Drones are becoming more and more popular. The market is getting flooded with different brands, models, prices, and features. How do you know which one to buy (you might want to check out So-Nerdy if you want to read some drone reviews)?
Here, we’ll go over the basics of drones and share some tips on finding the right one.
Choose The Type of Drone
There are several types of drones, but they can most generally be divided into toy or hobbyist drones and commercial use-type drones. A good rule of thumb is that devices that retail for under $300 USD typically fall into the category of a toy drone. They often come with a camera to take aerial videos but don’t have a gimbal to help stabilize shots. Since it’s a toy, you shouldn’t expect high-quality footage from it – it will look like amateur hour! On the other hand, professional-grade models cost thousands of dollars and require FAA registration as well as an expert pilot license. If you’re looking for something in between those two extremes, there are plenty out there as well!
Know Where To Fly
If you’ll be flying a commercial drone, it’s important to know where you can and cannot fly. In the US, it is illegal to fly drones over people or vehicles without permission from those people/vehicles.
Check The Battery Life And Flight Distance
Battery life is an important factor in choosing a commercial-use drone. If you’re flying far away, for example for forestry management, will your drone have the battery life to get back home? What happens if something goes wrong?
It’s also important to check that drones are compatible with different types of batteries. Some only work with one brand while others accept a variety of options.
Look At The Camera System
If you want professional-quality footage, it’s important to consider the camera system. Drones range in size from nano (smaller than 5 cm) all the way up to max 2, which are over 8 feet wide! Typically, larger drones have higher quality cameras – but the price is often proportional to size since they use bigger motors and more battery power.
Buy From The Right Place
When buying a drone, make sure you buy it from a reputable dealer! If you’re in the US, there are stores that specialize in drones.
An important thing to look for is if the store offers post-sales support. This can be especially helpful when looking for replacement parts or other accessories. Some manufactures offer better service than others, so take this into consideration when choosing where to shop.
Know What Comes With The Drone…And What Doesn’t
Most drones come ready to fly right out of the box. But some don’t! Make sure your drone comes with at least: batteries and a battery charger, propellers and cables, and documentation (an instruction manual). These will help you get started and keep your device in working order.
Buying a drone can be overwhelming. There are many different types of drones, from toy to commercial-use models and they vary in price from cheap to expensive. From there, you need to consider the camera system – will it have high-quality footage? Where do I fly my drone? What accessories come with the device? You’ll want to make sure that your purchase is coming from a reputable dealer so you know what type of post-sales support it offers. Hopefully, these tips will help you answer these questions and more!
