I CRASHED MY DJI MAVIC INTO THE LAKE - Will it work again?

After 100 hours of flying time... 5 seconds of carelessness, has possibly cost me quite a bit of money.
I crashed my Mavic Pro into the lake. Will it work, or fly again?...
Whilst on my last VLOG, I flew my DJI MAVIC Pro drone to 'add interest' to that video, I got impatient, and careless, Crashing my drone into a a tree and ending up at the bottom of a lake. Will this it ever work again?
Drones are incredible tools when used right and with much concentration. Come and have a look just how bad it is damaged...

[@Andrew_marr]

Being a big user of a drone for stills as well as capturing footage for my KZbin videos, I can relate the stress involved with flying my Mavic is certain situations. My heart sunk as you explained that your drone ended up at the bottom of the lake. I’ve had a few close calls, but I’ve not had an incident like this, touch wood. I was blown away with how well the drone recovered, a testament to how well these drones are designed and constructed. A new set of propellers should improve the stability. Thanks for sharing this story Ewan, stay safe mate!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Andrew, good to hear from you mate. Im glad I wasnt alone in that 'sinking feeling' (No pun intended). They sure are stressful, and you need a =n incident like this to remind you, just how volatile they can be to fly! New Props are on and recalibrate the IMU later today! = ) Hope you are well in Aus! Regards, Ewan

[@silekiernanphotography]

That is amazing Ewan and a testament to the engineers. Thanks for doing this and looking forward to more. Enjoyed the music too!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Sile. Yes indeed. I was amazed. - I have just found a repository with a whole lot of unanswered comments in it. Sorry for the late reply. Many thanks. Kind regards Ewan

[@jamesmcluckie7088]

Magic, glad all worked out well with the drone....😊👍🏻

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi James. Thanks Mate 0 so am I ! Phew! LOL Thanks for watching. Regards, Ewan

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Buddy, you may have started a drone calamity thread here! These things are terrifying and as you know, I got mine stuck in a tree within days of you ditching yours in the drink, which I blamed you for :) I also nearly lost it in a waterfall some years ago when it clipped a branch, but a cool head allowed me think first and then calmly reverse it out. One to watch though which did happen to me was in Lofoten. I got it out of a warm car and put it down on the snow to take off. When it got in the air and unbeknown to me, the cold snow had stuck to the underside and the warm undercarriage so the sensor couldn't see and no idea how high the craft was. I set off over the sea with what can only be described as a drone that appeared to have drunk 10 pints of Old Peculiar. In the end, I did manage to turn it back and crash it into a snow drift. These things are amazing and actually very tough, but as you say, they are not good for those with a heart condition!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey SImon, thanks buddy - yes i may well have started something indeed. Im quite sure its as common as much to have flown and crashed a drone. I have a few stories early days too. Certainly stressful, but like anything else, you just need to expose yourself to the same thing time after time, so when i get it fixed, Ill crash it repeatedly, just to practice! =.. D Speak soon buddy. Ewan

[@timbrown5304]

Glad it worked out in the end Ewan. I'll take this opportunity to thank you for posting your vlogs. I've methodically worked my way through them all now and I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. Your images are inspirational and you've given me some great ideas which I intend to incorporate into my own photography. Stay safe.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Tim. You are welcome and thanks for taking the time to wade through them all. Gad i could be of some help. id like to know how you get on with them = ) Regards.

[@thomasschwarze7288]

Oh my god...but I've never thought, that it will be work so properly after this drown. Thank you for using this "toy" ...it's very helpful to show the epic landscape in a totally other way than a photograph can do In combination with this wonderful music it is always a heart warmer! Thanks for your excellent videos! I've learned a lot and it always puts a smile on my face...

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Thomas, Im glad my vids can do that, with thso drone adding to it... which works perfectly again, having just flown it in my last vid, posted this evening! Kind regards, Ewan

[@paulbynre632]

Hi Ewan, Thanks for the video. I'm very tempted to acquire one of these having seen your images and the result of that dramatic incident. Jason had a bad experience many years ago with his first Drone. I think it spent more time in the workshop during the guarantee period than it ever did in the air. But things have moved on considerably since then. Good to know you are still working on these videos. Catch up soon. Paul

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Paul.They are truly wonderful, and clearly uber reliable now! Get one, but wouldnt buy new i dint think. There are some bargains to be had, as the rules and regs around the flying of them are becoming more and more stringent, even here in ole New Zealand! Kind regards, Ewan

[@andrewduthie9237]

Wow that is an amazing recovery story and testermant to the quality of the DJI. I have a Solo 3DR with a Gopro attached that i thousands invested in but i am to scared to fly over water as my Pension wont cover replacing which is a shame as its an opportunity lost, flying over water towards land looks so good. I thought your footage was really first class in your last vlog btw. So i am off to buy a 5kg of rice in case i become a big boy and take the plunge, so to speak. Kia Kaha Ewan.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Its awesome huh! I am really chuffed (Scottish word for pleased). The 3DR looks good and i like the controller. would probably create the feeling that you actually had more control. Im usually pretty good wth the drone, and just got sloppy, as I was in a hurry to get the shot to get the vlog done, and the two... dont go together. Slow, steady and pre planned wins every time! NIce to hear from you Andrew. We will maybe catch up once the travel taboo is lifted! = ) Regards, Ewan

[@PaulCSmithPhotographer]

One of the best pieces of kit I have brought, the Mavic Pro, cant say enough good things about DJI and their product.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey paul - yes indeed. Some tremendous products in the line up. and who would have thought, waterproof too! Ill be keeping a keen eye on an anticipated MAVIC PRO 3 after the recent launch of the Air 2! = ) Hope you are well down there in Taupo . Ewan

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Sorry to hear about the drone Ewan. Incredible it still gors at all? Water and electonics are such a bad mix. So know that feeling of flying over water. Thanks for sharing the video mate 👍🙏

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Adrian. I know... right!? I dont know if ill be more or less nervous next time! LOL (Time i was gettinga new one anyway)! You are welcome. Stay safe buddy. Regards, Ewan

[@johnbentley1056]

Stunning footage. I was horrified when it hit the tree and dropped in the water. So surprised and glad that it still works. I look forward to seeing more footage in future videos.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey John. Many thanks mate.Im glad it wasnt just me who was horrified. I was pretty horrified hearing that 'splash'! Ill be sure to get it (or its replacement) in the air with future stuff. Incidents like this helps you appreciate them! Kind regards mate - hope you are well. Ewan

[@BosePhotography]

Wow, can’t believe it still worked, this is quite an advert for DJI! Must have been awful hearing that crash. Really glad you got it working again, perhaps some new blades will help stabilise it a bit? Would love to get a drone, not sure how high a priority it is on our wish list, but I’m sure one day we’ll be able to justify it! S.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Sam and Hannah. Yeah, it is a good advert but not one which DJI themselves advertise, which is a bit of a secret. I have had a look since and there are quite a few vids on here of the same thing. Re you getting a drone... great for your vlogs to add another dimension and once you get your flying hours up - quite enjoyable to do some advanced menu stuff. Expensive unless you are going to use it a lot though, and you had mentioned MED FORMAT too, so expensive times ahead. You are only young once though! Nice ot hear from you. Kind regards from Aotearoa! Ewan

[@slvance2]

That is incredible that you were able to bring it back. Never seen one come back from a dunking. After watching this I starting thinking about drones again. I have an old Phantom 3 and never use it anymore. I shoot a lot in canyons and there are just many angles etc you just can't get to on foot. I decided to go ahead and get an Air 2 and start bringing it in with me for that. The old Phantom was just too big for and the camera was poor at best, at least as a stills camera. We'll see.... enjoy your work...

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Steve - Yes... you can imagine my surprise when it flew again. Its actually a little more responsive now... than it was! LOL Regards, Ewan

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

That's incredible, I've seen a few cases of crashed soaked drones drying out and working a treat, some amazing technology there. I bought the wee Spark primarily for footage for my channel but what I didn't expect was to be using it for stills which I'm loving. I still treat my spark like a new born kid I fly carefully over water of near trees I've used sport mode once damn near had a coronary. I'm sure the Spark laughs at me when it's out of the bag, poor bugger can do sooooo much more than it's yellow operator allows. Loved your footage of Mt Taranaki at the end stunning work, I was there for the first time before the world went bat crap crazy I was blown away by that mountain, and got sooooo lucky with the conditions. Geat vid mate enjoyed watching. regards Paul

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Cheers Paul. I have just found a repository with a whole lot of unanswered comments in it. Sorry for the late reply. Many thanks. Yeah, indeed. Drones are king huh!? Kind regards Ewan

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Ewan Dunsmuir Images all good mate keep on droning on 😆📷

[@JaypeaFoto]

Surprised that it still works. Glad to hear.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Yip, you and me both! Ewan

[@chrisplank3654]

Incredible that it survived a dunking. Could have been your excuse to by the Mavic Pro 2, incredible bit of kit. I think anyone who owns a drone can relate to your heart sinking moment - most of us have been there. Swap over the propellers. Any with chips or bits missing should be binned. I never really use my drone for video, usually its stills or 360 pannos. Think i'll give it a go when lockdown is over. Stay Safe.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Chris. It might actually be the excuse i needed to appreciate it more, Fly it more and be able to justify an upgrade! = ) Im the opposite, mostly vid and hardly any stills. the 20mp sensor may change that though! Thanks Chris. Be well! Ewan

[@GBarchy]

I've had my Mavic Pro Drone now for about 2 years. During that time I've made a few videos where I've flown it out over the sea. During the making of one of these videos, and whilst out over the sea, I lost contact with my drone, and it was out of sight. Knowing that the drone would hover I re-booted the remote and eventually gained contact with the drone. But like you, my heart was in my mouth. I have also had to have the motherboard replaced, due to my incorrectly placing the sd card in. It was a costly error to the tune of $500 (AUD). However, I do love flying the drone and making videos. I've just started taking still images with it too. As you said a great drone.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Geoff. Thanks for watching. Yes the repairs can be quite costly to do indeed. I assume you just powered the controller down and back up?... Yes that would have been mighty stressful! Eek. Wonderful drone and i am mighty impressed witht eh lesser Air 2 drone with some of the featured that has on it! Kind regards Geoff. Ewan

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

That filled me with fear! I'm very impressed with how its working. Ribbon cable isn't hard to replace, I did that on mine, about 2 hours and lots of swearing. I was about to say to give it a recalibration but you then mentioned it. Love the vinyl wrap! not used mine for a wee while and I KNOW the Mavic is still good but part of me wants the new mavic air for how small it packs up!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Adam. Nice to hear form you. I am beyond words, and delighted! Didnt realise you can do it yourself. I put my previous one into a repair agent. 120 quid. Ill do the Calibration tomorrow.. see how we get on. All the best mate! Ewan

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages Yeah it is a bit figety, you will swear, you will probably end up with a cut knuckle but saves you money! think you did well getting it back and operational, poor people who will have rice fall on them though! haha

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Hi mate.. I felt for you when the drone sunk.. I’ve actually lost 2... one in the Baltic and no idea why (it may have clipped a seagull) and the other quite similar to your incident. It was out of sight above a gorge filled with trees and clipped a tree I couldn’t see on the monitor and the sensor didn’t pick it up... I’m assuming it’s still up there haha. Remarkable you found it and got it working again. As always, a well crafted film and excellent story my friend ..

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi Ian - Lost 2?... you poor sod! That gets expensive. Seagulls dont like them, and go after them. I think the motor sound plays havoc with their sonar system (if they have one = / ) Many thanks for your ongoing support too. Your channel is catching up with this one! LOL Kindest regards to Sweden, from NZ. Ewan

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Two drones OMG...nothing surprises me with you anymore Ian. As they say, if it wasn't for bad luck, you wouldn't have any luck at all :-)

[@williamconnell6541]

Thats exactly why i got rid of my drone, to much for an old fella to handle :)..but well done you Ewan.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey William. Never too old to fly a drone! I have found that i just need to care less, when im flying it. I was pretty wound up pulling the kayak form the shed though! LOL Stay safe. Regards, Ewan

[@williamconnell6541]

Actually the real reason was that here in N.Z. there is multiple rules gathering weekly where you could fly or not.And where you wanted to fly you have to have permission of the land owner to fly over his or her farm or if not owned by them then the landowners, the rules are way out of line for most photographers here, but i did sell my Phantom 4 to a cocky, :)

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@williamconnell6541 - yeah, its disappointing , particularly in Southland... that as soon as you drive into the region, the first thing you see... is "no drones". What they sometimes don't know, will never hurt them! LOL. I must admit that ive flown them sometimes in error without seeking permission from the correct person first. I have paid the $60 fee to DO often, only having permission given on a couple of occasions. Rolling eyes emoji!

[@PMCN53]

That was amazing to be able to have such a potentially devastating event with water & a tree and have such minimal affect on the drone! Looks like a few new replacement blades and the hover function should be ok? I've resisted the DRONE thing up until now but after going on my trip to Lofoten with Rod Thomas (Rod Thomas Visuals) who is an advanced drone photographer I have been looking for an excuse to get one. I think I'll put it on my short list for 2020..... the temptation is too great Ewan! Looking forward to getting out to shoot again later this week, as the restrictions are being lifted slowly here in Sydney. You don't realise how much you enjoy something until you are prevented from doing it. Cheers toll next time.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Phil. Yes, they certainly are incredible machines. There is a new Mini 2 drone which looks simply incredible with a massive 48MP sensor on it, for still and 120fps 4K video.. which is unbelievable. If you take your time with these things and stick to the rules, they reward you, time after time! Ill maybe buy the Hasselblad one at some point pre a trip to Lofoten, which looks incredible. You will need to get over here and we can have a 'drone off'! LOL Hope you are well, and be sure and enjoy the lifting of restrictions. Kind regards, and thanks for your comments. Ewan

[@MrRooster1968]

Thats. Brilliant news Mate lol you so lucky it. Still flying Thats the only reason iv not. Bought one im scared of smashing it into a mountain Keep safe mate

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Paul. Who would have believed it huh. They really are worth the stress though. You just need to get flying hours up before pushing the limits. Hope you are well. All the best, Ewan = )

[@josephcole3187]

Can't believe it survived, but it does appear to be built like a deep sea submersible. Maybe that ingenious design holds the key to its survival ...that and the 5 kilos of rice.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Joseph, me neither tbh! I am actually flabergasted... even still! I think they are built this way, but DJI dont advertise the fact, which is a lost opportunity, but clever marketing too! The rice definitely helped though. = ) Ewan

[@josephcole3187]

Ewan Dunsmuir Images i must say the wrap fooled me I thought for sure with the rust it was a goner. Reminds me of a rebel fighter from Star Wars 🤣.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@josephcole3187 - LOL. Its actually a really realistic wrap. Had my son fooled when he first saw it (he even had to touch it, and asked what happened) I actually had to reconstruct the vid to include the footage of it going in, as it apparently didnt look credible without it. Glad i added it in. E

[@thevalleywalker]

I would love a drone but I don't think my stress levels would cope..lol. Incredible that you not only crashed it into a tree and put it in a lake but it still works, you are one very lucky chappie I say !! NZ seems to have come through the covid crisis much better than the incompetence that we are going through here in the UK mate. My younngest lad came with with me yesterday on our dailey exercise walk and he is a big fan of Jacinda and NZ as a whole after spending the year there. It wasn't helped by the flytipping we witnessed - sadly, this place is going to the dogs as they say. Hope you are well and hope that it won't be long before you & everyone are back to some sort of normality - although what normality will look like in the future is anyone's guess. Atb Al

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Alan. I have just found a repository with a whole lot of unanswered comments in it. Sorry for the late reply. The drone is amazing and flies more responsively now, than it did before!? Flytipping huh... Yeah thats how Mumbai started.Many thanks. Kind regards Ewan