Which Drone Is Right For You?

Today there are so many new drone options to choose from. But which drone is right for you? Picking the right one that suits your creative needs can be overwhelming and difficult. There are countless drone models out there, all with varying features and price points. To make that process easier, here is a specific breakdown of what you should know when purchasing a drone.

Choose a Drone Within Your Skill Level

Are you Pro status or just a beginner? The first thing to do when trying to find a drone is to choose one within your skill level. High-end photography drones are more expensive and are designed for professional photographers, filmmakers, and journalists who need a custom camera and gimbal system to achieve great image quality. Some top-tier photography drones can even require two people, including one to fly the drone and another to control the camera.

Which Drone Has the Features You Want

Find out exactly what features you will need. Photography drones are designed for outdoor flight and aerial photography, which is great for flying around an open space and getting a bird's-eye view of your surroundings. When shopping for a photography drone, you'll want to look into the camera quality, including the megapixels and video resolution. It's also important to note whether a photography drone has a gimbal or a fixed camera. Other features to look for that make flying easier include automated flight modes and obstacle avoidance. Many photography drones for hobbyists support 4K video and include obstacle avoidance and image stabilization. Collapsible models are smaller, more affordable options for someone looking to buy their first photography drone. For example, maybe you are looking for something capable of recording 4k, slow-motion, HDR, and d-log. If so, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a great choice for taking pictures and can take moving time-lapses. Each battery can last 25+ minutes a flight but uses the battery more quickly in very windy conditions.

Choose a Combination of Quality and Affordability

Drones range in price from less than $25 to several thousand dollars, and the best drone for you isn't necessarily the most expensive one. The best drone option for you depends on your experience level and how you plan to use it. Drones can get pretty pricey, however, there are plenty of cheap drones to explore that can whet your appetite for aerial photography or drone racing. Picking up a more affordable drone is a great way to give yourself some vital experience. This way, if your drone ends up stuck in a tree or taking a dip in the pool, you're not going to be missing a mortgage payment! Alternatively, a more affordable drone is also a great option for kids that want to experiment with this exciting tech.

Which Drone Is Right for Beginners?

If you're a beginner, choosing the right drone can be a bit of a challenge. You most likely don't want to go with a crazy expensive option or end up with a cheap one that quits working after a few flights. If so, you might want to explore the world of used drones. Buying a used drone will allow you to find the right features that you need without shelling out retail prices. After a new release, it's often easier to find used older models. For example, instead of a DJI Mavic 2 Pro, look for a used Mavic Pro. Or you could also look for a used DJI Mavic Mini. This drone packs quite a punch with 2.7K video, GPS, altitude hold, and a mechanical gimbal. For YouTubers or Instagrammers, images and videos recorded on its MicroSD card are super high quality. The automated QuickShots provide several striking orbiting or other dramatic swooping shots while keeping your subject in the frame.

Are Accessories Important?

A drone battery offers 5–25 minutes of flight time on a single charge and can take an hour or more to recharge. But oftentimes, the battery can be easily removed and replaced with a fresh one once its charge is spent. To spend more time in the air each session, you should purchase one or more extra rechargeable batteries that are compatible with your drone. No one who flies drones lands perfectly every time. Whether it's a collision with a tree or a hard landing on the pavement, the occasional mishap is an inevitable part of flying. Drones often come with spare propellers, and you can purchase additional spares separately, too. Keep in mind that half of a drone's propellers spin clockwise and half counterclockwise to enhance stability, so you want a couple of spare propellers of each kind. Some drones don't need a standalone remote controller to function. These drones create their own Wi-Fi hotspot, to which you can connect your smartphone or tablet and pilot the drone using a downloadable app. You can attach a sunshade to your controller to protect your mobile device from direct sunlight, so you always have a clear view of your screen.

Main Drone Checklist

1. Choose the best option that best meets your skill level. For beginners, it might be best to start with a more basic model.
2. Make sure you choose the drone that has the features you need. It is important to look at camera quality, including megapixels or video resolution.
3. Choose the option that agrees with your creative needs and your pocket. There are pricey options out there's so keep the option of buying used in mind.
4. Are you a beginner? Explore affordable bundle options that include everything you might need.