[NOTM3]

Originally Posted by Bretster

Tough spot, it all depends on how fast you're going to learn. The first thing I learned on was an F450 with no payload, and then moved onto the F550, flew it for a few days (literally) then sold it to Joe here in this thread, and now flying a fully built heavy lift Cinestar 8 for full blown aerial photography and cinematography, all this within a span of a month.

I would suggest phantom 2. You'll get an easier platform to learn on, a transmitter that comes with the kit, and for less than $200 you can pickup a brushless gimbal for the gopro and be in the air for less than the F550. Chances are, you will crash or hard land, and it's nicer to know that the Phantom costs less than the F550 and will provide you with the same footage regardless.

If I were in your shoes, I would buy a used DJI F450, pick up a transmitter/receiver of your choice, then learn to fly on the F450 using manual mode. When you're comfortable flying, go ahead and pickup either a Phantom 2 or F550.

thanks