Drones for Dummies

Drones are one of the fastest-growing hobbies and enthusiast markets. There are models available for all budgets and types of use. But if you are just getting started, it can take a lot of effort to decipher all the jargon and different features

Call them a gadget, a hobby or a business tool, drones are transforming how people spend their time. They can help make a trip out more memorable with some unique images or video, and they can help people access or gain a new perspective on inaccessible places. Or they can deliver new views for estate agents, tourism promoters and other marketers with a unique angle on their subject. 

With models ranging from under £100 to many £1,000s, we help you choose the right type of drone to meet your needs. Usually, drones as a hobby starts with a small model as a gift. Even these come with an HD camera to provide the view and a remote control and smartphone app to pilot the drone and enjoy the experience, but people often soon look for larger more powerful models. 

Drones have three key features for buyers: 

• Flight time/range based on battery power and signal strength. These typically range from 10 to 30 minutes. 
• Recording features based on the power of the camera and storage. Camera quality varies just like different budget smartphones. 
• Size and controls based on portability and ease of use. The more you pay, the better quality of controls and user experience. 

Other drone features include tracking modes, so they can follow and keep the camera trained on a subject. High-quality flight systems for stable hovers and smooth camera work. But for most people, they just want a drone to go out and have some fun with. 

Follow the drone law

There are air safety and personal safety laws covering the use of all drones above the toy category. Visit Dronesafe.uk for the latest details and rules. Basic regulations include:

• Getting a drone ID and passing the knowledge test.
• Knowing where you can legally fly, especially around airports.
• Protecting the safety and privacy of other people.

Different Drone Categories

There are several categories of drones you can buy, starting with the toy category. While they are called toys, there is still plenty of creativity and fun to be had with them. 

Drones like the Ryze Tello Drone Powered By DJI are light enough (80g) and small enough to fit into the toy category. Even then, they are not recommended for those under-12. As an entry-level toy drone, it comes HD video viewed on your smartphone and uses DJI’s quality flight control system. 

Even with this low-cost drone, users can perform aerial stunts using intelligent flight modes with the five-megapixel camera provide a range of smart-EZ Shots that include circle mode and up & away shots. 

Lightweight Creative Drones

Not much bigger, but definitely not a toy, the more powerful Mavic Mini can help digital artists get creative, capturing days out, tourist trips or off-road activities. Using the DJI Fly app users can create cinematic shots with just a few commands. The Mavic Mini supports 12-megapixel aerial photos and 2.7K Quad HD videos, with a 3-axis motorized gimbal for camera stability and great footage.

Open Category Drones

The DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone Combo weighs around half a kilo, so you can imagine the damage any impact could cause, which is why there are extra regulations in place for their use. With that weight comes a flight ceiling of 5KM, greater range and higher quality flight systems and camera. 

Whatever your budget, there is a drone to meet your needs, with varying levels of technical and creative sophistication. DJI is the leading brand, but others are available and there are plenty of accessories and consumables to keep your drone in the air.