Has anyone seen or tried these?

[brushcutter]

My kids found these back in the summer and I think this could be the ultimate aatv video device. I've been hoping they would develop one that didn't require an I-device to operate but at some point I would like to, and probably will try one.

AR.Drone 2.0. Parrot new wi-fi quadricopter- Ar Drone Academy

It would be cool to have someone ride with you and as you drove along they could film. Or... they can be programmed to fly a given route as you do it solo. Then your video would actually show your machine as you maneuver along through your riding terrain, rather than the usual drivers pov of what you are about to drive through, which is... well... kind of dull and boring. No offense meant, I've posted some of those also, and I could have just as well posted a "I'm walking through the slough" video with a lawnmower sound track. But with one of these you could do it all- water level to overhead- front looking back, from behind toward vehicle, or from either side all while tracking along, with no "wait for me to get up ahead before you go over that" pauses. Think of a group ride video shot from 30 feet overhead capturing multiple vehicles laying it down through the nasty, now that's a video you don't see... ever. Anyhow I thought I would post this up for you guys look over, I think they are the coolest video platform to hit the market yet. Any thoughts?

[Roadtorque]

If you use your i-device as a remote then I cant imagine the range being that great. I also dont think it would do very well with even the slightest breeze. I've never seen it before this posting so I could be wrong

[MaynoothMarauder]

Have a look at the Customer Review at Best Buy. I have also heard this about this product. :e

[amphibious drew]

I have not had this one, but have had several of the small remote control helicopters, and never had much luck with any of them flying properly for very long. The first crash seems to ruin the machines ability to fly. This does look a little better than what I have owned, but I don't see how it could work well for the cost. You can get real remote control helicopters with video equipment on them, but I have no idea what the cost is. I am sure over $1000 for the most basic unit. The unit you posted seems to be a geeks icrap toy.

[Bazooo guy]

I have one and crashed it almost every time it flies with no damage ...the rotors freewheel in the event of a crash.
Wind is a big problem especially when you get up high and the wind is unpredictable.
Video quality is ok and i use my ipad to control it.
Trees are also a problem.
With practice and fine tuning the controls they are lots of fun and the birds eye view is awesome.
Battery only lasts about 15 min.
Heres some video

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=qDOeKF6Yq3s&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqDOeKF6Yq3s%26feature%3Dyoutube_gdata_player

[Beeman]

I made some parts for a client that was building one of these types of units (the quad) and he had a problem with battery life as well (max 10 mins). They are very stable in the air though and it you wanted some cool overhead footage this would probably be the best way to go.

[amphibious drew]

They make camera blimps too. I think a blimp may work for longer cycle times than the helicopter.

Neat video bazoo guy. I thought the quality was pretty good. I am not sure I would want to crash land on the trail though. It could end up in some pretty nasty stuff.

[Mike]

With the AR drone, you can remove the styrofoam when flying outside to help it navigate wind. I think the best results that I see are when people use the DJI 450 with a GoPro camera mounted to it like in this video. All of the low altitude scenes from the air were shot with the DJI:

[brushcutter]

Good feedback guys. No doubt the person who reviewed was not happy (nor would I be )with the short battery life and all the reset involved to fly after each change. I had thought of the rc helicopters, but my bil was looking into buying one and nixed it after learning that they can be dangerous. The guy at the hobby shop where he bought all of his expensive rc trucks told him that for the first months(year) it was recommended that you lift off and set down repeatedly until you master that, then you start learning to actually fly. The guy showed him pics of a guy with a bunch of stitches who had decided he didn't need all that practice. yikes! I've been hoping the parrot guys would make a few changes to their platform to make them more woods friendly. Maybe I should look into other possibilities, don't know how well a blimp would work, might be stable, but wind would be a problem. I like the ability to see what is being filmed in real time like the parrot offers so hopefully they will address these issues.

[Bazooo guy]

When it flies without the styrofoam body it seems much lighter and reacts totally different.
The software has adjustments that change everything from max rpm to max height and sensitivity
and speed for the controls.
The app

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/freeflight/id373065271?mt=8

is free and gets updated.

[brushcutter]

Bazoo, never had this happen before but when I click on your link I get "address not understood" message so I haven't gotten to see the video. Will do some digging to try and watch it.

[Bazooo guy]

The video link didnt work on my ipad and thats strange because i uploaded it with the ipad.
The desktop version does work on my pc.
The link to the app may not work on a pc...not sure but its in the app store just search ar drone or freeflight in the app store.