Introduction
The lifting of lockdown policies and the recovery of tourism around the world after the Covid epidermic has seen increasing popularity of drones used for recreation and aerial photography. This has created a wide range of opportunities for this segment of the industry. Based on record, the Consumer Drones Market was evaluated at USD 4.34 Billion in 2022, and projected to reach 19.71 billion by 2030, growing at 20.8% from year 2023 to 2030. Consumer drones market share is expected to increase drastically due to the growing use of these drones for self-entertainment and commercial purposes.
With so many options available, buying a drone can be a challenging task, especially for first-time buyers. It is therefore important to know what to look for before making a purchase.
Determine the type of Drone.
There are a variety of factors to consider when it comes to buying a drone. Your needs and preferences will help you choose the right drone, and important things to keep in mind. The are the following three types of Drones:
- Dones for Beginners
- Drones for Hobbyists
- Dones for Professionals
Drones for Beginners
If you are new to flying drones, a beginner drone may be the right choice for you. Theses drones are easy to fly and have basic features and are ideal for buyers that are new to flying drones.
Beginner drones are usually affordable and have features such as altitude hold, headless mode, one-button takeoff, and landing.
The flight time is typically less than 15 minutes.
Drones for Hobbyists
A hobbyist drone may be the right choice for you if you’re looking to fly a drone for fun. These drones are typically affordable and easy to use, making them a great option also for beginners and hobbyists.
Drones for Hobbyists are light in weight with compact design, making them easy to carry around. These drones offer a stable flight and a decent camera for capturing aerial footage.
The flight time is typically greater than 15 minutes and up to 40 minutes.
Drones for Professionals
If you are looking for drones for commercial use such as professional aerial photography or videography, professional drones are the right choice for you. These drones are typically more expensive than beginners and hobbyist drones.
These drones offer advanced features such as longer flight times, higher quality cameras, and greater control over the drone’s movements.
Professional drones are better utilised by a pilot with some experience at the controls although some of the technologies included help to make flying incredibly easy. Designed for professional photographers, filmmakers, site assessors and more, these drones are the most advanced available, providing out of this world results. They offer an easier way of capturing imagery from hard-to-reach places.
Features to Consider in Buying a Drone Online
Flying Time
The flight time varies between the different types of drones and should be taken into account depending on how you intend to use your drone.
An average of 15 to 20 minutes of flying time is found to be sufficient for most beginners, gives ample time to learn the basics, and is available at very affordable prices. In under 20 minutes, you can capture stunning pictures and make beautiful yet fun videos from the height at which these drones fly. Easily transfer the pictures to your phone or laptop using the USB cable, and you can make your social media a drone shots library of the places you visit. Professional drones offer longer flight times.
It’s important to note that the flight time of a drone is affected by several factors, including wind conditions, temperature, and altitude.
- Drones for Beginners and Hobbyists: The flight time is typically 10 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the model and brand.
- Drones for Professionals: Fight time is typically longer than 30 minutes.
Battery Life
When it comes to buying a drone, one of the most important factors to consider is battery life. The battery life of a drone can vary greatly depending on the model and the size of the battery.
A 4 cell/4S (14.8v) pack is the most common voltage for flying almost any size drone (apart from micro >120mm frames) at the moment. This voltage is very versatile and provides great performance for racing and freestyle on almost any quad using 2.5” props and over.
The top-class industrial drones have batteries last for at least 1h-2h, mid-class industrial drones’ batteries will last 30 mins-1h. If your industrial drone is small in size, perhaps its battery will only last 20-30 mins or less.
When choosing a battery, consider the voltage, capacity, and charging time. A higher voltage and capacity will provide more power and longer flight time.
Flight Range
When it comes to buying a drone, one of the most important factors to consider is battery life which is related to the flight range.
Drones can fly from 100 metres all the way to 15 kilometres. It depends on the drone performance. Toy drones typically have a short range of about 20 to 100 yards while mid- to high- range tend to have a higher range that can extend to several kilometres.
Cameras
Drones have integrated cameras that range in quality from basic to professional grade which are typically more expensive but offer advanced features like interchangeable lenses and larger sensors that produce high-quality images suitable for professional use.
Video Quality
The most common video resolutions for drones are 1080p and 4K. 4K video provides more detail and is ideal for professional use, but it also requires more storage space and processing power.
In conclusion, when buying a drone for aerial photography or videography, it is important to consider the camera specifications and video quality,
GPS
Drones with GPS and altitude hold features are more stable and can maintain a steady altitude. The GPS feature allows the drone to maintain its position in the air, while the altitude hold feature keeps the drone at a specific height. Additionally, drones with a gimbal can provide better stability by keeping the camera steady during flight.
Repair
When purchasing a drone, it’s important to consider the battery life and the availability of spare parts. By following proper battery care and maintenance and ensuring that spare parts are readily available, you can enjoy longer flight times and keep your drone in top condition for years to come. Ammarri is a good source of spare parts that are available on order.
Speed
The motor and power of a drone are crucial for its performance. The motor determines the speed and power of the drone, while the power source determines how long the drone can fly.
Drones come with different types of motors, including brushed and brushless motors. Brushless motors are more powerful and efficient, making them ideal for high-performance drones.
Drone Control and Safety
Control and safety are two critical factors that cannot be overlooked when it comes to flying a drone.
Remote Control
The remote control is a crucial part of a drone that is used to control its flight. It is vital to choose a remote control that is easy to use and has all the necessary features.
Almost all drones come with a remote control that has two joysticks, one for controlling the altitude and the other for controlling the direction.
Some advanced drones also come with a flight controller, which is a small computer that assists in control the drone’s flight.
It is essential to choose a drone with a remote control that has a good range and/or is easy to use.
Obstacle Avoidance
Obstacle avoidance is a vital safety feature that helps prevent collisions and crashes. A lot of drones come with sensors that can detect obstacles and adjust the drone’s flight path accordingly.
Some advanced drones also come with obstacle avoidance systems that use cameras and other sensors to detect obstacles.
It is essential to choose a drone with a good obstacle avoidance system, especially if you plan to fly it in crowded areas or indoors. However, it is important to note that obstacle avoidance systems are not foolproof and cannot guarantee complete safety.
Budget and Options
Affordable Drones
Affordable Drones are perfect for those on a tight budget who want to learn how to fly a drone. These drones typically cost between $50 and $200.
Cost of a Good Drone
Beginner drones, perfect for first-time pilots, with cameras range from $30 to $150, while camera drones, designed for capturing stunning aerial photos and videos, can range from $400 to $1000.
Conclusion
It is vital to consider the following to be sure you get a quality drone that meets your needs.
- Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations on flying a drone in your area before you purchase a drone.
- Consider the flight features of the drone such as GPS, obstacle avoidance, and return-to-home, which can make flying your drone easier and safer.
- Consider the Controller and look for a controller that is easy to use and has a good range.
- Consider the flight time of the drone and look for a drone with a relatively long flight time so that you can spend more time flying and less time charging.