5 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Drone
Ever since drones became commercial, everyone want a piece of the action. But surprisingly, their sales haven’t gone through the roof for one reason or another. All in all, the concept of drones isn’t something new. Before, we had radio-controlled aircraft. However, drones are a little easier to fly than the traditional radio-controlled air crafts.
But before you spend a significant chunk of change on purchasing a drone, there are a few things you should know. Undoubtedly, drones are a tad bit expensive. Therefore, you’ll need to prepare for it before purchasing one. Thankfully, this article is in your best interest. So, without further ado, let’s get started, shall we?
1. Learn how to use drones and their different types
When planning to purchase a drone, first and foremost, you need to learn how to use it. There are currently different types of drones, and each of them has different controls. It’s up to you to understand how that will affect your drone hobby and how to navigate it properly.
More importantly, not all drones are equal. They all have different uses and also come at different prices. That said, do you need a drone that can perform outstanding acrobatics?
Or do you need one for photography and filming? Do you need a drone that can perform in first-person viewing races? These questions are vital when making a decision on which drone to buy. With that in mind, here’s a list of drones you should consider and their unique features
· Ready to Fly (RFT)
RFTs are the best type of drones to start with if you don’t have any experience with drones. These Ready to Fly drones come with everything you’ll need to get started. However, they come with a higher price tag than the rest.
· ARFs (Almost Ready to Fly)
After years into the drone game, you’ll probably want something sophisticated. That’s where the ARFs come in. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to stay away from these drones. These drones need time to assemble, and it can be challenging for anyone who doesn’t have any experience with drones.
Typically, ARFs allows a high degree of customization, making them the ideal racing machines. Other types of drones that you can go for are the PNPs (Plug and Play) and BNF (Bind and Fly). As you can see, these drones are quite different and serve different purposes.
2. Extra Drone costs
When purchasing a drone, you need to consider your budget for this equipment. And depending on your budget, you can decide on which drone to settle with. For instance, you’ll have to pay a little extra for an extra battery or filters fitted into the camera. Additionally, if you want to shoot a video, your computer must be compatible with video editing software.
And if you want to go pro, this software typically carries an extra cost to purchase the premium package. You’ll instantly see that your budget-friendly drone’s price will go through the roof when you add all that up. Therefore, when budgeting for a drone, try to account for the extra costs as well.
3. Shopping at the right place
Another crucial factor that you need to consider when purchasing a drone is where you are planning to buy one. Where you are planning to buy could either impact your experience with the drone positively or negatively.
In essence, some platforms offer additional after-sale services that could help you in case you run into any trouble with your drone within the first few days. That’s something to have in mind when purchasing a drone, especially if this is your first experience.
4. Consider Certain Features
Drones are available in a wide range of features. These features are a huge deciding factor when making your purchase. You want a drone that is best suited for your specific purpose. Especially if you're making a first-time purchase, you want to be careful as a feature you think you'll use all the time may be essentially useless while another you thought you might never use can easily become a favorite.
Like any other equipment, the more functions a drone has, the higher the cost. Therefore, it's crucial to strike a balance between acquiring all the features you desire while at the same time without paying more than necessary for features you won't even need. That said, let's look at a few key features you need to consider in a drone, even if you're on a budget.
i. Range of the Drone
We always say; it's better when your drone can fly further from the transmitter. Drones with a lower price tag often have a range of 30 meters or less. On the other hand, the more expensive ones can travel for miles without losing touch with the transmitter. If you need a drone for videography and photography, a more extended range is crucial as the drone can reach locations a human can't.
ii. Materials Used
Drones are pretty expensive; therefore, you need something that will stand the test of time. Less expensive drones are made of plastic. While this is an inexpensive material, it's not very long-lasting.
If you want a budget-friendly drone, at least go for ABS plastic, which is more durable than regular plastic. Drones made of fiberglass and carbon fiber are far more durable but significantly pricier. However, if you're confident you'll use your drone frequently, the extra expense may be justified.
iii. Live Feed
A live feed is another crucial feature to have in a drone. It not only shows you when you're in position to take beautiful aerial photos but also allows you to see via the drone's eyes as if you were there with it. That makes it easier and safer to fly the drone. A live feed capability will add a bit of an extra cost to the drone, but it's well worth having.
iv. The Flight Time
Most drones have a 30-minute flight time. If you're trying to do some aerial photography, this doesn't seem like a lot of time. You will pay more for a lengthier flight time. Rather than stressing about how long your drones will fly, make sure you thoroughly plan how you will use the time you will have. You may most likely save money by flying for a shorter period and correctly planning your drone flights so that you don't squander your flight time.
5. Proper Drone Flying Etiquette
Whether using a drone for fun or professional photography, be conscious of your neighbors. So, while flying your drone, keep in mind that others may be concerned about their privacy. Therefore, it's best to fly your drone in open areas away from the public.
Now when you are more prepared to buy your first drone,you can choose the best one here!
