I don't know how many times over the last month I was about to pull the trigger on a Phantom 3, but something held me back. I follow the forums for both the Phantom 3 and Solo, so I am aware of the issues with both products and their companies. Logic tells me to just get the blasted Phantom and be done with it... But there is something about the Solo that is holding me back. I can see a ton of upside to the solo. It seems to be well made and the possibilities for future mods seem promising,
Now that the gimbals are finally shipping and the bugs are getting ironed out, I am thinking that my waiting may have been the best thing to do, I have been traveling a lot on business, so it's not like I can fly right now anyway. Let's see what the landscape looks like by the end of October.
I was in the same place. I struggled with the DJI Customer Service issue at the time. I know at some point (s) I'm going to crash the bird and need help. Great thing is that local shops that service the Phantoms are available to step in with parts and repair help.
Flyaways spooked me....RTH was joked on the lists to be flying back to China. (Perhaps a small amount ever suffered this problem)
No intent to flame - perhaps all of that, is or might be in the process of being sorted out.
Then came the 3DR Solo. Twin processors made sense to someone that has 31+ years in the IT and Photography/Videography field. The idea of a way to allow a community to develop was light years beyond waiting for a new patch.
I read about these options with smart shots and I preordered. Yes, I wanted to invest my next $1600 to purchase a quadcopter from a company going that direction. Today, what I have sitting in front of me is AWESOME! First releases and all! Great conversations with helpful customer service that are patient and helpful. I was in no hurry to get the gear, and figured with first release there would be delay. Don't get me wrong, 3DR has some growing to do to fix legitimate issues with communication and promises. Still, product is in our hands and it works great! (See attached, to authenticate that I'm just not BSing you)
DJI vs 3DR vs ????? etc...... For us, regardless of what company is your best pick, we are now enjoying more and better competition. In the end, who knows - but I think we're all better because of it!
I'd weigh out what works personally best for you. If you have a chance visit some of your local shops and fly 'em! Good luck with these awesome choices, and all the other manufacturers offerings coming out!!
Whatever you decide, I'll be happy to fly in the same field and get in some laughs! Happy hunting!!