Not illegal to buy them but illegal to use them - microcopters

DJI has competion:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1087071-REG/walkera_talih500_hexacopter_with_fpv_gimbal.html

That looks far better than any of the DJI products. DJI has a terrible customer service. They admit that the DJI Vision have problems with UN-controlled fly-away. Even new under warranty they will do little and constantly lie about what they will do. The leadership of DJI is in China and they do not believe in accepting any responsibility.

There are a number of new quad copter companies and the one above looks very good on reading about it. Don't waste your time with DJI. Even the large camera company where I bought mine has stopped selling DJI due to their lack of service and responsibility.

That is an great price with many high-end features. Also, I have had good luck with Walkera products.

There are at least a dozen new companies selling quads now. Several new ones that look good. Even DJI has had a lot of problems with their Phantom and Visions (some work great) and will announce their completely new designed one this week. Don't settle on the DJI, they are being surpassed by many other companies now.

DJI just announced their new quad. Another 4 blade with a built-in 4K camera. I think they must be crazy at pricing it at $2,899. B& H has it listed. Problem just like Vision and Vision 2 Plus is that it is a completely proprietary camera and based on previous experience with DJI will have limited to no support. And if there is something wrong it's your dime to send it back to them. Anyway here is the link to this ridiculously priced small quad.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1097099-REG/dji_inspire_1.html

While that is strictly your opinion regarding DJI Phantom's Don it isn't the opinion of many of us who own the the craft. Of all the mishaps I have had not one could be blamed on the manufacture, software or on the crafts design. The only thing I will agree with is that DJI does have poor communications with its customer base.

You are right Jason, when everything works normal they are great, just don't expect any level of customer service from them. The authorized dealer I bought mine from has stopped selling them and have moved on to other quads because of dealer customer service also.

Well what one dealer does or doesn't do really doesn't concern me. What did you expect the manufacture or dealer to do replace your unit without proof of any sort. If you're using what you read in forums regarding fly aways or bad firmware as a proof I'm sorry but most of claims are pure bull. There is nothing to say things can't happen as the state of the art electronics is not 100% perfect but many those problems are caused individuals pushing the edge by how far or how high can it go. It's also called pilot error. So leave it at that.

Jason It was not the malfunction that was bad it was all the promises and e-mails saying support was "in the mail" for months and months. The machine itself is probably no more problems than any other. It's the DJI humans behind the promises and lack of doing what they say in many e-mails and phone calls. The complete lack of promises face to face at NAB. Their promises in April was finally made the end of Oct and then they did less than they offered because they dropped the retail price in between. It's not the machine it's the people. There is really no one in the USA who has authority to do anything at DJI. All the correspondence between me and dealer with DJI was to China.

In my case with well over 100 hours of flying DJI copters, this one was clear sight, 200 feet away at about 100 feet, no obstructions, no electrical or transmission towers and it just simply flew away. Full gps lock and all status lights normal. DJI admitted that they have a fly away problem. They have offered a large number of warranty payments of 30% of cost to buy a new one. Then it takes many months for them to fulfill their promises. No real problem with the machine, they are still in development, it's the customer service lack of integrity after they make promises. So I agree with you ... if the machine flys the way it is designed and you never have to get warranty service of any kind then DJI is a great company. Heck even one of the original partners and developers of DJI has started his own quad company. A year ago DJI was the only machine worth buying at a reasonable price. That is no longer the case, the competition is one their heals and passing fast on quality and capabilities.

Jason I'm really glad your DJI is doing everything that you want, need or expect. That's the way they all should be. You are happy, many are not. For those looking to buy into the drone market they need to hear the good and the bad. Your good side is great example for new buyers.

DJI new futuristic looking quadcopter with 4k camera:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1097099-REG/dji_inspire_1.html


Lot's of $$$ being spent en RD for new technology but cero $ spent on bending the arm of the FAA for commercial use.