Many people recall the pleasures and dangers of drones, but what exactly are they: toys, or military devices? The reality is actually the mixture of all this because in fact a drone is only an evolution of the "aircraft radio-controlled."
With the miniaturization of electronic components, we have achieved technological prowess (miniature camera, camcorder no bigger than a cigarette pack, etc.). Of course the army has actively participated in its development (very low radar echo, relatively silent, able to make on-site as long as its battery allows it, transport camera or even trigger weapons at the touch of a button of the remote control).
We therefore have several categories of drone from the simple toy of a few centimetres to the military drone several tens of meters of scale but we will talk here about the amateurs wanting to film from above.
How to choose a drone?
Several criteria exist in order to choose a drone. We must already take into account the experience we have in the piloting of drone, the control commands (smartphone, tablet, remote control, etc.), and the age of the user. We must also see what use we want to make of it.
You should know that not all drones are equipped in the same way. Some have cameras, while others do not have them. But we can buy back packs to install them on the drone.
Which drone to choose?
After defining its needs and selection criteria, it is necessary to see the budget that is set to buy one. Some people are willing to put significant sums in the product to access the high end, others prefer to buy a drone range a bit lower in order not to ruin. Again, it depends on the selection criteria. But it is necessary to know that the price of certain drones is sometimes different only for some technical characteristics. The autonomy of the battery for example is a determining factor for the price of drones. The quality of the camera on the drone also has a great importance on the price.
Price of a drone
Prices for drones vary greatly depending on the characteristics, and the type of use. We can find models at about 50 Euros. If you prefer to have a better and somewhat more reliable drone, you should expect to increase your budget. Drones can range from 50 Euros for the cheapest, to about 3,500 Euros or 4,000 Euros for the most expensive. However, for a hundred Euros, it is possible to find some very correct models. Again, it depends on how you want to use it. Before buying any drone, do some research which will help finding cheap drones to you.
It should also be noted that some drones are delivered in "RTF" (Ready To Fly), that means they are ready to be used when they are out of their box. It is important to check if the drone you want to buy is "RTF". If it is not, the user will have to buy a remote control compatible with the drone in order to control the machine without any problem. An extra remote control costs about a hundred Euros.
Nevertheless, this remote control is often essential for the piloting. Firstly, it allows better manoeuvrability, but also additional functionality. The drone is able to transmit directly to the remote control the images and the videos that it performs, and the user can see in real time what the drone captures or records. This is the First Person View (FPV) system.
Finally, some advice before the final decision:
- Some drones have a fairly limited range, which is generally proportional to the size of the craft. Indeed, to be more stable, drones should not be too heavy. This is why they are generally equipped with a rather small battery, and therefore have a low self-sufficiency. So, if you want to practice longer, do not forget to buy extra batteries for your device.
- Drones are not toys. They are regulated by legislation and require special permits to fly them in certain areas.
- Avoid buying a drone in an unlicensed shop. In the event of a problem, it may be more difficult to operate the warranty.
What drone to buy?
For technical reasons and in order to make the best use of the product, it is preferable to choose a drone that approximates your requirements and that corresponds to your budget. One can find several models quite accessible and with good value for money.
Many models are available on the market today. Most of them are designed especially for leisure. Here is a general selection of drones on the market.