I have two 3DR models the Solo and the X8-M and just recently purchased the Phantom 4. I am currently using the Phantom 4 for mapping missions using the Maps Made Easy app running on iOS. With my X8 and Solo, I use Mission Planner to plan all my missions. The X8 is by far my favorite for mapping, I'm able to use the Canon SX260 camera providing me with the best images over the GoPro or Phantom cameras. Now this is not to say the the GoPro or Phantom cameras do not perform acceptable, just not at the same resolution as the SX260.
In regards to the Solo, I have had more issues with 3DR's customer service since they have started the offering of the new enterprise system. Prime example, I had two tickets entered with their service for almost two months now and no reply. IMO, 3DR's service to the little guy has gone down hill dramatically in the past couple of months. Still having connections issues with Solo and an android tablet, this is why I invested in a Windows laptop in order to use MP. I can connect via wifi to solo in order to save mission. The solo app has many problems running on an android device in my experience. I loved my Solo when I first purchased it, but with the app issues on android devices and no response from 3DR service to aid in resolving this issue my opinion has changed.
The Phantom 4 has performed flawlessly since I have purchased it and I have flown many mapping missions. The camera quality and control are better than the GoPro and equal to the Yuneec CGo3. I have the good fortune to have a nephew that works for the Outdoor channel as a video editor. I have sent him 4K video files from the modified GoPro Hero 4 Black, Yuneec and Phantom 4. From a resolution and control aspect the Phantom 4 video was the best in his opinion. The close second was the Yuneec video.
At this point and 4 drones later based upon operation and video quality, excluding service issues and based upon what I use my drone for, the X8 is for sure 1st place. I would place the Phantom 4 over the Solo at this point and my Yuneec Q500 before Solo.
Again in my experience to date, due to the lack of tech support I have received from 3DR on the Solo issues I have and the app problem when used on an android device, I would have to choose the Phantom 4 over Solo for image quality, operation and easy of use. I many eat my words tomorrow with my Phantom 4, but so far this platform has perform way above my expectations.
I just think that 3DR has turned their back on the Solo people that got them to the dance, unless you might have a direct line to insiders. The X8 though has performed perfectly since purchased and has hundreds of hours under its belt and has had no problems what so ever in performance. I love my X8-M and wish that 3DR had not discontinued this craft, by far one of the best mapping drones on the market IMO. So much better than Phantom 4 for sure.
In regards to the Solo, I have had more issues with 3DR's customer service since they have started the offering of the new enterprise system. Prime example, I had two tickets entered with their service for almost two months now and no reply. IMO, 3DR's service to the little guy has gone down hill dramatically in the past couple of months. Still having connections issues with Solo and an android tablet, this is why I invested in a Windows laptop in order to use MP. I can connect via wifi to solo in order to save mission. The solo app has many problems running on an android device in my experience. I loved my Solo when I first purchased it, but with the app issues on android devices and no response from 3DR service to aid in resolving this issue my opinion has changed.
The Phantom 4 has performed flawlessly since I have purchased it and I have flown many mapping missions. The camera quality and control are better than the GoPro and equal to the Yuneec CGo3. I have the good fortune to have a nephew that works for the Outdoor channel as a video editor. I have sent him 4K video files from the modified GoPro Hero 4 Black, Yuneec and Phantom 4. From a resolution and control aspect the Phantom 4 video was the best in his opinion. The close second was the Yuneec video.
At this point and 4 drones later based upon operation and video quality, excluding service issues and based upon what I use my drone for, the X8 is for sure 1st place. I would place the Phantom 4 over the Solo at this point and my Yuneec Q500 before Solo.
Again in my experience to date, due to the lack of tech support I have received from 3DR on the Solo issues I have and the app problem when used on an android device, I would have to choose the Phantom 4 over Solo for image quality, operation and easy of use. I many eat my words tomorrow with my Phantom 4, but so far this platform has perform way above my expectations.
I just think that 3DR has turned their back on the Solo people that got them to the dance, unless you might have a direct line to insiders. The X8 though has performed perfectly since purchased and has hundreds of hours under its belt and has had no problems what so ever in performance. I love my X8-M and wish that 3DR had not discontinued this craft, by far one of the best mapping drones on the market IMO. So much better than Phantom 4 for sure.