The Axis Vidius is a quadcopter that fits in the palm of your hand -- it's roughly 1.5 inches square -- yet it's able to livestream and record video in 420p. Axis says its Vidius model is the smallest-ever camera-equipped drone, and it's so tiny that users don't have to [register it with the Federal Aviation Administration](http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/14/us-drone-operators-must-register-with-the-faa-by-february/) (meaning it weighs less than .55 pounds).
The FAA launched its online drone-registration program in December. It requires all pilots, even hobbyists, to register their robots by February 19th -- it will generally cost $5 per registration, but the FAA is waiving this cost through January 20th. Information in the registry will be [public record](http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/18/faa-confirms-that-drone-registry-info-will-be-public-record/). In the program's first two days, the FAA collected [45,000 registrations](http://www.engadget.com/2015/12/23/faa-drone-registrations-strong/).
The teensy Vidius drone may appeal to those who don’t want to deal with federal paperwork before flying, though it does have limitations. Pilots can stream a live video feed from the 'copter via WiFi, though it has a flight time of just five to seven minutes on a 20-minute USB charge. Vidius comes with a 2.4 gHz controller, and users can pilot it with a smartphone or tablet, as well. Vidius is up for pre-order now with a ship date of January 29th at the latest. It’s on sale for $75 before January 7th; afterwards, it’ll be $95.
I would almost bet it would be useless for outside inspecting in even the slightest breeze.
BUT
If NOT what a great tool it good be for that quick 2 roof picts for the citizens roof condition report and even a great way to look at things up close on walls and such.
I wonder if you could inspect a soffit with it given the camera would have to soot upwards UNLESS these things can fly upside down which I do not know.
My boat hook camera pole is having a hard time closing and now I cannot find one with a threaded end for my paintbrush holder camera rig Even with the pole I sometimes have to extend a 16’ ladder and the pole to get the shots. Not Often but sometimes.
I think this would be a good indoor trainer but the poor camera resolution would not be useful for actual home inspections. I would also be concerned about any strong wind knocking it out of the sky.
I might pick one up just to fly around the new office and see what tasty cookies Jesse brought in for the InterNACHI crew. All without having to leave my desk.
Awesome, Meeker! They take good care of us here at InterNACHI and you know we like to have fun when we work. We had a blast working with you and Dennis down south!
No way a small drone like that will be able to get the feed/images you need. I have a 3dr solo with a gopro 4. and I take about 400 stills of a roof that is after I run alive stream video through my tablet. The solo has the GPS lock and you can hear it fighting even when a small breeze comes along. I don’t use it often but when I do it adds about 30 minutes to my inspection. My area has lots of tall 3 story homes with steep roofs. If you are going to do the drone thing even dornes under the.55 will be subject to law in june when the FAA slams down the hammer. The excuse of its a tool and I am not getting paid to use it will not work in a court of law. Inspectors will need to file a 333 with the FAA.
Even with the pole I sometimes have to extend a 16’ ladder and the pole to get the shots. Not Often but sometimes.