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Add to SafariWhen comparing DJI Phantom 2 vs 3DR IRIS, the Slant community recommends DJI Phantom 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best drones for hacking?” DJI Phantom 2 is ranked 2nd while 3DR IRIS is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose DJI Phantom 2 is:
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][1]. [1]: http://hak5.org
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Already has documentation of being used as a hacking platform
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.
Pro Top of the line Flight Controller
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.
Pro Already has an area to add a payload
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.
Pro Easy to setup and use
The IRIS comes prebuilt and is easy to use right out of the box. By using the included 3DR Telemetry radio and Android OTG cable, all you have to do is plug the cable in and use the free mission planner to easily plan out your flight and use the emergency return home and flight monitoring features. You can also use your phone or laptom to control the IRIS's flight plan.
Pro Higher payload capacity
The IRIS is slightly more powerful than other drones which means it can carry a weight of 400 grams or a GoPro. This allows you to add more components or even a larger battery for additional flight time or to power additional devices.
Pro Excellent camera mounting options
The IRIS comes with an integrated mount for a GoPro, meaning you do not need a gimbal for filming. It includes a vibration dampener for smooth video. For better filming you can purchase the Tarot brushless gimbal with better vibration resistance and a "lock-on" feature which keeps the camera pointed at the target of interest no matter where you fly.
Pro Uses the Pixhawk flight controller
The Pixhawk is an advanced contoller from 3D Robotics with a processing power that is 20 times faster than their previous controller. It comes with features like *nix-like programming environment, new autopilot functions, airspeed sensor, among others.
Cons
Con Most expensive option
Without any accessories, the Phantom 2 costs about $680 USD which makes it the most expensive option here (excluding a tricked out DIY drone.) Like the 3D Robotics IRIS, a gimbal and camera can be added which brings the full cost to about $1200 USD, meaning this is more than a device for hobbyists.
Con No API available
This drone has no supported API to control it from your own application.
Con Flight limited by GPS
After a Phantom 2 landed on the White House lawn, DJI released a firmware update that limits takeoff and introduces a max ceiling in certain areas.
All airports have a 1.5 mile radius no-fly zone. Between 1.5 and 5 miles, the maximum ceiling gradually increases from 35' to 400'
There is a 15 mile radius no-fly zone around the White House. DJI UAV's will not be able to take-off when in the White House zone.
Con Very high price
With the base model costing about 750 USD, the IRIS is a very expensive option compared to something like the Parrot AR Drone. That's not including the $220 camera gimbal, $300 GoPro 3, and varying replacement parts you need. The costs on this drone add up quick which could seriously affect the IRIS as a buying option for most people.
Con Adding something other than a camera will be more difficult
Despite the easy camera mounting options, due to the shape of the IRIS adding your own payload, such as a small computer or antenna will probably involve rubber bands and duct tape.
