7 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Drone
$59.99
Drone flying over sea at sunset
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), more commonly referred to as a drone is an aircraft piloted by remote control or onboard computers.
Drones are used for various purposes, such as capturing aerial footage, mapping terrains and for military combat.
The most basic function of a camera drone is to carry out aerial surveillance. Besides, they are also ideal for aerial mapping, inspection of vast areas, scientific research, search and rescue, aerial photography, aerial video capture, and transporting items to areas where road accessibility is limited.
In recent years, there has been a tremendous increase in the ownership and use of personal drones, especially for travel photography. Personal drones can cost as little as $50 and as much as thousands of dollars, depending on the model, type, technologies and features.
Drone flying over river
You can read more about our 10-step guide to buying a drone for more information on buying your first drone.
Whereas the latest drones are quite advanced and have reliable technology, some do come with underlying complications that you as an ordinary person would not be able to realize at first glance.
This 7 step guide is meant to provide you with more insight concerning the things you should know before purchasing your first drone.
1. Learn About Drones
The first thing you have to consider is the purpose of the drone. Will just be a flying toy, or will you be taking professional aerial or travel photography and videos?
Drone flying in the sky
Then you will want to understand the drone terminologies such as RTF, BNF, and ARF. Once you are familiar with what drones can do and the specifications that will best meet your purpose, then you will be more informed as to which model to purchase.
2. Drone Registration
Because of the various risks that drones pose to the general public, more and more countries are requiring owners to register/licence their drones. There have been a few near misses between passenger aircrafts and drones. Some drones are unfortunately used for illegal purposes such as spying on people.
Drone flying
3. Controllers
Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles. This indicates that you will need a means by which you safely fly the drone and control its movements from the ground. The good news is that most modern drones already come with their own controllers. For some you will need to purchase the controllers separately or find a way to use your smartphone to pilot the drone.
Drone with controller
4. Cost Vs Capability
The cost of your drone could be linked to the capabilities. That is a no-brainer of course. So for example, if you are in travel photography, you would ideally want a drone that can take high resolution pictures and also transmit videos back to the controller. You would also want a robust and very stable drone to avoid blurry pictures.
Drone flying aobe emergency scene
5. Design and Build
The number one reason for damaged or wrecked drones is due drones crashing out of the sky, even from low altitude. So if you plan to use your drone in harsh external conditions, ensure to get the right drone that is built with the right material and safeguards.
Drone with camera in flight
6. Flying Guidelines
In the USA, FAA guidelines compel UAVs to fly at not more than four hundred feet above the ground. Also, many countries/cities have no-fly zones for various reasons. These no-fly zones include military bases, foreign consulates and airports.
Camera drone
7. Applicable Laws
Drone image of beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Forget what you see in the movies. Taking pictures of private locations such as homes, gardens and offices is illegal in most countries. So try not to capture footage that could land you in trouble, accidentally or purposely. In some cases you may get off with just a fine, and in other cases, you could get a criminal record.
Picture of Jeongdongjin, South Korea taken by a drone
Checkout these best selling drones.
Cheerwing W1PRO GPS Drone with 1080P Camera for Adults, Quadcopter with Brushless...
- Dual Cameras: Drone with 1080P HD front camera and the 720P bottom camera, supports 5G WiFi FPV real time transmission, provides you with clear and fluent live video feed, offers a thrilling flight experience.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
- Dual Cameras: Drone with 1080P HD front camera and the 720P bottom camera, supports 5G WiFi FPV real time transmission, provides you with clear and fluent live video feed, offers a thrilling flight experience.
- Worry-Free Flight: With GPS Positioning, W1PRO Camera Drone can hover stably for aerial photography and videography, and return to home precisely whenever battery is low, signal is lost, or you like to fly it back by one key.
- Follow Me and Gesture Control: In GPS mode, the drone will automatically follow wherever you move. Simply making specific gestures, the drone will turn into Palm control mode, and can take photos and videos automatically. Ideal for selfie!
- More Fun to Fly: Altitude Hold, One Key Take-off / Landing functions make easier access to kids or beginners. Custom Flight Route in Optical Flow Mode, Waypoint Flight & Surround Flight in GPS Mode provides more fun during flight.
- Extand Flight Time: Maximum of 18-minutes flight time and double batteries allows you to fly longer and view further. Perfect drone for adults, kids and beginners, Ideal Gift for your kids, boys, friends and father!
DROCON Bugs 3 Powerful Brushless Motor Quadcopter High Speed Flying Gopro Drone...
- Updated Brushless motor: Brushless motor won't overheat and melt like plastic, so you get longer flights (15-20 minutes). They don't fray and spark like brush motors, so they're far safer.
- Fly up to 15-20 minutes: Blue bugs 3 lasts for 15 minutes at mid-to-high throttle, and up to 20 minutes with conservative use. Bugs 3 flies stable & smooth for beginners and faster for expert.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
- Updated Brushless motor: Brushless motor won't overheat and melt like plastic, so you get longer flights (15-20 minutes). They don't fray and spark like brush motors, so they're far safer.
- Fly up to 15-20 minutes: Blue bugs 3 lasts for 15 minutes at mid-to-high throttle, and up to 20 minutes with conservative use. Bugs 3 flies stable & smooth for beginners and faster for expert.
- Long distance control remote control alarm: ven when your Blue bugs 3 is a tiny Speck in the distance, you retain 100% control. Fly to 1, 000 feet and beyond in seconds and capture incredible shots of breathtaking vistas. Don't worry, low power alarm and weak signal alarm will keep the drone always under control.
- Fly against high speed wind: bugs 3 is made of durable nylon fiber material and the weigh T is up to 1. 4 kg. It will be powerful enough to enable you to fly a drone whenever you want it, even against high speed wind.
- 3D rolls & flip: this drone will amaze you by performing a cool 3D flip at the Press of button. Have fun with your Blue bugs 3, we provide 30 days money back grantee and life time technical support.
SNAPTAIN S5C WiFi FPV Drone with 720P HD Camera, Voice Control, Gesture...
- ✈USER-FRIENDLY✈ SNAPTAIN S5C drone is user-friendly. Simply press one button, it will take off, land or return to your command. Smart voice control, headless mode, and the fascinating 360° Flips & Rolls come handy even for the drone newbies.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
$69.99
- ✈USER-FRIENDLY✈ SNAPTAIN S5C drone is user-friendly. Simply press one button, it will take off, land or return to your command. Smart voice control, headless mode, and the fascinating 360° Flips & Rolls come handy even for the drone newbies.
- ✈Farther & Clearer✈ The SNAPTAIN S5C provides video transmission within a range of up to 80m. Edit and upload instantly your videos on Social Media by iPhone or a video transmission signal up to a scale of 80m, allowing you to fly farther. Edit HD footage and directly upload it to social media from your iPhone or iPad. The video clips are automatically saved to the Micro SD card.
- ✈POWERFUL & SAFE✈ Protective Propeller Guards to ensure a safe flight. High quality ABS material to free your worries of a sudden shock or drop. Best choice with enough fun for beginners.
- ✈STEADY & TRACKABLE✈ Altitude-Hold function ensures a steady hover in the air at a certain altitude. Great aerial pictures and videos are feasible thanks to this function. Trajectory Flight function is the newest technology that by drawing a flight course on the touch screen on your smartphone, the drone will fly accordingly. Pure fun awaits.
- ✈GRAVITY CONTROL✈ A built-in G-sensor is designed to allow controlling the drone by adjusting the vertical and horizontal position of your smartphone via the Snaptain Era App downloadable on iOS and Android App market.
SIMREX X300C Mini Drone RC Quadcopter Foldable Altitude Hold Headless RTF 360...
- Phone direct control with transmission or transmitter control with smart phone. Apple iOS/ Android phones Compatible
- 360 degree flips & rolls. One key 3D rolling special effects. Flip in 4-ways flip(left, right, forward, backward). Continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
- Phone direct control with transmission or transmitter control with smart phone. Apple iOS/ Android phones Compatible
- 360 degree flips & rolls. One key 3D rolling special effects. Flip in 4-ways flip(left, right, forward, backward). Continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance.
- Headless security mode. When eyes can't identify the orientation of the drone, The headless mode can help to control easier and prevent from losing the direction.
- Equipped with the latest 6-axis gyro flight control systems, provide better using experience.
- Range: About 30-45 meters. Flight Tim: about 8-10 minutes. Charging time: about 60 minutes.(Note: the battery of the drone could only be charged with the original charging cable.)
GPS Drones with Camera 1080P for Adults，EACHINE E511S WiFi FPV Live Video...
- GPS Position Mode: With the GPS positioning system, you no longer have to worry about losing the drone, whether the drone loss signal or in low power, it will auto fly back, never lost the drone. You also can press the one key return button, the drone will fly back to the start point.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
- GPS Position Mode: With the GPS positioning system, you no longer have to worry about losing the drone, whether the drone loss signal or in low power, it will auto fly back, never lost the drone. You also can press the one key return button, the drone will fly back to the start point.
- 1080P 120° FOV 45° Adjustable HD Camera:Possessing 1080P 120° FOV 45° Adjustable HD Camera, allows you to capture high-quality video and aerial photos. High- speed picture transmission without delay, each picture is 1920*1080 pix，120 degree wide angle extended viewing angle，45° adjustable angle helps you view the world with multiple angle record your every wonderful moment，delivers a superior experience.
- Follow Me Mode & Orbit Mode & Waypoint Mode: In follow me mode, the drone will automatically follow and capture your every move; ideal drone for selfie and taking photos or videos the way you like. In orbit mode, the drone will fly surround the mobile device, you can take multi-angle self-timer. In waypoint mode, you can draw a route, the drone will fly according to your drawing route.
- Powerful batter & steady flight: Enjoy a maximum of 16-min flight time at a time. Enjoy more fun at once and the powerful battery is more durable. Altitude-Hold function ensures a steady hover in the air at a certain altitude. Great aerial pictures and videos are feasible thanks to this function.
- Customer Service: Maybe this is your first drone of aerial.So whether you have questions about our features like how to take a photo,take-off,landing, how to set-up TF card or general maintenance and repairs.Feel free to contact us and we are always at your side. Our dedicated customer service representatives will solve your flying problem in time.
Potensic T25 GPS Drone, FPV RC Drone with Camera 1080P HD WiFi...
- 2K, 120 FOV, 75 ADJUSTABLE WIDE ANGLE: Wider vision and fluent transmission help to capture clear photos and stable videos. WiFi connection provides fast and vivid FPV image.
- GPS ASSIST FLY: Follow Me Mode and dual GPS free your hands while GPS drone automatically follow you, simultaneously capturing all the videos & photos. Beside, Potensic T25 drone will fly as you want once Customize Flight Path function activated.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
$149.00
- 2K, 120 FOV, 75 ADJUSTABLE WIDE ANGLE: Wider vision and fluent transmission help to capture clear photos and stable videos. WiFi connection provides fast and vivid FPV image.
- GPS ASSIST FLY: Follow Me Mode and dual GPS free your hands while GPS drone automatically follow you, simultaneously capturing all the videos & photos. Beside, Potensic T25 drone will fly as you want once Customize Flight Path function activated.
- CONVENIENT AND EASY FOR BEGINNERS: Headless Mode, Altitude Mode and One Key to Take-off / Land functions make access to kids or beginners easier.
- SAFE AUTO RETURN: Equipped with Dual GPS, the drone can hover in air for easy control. It also can automatically return home once you press RTH button, which is effective measures to prevent loss of drone.
- 2 BATTERIES: 2*Modular 1000 mAh batteries can support up to 300m control range. You can go farther and see broader. Great drones for adults.
- 【A perfect gift drone for beginners, kids and adults to have a easy and stable flight experience】
- 【If you have any questions, please contact us. We will do our best to help solve your problem.】
Force1 U45WF Drones with Camera for Adults and Kids - Remote Control...
- BEGINNER DRONE WITH CAMERA: The U45WF FPV drone is an easy-to-fly WiFi drone with VR capabilities; 6-Axis Gyro, Altitude Hold, and Headless Mode features make this a great RC drone for first time drone flyers
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
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- BEGINNER DRONE WITH CAMERA: The U45WF FPV drone is an easy-to-fly WiFi drone with VR capabilities; 6-Axis Gyro, Altitude Hold, and Headless Mode features make this a great RC drone for first time drone flyers
- EASY PHOTO DRONES FOR ADULTS AND KIDS: Launch easy and perform 360 stunt flips with one button on the included 2.4 GHz drone remote; 720p HD drone camera with adjustable angle lets you capture crisp photos and video footage from the sky
- FLY WITH YOUR PHONE: Download the FlyingSee app and capture HD photos and crisp video streams live and straight to your mobile phone screen; iPhone or Android remote flying enables custom flight paths and motion-controlled navigation
- ADVANCED VR DRONE FEATURES: Altitude Hold lets the drone hover at a set height, 6-Axis Gyro allows stable flight, and Headless Mode ensures easy pilot to drone orientation
- COMPLETE VIDEO DRONE KIT: This outdoor drone includes 2 rechargeable batteries (18 minutes of flight for each battery), extra propellers, and a 2.4 GHz remote transmitter (requires 4 AA batteries - not included), kit comes in original U45W packaging
Ruko F11 Pro Drone 4K Quadcopter UHD Live Video GPS Drones, FPV...
- 【 】The Ruko F11PRO drone comes with a built-in Remote ID module and is certified compliant with FAA regulations, ensuring its continued operation after FAA policies take effect. No need extra remote ID module.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
$299.99
$389.99
- 【 】The Ruko F11PRO drone comes with a built-in Remote ID module and is certified compliant with FAA regulations, ensuring its continued operation after FAA policies take effect. No need extra remote ID module.
- 【6 】F11PRO 4K drone equipped with 2 powerful 11.1V 2500mAh intelligent batteries provides up to 60 minutes flight time in total, giving you more fun!
- 【 】This 4K drone is an excellent gift for beginners, especially if you want to get your kids/ friends/ wife/ neighbors introduced to drones. It is great for someone who wants to get into the Hobby and learn how to fly drones.
- 【 】It comes with beginner settings easy for you to get started. Intelligent flight features like Follow Me Mode, Tap Fly, Point of Interest, and Hand Gesture Shots make you fly like a little pilot to explore the fun of the aerial film, just One-click, It will fly itself and film your creative video.
- 【 】The brushless motor has stronger power, which can make the drone fly more stably and can resist the wind of level 6. The aluminum alloy casing is more durable than others of iron motors, it is durable for a long time used.
- 【 】Experience splendid 4k Ultra HD picture quality and 2.9k/30fps video for stunning clarity, high contrast, and vivid colors. Bring amazing view sight. The camera with a °FOV lens and °adjustable camera gives a broad view of your memorable moment.
- 【 】The F11PRO drones with camera for adults 4k will auto-returning to the takeoff location when it's lost signal, or low power, don't have to worry about losing your drone, just enjoy the fun of flying.
- 【 】 Ruko promises 30 days of return or exchange and 90 days free warranty. If you have any questions about our products, like the operation of the drone, please contact us.PRODUCT SUPPORT AVAILABLE!
- 【 】 ① The default Beginner Mode will automatically set up geofences, you can operate under the visibility of the drone to avoid the drone being lost. After you are familiar with the flight skill, you can turn off the beginner mode and fly farther.②Choose an open area, free of magnetic or radio interference, buildings and other obstructions (d>32ft) before flying.
ScharkSpark SS41 Drone with 2 Cameras - 1080P FPV HD Camera/Video and...
- Updated Modular Battery pack: The newest push-in battery with a larger capacity 3.7V 350mAh extends flight time up to 10-13 minutes, and increases control range to 328 ft, to provide a more extensive flight experience.
Last update was on: September 15, 2024 2:11 am
- Updated Modular Battery pack: The newest push-in battery with a larger capacity 3.7V 350mAh extends flight time up to 10-13 minutes, and increases control range to 328 ft, to provide a more extensive flight experience.
- Mini Size and Foldable Design: Mini size combined with the curvilinear radian shape makes the drone suitable for hand-hold. When traveling, you could fold the quadcopter into a smaller size to fit into a pocket, making it easy to bring it anywhere.
- Night Navigation Light: Equipped with cool LED lights to enable the night flight. The headlight- lights the way and makes it easy to identify the direction, so as drone won’t be lost at night.
- Perfect Beginner Drone: The FQ31 Drone has good performance of being wind-resistant and the Auto-hovering function enables the drone to hover at current height. Just pressing a button and it will take off or land automatically. All the remote operations make it beginner-friendly.
- Great Gift and Satisfactory Customer Service: Simple structure and easy to use controller make the RC Quadcopter, a perfect birthday present, Christmas gift, or a reward & prize for teenagers. All our ScharkSpark drones have a 3-year after-sales service (Drone without Camera)
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