Using the Mavic Pro as a sole alone camera?

Thirall

Estimable
Oct 31, 2015
22
0
4,570
Hi, I am going back and fourth with my father on a deal I presented him: For my birthday we could split the price for the Mavic Pro drone, and we could both use it whenever we wanted to. Since the Mavic camera is a 4K autofocus camera with an inbuilt gimble stabilizor, I was thinking of using this is as a standalone camera for recording youtube videos (note I am not advertising, not telling the name of the channel etc, so don't come here and nag on me bout that). I was hoping if any of you know if it is possible to use this camera without flying the drone (something I think should be possible by default). Also, if this is possible, how long would the recording time be?

If I then decide on using the mavic as a standalone camera, I would also need a microphone for audio. I have been thinking about both shotgun mics (like the popular røde attached on DSLR's), and about lavalier mics. I think lavalier mics would be an excellent choice, since I might decide to film with my iphone 6, and having a shotgun mic then would be rather unconvinient. The problem is that there will be alot of recording outside, for vlogs and other.

So I am wondering if it would be worth it for me to buy a DSLR mic and a shotgun mic.

Or buying a seperate shotgun mic and attach it to the mavic when not flying. Maybe get a holder stand for the mavic. An issue here is that I don't think the gimble will work by itself, since I will be either holding it or using a stand, So I will have to get a seperate gimble If I would like that steady recordings.

Or buying a lavalier. This camera gear is a setup I am planning on using for many years coming. I am even going to go to a school with a class that records and edits alot of video, and so I am thinking having a bit more proffesional gear would be better?

Well I don't know, that's why I am here. Help me guys!
 
Solution
I have come down to the at899 and the giant squid lavalier mic's. The at899 is clealy better, but costs almost 3 times as the squid (180 vs 50 dollars). On top of that I would need a sound recorder, which I have come down to these two: The zoom h1 and the tascam dr-40 (100 vs 150 dollars). 

Using the AT899 would require an xlr input, which the zoom h1 does not have, which the tascam does.

I am thinking that I would buy the giant squid lavalier with the tascam dr-40, to later upgrade to a AT899 if I so please in half a year or so. This would come at a total of 200 dollars, vs the 310 of the AT899 solution

Graybush

Estimable
From my understanding is that the camera on the DJI Mavic Pro cannot be removed from the drone, and it might be more effort than it's worth to try and use the drone for non-flying purposes since it's a little heavier than some of their competitors.

However, the Gopro Karma Drone has a removable camera, and GoPro now has cameras that also film in 4K.

In terms of mic gear and setups, I'm not very knowledgeable on these subjects, maybe someone else can chime in?
 

Thirall

Estimable
Oct 31, 2015
22
0
4,570



Yes I have seen hat as an option although the mavic is way more portable, it literally fits in a big pocket. I am looking for that portability that clearly the karma doesn't have (hah, karma right? nah..). And yes I was intentionally never planning on using internal audio (god no!). I am wondering about shotgun mic or lavalier mics. Prefferably what that works nicely outside and when it is windy and such. A lavalier will obviously be much more portable because of the size, although I belive getting a lavalier with wind resistance would be high up in the pricelisting. Any thoughts?
 

Thirall

Estimable
Oct 31, 2015
22
0
4,570
I have come down to the at899 and the giant squid lavalier mic's. The at899 is clealy better, but costs almost 3 times as the squid (180 vs 50 dollars). On top of that I would need a sound recorder, which I have come down to these two: The zoom h1 and the tascam dr-40 (100 vs 150 dollars). 

Using the AT899 would require an xlr input, which the zoom h1 does not have, which the tascam does.

I am thinking that I would buy the giant squid lavalier with the tascam dr-40, to later upgrade to a AT899 if I so please in half a year or so. This would come at a total of 200 dollars, vs the 310 of the AT899 solution
 
Solution