Love your list with the exception of the floats. I have had floats on 6 different drones including my mini 3 pro. I use them alot. I use them in winter quite a bit to land on snow. Makes a nice shot of landing beside a trail and walk, snowshoe going past. I love my floats. Thanks for all your videos.
MATTE SCREEN PROTECTOR for RC -not as easy to find with all the "9H Tempered Glass" -those protect, but don't improve visibility. Boxwave makes an amazing one. * Kills 90% of glare. * Fingerprints won't obscure the display. Best productivity accessory I've found. Just get it. You will thank "that bear scare blaring fair guy" -I promise, lol.
Fly more kit is an absolute. I fold the lid of the bag back and then put the whole thing in my PacSafe backpack for instant organization and access to the M3P and batteries. Great video!
I used to agree with you regarding the coloured sticks, until I dropped one of the originals (they are so TINY!) in fairly short rough grass. Despite a thorough search it is still there somewhere! I now use the blingy red sticks!
Just buy a < 5 quid 3D printed stick lock so you don't need to remove them for stowage. It stops them from moving thus preventing damage or any need to be removing them. Pro tip though: If screwing or unscrewing anything don't do it over grass yeah? Either the smokable kind or the stuff on the ground. :D
Thanks for the enjoyable videos - however there's one point where you misspoke in your commentary - at 2:26 regarding ND (neutral density) filters - these don't reduce glare and reflections, they just cut down the overall intensity of light to allow you to use a "cinematic" shutter speed - it's polarising filters that can help cut glare and reflections (if oriented correctly). I notice that you are using combined ND and PL filters, which may be where the confusion arose. But if someone buys plain ND filters they will be disappointed to find they don't cut glare! Cheers!
Another accessory that I find extremely important, and it was one of the first that I bought, was the propeller guard. If you plan to fly your drone indoors, this is absolutely essential. Never fly your drone in confined spaces without the propeller guard. Once the drone's propeller hits a wall or any other object, it will fall and probably cause expensive damage. Believe me, I have learned it the hard way. The propeller guard will still keep the drone hovering if it hits a wall.
Lol. Yeah I learned this the hard way too. Especially since the drone can't stabilize without the GPS signal. I once made the drone take off from my floor and it rocketed straight into the ceiling.
I bought a screen protector. Also purchased a lanyard. Handy if you weren't born with 3 hands. Also have a sunshade coming. It's a bigger one that doesn't interfere with the sticks. The sun here in Texas gets really high. I'm sure it will help.
On the topic of memory cards, if you plan to film in 4k you MUST use a U3 card. U2 and lower don't have enough bandwidth for recording 4k videos and will corrupt your footage. So price and brand aside, the least you should get is -U3- cards.
Would a U1 card be sufficient enough to use for screen recording? When I bought my drone, my wife picked me up a 64gb U1 card, figuring that would be fine. She didn't know that a U3 was needed to handle the bandwidth of 4k video.
@@StencilMunky that, I'm not sure about. Screen recordings are usually 720p but I'm not sure if there would be a bandwidth issue there. But you can always test it out and see what happens. If it gets corrupted, then you know it's no good. Lol
There's also the Fly More PLUS kit which gives you two extra Big batteries. As opposed to the smaller ones in the normal Fly More Kit that only has 30 mins flight. Those bigger batteries really do make a difference
Hi Darren, thanks for your enhancement tips. I am now also the proud owner of the DJI 3 mini and am already happy with the multitude of functions and the quality of the drone. I still miss the ND filters, but not for long ;) Greetings from Germany Sigi
Hi Darren, Having recently retired from a wedding videography business, I opened a youtube channel and started to make local history documentaries for pleasure. I am in the process of buying my first drone to expand my film content and decided on the dji mini 3 pro. I have completed my flyer ID and Operator ID and spent the last two months looking at youtube clips on how to fly, tips and advice. As per usual most of the creators are from canada or the states and not everything they talked about was relevant to me. It took me ages to find you, a UK based creator who speaks my language and a yorkshire lad too (Im a geordie from Newcastle). I love your videos they are really helpful and particularly this one explaining the do's and don'ts of accessories. Anything you do on the mini 3 pro I will be soaking up in buckets. Thank you, keep them coming. best wishes Jon
Great video, I'm planning to get a drone but I'm stuck between the Air 3 and Mini 3 Pro. With the air 3 the 3x zoom camera would be super useful for me because I plan to take it fishing and scout out spots and stuff without spooking fish, but my only concern is size as I plan to wade out with it on sand flats and stuff but I don't want something to bulky as I need something I can carry while carrying a full backpack and fishing rods. I was just wandering if there where any shoulder bags you would recommend for the air 3, or should I get a mini 3 pro instead? My only concern with the mini 3 pro is the quality of the digital zoom.
1. Totally agree, I am considering doubling down even and getting a 2nd fly more kit. If not, a fourth battery at least. 2. Love the Freewell filters. I went with the All Day pack. I love and use the ND64 all the time during sunny days. I’ve also used the ND1000 for hyperlapses. I will likely double down here too for a polarizing set. 3. Yeah Anker! 4. As mentioned on another post, screen protection for the RC controller was an easy choice. 5. I picked up a lanyard for the controller and (gasp!) cut off the shoulder strap on the fly more kit bag and clasped it in its place for a more comfortable shoulder carry, and when I want I unclasp it and use it as lanyard for the RC controller. Cheers from across the pond 🇨🇦!
Landing legs are quite useful if you are in the country and need to land on roads that have large gravel, it beats having the props beat against the rocks. The case use is small and it flies a bit different with them, but they are sometimes quite useful. I keep some available.
@@dave_ecclectic The retrieval of the SD card might be as valuable as the drone itself... especially for replacement value if you can't easily reproduce the video scenario.
I've bought red RC control stick. Heading out on a long backpacking trip soon and want to reduce the risks of losing a control stick along the way and needing to try and fly the drone with the screws. Fly more kit, a pair of plus batteries to add to it (I will be up to a week between recharge opportunities) and a polarised ND filter set (I will probably only carry a couple of filters though). I've also been making cases to make hold drone and controller to both protect them and keep them accessible without needing to take my pack off, open it up etc.
1 thing about the floats is that increase the surface area of the drone, which means a lot more winds can hit your drone. Is it good? If you get tailwind, yes. Headwind? No.
Are the nd filters strong/dark enough? i've seen reviews of people saying that the nd4 and 8 is pointless and that the company will be updating the kits with nd256's instead.
Really useful info. I just wonder, as the two filter packs you recommend are not cheap - if I were only going to buy one of the packs to get started - which of the two would you recommend?
hey I would like to film a sailboat while its moving. Take off isn't really a problem, but landing seems a bit dangerous. Is it a good idea to get one of these sticks which makes it easier to catch ?
I agree with you Darren, I bought my M3P with the FMK and bought the All day Freewell ND filters when they become available (I have Freewell ND filters for my Mini1). I also bought the Long Exposure ND filters from Freewell (they have been already shipped) and I was paying a 20 USD transportation fee. I added a Light Pollution (night filter) for 19.99 USD to my purchase and got transportation for free. I bought a pair of DJI RC sticks from DJI because I have already let one fall to the ground but luckly I found it. I bought a screen protector for my DJI RC. I am just missing the prop holder (I have for my Mini1) and one that you didn't mention, the DJI RC neck strap.
I just ordered fly more kit, will get it a few days after the new year (2023) and I saved a few dollars with a store discount! Got a spare SD card on the way, using a couple I had lying around as I've only had my Mini 3 Pro a couple of weeks so still learning it but getting some good shots already. Next thing on my list will be a bag or case, don't need a back pack and not sure if I need the hard case. Will also look at getting some filters before going away.
Quick question. I purchased the new Freewell ND/PL all day filters. I am not sure when to use the CPL lens vs NP4 PL. NP4 is for cloudy days. So when do you use the CPL? Wouldn’t it be too bright?
List is good, the only thing I disagree with is landing legs. They're actually quite good if you're landing on grass, as it prevents the drone tipping and the props clipping the grass or ground.
Finally received my M3P & Flymore kit this past Friday. I got a bit of a start at first. Of course, when you 1st get it, there are updates to do, so I got those performed for my RCN1 version. What DID NOT get updated automatically was the APP for my Galaxy Note 9 (Android) phone. So, my initial attempts at operating the M3P were disappointing. The gimbal did NOT want to seem to "lock in". It floated up ... then down .. and wouldn't stay centered. I was so confused, I sent an email to DJI Support. After a day of conteplating the situation, I checked to make sure all updates were latest. Found that the APP on my cell was v1.6.1 .. so updated that to v1.6.9 (latest for RCN1). After that, the gimbal seems to work normally. Put in a short test flight out of my front yard, and was amazed at how quiet it is and its stability and ability to stay put & not drift around. Brought it INSIDE the house and took off from the living room floor. Again, SO quiet & it didn't drive a centimeter one way or the other .. very impressive compared to my Phantom 3 Adv. or Evo 1.
My first additions were a screenn protector and a lanyard - it's quite freeing for setting up if you can hang the controller from your neck rather than risking placing it down. Next up - NDs. Only thing is which ones - the circular polarizer ones or the standard ones? I wonder how easy it is to get the dialled-in polarization correct pre-flight (can change a camera polariser in use).
I ordered the fly more kit plus from Amazon on the 29th! It went on sale next day for 7 % off so I cancelled it next day and reordered with an additional sun shade for the rc for same price on the 30th. I have only flown it twice and as a first time drone owner I am HOOKED!!! But in strong sun I had trouble pointing the control towards the drone trying to shade the control. I hope this helps and would like feedback from anyone using this accessory. I also ordered the bright sun kit after watching another of your videos so thank you for posting! From North Bay Ontario Canada keep the props toward the sky.
I've had my mini 3 for about 2 weeks now, and I'm really looking forward to my fly more combo arriving in a few days. The charger and extra batteries will be great addition. And one of my 6 different Freewell filters goes on every time before I go up now thanks to one of your previous videos, and I wanted to say thanks. The quality of my pics and videos has improved. Now I just have to learn how to put all this stuff to work. 🤣
Love your content, I’ve just sold my DJI FPV , wicked drone but just not practical if you want to go on a walk with my dogs ect , so I’m now looking at either the AIR 3 or the mine 3 , still not sure lol
I love the prop strap. Works great. I'll disagree with you on the second set of control sticks. I'm gonna drop and loose on. I'd rather have a second set of inexpensive sticks in my bag for when I inevitably need one.
I have a charger that supports high draw tech. I also have the Fly More Kit Plus. I tested this several times and I can attest that if you have the power available the charging hub will draw 3A @ 12 V (36W). While a 30W charger will do well a 45W charger will be faster. Both the extended battery and the 249g battery will charge at the same rate. The charger for the controller makes no difference since it is low draw (5V @ 2.8A). Honestly it is only a 20% difference in charging rates, nothing if you are charging only one battery but a measurable time savings if all your batteries need recharging.
I have Pgytech hard case for Air 2, Mavic 3 and a Matching one from another brand for Evo 2.. one complaint: The smaller format Mini 3 case has no strap attachment points. When you travel heavy, a shoulder strap is really useful 👌
Good video. Only item I would disagree on is the landing legs. I live and fly in the California desert. Nothing but sand and brush. I use a pad but landing, many times I have to put down in the sand. Already have had to clean out the motors. The higher the better. Hand catching is not an option due to a hand disability.
I think that your review is bang on but as recommended by a member above the RC screen protector is a must have accessory. I have never purchased a hard case for any of my drones as they have very limited room for accessories that should be part of your kit. When I go out to do some flying, I have four batteries each of my drones, I take a lens cleaning kit, SanDisk portable SSD, drive a pocket power bank with cable to charge the controller while I’m flying, depending on the shoot location I take a landing pad that I can clip on to my carry case, Micro SD cards in mini zip locks, and sometimes I take my GoPro 10. At times I take my iPad Pro 12.9 inch for viewing my files. I can’t carry a backpack due to a physical limitation, so I use a PeakDesign Everyday Messenger 13L and use the shoulder strap. For charging I use the ECO FLOW River Max for very fast charging that I carry in the back of my SUV.
Great video ! Wanted to tell you about a dumb accessory I bought once and almost lost my Air2s over it. I picked up the drop mechanism because I thought it would be cool to Cary stuff in the air and drop it off elsewhere. Well, that was a lesson hard learned. I took my first flight with the drop mechanism and decided to deliver a cigar to my brother in law just a few blocks away. All was good until the draft caused by the propellers drove the cigar straight into the propellers. The string got caught in the propellers and I watched on my screen helplessly as the drone spiraled down towards the ground. Once it came to a crashing stop, I used the find my drone feature to located. 2 blocks away, there was my Air2s on a tree in someone’s back yard. Luckily I was able to get promising from the homeowner to climb the tree and recover my drone. I feared the worst, but when I finally got the drone in my hands all looked good. Only damaged props. No broken arms and the gimbal was intact. The tree broke it’s fall. Just beside the tree was a lake. An inch further and my drone would have gone right into the lake. The cigar was still attached, but shredded. After that, I immediately took off the drop mechanism and returned it to Amazon. My lesson was learned, I will never add silly accessories to my drone.
Is the difference between the 2 filter packs that one is polarized and the other is not? If so, can a separate polarizing filter be used in conjunction with the non-polarized pack?
Controller sticks: I carry a pair of them just in case I drop one of the original and can not find it. The sticks of the RC are so fiddly to screw on, I think it's just a matter of time until I loose one.
Put the OEM sticks away and use the extra set you just bought and you’ll never have to worry about losing the original set, the aftermarket set work just the same and do what the OEM set does but they’re cheap and easy to replace.
👏👏👏👏👏 thank you, floaty legs yes I agree 1000% I have dents in my forehead from detailing the wall when the inevitable conversation starts about these on FB.
Enjoy your videos as always, but I will also disagree on the landing legs accessory. I am still new at flying drones so I have not mastered the hand takeoff/landing. I plan to take my drone to beach areas where the legs will minimize sand getting into the M3P. Plus, I already have the advanced batteries, so my drone is over the 250 gram limit.
The best accessory is the DJI replacement plan, i skipped the flymore kit because the case is pants, but i bought 2 batteries and a better case AND a charger, got one off ebay for £30 from someone who ended up with 2 or something.
I just ordered landing gear, I don't like the look of them,but, I put a firehouse strobe on the bottom of my M3P so I can see it far better in the day time. I'm not planning any night flying in the near future. It works great,but, it puts the drone on an angle on the ground to the point I get a message that I can't take off because of the angle of the aircraft. I will try the landing gear to try and solve this issue.
Of all the computers in my house I doubt any can do video editing. As a matter of fact my desktop is a couple of generations behind on OS as it’s too old. How about recommendations on computing systems and video editors beyond iMovie? This is getting expensive.
Hi Darren, I don't disagree with you about getting water landing floats, "BUT" I do have them---Not for takeoff and landings on water butt for when I'm flying over water and my drone may suddenly decide to crash for whatever reason and goes into the water--at least it will float, and I will be able to recover it. I will have it to return to DJI if they require it. Great video love watching all of your postings.
The landing legs are useful if you live in the desert southwest, where there really aren't any good places to land a drone, unless you absolutely love cleaning dust off of your drone for 30 minutes and landing in your hand is hard sometimes when the drone refuses to come down to your hand on a windy day, which I have experienced a few times. Also the color of the dirt apparently confuses the drone because it always bounces on the dirt before stopping which kicks up dust everywhere.
Landing pads on water if using not just to land on water, but if drone crashes to water, you can find it floating upside down, but not in a bottom of lake, and you could use dji refresh care option, but if you lose drone you wont use dji care refresh..
I just bought a mini 3 Pro and a few of your "Must buy" accessories. One question, though. What is your opinion about tempered glass screen protectors for the RC controller? They have saved my phone's screen more times than I can remember.
I have to be honest, I like the idea of the floating landing gear because I fly a lot over water and if my drone can't get back to me or crashes into the water, retrieving that SD card might be a huge priority and I don't have scuba gear.
Hi Darren, I agree with your list and I do admit I did buy landing legs for my Mavic Mini. I bought one that looks like a pair os snow skies. The reason for them was landing on sand. I used it a bit in the begining but as you said, after you are confident landing and taking off from your palm, they become meaningless. They are in a drawer somewhere with my landing pad, which I also only used a couple of times. I now take off and land on my hand and it is just much more practical. I still have a Mini 2, with the fly more combo, ND filters and a great backpack for it al along with my cameras. I also got the same SD cards as you and then one more thing I have for long trips is a really good power bank. I have a 30,000A power bank that charges the batteries, controller and phone several times and it has saved me on several occasions where power was a problem. I did not have a car or outlet to charge and the powerbank was essential.
There is one accessory that I purchased from Amazon. The sunshade cover that screws solid to the controller. With the cover, I never have to remove the sticks for storage. Just close the cover. It is made to cover the sticks. If you are flying in direct sunlight, you can partially close the cover putting the scene in the shade. When you store the controller, close the cover and the screen is protected.
Quick question! Can you store the batteries in an unplugged charger hub for storage overnight? Or should I be leaving it out on my table and packing it on the day in the hub to bring to locations?
Only just found your channel and I have an honest question regarding flight over water. I, along with a friend, are rowing 3000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua for charity. This is going to take around 40-50 days. I intend to take regular drone footage, documenting and streaming from the vessel. What would you suggest as an ‘as safe as possible’ option to fit to a drone, should it land on water? This is not the plan, but it would be nice to have an option of recovery? I understand the risks involved in flying over water, no rules will apply regarding weight and all flying will take place in the calmest of conditions and within visual line of site.
The water landing floats are so that you can find and retrieve and make a insurance claim on your drone. I would never try to land or take off using them. You're not going to be able to get your drone back from the bottom of a lake, but these floats would allow you to retrieve it and make your insurance claim.
I got the Xiaomi 120 watt charger. It has a single USB-A port and a thick cable. The lights on the battery hub blink very fast and that thing charges like a dream. I have the large version of that very same landing pad you showed. The first time I used it I was very glad it came with 3 pins to fasten it to the ground to keep the wind from blowing it away.
I bought a mini 3 pro because my original mini lost power over a lake and went down and sunk. If those float legs actually keep the drone afloat so you can retrieve it then it's worth it
I simply bought a velcro strap to go around the Mini 3 to hold the propellers and it's great and cheap.
Did the same thing. Worked 100% of the time and saved a bundle!
Same here, just cut a piece of a big roll and you're done for a couple of cents
DJi actually expects us to pay 12 pounds just for a prop guard!
I used a running armband in fluorescent color
Love your list with the exception of the floats. I have had floats on 6 different drones including my mini 3 pro. I use them alot. I use them in winter quite a bit to land on snow. Makes a nice shot of landing beside a trail and walk, snowshoe going past. I love my floats. Thanks for all your videos.
MATTE SCREEN PROTECTOR for RC -not as easy to find with all the "9H Tempered Glass" -those protect, but don't improve visibility.
Boxwave makes an amazing one.
* Kills 90% of glare.
* Fingerprints won't obscure the display.
Best productivity accessory I've found. Just get it. You will thank "that bear scare blaring fair guy" -I promise, lol.
Any creator who advertises floats cares only about views. Big respect to you for being honest !
Thank you mate
Absolutely!
Fly more kit is an absolute. I fold the lid of the bag back and then put the whole thing in my PacSafe backpack for instant organization and access to the M3P and batteries. Great video!
Great content as always! The only addition I might suggest is glass protector for the RC.
Yes that’s a good shout
1st thing I ordered
I prefer a protective foil with matt finish that eliminates annoying reflections.
I used to agree with you regarding the coloured sticks, until I dropped one of the originals (they are so TINY!) in fairly short rough grass. Despite a thorough search it is still there somewhere! I now use the blingy red sticks!
Just buy a < 5 quid 3D printed stick lock so you don't need to remove them for stowage. It stops them from moving thus preventing damage or any need to be removing them.
Pro tip though: If screwing or unscrewing anything don't do it over grass yeah? Either the smokable kind or the stuff on the ground. :D
Thanks for the enjoyable videos - however there's one point where you misspoke in your commentary - at 2:26 regarding ND (neutral density) filters - these don't reduce glare and reflections, they just cut down the overall intensity of light to allow you to use a "cinematic" shutter speed - it's polarising filters that can help cut glare and reflections (if oriented correctly). I notice that you are using combined ND and PL filters, which may be where the confusion arose. But if someone buys plain ND filters they will be disappointed to find they don't cut glare! Cheers!
Another accessory that I find extremely important, and it was one of the first that I bought, was the propeller guard. If you plan to fly your drone indoors, this is absolutely essential. Never fly your drone in confined spaces without the propeller guard. Once the drone's propeller hits a wall or any other object, it will fall and probably cause expensive damage. Believe me, I have learned it the hard way. The propeller guard will still keep the drone hovering if it hits a wall.
Lol. Yeah I learned this the hard way too. Especially since the drone can't stabilize without the GPS signal. I once made the drone take off from my floor and it rocketed straight into the ceiling.
Which guard do you recommend?
But it affects weight and battery apparently and also may mess with the anti collision
I bought a screen protector. Also purchased a lanyard. Handy if you weren't born with 3 hands. Also have a sunshade coming. It's a bigger one that doesn't interfere with the sticks. The sun here in Texas gets really high. I'm sure it will help.
Do you have a link for the sunshade as the RC really sucks in broad daylight. Not bright enough.
On the topic of memory cards, if you plan to film in 4k you MUST use a U3 card. U2 and lower don't have enough bandwidth for recording 4k videos and will corrupt your footage. So price and brand aside, the least you should get is -U3- cards.
Would a U1 card be sufficient enough to use for screen recording? When I bought my drone, my wife picked me up a 64gb U1 card, figuring that would be fine. She didn't know that a U3 was needed to handle the bandwidth of 4k video.
@@StencilMunky that, I'm not sure about. Screen recordings are usually 720p but I'm not sure if there would be a bandwidth issue there. But you can always test it out and see what happens. If it gets corrupted, then you know it's no good. Lol
There's also the Fly More PLUS kit which gives you two extra Big batteries. As opposed to the smaller ones in the normal Fly More Kit that only has 30 mins flight. Those bigger batteries really do make a difference
They do add more flight time, but they also add more weight and take the drone over 250 grams.
Hi Darren, thanks for your enhancement tips.
I am now also the proud owner of the DJI 3 mini and am already happy with the multitude of functions and the quality of the drone.
I still miss the ND filters, but not for long ;)
Greetings from Germany
Sigi
Stabil
Hi Darren, Having recently retired from a wedding videography business, I opened a youtube channel and started to make local history documentaries for pleasure. I am in the process of buying my first drone to expand my film content and decided on the dji mini 3 pro. I have completed my flyer ID and Operator ID and spent the last two months looking at youtube clips on how to fly, tips and advice. As per usual most of the creators are from canada or the states and not everything they talked about was relevant to me. It took me ages to find you, a UK based creator who speaks my language and a yorkshire lad too (Im a geordie from Newcastle). I love your videos they are really helpful and particularly this one explaining the do's and don'ts of accessories. Anything you do on the mini 3 pro I will be soaking up in buckets. Thank you, keep them coming. best wishes Jon
Thanks very much Jon 👍👍
Great video, I'm planning to get a drone but I'm stuck between the Air 3 and Mini 3 Pro. With the air 3 the 3x zoom camera would be super useful for me because I plan to take it fishing and scout out spots and stuff without spooking fish, but my only concern is size as I plan to wade out with it on sand flats and stuff but I don't want something to bulky as I need something I can carry while carrying a full backpack and fishing rods. I was just wandering if there where any shoulder bags you would recommend for the air 3, or should I get a mini 3 pro instead? My only concern with the mini 3 pro is the quality of the digital zoom.
Do you know if the filters from the air 3 pro will fit the air 4 pro?
Since it’s the same camera.
Thanks for your videos…helps a lot. 👍
1. Totally agree, I am considering doubling down even and getting a 2nd fly more kit. If not, a fourth battery at least.
2. Love the Freewell filters. I went with the All Day pack. I love and use the ND64 all the time during sunny days. I’ve also used the ND1000 for hyperlapses. I will likely double down here too for a polarizing set.
3. Yeah Anker!
4. As mentioned on another post, screen protection for the RC controller was an easy choice.
5. I picked up a lanyard for the controller and (gasp!) cut off the shoulder strap on the fly more kit bag and clasped it in its place for a more comfortable shoulder carry, and when I want I unclasp it and use it as lanyard for the RC controller.
Cheers from across the pond 🇨🇦!
Landing legs are quite useful if you are in the country and need to land on roads that have large gravel, it beats having the props beat against the rocks. The case use is small and it flies a bit different with them, but they are sometimes quite useful. I keep some available.
Another vid pointed out that if you did lose it in the water, it would be floating instead of sinking. Not for landing but retrieval.
@@dave_ecclectic The retrieval of the SD card might be as valuable as the drone itself... especially for replacement value if you can't easily reproduce the video scenario.
I've bought red RC control stick. Heading out on a long backpacking trip soon and want to reduce the risks of losing a control stick along the way and needing to try and fly the drone with the screws.
Fly more kit, a pair of plus batteries to add to it (I will be up to a week between recharge opportunities) and a polarised ND filter set (I will probably only carry a couple of filters though).
I've also been making cases to make hold drone and controller to both protect them and keep them accessible without needing to take my pack off, open it up etc.
Loved it ! The bag is brilliant !
I'd like to see more videos on video editing and software reviews.
1 thing about the floats is that increase the surface area of the drone, which means a lot more winds can hit your drone. Is it good? If you get tailwind, yes. Headwind? No.
Been looking forward to a video like this !
Are the nd filters strong/dark enough? i've seen reviews of people saying that the nd4 and 8 is pointless and that the company will be updating the kits with nd256's instead.
*Good to see your channel has grown nicely Darren. There was a time our channel sizes were similar back when I got my Mini 2. Keep up the good work*
Really useful info. I just wonder, as the two filter packs you recommend are not cheap - if I were only going to buy one of the packs to get started - which of the two would you recommend?
hey I would like to film a sailboat while its moving. Take off isn't really a problem, but landing seems a bit dangerous. Is it a good idea to get one of these sticks which makes it easier to catch ?
I like Sunnylife propeller holder more. It's slimmer and covers the bottom OA Sensors as a bonus.
I agree with you Darren, I bought my M3P with the FMK and bought the All day Freewell ND filters when they become available (I have Freewell ND filters for my Mini1). I also bought the Long Exposure ND filters from Freewell (they have been already shipped) and I was paying a 20 USD transportation fee. I added a Light Pollution (night filter) for 19.99 USD to my purchase and got transportation for free.
I bought a pair of DJI RC sticks from DJI because I have already let one fall to the ground but luckly I found it.
I bought a screen protector for my DJI RC.
I am just missing the prop holder (I have for my Mini1) and one that you didn't mention, the DJI RC neck strap.
Good stuff. Perhaps a nice lanyard for the rc controller especially during hand landing and take off could be useful.
Another very useful and fun video Darren, thank you!
I just ordered fly more kit, will get it a few days after the new year (2023) and I saved a few dollars with a store discount! Got a spare SD card on the way, using a couple I had lying around as I've only had my Mini 3 Pro a couple of weeks so still learning it but getting some good shots already. Next thing on my list will be a bag or case, don't need a back pack and not sure if I need the hard case. Will also look at getting some filters before going away.
As always, thanks for the good advice, Darren. Cheers from Wisconsin.
Brilliant channel! Excellent advice,tips,info!
It’s crazy how 4 of the products you recommend i’ll purchased and am very happy
I really struggle to see mine against a grey sky so for me brightly coloured wraps are essential .
Quick question. I purchased the new Freewell ND/PL all day filters. I am not sure when to use the CPL lens vs NP4 PL. NP4 is for cloudy days. So when do you use the CPL? Wouldn’t it be too bright?
List is good, the only thing I disagree with is landing legs. They're actually quite good if you're landing on grass, as it prevents the drone tipping and the props clipping the grass or ground.
Finally received my M3P & Flymore kit this past Friday. I got a bit of a start at first. Of course, when you 1st get it, there are updates to do, so I got those performed for my RCN1 version. What DID NOT get updated automatically was the APP for my Galaxy Note 9 (Android) phone. So, my initial attempts at operating the M3P were disappointing. The gimbal did NOT want to seem to "lock in". It floated up ... then down .. and wouldn't stay centered. I was so confused, I sent an email to DJI Support. After a day of conteplating the situation, I checked to make sure all updates were latest. Found that the APP on my cell was v1.6.1 .. so updated that to v1.6.9 (latest for RCN1). After that, the gimbal seems to work normally. Put in a short test flight out of my front yard, and was amazed at how quiet it is and its stability and ability to stay put & not drift around. Brought it INSIDE the house and took off from the living room floor. Again, SO quiet & it didn't drive a centimeter one way or the other .. very impressive compared to my Phantom 3 Adv. or Evo 1.
I just got a dji 3 mini l ordered a pro but they down grounded my sale as the store didn’t have a pro. Love your videos thanks for sharing!
My first additions were a screenn protector and a lanyard - it's quite freeing for setting up if you can hang the controller from your neck rather than risking placing it down.
Next up - NDs. Only thing is which ones - the circular polarizer ones or the standard ones? I wonder how easy it is to get the dialled-in polarization correct pre-flight (can change a camera polariser in use).
Yes for ease and quickness the standard freewell ones work great
Thank you mate! Well done!
No problem 👍
Thanks Darren, I am new to drones your videos like this are so helpful, Cheers.
Brilliant thanks Paul
Good tips on accessories Darren.
I ordered the fly more kit plus from Amazon on the 29th! It went on sale next day for 7 % off so I cancelled it next day and reordered with an additional sun shade for the rc for same price on the 30th. I have only flown it twice and as a first time drone owner I am HOOKED!!! But in strong sun I had trouble pointing the control towards the drone trying to shade the control. I hope this helps and would like feedback from anyone using this accessory. I also ordered the bright sun kit after watching another of your videos so thank you for posting! From North Bay Ontario Canada keep the props toward the sky.
Great video. UAV Forecast has saved me too!
I've had my mini 3 for about 2 weeks now, and I'm really looking forward to my fly more combo arriving in a few days. The charger and extra batteries will be great addition. And one of my 6 different Freewell filters goes on every time before I go up now thanks to one of your previous videos, and I wanted to say thanks. The quality of my pics and videos has improved. Now I just have to learn how to put all this stuff to work. 🤣
Love your content, I’ve just sold my DJI FPV , wicked drone but just not practical if you want to go on a walk with my dogs ect , so I’m now looking at either the AIR 3 or the mine 3 , still not sure lol
I love the prop strap. Works great. I'll disagree with you on the second set of control sticks. I'm gonna drop and loose on. I'd rather have a second set of inexpensive sticks in my bag for when I inevitably need one.
I have a charger that supports high draw tech. I also have the Fly More Kit Plus. I tested this several times and I can attest that if you have the power available the charging hub will draw 3A @ 12 V (36W). While a 30W charger will do well a 45W charger will be faster. Both the extended battery and the 249g battery will charge at the same rate. The charger for the controller makes no difference since it is low draw (5V @ 2.8A).
Honestly it is only a 20% difference in charging rates, nothing if you are charging only one battery but a measurable time savings if all your batteries need recharging.
I have Pgytech hard case for Air 2, Mavic 3 and a Matching one from another brand for Evo 2.. one complaint: The smaller format Mini 3 case has no strap attachment points. When you travel heavy, a shoulder strap is really useful 👌
Good video. Only item I would disagree on is the landing legs. I live and fly in the California desert. Nothing but sand and brush. I use a pad but landing, many times I have to put down in the sand. Already have had to clean out the motors. The higher the better. Hand catching is not an option due to a hand disability.
Hi! Awesome content. Just wanted to ask if you would consider getting screen protector on the dji rc? Thank you in advance.
Would have liked to see a review on sunshades for the new RC controller. There are at least two differing styles out in the market.
I think that your review is bang on but as recommended by a member above the RC screen protector is a must have accessory. I have never purchased a hard case for any of my drones as they have very limited room for accessories that should be part of your kit. When I go out to do some flying, I have four batteries each of my drones, I take a lens cleaning kit, SanDisk portable SSD, drive a pocket power bank with cable to charge the controller while I’m flying, depending on the shoot location I take a landing pad that I can clip on to my carry case, Micro SD cards in mini zip locks, and sometimes I take my GoPro 10. At times I take my iPad Pro 12.9 inch for viewing my files. I can’t carry a backpack due to a physical limitation, so I use a PeakDesign Everyday Messenger 13L and use the shoulder strap. For charging I use the ECO FLOW River Max for very fast charging that I carry in the back of my SUV.
Excellent video. Can you do one about pontoons for water? KIDDING!
Great video ! Wanted to tell you about a dumb accessory I bought once and almost lost my Air2s over it. I picked up the drop mechanism because I thought it would be cool to Cary stuff in the air and drop it off elsewhere. Well, that was a lesson hard learned. I took my first flight with the drop mechanism and decided to deliver a cigar to my brother in law just a few blocks away. All was good until the draft caused by the propellers drove the cigar straight into the propellers. The string got caught in the propellers and I watched on my screen helplessly as the drone spiraled down towards the ground. Once it came to a crashing stop, I used the find my drone feature to located. 2 blocks away, there was my Air2s on a tree in someone’s back yard. Luckily I was able to get promising from the homeowner to climb the tree and recover my drone. I feared the worst, but when I finally got the drone in my hands all looked good. Only damaged props. No broken arms and the gimbal was intact. The tree broke it’s fall. Just beside the tree was a lake. An inch further and my drone would have gone right into the lake. The cigar was still attached, but shredded. After that, I immediately took off the drop mechanism and returned it to Amazon. My lesson was learned, I will never add silly accessories to my drone.
Is the difference between the 2 filter packs that one is polarized and the other is not? If so, can a separate polarizing filter be used in conjunction with the non-polarized pack?
An ND filter isnt going to reduce reflections. A Polarizer filer will but a ND filter just makes it darker.
Awesome video… thank you 🙏
Glad you enjoyed it
Controller sticks: I carry a pair of them just in case I drop one of the original and can not find it. The sticks of the RC are so fiddly to screw on, I think it's just a matter of time until I loose one.
LOL and I never fly with them at all
Practice without the sticks. Very quickly you’ll be just as skilful.
I have actually had mine spin right out in flight lol
Put the OEM sticks away and use the extra set you just bought and you’ll never have to worry about losing the original set, the aftermarket set work just the same and do what the OEM set does but they’re cheap and easy to replace.
@@brianbge they should make flat nubs like the tip of ps5 or Xbox thumdsticks without the stick part. That would be pretty sweet.
I already brought the freewell all day and bright day pack, flybmore..also 45 watt cygnett and 65 watt car charger :)
👏👏👏👏👏 thank you, floaty legs yes I agree 1000% I have dents in my forehead from detailing the wall when the inevitable conversation starts about these on FB.
😂😂😂😂 love this
Great vid Darren and agree with your top tips. Even for my Mini2.
Yes absolutely mate !
Excellent video !! Loved the last bit lol
Hi Bud. Ordered the Freewell filters as you suggested, delivery next Friday cheers my friend
Awesome my friend!
Thankyou, finally someone who says those floats are stupid. I wouldn't put them on a $50 Amazon special drone let alone a $1300 mini 3
For the hard case I might pick up a harbor freight model since there’re a bit more price friendly not going cheap but still want quality
Thanks for sharing this. We need the freewill filters. We already have the fly more pro combo.
Enjoy your videos as always, but I will also disagree on the landing legs accessory. I am still new at flying drones so I have not mastered the hand takeoff/landing. I plan to take my drone to beach areas where the legs will minimize sand getting into the M3P. Plus, I already have the advanced batteries, so my drone is over the 250 gram limit.
I’m also new to flying drones, have had mini 3 for 3 weeks. It is very easy to land/takeoff by hand, just need to be careful.
Great information as usual. Appreciate the priority approach to your accessory assessment.
thanks so much for this was just about to buy the water landing legs lol
The best accessory is the DJI replacement plan, i skipped the flymore kit because the case is pants, but i bought 2 batteries and a better case AND a charger, got one off ebay for £30 from someone who ended up with 2 or something.
I like the quite propelors they look just like the stock one but quite
I just ordered landing gear, I don't like the look of them,but, I put a firehouse strobe on the bottom of my M3P so I can see it far better in the day time. I'm not planning any night flying in the near future. It works great,but, it puts the drone on an angle on the ground to the point I get a message that I can't take off because of the angle of the aircraft.
I will try the landing gear to try and solve this issue.
Of all the computers in my house I doubt any can do video editing. As a matter of fact my desktop is a couple of generations behind on OS as it’s too old. How about recommendations on computing systems and video editors beyond iMovie?
This is getting expensive.
Hi Darren, I don't disagree with you about getting water landing floats, "BUT" I do have them---Not for takeoff and landings on water butt for when I'm flying over water and my drone may suddenly decide to crash for whatever reason and goes into the water--at least it will float, and I will be able to recover it. I will have it to return to DJI if they require it. Great video love watching all of your postings.
Lol bugger the prop cover I got a lose fitting rubber band 🤘🏽gr8 video as always my man ❤️🔥
Haha that works
The landing legs are useful if you live in the desert southwest, where there really aren't any good places to land a drone, unless you absolutely love cleaning dust off of your drone for 30 minutes and landing in your hand is hard sometimes when the drone refuses to come down to your hand on a windy day, which I have experienced a few times. Also the color of the dirt apparently confuses the drone because it always bounces on the dirt before stopping which kicks up dust everywhere.
Thanks Darren, great video.
No problem 😊
Those pontoons would have been handy on the weekend when my mini 3 pro had a motor failure over a lake 🤦♂️ never did find it
Landing pads on water if using not just to land on water, but if drone crashes to water, you can find it floating upside down, but not in a bottom of lake, and you could use dji refresh care option, but if you lose drone you wont use dji care refresh..
I just bought a mini 3 Pro and a few of your "Must buy" accessories. One question, though. What is your opinion about tempered glass screen protectors for the RC controller? They have saved my phone's screen more times than I can remember.
Would you recommend getting a sd card reader along with the sd card?
I have to be honest, I like the idea of the floating landing gear because I fly a lot over water and if my drone can't get back to me or crashes into the water, retrieving that SD card might be a huge priority and I don't have scuba gear.
What are your thoughts on drone skins, like Wrapgrade or DecalGirl vinyl wraps?
Hi Darren, I agree with your list and I do admit I did buy landing legs for my Mavic Mini. I bought one that looks like a pair os snow skies. The reason for them was landing on sand. I used it a bit in the begining but as you said, after you are confident landing and taking off from your palm, they become meaningless. They are in a drawer somewhere with my landing pad, which I also only used a couple of times. I now take off and land on my hand and it is just much more practical. I still have a Mini 2, with the fly more combo, ND filters and a great backpack for it al along with my cameras. I also got the same SD cards as you and then one more thing I have for long trips is a really good power bank. I have a 30,000A power bank that charges the batteries, controller and phone several times and it has saved me on several occasions where power was a problem. I did not have a car or outlet to charge and the powerbank was essential.
Great help in just starting with drone flying. One "accessory" you didn't mention is a Protection Plan. For someone just starting, is it a good idea?
There is one accessory that I purchased from Amazon. The sunshade cover that screws solid to the controller. With the cover, I never have to remove the sticks for storage. Just close the cover. It is made to cover the sticks. If you are flying in direct sunlight, you can partially close the cover putting the scene in the shade. When you store the controller, close the cover and the screen is protected.
What one did u get
@@A.j_pk Startrc Sun Hood $17.99 from Amazon
I got a spare set of RED sticks, the standard sticks are so small , easy to drop & very hard to see in the grass..the RED for me is easy to spot.
I got the fly more kit plus and it's awesome
Do you still fly the DJI fpv and is it still worth buying in 2022
Quick question!
Can you store the batteries in an unplugged charger hub for storage overnight? Or should I be leaving it out on my table and packing it on the day in the hub to bring to locations?
Only just found your channel and I have an honest question regarding flight over water. I, along with a friend, are rowing 3000 nautical miles from La Gomera to Antigua for charity. This is going to take around 40-50 days. I intend to take regular drone footage, documenting and streaming from the vessel. What would you suggest as an ‘as safe as possible’ option to fit to a drone, should it land on water? This is not the plan, but it would be nice to have an option of recovery? I understand the risks involved in flying over water, no rules will apply regarding weight and all flying will take place in the calmest of conditions and within visual line of site.
Thank You Darren.
The water landing floats are so that you can find and retrieve and make a insurance claim on your drone. I would never try to land or take off using them. You're not going to be able to get your drone back from the bottom of a lake, but these floats would allow you to retrieve it and make your insurance claim.
Exactly 👍🏼
Great accessories, thanks for sharing.
Have you the link to the batteries holder that you talk about on the security airport video? Thanks!
I got the Xiaomi 120 watt charger. It has a single USB-A port and a thick cable. The lights on the battery hub blink very fast and that thing charges like a dream. I have the large version of that very same landing pad you showed. The first time I used it I was very glad it came with 3 pins to fasten it to the ground to keep the wind from blowing it away.
I bought a mini 3 pro because my original mini lost power over a lake and went down and sunk. If those float legs actually keep the drone afloat so you can retrieve it then it's worth it