It's my understanding that you do not need to do an update if you choose not to. I am on v1.3 & plan to stay there for now after reading many posts. In fact some people are trying to get earlier versions after they've upgraded, you can only go back one version at a time in order to get the one you are comfortable with but as for going forward you can go from v1.3 to v1.6 without any problems. I have not updated because of Geo Fencing. I live in the Fla Keys, groups of islands connected by bridges that stretch 110 miles. If I update to v1.6 Geo Fencing is enabled & my motors won't arm if I'm within 5 miles of an airport. That means some islands are completely off limits. I always Fly Safe & in no way do I fly near any airports, I have no need to fly higher then 100' for my photos, but the newest version (from what I've read) prohibits me from flying in quite a few locations. I've read that v1.3, v1.4 is a good version but v1.4 isn't available anymore, its not on the DJI website. Depending who you talk to on the forum most have upgraded without any problems & some have failed miserably. I've read so many things that have gone wrong, kinda spooked. I started out with a Blade Chroma & it operates flawlessly but wanted better pictures quality, its ok in the middle of the photo but falls apart around the edges so I was looking to upgrade. When I fly my Chroma I'm very confident in my ability & equipment & what to expect but with my P3P I am a bit hesitant & don't have that warm comfy feeling in side. Haven't had any problems yet, just have to get comfortable with it. I realize most problems are pilot error that causes most crashes but the fly aways concern me the most. I know a guy this happened to & he was a good pilot, we still can't figure out what happened, flew out over the ocean never to be seen again. If you are looking to upgrade or just get info on you quad there are some really good videos on youtube that are easy to follow & very informative. Pick out a few to get familiar with the procedures on updating. There is lots of good advice from more experienced with the P3P then I am, but I have learned a lot. As for sending it into DJI for updates done correctly that's a good idea but beware, I've read their service dept takes forever to get anything done & sent back, like weeks.
