With all of the reported failures of the Phantom 2 (flyaways, loss of power, drift, etc.) I am considering flying with an F450 instead (which I already own). Here are the pros and cons as I see them - I'm sure I've forgotten some but here are most:
PROS
- with H3-3D it's around the same price as Phantom 2/H3-3D
- slightly larger
- batteries cheaper
- adjustable GPS puck for dealing with TBE, etc.
- uses full NAZA FC, not abbreviated as Phantom version reported to be
- more reliable?
- different props readily available
- parts easily swapped/replaced if crashed
CONS
- you have to build it (although it's pretty easy)
- you have to buy a radio tx and rx
- shorter flight times
- non self tightening props (at least not the with the current standard kit)
- you have to buy a separate lipo charger
- you have to handle batteries with more care
- LED not as visible
For many who just want to have fun in the park, the F450 might not be the best choice. However, for someone like myself, who has a radio already, wants to shoot serious (GoPro) video, and have more than one bird, it can be an option worth considering.
PROS
- with H3-3D it's around the same price as Phantom 2/H3-3D
- slightly larger
- batteries cheaper
- adjustable GPS puck for dealing with TBE, etc.
- uses full NAZA FC, not abbreviated as Phantom version reported to be
- more reliable?
- different props readily available
- parts easily swapped/replaced if crashed
CONS
- you have to build it (although it's pretty easy)
- you have to buy a radio tx and rx
- shorter flight times
- non self tightening props (at least not the with the current standard kit)
- you have to buy a separate lipo charger
- you have to handle batteries with more care
- LED not as visible
For many who just want to have fun in the park, the F450 might not be the best choice. However, for someone like myself, who has a radio already, wants to shoot serious (GoPro) video, and have more than one bird, it can be an option worth considering.
