Update: New Drones inbound

...Send in the drones....

I was all set to order the 'Flying 3D X6', a 250mm sized unit (was at a great price of $ 255.00 Cdn) but when I went to order, the price had jumped to almost $400.00. That put it at more cost than it's bigger brother. The superior X8 version (a 350mm unit) This made me re-research what I wanted to do.
On the one hand, I could wait and see if the price was to come down, on the other hand, based on research and advice from other owners, They suggest different different props and a larger battery. Not large expenses on their own but still... I also found that the camera options on the X6 were good but somewhat limited. The X8 started to look like the way to go with the new price. Either one does offer room to add components (already has telemetry).
As I was digging further, (this hobby requires a lot or research) I stumbled over an ad for for the 'Quantum Nova'. This is a larger (+350mm size). It has almost all the features there are, and has a decent lift ability for larger cameras and a decent endurance as well. What features it DOESN'T have, you can add components. Some will take a little tech savvy, but the upgrade path is there. OK, I was impressed. But we must exercise due diligence. I found that the Cheerson CX20 is the same unit, just a different name tag (think Camaro & Firebird). I was also impressed with the price. All these abilities are available for around $300 Cdn !!!!. Sorry Mastercard, once more, into the breach.
If I had ordered the 3D X6 or X8, I would still be looking at these upgrades eventually (the telemetry, FPV camera etc.). User reviews on all these models are very positive. They all fly very well right out of the box. Some users have made a few suggestions for tweaks on the X6 and X8, I have seen none for the Nova or the CX20. Visit Youtube and see for yourself. Some examples at the bottom of this entry).
Now to settle in for the long wait.... 

Now a few notes about ordering online.
Some of what I am about to say seems like common sense. Some of it might be new to you. My point is, the better and smarter you are about ordering, the less likely you will be disappointed, ripped off or frustrated. It can still happen but lets work at prevention. Just like flying: the crash you prevent is better than the crash you are repairing from.
If you order from big intermediaries like Amazon for example, you are well protected as a consumer. When you are dealing with some North American and many overseas clearing houses/warehouse dealers,  things can go either way. Do some digging. Take review with a grain of salt, read between the lines. are the testimonials legit? are the complaints legit? Sometimes the complaints are from people with unrealistic expectations.
If you are satisfied with the safety of your credit card # in the hands of these companies then order away. Make sure you print out the order sheet and that you are getting EXACTLY what you want. Sometimes there are lesser version of the same unit and you could be left disappointed. Read the fine print. Example: the Syma X5C is NOT the same as a Syma X5C-1...they are very close.
Next thing: carefully look at the shipping and handling fees.  Some places charge a very large handling fee that more than takes up what you save on the item itself. One order of a $300 item might cost $130 to ship from the US and the same thing from Hong Kong $28.00.
Also pay attention to shipping times. If you are patient, a 2-3 week wait is not unreasonable. If you want to pay more for 3 day delivery, it will cost more but you will get it sooner.
When your package arrives, BEFORE you open it. take a picture of ANY damage. If the contents are damaged, this could be important. Open the contents and take more pictures. When opening the inner packaging, inspect and photograph everything again. Most companies will make good on unreasonable shipping damages, especially if it was not packaged well. (see why the pictures are important?). Test the contents out as soon as possible. If there is a dead motor or a landing skid is cracked, the sooner you tell the supplier, the better. If you leave it several weeks, they will be less inclined to get you fixed up.

Below are examples of the units discussed in this entry of the blog. By no means is it an endorsement or advertisement of the respective sources. Merely a reference for the specifications of the units mentioned:



http://www.banggood.com/Flying-3D-Flying3D-X6-6-Axis-2_4G-GPS-RC-Quadcopter-RTF-p-945096.html

http://www.banggood.com/Flying-3D-X8-6-Axis-2_4G-8CH-GPS-FPV-RC-Quadcopter-RTF-p-934779.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55106__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_Mode_2_Ready_to_Fly_.html

http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters/pp_113550.html

Remember that just because I don't mention a particular model or manufacturer, i simply may not be aware of it or have sufficient information to pass on. If I tell you my opinion on something here, it is because I have some first hand or direct second hand knowledge.

A further note here: As of this writing, the X6 is back down in price. This is the one I was going to get as a transition up in size and abilities. In my opinion, this looks like a great transition from the "toylike" class into the serious units. I hate to use the term Toy or Toylike since these units can potentially cause injury or damage under the wrong circumstances.

Youtube videos of the models discussed:
I tried to ensure these are user videos, not company posted
The CX 20/Quantum Nova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjOw2RdzzCo
The Flying 3D X6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuxWI2OP4m8
The Flying 3D X8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLjRwREUxTk

A showdown between the X8 and the CX20.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_Zuvmdv7-g
to my eye, it looks like the Cheerson has a tiny bit less vibration but they are quite similar.

UPDATE: The company I ordered the CX20 from just contacted me before shipping to confirm that i did indeed order this. The double check any order over $100. I am impressed so far.