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Post by robc450 on Oct 4, 2009 16:12:01 GMT -5
Hi Sheri Welcome to the group. My X6 rolled in the door on Thursday. I've been busy charging batteries and reading the manual (the weather is terrible at the moment). I haven't tried out the LX3 camera, although this site has good comments about it: www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/lx3.shtmlI ordered an extra camera bracket from Draganfly with the idea of using my Canon G10 instead of the LX3. A few users have also replaced the video camera with a newer Panasonic (TM-300). As far as getting up & running quickly.. I went to Saskatoon last Spring and played with an X6 for a couple of hours, it's very easy to fly. The only thing that'll slow you down is their 12 week delivery time. Rob
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sheri
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Post by sheri on Oct 5, 2009 16:19:10 GMT -5
Thanks, Rob. Congrats on being the newest X6 owner!!
I sent on the info for the TM-300 video camera to my photographer. I had also heard good reviews on the G10, but I read that it won't shoot in Raw remotely, only jpegs- which is something we'll probably need. He's also told me in the last 2 months there's now a cross between a point and shoot and DSLR, which he's looking into for me. I'll post any info he comes up with. A better camera that can still be carried by the X6 will make my decision a lot easier.
I know the delivery time is around 12 weeks, as you mentioned. Is this due to such a high demand they can't keep up.. or that they only build one when someone orders one? I'm still hesitant on being a 'beta tester' with better things to come shortly, but I also believe in getting in on a good thing in the beginning, and helping to create a 'niche market'. I've been burnt in the aviation world with that concept, though- been with a few companies that didn't quite make it! However, with Draganfly- outside of the wind issue, the rest looks pretty good! Hopefully, most upgrades will be software, and we can stay somewhat current fairly easily.
I hope to put in my final call to Draganfly this week... unless anyone talks me out of it!
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Post by robc450 on Oct 5, 2009 20:25:43 GMT -5
hi Sheri On a G10, the difference between shooting jpg's and raw is amazing! I tried a test last summer where I shot the same scene (same exposure, both raw) with a G10 and compared the results to my 40D. At 100 ISO I had trouble telling the images apart, but it was easy to tell them apart at 400 ISO. I think I've figured out a way to shoot raw with a tethered G10. Don't tether it (really). The tethering/raw problem only occurs when you control a G10 via the USB connector. If you connect to the video out plug for the video feed and use the remote shutter switch to fire the shutter, then raw is still available. The only drawback to this method is you loose the ability to zoom. But with an X6 you can probably fly closer. At the moment, I'm not too worried about the loss of zoom because when you zoom, shutter speed drops due to reduced f/stop and the camera is more sensitive to vibrations. I sent an e-mail to Canon's tech people a few months ago asking to enable raw/tethered in the next firmware update and told then why I was asking for it. I actually received a reply, they thought it was an interesting use for the camera and would look into it. Another option is one of these gadgets, zoom works although RAW is still disabled (for now): www.blip.com.au/item.aspx?itemid=14When these folks finish their G10 port, then the tethered/raw problem will disappear: chdk.wikia.com/wiki/G10I've heard from a fellow in the UK that switched to the TM-300 a while ago and he said: Pros: - video quality is much better Cons: - TM-300 is longer, so you can't tilt down as far - TM-300 is heavier, so flight times are reduced. I think the 12 week delivery is probably due to demand. When I was there they had several X6's at different stages of assembly and there were 4 completed systems waiting for the courier to pick them up. I just checked the calendar.. 12 weeks from now is after Christmas, an X6 under the tree would be impressive. Hopefully the weather will be nice next weekend so I can go outdoors and "play". I've noticed a common reaction that several people have had when I tell them about an X6. Most folks start out with something like.. what can you do with that?? Then after I mention 1 or 2 possible applications, you can see their expressions start to change and suddenly they start coming up with uses I hadn't thought of. It's an interesting reaction.
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sheri
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Post by sheri on Oct 5, 2009 20:53:58 GMT -5
That's a great help, Rob- thanks!! Since I'm a pilot, and not a photographer by trade, I'll pass all that on to my capable employees who understand all that. I got about 75% of it- I'm learning this photography bit! I 'retired' from aviation only to work 24/7 with a new golf photography business- it was only natural to bring the aviation side into it! I see so much possibility, despite the payload and wind issues. Payload is somewhat easy to deal with, wind will be a challenge- but expected out of a 2# heli trying to stay stable.
I will use all your info above when I make another call to draganfly. I really appreciate all the help, it's definitely useful info for me- thanks! I look forward to being an X6 owner soon, and yes... it'll be a great Christmas present! Just wish Santa was delivering a check for the same amount under the tree at the same time:-)
Let me know how you do with your X6 once your weather clears up and you get out to play! I'm looking forward to hearing about the results. And yes... I'm thinking some of the initial business will be the 'wow' factor of the x6 and all it can do. The uses are really vast, and it's a big enough world for all of us to work together on furthering this. If we pool our info we all learn, it will help all of us! I really appreciate all your responses, and as I learn too, I will post info to help others. thanks!
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Post by pulsey on Oct 20, 2009 15:39:12 GMT -5
Hi there,
Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Andy, based in the UK and I've just ordered one of these things with stills, video and a second Tx, but passed on the basestation and the Thermal Imaging for now.
I want to prove the concept before expanding the range. However, if I'm offered some thermal imaging work, that might sway me...
I'm buying it to make a fist of it commercially - but not giving up the day job straightaway.
Delivery will be end of November so will keep you posted.
Hope it pays off as I have a very cynical wife and this is another of my harebrained schemes (in her opinion ;D )
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Post by kamarul on Nov 9, 2009 21:13:46 GMT -5
Good Luck Andy with your business and I do hope you'll get your X6 within the 12 weeks they promised you!
In my case I got it 18 weeks later and missed 2 photoshoot activities including 1 that was the primary reason for me buying it in the first place!
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Post by pulsey on Nov 10, 2009 17:30:41 GMT -5
Good Luck Andy with your business and I do hope you'll get your X6 within the 12 weeks they promised you! In my case I got it 18 weeks later and missed 2 photoshoot activities including 1 that was the primary reason for me buying it in the first place! D'oh. Not a good start. Hope mine's nearer 12 weeks than 18 as that will make it a Xmas present and I can practice over the holidays.
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Post by kamarul on Nov 11, 2009 18:21:51 GMT -5
Good Luck Andy with your business and I do hope you'll get your X6 within the 12 weeks they promised you! In my case I got it 18 weeks later and missed 2 photoshoot activities including 1 that was the primary reason for me buying it in the first place! D'oh. Not a good start. Hope mine's nearer 12 weeks than 18 as that will make it a Xmas present and I can practice over the holidays. Yeah it was very frustrating for me. If I had the options, I'd have cancelled the order then. What I found most disheartening was how no apology/explanation was extended for the delays (twice). A little too arrogance for my taste. First the delay was additional 4 weeks. And nearing the date, none of my emails to them was answered until I use the chat room then I managed to speak to someone and was presented with yet another bad news - they wanted another 2 weeks or so. I first bought the X6 to use to be used during a launching ceremony of a very large oil tanker. Quite a big event and the plan was to use the X6 to show live view of the ship to the audience from maybe 30 / 40 metres up at the shipyard. (connecting the ground base station to a projector). If I had received it within the 12 weeks, I would still have about 2 weeks to practice and familiarize - which I thought would have been enough (I have about 10 years RC flying experience). The delay meant I missed this opportunity and a loss of revenue that would have paid for half the price of the X6 itself. Naturally I was very disappointed with the delay and I tried to talk to them to expedite delivery, the reply was a total shock! Instead of apologizing, she even have the cheek to lecture me on how I shouldnt book a project until I have the X6 in hand! And this come from the Sales Manager herself which in my book is a little untactful. Anyway, all this is over, and I hope Andy you have better luck than me.
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Post by sRagnar on Dec 3, 2009 1:04:57 GMT -5
kamarul, sounds like my experience getting the thing here. took forever and a lesson in booking of prospective clients, that lady there should have taken some of her own medicine and not sold and booked all those X6's till she was ready it is all water near a bridge by now but it was very frustrating since i had mine payed in full within 3 hours of them sending me the invoice. ohh well, they are getting better and better on the service end and support is much much faster than initial sale delivery. guess it was just something they and us had to learn. I am very eager to see some of your work?? is it available somewhere? flickr photobucket or your own site?
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Post by neoradix on Apr 18, 2010 10:58:03 GMT -5
greetings from Israel, as far as i know the only israeli comercial X6 user (not sure about the military) ;D
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Post by hummingbird1 on Jun 1, 2010 7:18:14 GMT -5
Hi All,
Received my X6 about a month ago and only just found this forum.
Like many others here have issues with the vibration using the video and am going to try Final Cut Studio to do post production as I have heard it has very powerful stabilisation filter. Can anyone verify this? Will also be checking the balance of the video camera mount.
So far excellent stills but getting control of the video is a challenge!
Look forward to responses.
Bob
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