell if you read the comment above that was clarified some time ago.

[@tims2430]

Now its $299 and I hope it stays that way.

[@bkeene12]

$1250?! Now you can get one for $450. Looks like the folks that make it lived up to what they wanted to do.

[@videomaker]

Yeah the price has dropped significantly since the release of this review

[@rtazz17]

Videomaker just got one with gimbal and two batteries,new at best buy for 300

[@AVKoshelev]

very poor configuration vs DJI P3P. The range is very short in city I think that will be just 120 meters. Combined with GoPro 4 price will be 1900 usd vs DJI P3P 1200 which includes gimble and better camera(you could control camera settings from app/remote)

[@videomaker]

+Andrei Koshelev thank you for your comment. We share those thoughts. The camera is the biggest budget killer, unless you already own one, then the drone is a support product. Do you have any experience with the autonomous flight modes with the DJI P3P? we'd like to know how well it works. that was the biggest feature that made the solo fun and exciting. Thank you for your insight, we greatly appreciate it. Thank you for watching.

[@AVKoshelev]

+Videomaker hi, I had P3S for 2 months. this is a wigi model. In London the max distance was about 120 meters and altitude just 60metres advertised (500 meters for CE). last week upgraded to P3A huge difference. much more stabile. camera control from remote. distance I have not check as I'm not going to fly far but in same place where altitude for P3S was only 15 meters that gave me 115 meters with full signal. Video steam seems to me a bit better. camera seems a bit better (on paper these things are the same for P3S & P3A) . Flight modes I tried only so far on P3S. there were very cool. Mainly used orbit and waypoints. Waypoints could be used as slider shots. only minus for p3s that min heigh is 10 meters for orbit & waypoints. not sure id p3a has same rsstriction. As really for nice shots you don't need hidge rangde on paper p3s seemed good deal but in reallity P3A is much better drone and I thinks that difference worth to pay!

[@videomaker]

+Andrei Koshelev Thank you for your insight. Before getting the P3S, had you flown drones much?

[@AVKoshelev]

+Videomaker never had experience. The first drone was P3S. that type of devices you need extra care. very easy to damage it.

[@videomaker]

+Andrei Koshelev absolutely. many are in the beginner level, so we want to make sure to consider them when doing reviews as well as the pros.