Hoverair x1. Dji neo drone

[Lookrider]

I am toying with idea of getting a used drone for a forthcoming group cycling holiday. i have looked on you tube etc but thought no harm asking here
I will not be making or editing content to go on social media and nor do I want it professional looking
It's really just happy video snaps
I don't want to have a lot of unnecessary accessory either but would like the ability to be able to view what the drone can see either on my smart phone via a drone app or a simple 3rd party screen
This would be to enable the drone to go up and see where we should head if we get lost for example
I like the compatability of the folding hoverair however most reviews of it say it's less efficient than a neo in way of flight control via smart phone and stability of camera ..slow at following you .. and shorter battery life to name a few

Has anyone had good easy to use experiences with either drone in self fly follow me modes ... smart phone app interaction ...all that stuff

Thanks all

 

[fossyant]

Bear in mind, just looking at google maps is a better idea if lost.

The only thing I'd say, is make sure everyone else is happy to stop and faff about whilst you launch the drone, and or get it to follow. This is a group cycling holiday, and this sort of faff would nark me if one of my 'friends' started faffing with a drone. I can't go walking with my SIL, for example. as she stops every 10 feet to take photos of random shizzle. I like to set off and get to my destination/view point/coffee shop etc. etc. So bear in mind the considerations of others.

Reviews for the Neo and the new model are very favourable for cycling 'follow me' stuff.

 

[Webbo2]

On some of the GCN YouTube videos they use one. Obviously they get theirs free through sponsorship but it might be worth having a look.

 

[Sharky]

No experience of drones myself, but check battery life. Some seem to have as little as 20 mins, so may not satisfy what you are planning?

 

[88robb]

Honestly, for what you want, get the DJI Neo. It's way more reliable. The HoverAir is clever but the Neo is much easier to control with your phone and the follow-me mode actually works without losing you every five seconds. Batteries are cheap and last long enough for a few quick flights to scout the road ahead. Just make sure you get one with the remote controller if you want proper control, not just the hand gesture version.

 

[ColinJ]

One thing that I had never considered, and neither had the YouTuber who mentioned it in a video that I watched earlier this evening... don't fly a drone over groups of young children! He was making a cycling video and was concentrating on shots of the road but a teacher at a nearby school, suspicious of what he was up to, told him to clear off before she called the police!

 

[PaulSB]

I can't advise on a drone but I would consider if this is a sensible choice. Occasionally someone on a group ride will shoot some video and posts it in our private club Facebook group. Usually one is completely unaware of this, no problem. Another rider would regularly ride with some sort of camera set up which allowed him to video the group while we rode. Geez that was annoying. Quite intimidating in a strange way. On my bike is my space, keep out.

If you know the rest of the group consult with the others first. If you don't know them forget the idea.

Don't forget to add Google maps to your phone