- Joined
- May 1, 2015
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- 1,512
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- Los Angeles, CA
- Website
- www.advexure.com
Having used both the I1 & I2 for offshore work, launching from the deck of a moving vessel I would strongly recommend the I2 for the following reasons:
1. Dual batteries, IMU & compass means the I2 is less likely to fall in the drink!
2. The I2 is more stable and responsive which makes it much easier to launch & recover from a moving platform.
3. Wind speeds are often much higher out at sea than on land so the higher speed capability of the I2 is helpful.
4. The I2 seems to have less compass issues around large steel objects which us useful if you’re launching from a steel vessel.
5. Personally I find the 10-15 minute flight time of the I1 frustrating in comparison with the 20+ minutes available on the I2
6. Self heating batteries, very useful when operating in the cold North Sea!
I could go on but you get the idea...
The only advantage offered by the I1 is that it’s cheaper to replace if you do drop it in the water. However, if you are a competent flyer that is very unlikely to happen and if it did your insurance should cover it.
Go for the X5S from the start if you can. It will provide much better images and the benefits of a decent selection of lenses.
+1 to all the above. All great points, well said.