I want to buy or build a fairly nice multicopter. I'm targeting around a 5lb payload capacity. I want it to have cameras appropriate for landing and takeoff at a distance (yes, I will still comply with visual line of sight requirements) and a standalone controller instead of a phone or laptop. GPS would be nice but I don't need it.
I have a 3D printer and an EE background, but no aerospace experience. I want to get into drone flying rather than drone building, so I'd like a kit or a straightforward build guide that doesn't make me do any actual design work. Are there "standard" build architectures? I'd consider off-the-shelf options if anything good is available after the DJI/etc ban, but they are probably too expensive for me. My maximum budget is $1200 but I'd prefer to spend much less.
Can't post in /r/drones because reddit bans TOR users and I live in a repressive country (USA).
I've seen this calculator but I am afraid of making expensive mistakes when picking everything myself. A kit or guide would be really helpful if they exist at this size.
I think that electric multicopters are going to have better community support and parts availability than helicopters. Gas RC stuff seems like it's on its way out, and the energy density of gasoline isn't that appealing to me since I don't need a long flight time while fully loaded.