MPB
Used test: DJI Mavic Air drone Drones will – quite literally – elevate your footage. Useful for a surprising number of applications, these battery-powered devices offer both stills and video capture options that can enhance your terra-firma output. The issue for many starting out, though, is the cost. Drones don’t come cheap, which is why going used is sensible. This DJI Mavic Air from MPB was retailing at £349, which included the drone and battery, semi- hard case, remote control and all the necessary cabling. Condition was excellent – not a scratch in sight and certainly no evidence of any crash landing. It didn’t come with instructions, but these are easy to find online, plus there’s plenty of YouTube content to guide you. I was ready to go as soon as the batteries charged. Piloting the Mavic Air is surprisingly easy. Your smartphone, which requires the DJI app installed, sits in the remote and provides a live view of what the drone can see through its 12-megapixel 4K camera. Sensors at the front, back and underneath the device stop you crashing into anything – reassuring for novices, like me. Movies and stills are recorded on a microSD card. Naturally, you need to be careful in terms of where you’re flying. You can’t simply fly one into your neighbour’s garden without permission, or over any other private land for that matter. I chose to head to an area of open country, which didn’t have any animals in the immediate vicinity – in flight, the Mavic Air sounds like a swarm of angry bees, which could spook timid livestock. Take off and landing is simple enough, and once in the air, it’s a case of getting the drone into position, then starting recording or taking a still, all of which is done on the remote or via the app. The camera is on a gimbal, so footage is super smooth – but does take time mastering general manoeuvring and camera panning. The drone will stay airborne for up to 21 minutes on a single charge, so a second battery is essential. With MPB’s six-month warranty offering peace of mind, it’s hard to think of a better way to start shooting eye-catching movies or stills without breaking the bank. – Roger Payne
EXPERT CARE Staffed by a team passionate about film and photography, MPB has a wealth of technical knowledge accurate price, but you’ll still get a figure within hours. If you’re happy with the price quoted, MPB will send all the necessary packaging to ship the gear – for free. Once received and checked, the money is paid into your bank account. On some occasions, the price may need to be modified if the item isn’t in the described condition, but this works both ways. In our experience, we’ve been paid more than the quote! As well as doing something for yourself, you’re doing good for the planet. Choosing the used option keeps equipment out of landfill – MPB recirculates 350,000 items every year. Plus, if you buy, sell or trade in November, the company will plant a tree via the One Tree Planted scheme. What’s not to like? Buy or sell from the comfort of your own home, knowing you’re dealing with experts who want to give you the best value. The site is well worth a visit – and a vote in the PN Awards!
NO LIMITS The financially astute option of used gear opens up a new realm of creative potential
Issue 102 | Photography News 25
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