The Drones We Use

Check out what drones are in the FlyGuys fleet

Without a doubt, DJI drones are the most popular in the industry, with a market share of about 80%. Not only were they the first on the scene, but they continually modify and upgrade their existing technology. Their drones are categorized into different series depending on their functionalities, and their operating systems are easy to learn even if you are a beginner drone pilot. The software and hardware integrations are good enough for professional uses, and the quality of the cameras and sensors are perfect for any drone service flight mission.

So, it’s no surprise that the drones in FlyGuys’ fleet are all DJI. Let’s look at the drones in our arsenal and why we use them. Whether you are a novice pilot or looking to get into the industry as a professional, you might find the information here quite helpful.

The Mavic & Phantom Series

The Mavic and Phantom series includes some of the best drones on the market. We call them prosumer drones because they are ideal for professional and consumer purposes. These drones have mapping capabilities and high-quality recreational videography and photography capabilities.

The FlyGuys’ fleet flies the Mavic 2 Pro and the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 from this series. Below we will compare the two drones.

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

The newest drone in the series, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, is the updated version of the Phantom 4 Pro. The V2.0 has a mechanical shutter that guarantees a higher-quality image when capturing photos of fast-moving objects. This feature is better for mapping as it stitches the images together more effectively in post-processing. Because FlyGuys primarily uses the Phantom for mapping, we love this feature. The improved drone also shoots 4K/60fps video for high-quality shots.

You can still use the 4 Pro propellers; however, the newer model has an upgraded propulsion system that reduces noise and makes the drone more aerodynamic.

The Return Home function allows the drone to detect obstacles up to 300m away to effectively return to the take-off coordinate.

All DJI drones come with sport-mode where the forward obstacle sensing is disabled, making the stick movements more aggressive. S-mode is preferred when the pilot is filming at a venue or event, allowing faster and smoother movements rather than constantly dodging obstacles. S-mode is also switched on when capturing jobs in confined spaces. The s-mode of the V2.0 maxes out at 45 mph.

The V2.0 battery is compatible with the 4 Pro, but the new battery allows the aircraft to fly an additional two minutes. On the downside, the V2.0 remote control cannot be used for any other Phantom series.

Mavic 2 Pro

All of the drones in the Mavic series have prop arms that fold in, making them compact and easy to transport. This drone is a great beginner’s drone because you can fly most entry-level jobs.

The Mavic is a great drone for mapping, but the Mavic 2 Pro has a rolling shutter which can cause distortion when shooting fast-moving objects. On the upside, the Mavic’s camera capturing mode allows for more options in post-processing and higher quality video production. It shoots 4K video in HDR, and it also supports 8K Hyperlapse, which automatically stabilizes footage in post-processing.

The Mavic can fly for up to 34 minutes and at top speeds of 42 mph. The drone has low-noise technology making for a quiet flight, and the controller can be operated up to 6.2 miles away.

Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 vs Mavic 2 Pro

The Mavic features the same flight options as the Phantom, and both UAVs are considered great starting drones. But there are some differences that may come down to personal preference and use.
The first noticeable difference between the Mavic 2 Pro and the Phantom 4 V2.0 is the model of the drone. The Mavic is right around 2 lbs., whereas the Phantom is a little over 3 lbs. The Mavic is foldable and easily transportable, whereas the Phantom will take up more space when traveling.
Both drones are great for mapping; however, the mechanical shutter on the Phantom makes mapping missions a bit higher in quality than the Mavic with its rolling shutter.

Thermal Drones

Some jobs require more than mapping or taking photos. Thermal drones are used in professional industries and can perform inspections. The main difference between prosumer drones and thermal drones is the increased payload a thermal drone can carry. And within the series of thermal drones, the payload also makes a difference.

FlyGuys has a few thermal drones in our fleet. We regularly use the Matrice 300, Matrice 200, and the Mavic 2 Enterprise Advance. Accessories such as sensors and cameras must be purchased separately for these drones, so it is important to check the compatibility.

Matrice 200 series

We started with the Matrice 200, but the newer and more improved version is the M210. It is a single gimbal drone able only to hold one camera. It is used for massive mapping and inspection applications such as solar, wind turbine, bridge, power line, and thermal inspections. It has RTK, which makes for survey-grade mapping capabilities. The payload maxes out at a little over 5 lbs.

Some of the primary sensors used on this drone are the XT and the XT2. The XT only covers thermal imaging, but the XT2 shoots both RGB and thermal images simultaneously. Compatible sensors with RGB only are the x5 and the x5s. All of these sensors have a variety of lenses you can choose from depending on the level of detail you need.

Mavic 2 Enterprise Advance

This drone has dual camera systems- a thermal camera that can capture thermal imaging at one coordinate and an RGB camera that can shoot an image in another coordinate. Although FlyGuys does not currently offer this service, the Mav 2 Enterprise is exceptional for search and rescue. The thermal camera is so high-quality that the viewer can see the actual image rather than just a blur to locate the object more accurately. The LED light can also see through types of weather that are typically hard to navigate.

As the name insinuates, this drone is so advanced that it can do two inspection jobs simultaneously. The dual cameras allow you to switch between 4K visuals, thermal mode, or a split-view mode that combines both, which helps change your needs during flight mode. This feature saves time and money for our clients during inspection jobs.

Matrice 300 RTK

This is the latest modified drone in the series. It only has RTK, making it more accurate in real-time coordinates on earth and dimensions on the map. This drone is the perfect technology for mapping and 3D modeling for professional surveyors. With up to 55 minutes of flight time, this commercial drone delivers high-performance and accurate results, creating up to 65,535 waypoints. The pilot can mount up to three payloads simultaneously and set them up to perform multiple actions.

So, there you have it! The FlyGuys’ fleet. All the drones we use are exceptional, used for professional purposes, and flown by licensed pilots. If you are looking for a drone to purchase for your arsenal, check out these DJI drones. And if you are looking for drone services, FlyGuys has the drone you need.