table of contents
Blog Posts
eBay
Amazon
eBay
- Camera Drones with Remote Control
Amazon
- Orion Skyquest XT8 5.9 Reflector Telescope
- Capture Movies and Still Photos from Unexpected Angles with DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones
- The DJI Phantom 4 Drone -- Capture Professional Grade Video for Business or Movie Making
- Camera Drones with Remote Control
Blog Posts
eBay
Camera Drones with Remote Control
<p>Remote control camera drones, like Quadcopters, can be flown both recreationally or commercially. In recreational use, they provide opportunities to take aerial photographs and videos for your personal enjoyment and to share with friends. Commercially, they are used for land and crop surveys, structural maintenance inspections, marketing videos, documentation and documentaries, films, and special effects.</p>
<strong>What types of drones are available?</strong>
<p>Drones are available in four types -- small toy drones, large drones with cameras, racing drones, and professional drones.</p>
<p>Small, toy-type drones can be flown indoors and are controlled by an app on your phone. They can have cameras, but look for cameras that capture video at a resolution of at least 720 pixels per inch. A hybrid focusing system allows continuous tracking of the subject while helping the camera to maintain focus. Optical image stabilization uses gyroscopes in the lens to further maintain focus.</p>
<p>Large drones come with controllers that both guide the drone and operate the camera. The cameras should capture HD video at a resolution of at least 1080p, a resolution commonly used by vloggers, or video bloggers.</p>
<p>Racing drones are small and built for speed. They come in kits and may be ready-to-fly (RTF) or require assembly. Choose a less expensive model while you learn how to race because you will crash your drone. Later, you can customize your drone (called modding for modifying) and improve your chances of winning events. Competitions include tests of speed, acceleration, and piloting skill.</p>
<p>Professional drones should offer an integrated camera and gimbal to stabilize the camera at high altitudes or in high winds; live streaming of HD video at a minimum of 720p; full HD video at 1080p or, preferably, ultra HD video; still images with a resolution of 12 MP; integrated, onboard GPS; an intelligent flight system with automated flight paths and trick shots; the ability to set GPS waypoints to guide the flight path; object avoidance; “follow me” mode; automated take off and return home; an extended range and battery life; and an intelligent battery system that signals when the battery is low.</p>
<strong>What additional features should be considered?</strong>
<ul>
<li>The choice of a brushed or brushless motor influences the noise level and lifespan of the motor.</li>
<li>Headless mode is a beginner pilot mode that sends the drone in a direction based on the the direction the pilot faces and not the direction the drone faces.</li> </ul>
<strong>Are there restrictions on flying drones?</strong>
<p>Some standard restrictions include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fly below 400 feet.</li>
<li>Keep the drone in sight at all times.</li>
<li>Give the right of way to low-altitude, manned aircraft.</li>
<li>Check for and avoid area no-fly zones.</li>
<li>Avoid flying within 25 feet of people or flying directly over their heads.</li> <li>Avoid privacy violations.</li> </ul>
<p>All drones must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).</p>
<p>Recreational users don’t need formal training or a license. However, commercial drone pilots are required to be trained and licensed. Businesses need FAA approval to fly drones, and they should be certain they are insured for drone operation.</p>
Camera Drones with Remote Control
<p>Remote control camera drones, like Quadcopters, can be flown both recreationally or commercially. In recreational use, they provide opportunities to take aerial photographs and videos for your personal enjoyment and to share with friends. Commercially, they are used for land and crop surveys, structural maintenance inspections, marketing videos, documentation and documentaries, films, and special effects.</p>
<strong>What types of drones are available?</strong>
<p>Drones are available in four types -- small toy drones, large drones with cameras, racing drones, and professional drones.</p>
<p>Small, toy-type drones can be flown indoors and are controlled by an app on your phone. They can have cameras, but look for cameras that capture video at a resolution of at least 720 pixels per inch. A hybrid focusing system allows continuous tracking of the subject while helping the camera to maintain focus. Optical image stabilization uses gyroscopes in the lens to further maintain focus.</p>
<p>Large drones come with controllers that both guide the drone and operate the camera. The cameras should capture HD video at a resolution of at least 1080p, a resolution commonly used by vloggers, or video bloggers.</p>
<p>Racing drones are small and built for speed. They come in kits and may be ready-to-fly (RTF) or require assembly. Choose a less expensive model while you learn how to race because you will crash your drone. Later, you can customize your drone (called modding for modifying) and improve your chances of winning events. Competitions include tests of speed, acceleration, and piloting skill.</p>
<p>Professional drones should offer an integrated camera and gimbal to stabilize the camera at high altitudes or in high winds; live streaming of HD video at a minimum of 720p; full HD video at 1080p or, preferably, ultra HD video; still images with a resolution of 12 MP; integrated, onboard GPS; an intelligent flight system with automated flight paths and trick shots; the ability to set GPS waypoints to guide the flight path; object avoidance; “follow me” mode; automated take off and return home; an extended range and battery life; and an intelligent battery system that signals when the battery is low.</p>
<strong>What additional features should be considered?</strong>
<ul>
<li>The choice of a brushed or brushless motor influences the noise level and lifespan of the motor.</li>
<li>Headless mode is a beginner pilot mode that sends the drone in a direction based on the the direction the pilot faces and not the direction the drone faces.</li> </ul>
<strong>Are there restrictions on flying drones?</strong>
<p>Some standard restrictions include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fly below 400 feet.</li>
<li>Keep the drone in sight at all times.</li>
<li>Give the right of way to low-altitude, manned aircraft.</li>
<li>Check for and avoid area no-fly zones.</li>
<li>Avoid flying within 25 feet of people or flying directly over their heads.</li> <li>Avoid privacy violations.</li> </ul>
<p>All drones must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).</p>
<p>Recreational users don’t need formal training or a license. However, commercial drone pilots are required to be trained and licensed. Businesses need FAA approval to fly drones, and they should be certain they are insured for drone operation.</p>
Product Descriptions
Amazon
Orion SkyQuest XT8 5.9 Reflector Telescope
The large aperture of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 5.9 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope provides you with high quality nighttime viewing.
The larger the mirror and aperture opening, the more light telescopes can collect from the object being viewed. The more light that's collected, the sharper the image becomes. The sharper the image becomes, the more details you will be able to see. With its 8" (203 mm) parabolic primary mirror, the Orion XT8 collects 78% more light than telescopes with 6" mirrors.
In addition, the mirror's enhanced-reflectivity coating increases its reflectivity to 94%, transmitting more collected light to the eyepiece. The Orion SkyQuest optical tube also contains reflector optics to further improve the transmission of light. Transmitting as much collected light as possible to the eyepiece provides you with brighter, clearer views of dim, distant objects.
With this Orion's 1200 mm focal length (f/5.9) and moderate to high magnification, clear nights should provide crisp views. In fact, the ability to collect as much light as possible is more important to quality viewing than magnification. Astronomers actually use low magnification levels for dim objects and no more than medium-high levels for brighter objects.
To calculate the maximum useful magnification, double the opening in millimeters or multiply the opening in inches by 50. The Orion SkyQuest XT8 has a minimum magnification of 29 x.
Using the above guideline, a maximum magnification of 400 x is all that's needed. On good nights, you should be able to observe faint star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. You should even see individual stars in the cores of the clusters and some of the structure of the galaxies.
Brighter nearby objects should be visible in great detail. You can study the moon's craters, the "canals" on Mars, and the rings of Jupiter and Saturn with ease.
You change the magnification level by changing eyepieces. The 25 mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepiece provides a magnification level of 48 x with a 52° field of vision. Other 1.25" eyepieces with different levels of magnification and 2" wide-angle eyepieces with different focal lengths are available as accessories.
The removable 1.25" adapter on the 2" Crayford focuser allows it to accept both 2" and 1.25" accessories. The focuser's mechanism enables you to smoothly and accurately adjust the focus, even when using 2" accessories. The focuser substantially reduces backlash and flexure.
The EZ Finder II makes it easy for most people to locate whatever they want to see in the night sky. Follow an easy procedure to align the Easy Finder II with the telescope, and then turn it on. You will see a red dot in the red-dot sight's small, circular viewing window. Moving the telescope to position the red dot over an object creates the proper aim for viewing.
If you ever need to align the mirror, the quick collimation cap helps you accomplish the task with ease. Dust caps for the focuser and telescope are also included along with Starry Night Special Edition software. This user-friendly software displays realistic simulations of the stars in the sky to help you learn more about astronomy.
The Orion CorrecTension Friction Optimization system make this Dobsonian Orion easy to set up. Use the two Correctension springs to securely mount the telescope. These heavy-duty springs keep the telescope from drifting off target and maintain its balance.
The low-profile altazimuth Dobsonian base further stabilizes the scope. When you want to store or transport your Orion SkyQuest, unhook the CorrecTension springs to separate the two pieces for easy handling.
The telescope's tube measures 46.5" long and weighs 20.3 pounds. The Dobsonian base is 19" in diameter and weighs 20.7 pounds. Assembled, the entire telescope weighs 41 pounds.
This well-designed and well-crafted telescope has plenty of features that you will continue to appreciate even as your expertise increases.
Orion SkyQuest XT8 5.9 Reflector Telescope
The large aperture of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 5.9 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope provides you with high quality nighttime viewing.
The larger the mirror and aperture opening, the more light telescopes can collect from the object being viewed. The more light that's collected, the sharper the image becomes. The sharper the image becomes, the more details you will be able to see. With its 8" (203 mm) parabolic primary mirror, the Orion XT8 collects 78% more light than telescopes with 6" mirrors.
In addition, the mirror's enhanced-reflectivity coating increases its reflectivity to 94%, transmitting more collected light to the eyepiece. The Orion SkyQuest optical tube also contains reflector optics to further improve the transmission of light. Transmitting as much collected light as possible to the eyepiece provides you with brighter, clearer views of dim, distant objects.
With this Orion's 1200 mm focal length (f/5.9) and moderate to high magnification, clear nights should provide crisp views. In fact, the ability to collect as much light as possible is more important to quality viewing than magnification. Astronomers actually use low magnification levels for dim objects and no more than medium-high levels for brighter objects.
To calculate the maximum useful magnification, double the opening in millimeters or multiply the opening in inches by 50. The Orion SkyQuest XT8 has a minimum magnification of 29 x.
Using the above guideline, a maximum magnification of 400 x is all that's needed. On good nights, you should be able to observe faint star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. You should even see individual stars in the cores of the clusters and some of the structure of the galaxies.
Brighter nearby objects should be visible in great detail. You can study the moon's craters, the "canals" on Mars, and the rings of Jupiter and Saturn with ease.
You change the magnification level by changing eyepieces. The 25 mm Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepiece provides a magnification level of 48 x with a 52° field of vision. Other 1.25" eyepieces with different levels of magnification and 2" wide-angle eyepieces with different focal lengths are available as accessories.
The removable 1.25" adapter on the 2" Crayford focuser allows it to accept both 2" and 1.25" accessories. The focuser's mechanism enables you to smoothly and accurately adjust the focus, even when using 2" accessories. The focuser substantially reduces backlash and flexure.
The EZ Finder II makes it easy for most people to locate whatever they want to see in the night sky. Follow an easy procedure to align the Easy Finder II with the telescope, and then turn it on. You will see a red dot in the red-dot sight's small, circular viewing window. Moving the telescope to position the red dot over an object creates the proper aim for viewing.
If you ever need to align the mirror, the quick collimation cap helps you accomplish the task with ease. Dust caps for the focuser and telescope are also included along with Starry Night Special Edition software. This user-friendly software displays realistic simulations of the stars in the sky to help you learn more about astronomy.
The Orion CorrecTension Friction Optimization system make this Dobsonian Orion easy to set up. Use the two Correctension springs to securely mount the telescope. These heavy-duty springs keep the telescope from drifting off target and maintain its balance.
The low-profile altazimuth Dobsonian base further stabilizes the scope. When you want to store or transport your Orion SkyQuest, unhook the CorrecTension springs to separate the two pieces for easy handling.
The telescope's tube measures 46.5" long and weighs 20.3 pounds. The Dobsonian base is 19" in diameter and weighs 20.7 pounds. Assembled, the entire telescope weighs 41 pounds.
This well-designed and well-crafted telescope has plenty of features that you will continue to appreciate even as your expertise increases.
eBay
Capture Movies and Still Photos From Unexpected Angles with DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones
<p>When you make movies or take still photos with a drone, such as the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones video or the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones Professional, you can shoot from above or below, capture the entire scene from a distance, circle the action, or follow the action as it moves from place to place. Choose the shot that best captures the story and mood that you want to tell.</p>
<strong>Important considerations for drone photography.</strong>
<p>Many vloggers on YouTube are switching to 4K cameras like the ones on the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones 4k. The cameras on the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones YouTube are specifically designed for YouTube videos. You’ll want a 4K camera if you want to show your videos on a 4K TV. Full HD cameras with resolutions of 1080p remain an accepted standard, though.</p>
<p>You’ll also want to consider the following capabilities for the camera:</p>
<ul>
<li>Control of all of the camera's video and photography functions remotely from an app</li>
<li>Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity</li>
<li>Isolation of single frames of video for use as a still photos</li>
<li>Burst mode -- captures a series of still images in a single, quick burst</li>
<li>Time lapse photography -- captures a series of still images over a selected period time separated by a selected interval of time</li> </ul>
<p>Wind noise reduction improves the sound quality of your videos.</p>
<p>Image stabilization corrects for vibrations. Optical image stabilization, which is applied within the camera's lens before the image is captured, is best because the corrections can be further adjusted and corrected with photo editing software.</p>
<p>To determine the durability of the camera, check the Ingress Protection Marking, also called the Ingress Protection Code (IP Code). The numbers and letters in the code rate the camera on protection from solid objects and liquids and provide information about the testing. A “W” indicates that the camera was tested under various weather conditions.</p>
<strong>What drone features are important?</strong>
<p>In addition to optical image stabilization on the camera, some drones also protect the gimbal, the camera platform, from vibrations. Other drones carry the camera within a compartment inside the drone.</p>
<p>Installing the camera within the drone’s body stabilizes and protects the camera from both vibrations and crashes, which is a consideration for beginning pilots. Having the camera housed inside the drone also eliminates the need for beginning pilots to try to aim the camera while flying the drone.</p>
<p>If you’re a more advanced drone pilot, you’ll want to be able to maneuver the camera, turning it to the left, right, up, or down. You also may want to use your own camera with the drone. If that’s the case, you’ll want a drone with a gimbal.</p>
<p>If the drone has a gimbal, you still should check how far it allows you to turn the camera.</p>
<strong>Tips for beginning drone pilots.</strong>
<p>Beginning pilots should look for drones with one-button launch and return, headless mode, pause and hover mode, a choice of three flight speeds, follow me, GPS, automatic return, and low battery and out-of-range signals.</p>
<strong>Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by DJI.</strong>
Capture Movies and Still Photos From Unexpected Angles with DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones
<p>When you make movies or take still photos with a drone, such as the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones video or the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones Professional, you can shoot from above or below, capture the entire scene from a distance, circle the action, or follow the action as it moves from place to place. Choose the shot that best captures the story and mood that you want to tell.</p>
<strong>Important considerations for drone photography.</strong>
<p>Many vloggers on YouTube are switching to 4K cameras like the ones on the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones 4k. The cameras on the DJI Phantom 4 Camera Drones YouTube are specifically designed for YouTube videos. You’ll want a 4K camera if you want to show your videos on a 4K TV. Full HD cameras with resolutions of 1080p remain an accepted standard, though.</p>
<p>You’ll also want to consider the following capabilities for the camera:</p>
<ul>
<li>Control of all of the camera's video and photography functions remotely from an app</li>
<li>Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity</li>
<li>Isolation of single frames of video for use as a still photos</li>
<li>Burst mode -- captures a series of still images in a single, quick burst</li>
<li>Time lapse photography -- captures a series of still images over a selected period time separated by a selected interval of time</li> </ul>
<p>Wind noise reduction improves the sound quality of your videos.</p>
<p>Image stabilization corrects for vibrations. Optical image stabilization, which is applied within the camera's lens before the image is captured, is best because the corrections can be further adjusted and corrected with photo editing software.</p>
<p>To determine the durability of the camera, check the Ingress Protection Marking, also called the Ingress Protection Code (IP Code). The numbers and letters in the code rate the camera on protection from solid objects and liquids and provide information about the testing. A “W” indicates that the camera was tested under various weather conditions.</p>
<strong>What drone features are important?</strong>
<p>In addition to optical image stabilization on the camera, some drones also protect the gimbal, the camera platform, from vibrations. Other drones carry the camera within a compartment inside the drone.</p>
<p>Installing the camera within the drone’s body stabilizes and protects the camera from both vibrations and crashes, which is a consideration for beginning pilots. Having the camera housed inside the drone also eliminates the need for beginning pilots to try to aim the camera while flying the drone.</p>
<p>If you’re a more advanced drone pilot, you’ll want to be able to maneuver the camera, turning it to the left, right, up, or down. You also may want to use your own camera with the drone. If that’s the case, you’ll want a drone with a gimbal.</p>
<p>If the drone has a gimbal, you still should check how far it allows you to turn the camera.</p>
<strong>Tips for beginning drone pilots.</strong>
<p>Beginning pilots should look for drones with one-button launch and return, headless mode, pause and hover mode, a choice of three flight speeds, follow me, GPS, automatic return, and low battery and out-of-range signals.</p>
<strong>Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by DJI.</strong>
<h2>The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ Drone -- Capture Professional Grade Video for Business or Moviemaking</h2>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Professional+ Drone is a professional grade drone equipped with a 4K video camera and controls that enable advanced pilots to create high quality video sequences for business or movies. The controller comes with an integrated Android tablet, eliminating the need for attaching a smart phone or tablet.</p>
<strong>How does the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ differ from the DJI Phantom 4 Pro?</strong>
<p>While both the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro have similar capabilities, the airframe of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ has been strengthened and made more rigid with the combined use of magnesium and titanium alloys. These two alloys also make the airframe of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ lighter so that it still weighs about the same as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.</p>
<p>The controllers also differ. The controller for the DJI Phantom 4 Pro includes a holder for a smart phone or tablet. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ controller includes an integrated Android tablet with an extremely bright 5.5 inch display that counteracts the glare from sunlight. The tablet comes with DJI’s Go app, a browser, popular social media apps, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a Micro SD card slot, and an HDMI port. The tablet has 16 MB of storage space with 9.5 GB available for storing video and still photos. The controller battery lasts approximately five hours between charges.</p>
<strong>What available DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ commands and features assist with capturing professional level video?</strong>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ offers 30 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with high-resolution stereo vision sensors to the front and rear and single infrared sensors on the left and right sides. These sensors allow it to avoid obstacles within a range of 2 feet to 98 feet (0.7 – 30m). Downward-facing sensors allow the drone to detect obstacles or water as it lands.</p>
<p>With Draw you can draw a path for the drone on a map displayed on the Android tablet and select points of interest for the drone to circle while filming or taking photographs. Draw offers two flight modes. In standard mode, the drone faces in the direction that it is flying and maintains a constant speed as well as a constant altitude while the pilot controls the camera. In free mode, the drone maintains a constant speed and altitude, but the pilot can turn the drone to face in any direction.</p>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ also can recognize and track people, animals, and vehicles and adjust its speed and path accordingly using one of three flight modes. In trace mode, the drone trails behind the subject. In profile mode, the drone flies beside the subject capturing the side view from various angles as the pilot changes altitudes. In spotlight mode, the pilot controls the flight of the drone while the drone keeps the camera focused on the subject.</p>
<strong>The capabilities of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ camera.</strong>
<p>The camera includes a 24mm wide angle lens, a 1-inch 20 MP CMOS image sensor, and a mechanical rather than electronic shutter. It shoots full HD video in 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p. It captures still photos in both RAW and JPG formats and captures still images in burst mode at 14 fps.</p>
<strong>Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ Drone.</strong>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Professional+ Drone is a professional grade drone equipped with a 4K video camera and controls that enable advanced pilots to create high quality video sequences for business or movies. The controller comes with an integrated Android tablet, eliminating the need for attaching a smart phone or tablet.</p>
<strong>How does the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ differ from the DJI Phantom 4 Pro?</strong>
<p>While both the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro have similar capabilities, the airframe of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ has been strengthened and made more rigid with the combined use of magnesium and titanium alloys. These two alloys also make the airframe of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ lighter so that it still weighs about the same as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro.</p>
<p>The controllers also differ. The controller for the DJI Phantom 4 Pro includes a holder for a smart phone or tablet. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ controller includes an integrated Android tablet with an extremely bright 5.5 inch display that counteracts the glare from sunlight. The tablet comes with DJI’s Go app, a browser, popular social media apps, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a Micro SD card slot, and an HDMI port. The tablet has 16 MB of storage space with 9.5 GB available for storing video and still photos. The controller battery lasts approximately five hours between charges.</p>
<strong>What available DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ commands and features assist with capturing professional level video?</strong>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ offers 30 minutes of flight time. It’s equipped with high-resolution stereo vision sensors to the front and rear and single infrared sensors on the left and right sides. These sensors allow it to avoid obstacles within a range of 2 feet to 98 feet (0.7 – 30m). Downward-facing sensors allow the drone to detect obstacles or water as it lands.</p>
<p>With Draw you can draw a path for the drone on a map displayed on the Android tablet and select points of interest for the drone to circle while filming or taking photographs. Draw offers two flight modes. In standard mode, the drone faces in the direction that it is flying and maintains a constant speed as well as a constant altitude while the pilot controls the camera. In free mode, the drone maintains a constant speed and altitude, but the pilot can turn the drone to face in any direction.</p>
<p>The DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ also can recognize and track people, animals, and vehicles and adjust its speed and path accordingly using one of three flight modes. In trace mode, the drone trails behind the subject. In profile mode, the drone flies beside the subject capturing the side view from various angles as the pilot changes altitudes. In spotlight mode, the pilot controls the flight of the drone while the drone keeps the camera focused on the subject.</p>
<strong>The capabilities of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ camera.</strong>
<p>The camera includes a 24mm wide angle lens, a 1-inch 20 MP CMOS image sensor, and a mechanical rather than electronic shutter. It shoots full HD video in 4K, 2.7K, and 1080p. It captures still photos in both RAW and JPG formats and captures still images in burst mode at 14 fps.</p>
<strong>Content provided for informational purposes only. eBay is not affiliated with or endorsed by DJI Phantom 4 Pro+ Drone.</strong>
