Aerial photography using drones has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the accessibility and affordability of drone technology.
If you’re interested in getting started with aerial photography, here’s a buying guide to help you choose the right drone for your needs.
Define Your Purpose
Determine what you want to achieve with your aerial photography. Are you looking to capture landscapes, real estate, events, or just for recreational purposes? Your purpose will influence the type of drone you should buy.
Budget:
Set a budget that includes not only the cost of the drone itself but also additional accessories like spare batteries, memory cards, and carrying cases. High-end drones can be quite expensive, so it’s essential to know your limits.
Camera Quality:
The camera quality is crucial for aerial photography. Look for drones with high-resolution cameras, preferably 4K or higher. Some drones also have adjustable gimbals for stabilizing the camera, which is important for smooth footage.
Flight Time:
Check the drone’s battery life or flight time. Longer flight times are better, as they allow you to capture more footage before needing to recharge or swap batteries. Typical flight times range from 20 to 30 minutes.
Range and Connectivity:
Consider the range and connectivity options. Drones with a longer control range and a stable connection are better for aerial photography, as they allow you to capture shots from greater distances.
GPS and Navigation:
GPS-equipped drones are easier to fly and offer features like return-to-home, which can be handy if you lose signal or the battery gets low. GPS also enables precise positioning for more accurate shots.
Obstacle Avoidance:
Some drones come with obstacle avoidance sensors to prevent collisions. This feature is especially important if you plan to fly in tight spaces or areas with obstacles.
Portability and Size:
Consider the portability of the drone. If you want a drone that’s easy to carry and transport, look for a compact and foldable design.
Flight Modes and Features:
Many drones come with various flight modes and features that can enhance your aerial photography experience. Features like follow-me mode, waypoints, and intelligent flight modes can be very useful.
Regulations and Laws:
Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and laws regarding drone flight in your area. Different countries and regions have specific rules that you must follow.
Brand and Model:
Research different drone brands and models. Popular brands known for their quality and reliability include DJI, Autel Robotics, and Yuneec. Reading reviews and user feedback can help you choose the right model.
Accessories:
Consider the availability of accessories and spare parts for the drone you choose. It’s essential to have easy access to replacement parts and accessories for maintenance.
Training and Practice:
If you’re new to flying drones, consider taking a training course or practicing with a more affordable drone before investing in a high-end model. This will help you become a better pilot and photographer.
Warranty and Support:
Check the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer. A reliable warranty can give you peace of mind in case of any issues with your drone.
Insurance:
Consider getting insurance for your drone. Some accidents are beyond your control, and insurance can help cover the costs of repairs or replacements.
Remember that aerial photography with drones requires a certain level of skill, so be prepared to invest time in learning how to operate your drone safely and capture stunning images and videos.
Every rebel needs an Air Force, so let’s check out the drones:
DJI Mavic 3 Classic 5.1K Drone – available from Kogan in Australia
With powerful flight performance and a Hasselblad camera, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic delivers the absolute essence of flagship imaging. Take it on any adventure to create unforgettable work.
- 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera
- Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution
- 20 Megapixels
- 5.1K HD Video
- 46-Min Max Flight Time
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- 15km HD Video Transmission
- Advanced RTH
- O3+ Transmission up to 15kms
Amazon DJI drones Amazon store
Hasselblad Camera, Create to Inspire
The iconic Swedish brand Hasselblad designed and built the L2D-20c aerial camera just for the Mavic 3 Series, embedding a professional-grade 4/3 CMOS in an unbelievably compact space. Rigorous Hasselblad standards are applied to both hardware performance and software algorithms, bringing imaging quality to an entirely new level.
See: Mark Anning’s aerial photography
Mavic 3 Pro
Mavic 3 Pro brings a triple camera system to the Mavic series for the first time – putting unrivaled creative freedom and efficiency in your hands. The stunning 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera is joined by an upgraded 166mm tele camera and an all-new 70mm f/2.8 medium tele camera.
For photographers, the Mavic 3 Pro puts a Hasselblad camera with 12-bit RAW photos and a native dynamic range of up to 12.8 stops in your hands, while videographers have up to 5.1K/50fps and 10-bit D-Log at your disposal.
Mavic 3 Pro is also packed full of intelligent features designed to help you get the shot you need. Whether its FocusTrack to keep your shot locked-on to your subject, the omnidirectional obstacle avoidance or the DJI O3+ video transmission that gives you high-quality transmission up to 15km, Mavic 3 Pro has you covered.
Mavic Pro 2 DJI … Hasselblad Camera with Adjustable Aperture
DJI have created a new camera for the Mavic 2 Pro called the L1D-20c, in partnership with Hasselblad, the Swedish camera manufacturer. It boasts an adjustable aperture so you can choose the depth-of-field to suit your shot with a range of f/2.8-f/11 that allows you to select super sharp focus or better low-light performance depending on your scene.
Large 20-Megapixel 1-inch Sensor
The bright f/2.8 lens works together with a large 1-inch CMOS image sensor that is around 4 times the size of the original Mavic and this allows you to capture shots in darker lighting conditions that ever before. The resolution of the sensor has also been increased to 20-megapixels for better detail reproduction and sharper video.
3-Axis Gimbal
Mavic Pro 2 DJI … $2,499.00 (and there will be extras for batteries, etc)
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CX-10C Mini RC Quadcopter with camera 18% OFF
Brand name: Cheerson
Item name: CX-10C Mini RC Quadcopter with camera
Frequency: 2.4G Channel: 4CH Gyro: 6 axis Material: ABS
Quadcopter Size: 62 x 62 x 20mm
Quadcopter Weight: 15g
Package Size: 13.5 x 5.7 x 20.3CM
Color: black,orange
Blade size: 30mm
Flight time: 2.5–4 minutes
Charging time: About 25 minutes
Control distance: about 15-30M
Flight distance: about 15-30M
Battery for quadcopter: 3.7V 120mah (included)
Battery for transmitter: 2 x AAA battery (not included)
Camera: 0.3MP
Certificate: EN71,EN62115,ROSH,HR4040,ASTM,RTTE,CE.
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