DJI Phantom 2 vs Yuneec Typhoon H

The team at Hak5 has been doing weekly updates on their show detailing their progress with turning the DJI Phantom 2 as a hacking platform. They have it carrying a portable battery, a WiFi Pinapple and a prepaid Android phone. Updates can be found on their show here.

The DJI Phantom 2 uses DJI's most advanced flight controller, the Naza-M V2, which has features such as advanced flight stabilization and hover, and a GPS waypoint flight planner.

The DJI Phantom 2 is made to carry a camera but your own payload, such as a small computer and antennas can be carried instead. The Phantom 2 can carry up to 300 grams of additional equipment making it capable of carrying a small computer such as a Raspberry Pi along with small antennas and a battery. Even if you don't have a compatible mount, the arms underneath make it easier to create your own "mount" for placing whatever it is you need to carry.

The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal which not only makes taking very steady captures easy, but also allows the camera to swivel 360 degrees. In addition, the landing gear retracts, so it doesn’t get in the way of your panning shots. The camera itself is on par with those found on other drones in this price range.

You can buy a second, smaller controller (with no screen) and have a second person controlling certain drone functions. For example, you can use it while doing certain activities in Follow Me mode. Alternatively, you can use it as a separate flying controller, while the other person controls the camera, essentially dividing the tasks of flying and filming/shooting.

While many drones come with a remote that requires a smartphone or tablet to monitor flying data and view live images, the Typhoon H doesn't need this: it comes with a remote with a built-in display. It’s an HD touchscreen display that allows you to change settings and see what you are filming in real time.

This drone has a sonar-based obstacle avoidance system, meaning it works well even in poor light conditions.

While the majority of drones have four rotors, the Typhoon H uses six rotors. This design makes the drone quieter and ensures the drone is able to land safely in case one of the rotors malfunctions.