Is the true, camera fails if stored to long

Have read, if the DJI phantom 3 pro is left for s number of years and go to use it again the video on camera stops working? Is this true as about to restart My Phantom 3 pro after not using for 1o years. 2 batteries are still fine, but controller battery is shot and sent for a new one. If camera wont work then how do you fix it to get it showing video feed again?

I’ve never heard of that happening before. I think it’s best not to worry about it unless it actually occurs.

1 Like

Thanks, looking forward to relearn to fly it again, as there are drones with less features costing far more and the P3 Pro still has the features of the top drones, only less no obstacle avoidance, so things have not really progressed a whole lot, but gotten smaller, but has the issue of being smaller more prone to wind

You know the saying – the best camera is the one you have with you. The same could easily be said about many drones.

While newer DJI models have come a long way compared to the old Phantom 3 series, those older drones can still deliver solid results. If you’re skilled at capturing photos or video, most people probably wouldn’t even notice the difference.

The real challenge with flying older, unsupported drones is that DJI no longer manufactures or sells key accessories like batteries and props. Sure, there are plenty of third-party options out there, but it can be tough to know which ones are reliable. And when it comes to critical components like props and batteries, using low-quality replacements could lead to a serious malfunction or even a crash.

Personally apart from collision sensors and longer flight times, dont think they have progressed much further. Bit like cars, newer looks cleaner, but a car 10 years old will perform the same as a new car, sure maybe slight refinements but not major advancements. There maybe some more photo modes. But like more expensive drones. Still has follow me, way points, etc that they are still pushing even today as features.

The only major advancements are longer battery life and collision detention. And maybe one or 2 extra photo modes to make it easier. Even the P3 has circle mode as is still promoted, so dont see major advancements and to get the same features as the PS pro psying miles more and smaller, with inbuilt screens, but in the past these were hot or miss in bright sunlight, but no dont see the newer ones being leaps and bounds over the P3 pro or P4.

But yes the only issue as you say, no support or genuine batteries. But some of the aftermarket ones are better, but also can be a gamble, which i am going to get more batteries, and at least amazon have reviews on these

The differences between the newer models is rather striking. For example, consider the following comparison:



In addition to hardware, there are also numerous differences in software capabilities. However, the significance of these differences largely depends on the individual flying the drone and how they plan to use it.

Thanks and yes see quite a difference. but like cars, whether its the latest or 20 years old, all get you from A to B the same way, only the newer cars have more refinements, but both do the same job. But the P3 pro is still great even today. Still fly, but being heaver would the P3 handle wind better? lighter drones would they not be more effected by wind? guessing unless newer tech helps here also? Put it this way. Unless you had them side by side you would not miss out on much, or what you don’t know wont miss, and think for most people the P3 is still very capable and still fun. Its like the average person may have a good sound system and happy with the sound quality, but hearing a top sound system its better, but since the average person does not have the best then theirs to them still sounds good and satisfied with what they have and does not detract them enjoying their music. What they don’t have they don’t miss

Sure, and that’s why I mentioned earlier that a skilled pilot can often achieve photo and video results that are just as good, or at least good enough.

That said, newer technology does offer a lot of added convenience. For example, when flying the Phantom 3 in the US, you need to attach an external RID module like the Holy Stone RID module. I own one (since I have some older drones), and I can tell you it’s far less convenient than having built-in RID like newer drone models offer.

Here an RID module is not even required or even offered, so that for us here is no issue

Indeed. There are many other differences that could make a huge impact for many in your country though.

And that’s of course why you’ll likely always have some neighbors who are always driving the newest cars. Do they need it? Nope! But in their eyes, it just makes life a little better.

Still I have it, why not fly it, only needs a new controller battery and its on its way? Can I afford the latest, no, so will enjoy getting my bird back in the sky and for me just as enjoyable and do everything I will ever need, and to get the latest here are very expensive, to expensive for me, so why not use what I have and still a capable Drone and cheaper than a new one

Right on! And it sounds like it’ll do everything you need from what you’ve been saying. It’s the perfect drone (for you).

If your P3P is doing everything that you need from it then that’s great - keep on using it! You can still get after market batteries for it on Amazon and other retailers. If you don’t already have Litchi and want more features, that’s also available to you at a minimal cost.

I still have and use my Phantom 3 Standard weekly for light painting but for picture taking I have moved on to more advanced and better quality more recent drones.

Good luck with your P3P.

Chris