To buy the right drone, you need to consider the key features of the drone including the camera, flying time, and range of the device. It should be bought from the right place after doing proper research. You need to follow the flying guidelines after you own a drone.
Watching wildlife documentaries or movies with stunning visuals is a great way to capture the essence of life in the wild. And since drones are more affordable, home users can now get them for less than they used to.
This article covers a few major things you need to know about drones before purchasing them.
Table of Contents
Things To Know Before Buying Your First Drone
1. Learn About Different Type of Drones
Every new hobby comes with its own set of rules and jargon. As a drone pilot, it’s important to learn how to properly communicate with others while flying.
Before you buy one, make sure to learn the terms that are related to it. Each drone has its own unique characteristics and uses.
If yes, then you’re probably looking for a drone that can perform various aerial activities, such as aerial photography and filming. Or, maybe, you’re into competitive events like drone racing.
Be aware of your limitations when it comes to assembling drones. Some drones require a lot of assemblies to be successful, while others can be easily assembled. Doing so will help you get the most out of them.
RTF (Ready To Fly)
Ready-to-fly drones are the easiest to get started with. They come with all the necessary equipment to get started.
Ready to fly doesn’t always mean ready to go. There are still some assembly steps that need to be completed before you can fly.
RTF drones are easy to get started with, as they come in a single box. They require little assembly to get started.
BNF
BNF drones are equipped with a transmitter, which is required to be attached to them.
Not every transmitter works seamlessly with every drone. In fact, even if you have the same transmitter, it may not work together.
Before buying a drone, make sure that the transmitter and receiver are working seamlessly together. Doing so will help avoid getting stuck with a faulty transmitter.
BNF drones are equipped with a built-in transmitter, which is usually not included in standard drones. They are usually cheaper than the ready-to-fly options.
PNP
This type of drone is also very useful for people with limited time or even no time to learn how to fly it. It can fly longer and provide a better range than its older sibling.
Without the transmitter and receiver, drones are useless. This article will teach you how to attach a drone to a receiver and transmitter.
PNP stands for plug and play, and it refers to drones that are equipped with a transmitter and receiver. These gadgets are usually cheaper than standard drones, but they also require a bit of work to get started.
ARF
ARF drones are very popular among people who are looking to race them. However, they are best left to skilled hands to avoid getting into trouble.
ARF stands for Almost Ready to Fly. If you’re not a drone expert, this could be a bad idea.
Related: What Is A Drone Used For?
2. Consider Certain Features
There are various features that a drone can have. Some of these include portability, camera features, and more.
One of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a drone is finding a balance between the features you prefer and the cost.
Key Features
Most people who own drones don’t know how to fly them properly. In order to get the most out of them, you should first learn how to properly use them.
Some of the most important features that a drone should have are these.
Material Used
Cheap drones are usually made from plastic, which is not always durable and can be prone to damage. If you want to save money, try looking for something that has ABS plastic.
Carbon fiber and fiberglass drones are more durable than metal ones. They are also much more expensive.
Range of Device
Ideally, your drone should be able to fly from the transmitter for at least 30 meters. Most drones can reach this distance without losing contact with the unit.
If you’re a photographer or videographer, the range is very important. It allows the drone to reach places that a human could not reach. However, if you’re planning on flying it for fun, a long-range may be a bit of a waste.
If you own a drone, you probably know that there’s a good chance that your aircraft will get hit by radio waves. In some cases, that interference can reduce the range of your drone by as much as 50%.
Getting a drone with a longer range is the best thing to do, especially if you are flying near cell phone towers or buildings.
Flying Time
When it comes to buying a drone, budget is always an issue, but you should look for one that has the lowest wait-time and the highest flight time.
Unlike passenger aircraft, drones don’t have huge reserves of fuel. This means they can’t stay in the air for long. Usually, drones can only fly for around 20 to 30 minutes.
One of the biggest problems that humans faced when they first started flying was fuel. Since fuel can increase an aircraft’s weight, it can’t take off in the first place.
Even if your flight time is limited, it’s still a good idea to keep the batteries charged. This will allow you to double your flight time once the power runs out.
Camera
Before you buy a drone, make sure that it has a good camera. There are a number of factors that affect the quality of your photos.
For most drone users, the main goal is to get a camera into their flying machine. For most, this is usually achieved by equipping their drone with an external camera.
Live Feed
When it comes to buying a drone, make sure that the one you pick has the capability to transmit a live feed to an LCD screen or to your tablet.
Having a live video feed of your drone allows you to capture an aerial image without leaving the comfort of your chair. This is also beneficial for minimizing accidents.
Availability Of Spare Parts
The concept of spare parts is very familiar to anyone who has ever owned a car. When it comes to drones, the more popular they are, the more spare parts will be available.
Having the right device will allow you to save money and time while keeping the drone in the air.
Aside from the usual components, it’s also a good idea to also purchase some spare parts for your drone so that they’ll be ready when needed.
High-tech Features to Consider
Aside from the basics, there are other features that can make a drone flying experience memorable.
It’s not always clear if using drones is a good idea. In most cases, they can make flying them easier. However, they can also be frustrating.
GPS Navigation
GPS navigation is an integral part of any drone. It can help your aircraft find its way around.
GPS Home Function
The home function is typically used to back up your drone. It can also help get your machine out of a jam if it’s not in sight.
A GPS home function record lets you know when your drone is flying and automatically returns if there is a problem.
These objects can interfere with the radio transmissions of your drone.
Headless Mode
In headless mode, the drone will stick to its given direction. This eliminates the issue of steering the drone in the wrong direction. Having the wrong direction can cause it to crash or land safely.
When you start your drone, both you and the aircraft are facing the same way. You can either press the left button to go left or the right one to go right.
This feature is not a feature that will allow your drone to decapitate its enemies. Instead, it’s a useful addition that will make flying much easier.
Axis Gimbal
A gimbal is a device that allows a flying machine to control its movements using three axes.
A three-axis gimbal will keep your drone’s camera steady as it flies.
3. Extra Costs
Even if you don’t plan on flying a drone, there are still expenses that you will have to pay for in order to get the best out of it.
Aside from batteries, you also need to add other accessories such as lenses, filters, and a computer that can handle video editing.
While some video editing software is better than others, Filmora X and FilmoraPro are both good enough for most people.
While it’s possible to get a great deal on a drone without realizing it, it can quickly turn into a costly purchase if you overpay for certain extras.
4. Choose The Right Place
While most people think that they’re choosing the best retailer for their drone purchase, there are actually quite a few different ones.
DJI is known for constantly improving its drones’ performance. This is why, when it comes to buying a drone, the best place to shop is at DJI.
Another reason to buy from DJI is that they offer an accidental damage protection plan called DJI Care. This is essential for people who are new to flying drones. It helps minimize the chances of getting attacked by an eagle or a tree on their first day of flying.
If you’re looking for a drone that’s not from a manufacturer, then don’t hesitate to go with Amazon. They have a great selection, and they typically have a great return policy.
Prime members get free shipping and fast processing. However, if you prefer, you can also shop for goods on Amazon using their Prime account. There are also various advantages to using this service, such as being able to do your shopping in pajamas.
If you’re looking for drones and drone parts, then look no further than Hobby King. This store has a huge variety of options, and it has a variety of quality ratings.
Force1RC.com is another reliable online store that sells drones. They have a team of experts who are more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.
If you’re a fan of bargain hunting, then you might want to consider RCGroups.com, which allows people to resell drone parts and accessories.
5. Follow Flying Guidelines
This section is subject to change. In most cases, the rules around drones will change due to emerging technology.
The Federal Aviation Administration enforces the rules when it comes to the use of drones in the US. When flying a drone in the US, the aircraft must be registered with the agency.
The cost of getting a drone registration is usually less than five dollars per aircraft. But, it’s still important to be aware of the rules when it comes to operating a drone commercially.
Some of these rules may vary depending on where you live and work, so be sure to check with local authorities before getting started. Follow these guidelines when flying your drone. Don’t fly over anything that’s on fire.
When flying drones over government facilities, make sure to keep them away from people and vehicles. Also, be aware that drones are not allowed to fly in national parks and areas of Washington DC.
Make sure that your drone follows a proper route that doesn’t disrupt other people. When flying it in public, be polite and respectful to the law enforcers.
6. Avoid Crashes
Being careful when flying a drone can help minimize the chances of it crashing.
If flying at night, make sure that you avoid using drones for anything other than photography. They won’t be able to detect objects such as power lines and trees.
7. Learn About Sensors
To fly properly, drones have a wide variety of sensors. These components help keep the aircraft balanced and in control. They can also make it relatively easy to fly for new users.
Having the exact sensors that your drone has will help you avoid crashing. Having the wrong ones could cause issues with the drone.
Your drone’s sensors can be affected by the environment and behave in unpredictable ways.
GPS Receiver Interference
Mountain ranges and tall buildings can also interfere with GPS signals.
If you own a drone that has a Home function, then it’s important that it knows where it is so that it can keep up with the latest updates.
Compass Interference
Metal objects are not enough to interfere with a compass, so they should not be carried by a drone.
Since drones need to know the difference between the North and South, they should have built-in compasses. Unfortunately, they can’t tell the difference without interference.
If the drone’s compass gets too weak, it might start to fly in circles. This phenomenon, which is called the toilet bowl effect, is caused by the loss of its sense of direction.
Guidelines To Purchase A Drone
There are many factors to consider when buying a drone. Before you invest, make sure that you have enough experience to use it safely and confidently.
If you’re planning on getting a drone for a child or an inexperienced pilot, make sure to start small and robustly.
Before using it, make sure that the features and functions that you require are met. Doing so will help minimize the risk of getting injured while flying.
If yes, then consider a drone with a Gimbal. It’s a great alternative to a standard camera drone due to its ability to capture better images.
Drones for kids & beginners
Although they’ve become very popular, drones should not be considered toys. While they can be fun to use, flying one requires a lot of practice and effort.
Although drones are cheaper than planes, they are usually harder to fly and are prone to damage. Having a longer flight distance will help get the most out of them.
WiFi or remote control is not necessary for most pilots.
If you’re not used to using a drone, then start with a land-based model. These are powerful enough to carry out tasks such as driving and jumping walls.
Drones for recreational use
After learning how to use the drone controls, you can start planning on its advanced features. Some of these include features that make it more fun to fly, as well as those that make it safer to use.
With built-in WiFi, a drone with an FPV camera can introduce a whole new world of aerial possibilities.
There are a number of things to consider when choosing a camera drone. Before you buy one, make sure that the features you need are included.
If you’re planning on taking your drone to high altitudes, look for WiFi range and built-in GPS. These will help keep the drone in place while monitoring the terrain.
Drones for professional use
Drones are also useful for realtors, filmmakers, and landscapers. However, they are not allowed to be used by law enforcers or commercial users.
It is important that you choose a drone that has a long flight time. Having a long flight time will allow you to recharge quickly and avoid getting stuck in a schedule.
If you plan on using your drone to take photos, then you will most likely want a drone that comes with a built-in gimbal. This feature will allow users to take images with both vertical and horizontal orientation.
An octocopter is a great choice for people wanting to carry a heavier payload. It can also climb higher and provide better handling.
Check the Rules Before You Fly
Due to the rise of drones, there have been a number of privacy breaches and security concerns. Before you fly one, it is important that you understand the rules.
If you plan on using a drone for commercial purposes, you need to obtain a license. Flying it without a license is also allowed.
1.Image quality is the most important.
In the drone market, 1-inch sensors are becoming the new gold standard, replacing the 4/3-inch ones. The most powerful professional drones like the Phantom 4 Pro use a 4/3-inch sensor.
A larger CMOS makes it possible to shoot better-quality footage in low-light conditions, but don’t worry too much if you’re mainly shooting at night.
2. Do you need 4K Video?
frames per second. This figure shows the number of frames per second that a camera can handle. It’s usually used for special effects like slow motion.
The video resolution of drones can vary depending on the platform you use. For instance, if you are a videographer who wants to shoot a cinematic video, then 4K is the best choice.
3. Is Raw/DNG format support necessary?
If a photographer uses a drone, then they can shoot RAW/DNG photos. This format allows them to store all of the data from their camera in post-production. It’s also beneficial for aerial photographers.
4. Does the drone hover perfectly still?
Having a stable hovering function is very important for image quality. It prevents the drone from constantly moving around or appearing to fall. Having a good flight control system is also necessary for this function.
5. Buy a photography drone with a mounted gimbal.
A gimbal is a device that holds a camera in place. It is often used to steady videos.
The DJI Phantom series was the first drone to have a built-in 3 axis gimbal. The latest iteration of the Mavic 2 series now features a similar feature.
6. Don’t worry about flight time.
Most photography drones can’t fly for more than 30 minutes. However, there are some drones that can fly for up to 20 minutes. The ideal selection is the Mavic 2, which has a max flight time of 31 minutes.
7. Intelligent functions.
Not only do good photography drones have good image quality, they also have intelligent features that allow them to support shooting.
The 2x optical zoom of the Mavic 2 allows users to capture images with a close-up shot. Other professional cameras also have built-in mechanical shutters to reduce distortion.
8. Buy a popular drone.
Another benefit of owning a drone is that it makes it easier to troubleshoot problems.
With many options for drones, there’s a huge variety of solutions available to you. You can also learn how to fly more smoothly and safely with tutorials and tips on YouTube.
Best Aerial Photography Drones Recommendations:
Mavic 2
The DJI Mavic 2 is the company’s latest flagship drone that’s ideal for both professionals and enthusiasts. There are two camera options available with the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom, which give users plenty of options when it comes to shooting.
Mavic Air
The Mavic Air is a portable drone that packs a lot of features into a small package. It’s ideal for hobbyists and pilots who are looking for a high-quality camera that can be easily carried.
Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro is a versatile drone that can handle almost anything. It features a 12-megapixel camera that supports DNG video and 4K video at 30 frames per second.
Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a professional camera that features many of the same features as its predecessor, but with upgraded features. Among the changes is the new remote controller.
This feature allows the Phantom 920 to use the same frequency for transmission distance up to 4.3 mi. Its 1-inch sensor is capable of capturing 4K video and 20 MP stills in low-light conditions.
Inspire 2
The Inspire 2 is a great drone for anyone wanting to start their own aerial photography business. It records at up to 6K resolution in CinemaDNG RAW and can reach speeds of up to 58 mph.
Before you buy a photography drone, make sure that you consider all the factors that you need to know. For instance, if you don’t require a high-end video quality camera, then a basic drone might be enough.
Related: The Best Drone For Photos And Video In 2021
Conclusion
Before you buy a drone, make sure to consider all of the factors that will affect its operation. Some of these include the type of drone you want, the type of flight you want, and the cost.
Before buying a drone, make sure to do some research on the various features and functionalities of the aircraft. Doing so will help you make the right decision.