What Should You Consider When Buying a Drone? Ultimate Guide for Beginners

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Drones have become very popular in recent years, and this is due to different factors. First, most people have discovered the potential of drones thanks to content creators who often share their truly incredible aerial recordings that have surely caused interest among a large part of their audiences. Secondly, we cannot overlook the great technological advancement that drones have experienced over the last 5 years.

The drone market is becoming increasingly competitive, and new users can often get confused when choosing a drone. That’s why I designed this guide for you to consider the features that a drone should have according to what you are looking for.

  • Video Quality

If you’re a fan of sharing content on social media, you might want to get stunning aerial footage, so a drone with these features can be a big help. However, it can be confusing if you take a quick look at the Amazon store, where you can find a plethora of brands that offer drones capable of recording at 4K. Just because a drone specifies that it’s capable of recording in 4K doesn’t mean it delivers the expected image quality. The two most well-known brands that usually stand out in this regard are DJI and Autel which often offer drones capable of recording at 4K/60FPS, making them perfect for those looking to capture stunning cinematic videos.

  • Battery life

While video quality on a drone may be one of the most important aspects for some users, it’s not the only thing to consider. Thankfully, this isn’t a feature that only stands out on high-end drones. You can find drones starting at $100 that can be capable of recording for up to 30 minutes, although many of them usually include two batteries, which is great. Cheaper brands tend to prioritize fun, so they offer longer battery life. In the case of brands like DJI, they don’t seem to be that amazing in this regard, and this is justified since they are usually equipped with amazing cameras, so, normally, the battery consumption is significantly higher compared to cheaper drones.

  • Sensors

Some drones can be quite expensive, so worrying about an accident is understandable. While drones are usually very stable, external factors can affect the safety of the drone. Often, accidents can happen because you don’t know the flight area, which is a must no matter the user’s level of experience. The good news is that some drones have state-of-the-art sensors that can help you avoid an accident accurately. In most cases, a drone with sensors should automatically stop when it detects a dangerous obstacle, decreasing the risk of an inadvertent accident. Keep in mind that sensors are just an add-on, and while they usually work well, they’re not perfect, so it’s still important to know the flight area.

These three aspects mentioned above are the main ones to consider when choosing a drone, but there are also others, such as transmission distance, build quality, and ability to withstand winds. Now I’ll introduce you to some of the best drones, both for those on a tight budget and those looking to enjoy high-quality footage.

1- DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is presented as one of the best drones when it comes to technology. It’s a relatively recent drone, so it’s equipped with a camera capable of recording in 4K/60fps; Plus, it features advanced sensors to add an extra layer of protection. The Mini 4 Pro also features a rechargeable battery capable of lasting up to 38 minutes, but it also features a pack that includes an extra battery to keep it in use longer. The remote control offers a transmission range of up to 20 km; However, the battery is unlikely to be enough to enjoy such long distances.

DJI is the most well-known drone manufacturer, and this is mainly due to the video quality they offer in all their drones.

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2- Autel Robotics EVO Nano

Autel is another great drone brand, albeit less well-known than DJI. So, the Autel Robotics EVO Nano offers similar features to the DJI Mini 4 Pro, such as 4K video quality, 48MP photographs, professional-grade stabilization, and state-of-the-art sensors. One of the most notable differences is that this drone includes a bunch of accessories, which is great as 3 rechargeable batteries are included in the starter pack, whereas the DJI Mini 4 Pro only includes one and you could get an extra one by paying almost $300 extra.

It only weighs 249 grams, so you can fly it without the need for special licenses, it also doesn’t need to be registered, unlike drones that weigh more than 250 grams. Always remember to fly the drone in a remote area if you are a beginner.

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3- DJI Mini 2 SE

The DJI Mini 2 SE is regarded as the best drone for those looking for the best specs at an unbeatable price. One of the main features of this drone is its camera capable of recording at 2.7K/30fps, which is great considering it’s a drone available for less than $300. Despite being a beginner’s drone, it is quite rugged, as it can withstand winds up to level 5 (38 kph). In terms of battery life, this drone is capable of lasting up to 31 minutes with the starter pack that includes a battery, or you can extend the fun by up to 91 minutes if you choose the smart pack that includes two longer-lasting batteries (keep in mind that the drone will weigh more than 249 grams).

Pick it up here on Amazon

We are influencers and brand affiliates.  This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.