Flying a drone can be a thrilling and enjoyable leisure activity, especially for those new to it. With a drone, you can explore new places, capture stunning photos and videos, and even race against other pilots. Whether you are looking for a new leisure pursuit or want to try something new, drones are an excellent choice. Our guide will walk you through the best beginner drone purchase for you.
Drone Purchase Choices
Many types of drones are available on the market, ranging from simple toy models to advanced professional grade aircraft. Some drones are designed for racing and acrobatics, while others are geared towards aerial photography and videography.
One of the most important things to understand about drones is their flight capabilities. Most drones have GPS and other sensors that allow them to fly autonomously, meaning they can maintain a stable hover and follow pre-programmed flight paths. It’s important to remember that drones can be impacted by environmental conditions such as wind and rain, which may require manual adjustments to maintain stability.
Another critical consideration when choosing a drone is its range and flight time. Most consumer grade drones have a range of several hundred feet and can fly for around 20-30 minutes on a single battery charge. Professional grade drones may have longer ranges and flight times but have a higher price tag.
Most beginner drones come with simple, easy to learn and use controls. Many models even have features like automatic takeoff and landing, making it easy to start immediately.
Safety is always a top priority when flying a drone. Most beginner drones come with safety features like obstacle avoidance and automatic return to home, which can help prevent accidents and crashes. Additionally, many models have built-in GPS systems that allow you to track your drone’s location and ensure that it stays within a safe flying range.
Key Features to Consider
When purchasing a beginner friendly drone, consider the key features to ensure you get the best flying experience possible. Here are some of the most essential components to keep in mind:
Camera
If you plan on using your drone primarily for photography or videography, the camera is a crucial feature to consider. Look for drones with high quality cameras that can shoot in at least 1080p resolution. Some drones even come with 4K cameras for even better video quality.
Flight Time and Battery Life
A drone’s flight time and battery life are important factors to consider. Look for drones that can fly for at least 20 minutes on a single charge and come with spare batteries so you can swap them out for longer flights.
GPS and Obstacle Avoidance
GPS and obstacle avoidance features can make flying your drone easier and safer. Look for drones with built in GPS that can help keep the drone stable and in control. Obstacle avoidance features can help prevent collisions with trees, buildings, and other obstacles.
Remote Control
The remote control is an integral part of flying your drone. Look for a remote control that is easy to use and has all the necessary controls for flying your drone. Some drones even have smartphone apps to control your drone from your cell phone.
Stability and Sensor
Stability and sensors are the features that ensure your drone stays in control and does not crash. Look for drones with built in sensors that can help keep the drone stable and in control, even in windy conditions.
Follow Me Mode and Subject Tracking
Follow me mode and subject tracking are helpful features for capturing footage of moving subjects. Look for drones with these features if you plan on using your drone for action sports or other activities where you need to capture footage of moving subjects.
Beginner Drone Purchase Recommendations Our Top Picks
If you are a beginner looking to buy a drone, a few models are perfect for you. These drones are easy to fly, affordable, and offer incredible features to help you get started with aerial photography and videography. These are our top picks for beginners.
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is an ideal drone for beginners. It is small, lightweight, and easy to fly. It has a 4K camera to capture stunning aerial footage and photos. The drone has a range of up to 10 km, which is impressive for its size. It also has a long battery life of up to 31 minutes, which is more than enough for most beginners. The DJI Mini 2 is our top pick for beginners.
Ryze Tello
The Ryze Tello is another excellent drone for kids and beginners. It is affordable and easy to fly. It has a 5 megapixel camera that can capture decent photos and videos. The drone has a range of up to 100 meters, which is enough for most beginners. The battery life is around 13 minutes, which is not as long as the DJI Mini 2 but still decent for the price.
Holy Stone HS210
The Holy Stone drone HS210 is an affordable option that is great for those who are new to flying drones. It is easy to fly and has a 720p camera to capture decent photos and videos. The drone has a range of up to 50 meters, which is enough for most beginners. The battery life is around 8 minutes, which is not as long as the other drones on this list but still decent for the price.
Drone Purchase – Accessories
You can purchase various drone accessories based on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a troubleshooting guide check out Drone Servicing | Maintenance And Troubleshooting. Here are some of the most common accessories and what you need to know about them:
Spare Parts
Spare parts are essential for any drone owner, especially if you are starting your drone experience. You never know when you might crash your drone and need to replace a propeller or other component. Some common spare parts include:
- Propellers: These are the most commonly replaced parts on a drone. Make sure you have a few extra sets on hand, just in case.
- Batteries: Extra batteries are always a good idea, as they limit how long you can fly your drone.
- Motors: If you crash your drone hard enough, you may need to replace a motor or two.
- Landing gear: This can be especially important if you fly in rough terrain or land on uneven surfaces.
Gimbals
A gimbal is a device that permits rotation and helps to stabilize your camera while attached to your drone. Gimbals can be especially important if you are shooting video, as they will help eliminate the jitters and shakes that can occur when flying a drone. Some things to keep in mind when shopping for a gimbal include:
- Compatibility: Make sure the gimbal you choose is compatible with your drone and camera.
- Payload: Different gimbals have different weight limits, so make sure the one you choose can handle the weight of your camera.
- Stabilization: Look for gimbals with 3-axis stabilization, as this will provide the smoothest footage.
Toys
While not strictly necessary, a variety of drone toys and accessories can enhance your flying experience. Some popular options include:
- LED lights: These can be attached to your drone to make it more visible at night or add an excellent effect.
- First-person view (FPV) goggles allow you to see what your drone sees in real time, giving you a more immersive flying experience.
- Landing pads: These can be especially helpful if you’re flying on uneven or dirty surfaces, as they provide a stable landing spot for your drone.
Final Thoughts
Drones are an exciting leisure hobby for all skill levels, whether capturing aerial footage or experiencing the joy of flying. Start with a low cost, easy to fly drone as a beginner, then upgrade to advanced models with more features as you gain experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a camera drone and a regular drone?
A camera drone is designed specifically for capturing aerial footage and typically comes equipped with a high quality camera. On the other hand, a regular drone may not have a camera or a lower quality one. Additionally, regular drones may be designed and created for other purposes, such as racing or aerial acrobatics.
Can I fly a drone indoors, or do I need to be outside?
Flying a drone outside in an open area, away from people, buildings, and other obstacles, is recommended. Indoor flying can be more challenging and dangerous due to the limited space and potential obstacles.
How long does the battery life typically last on beginner-friendly drones?
The battery life of beginner friendly drones can vary depending on the model and usage. Most beginner friendly drones have an average battery life of around 10-20 minutes.
