What to Look For in a Drone on Sale

Drones are a fascinating piece of kit, allowing you to take high-quality aerial images and video with relative ease. They are available at a wide range of price points, with the top-end models capable of capturing stunning 4K footage and supporting a variety of color profiles to give you greater editing flexibility. As with most areas of technology, prices tend to correlate with performance, but even a basic drone can capture some pretty impressive shots and videos.

Before making a purchase, consider your needs, as well as the laws around flying drones in your area. Many countries have restrictions, including no-fly zones and laws about how close to people you can fly your drone. In the US, you also have to register your drone with your local FAA office if it weighs over 250g.

There are plenty of affordable options to choose from, including budget-friendly models such as the Ryze Tello and DJI Mini 3 Pro. Despite their low price tags, these models pack in plenty of features such as simple controls and intelligent flight modes to help you develop your skills as you learn. If you’re interested in exploring the more adventurous side of drone flying, opt for a model with first-person view (FPV) support and a controller that enables you to pilot it by looking directly at the camera screen.

When it comes to camera versatility, a triple-camera option is ideal for capturing images and video in both horizontal and vertical orientations, without having to crop your footage later. FPV capability makes it easier to create some truly thrilling drone footage, while smart automations such as follow-me and return to home ensure that you can fly your drone without much manual input.

Some drones are also capable of recording in 4K, which is ideal for capturing a high-quality picture or film to share online. If you’re a hobbyist or professional photographer, it’s worth investing in this level of quality to make sure your results are the best they can be.

Whether you’re shooting for TikTok or just want to record your adventures, it’s also worth considering a drone with support for 4K HDR, which offers improved dynamic range and colour saturation for more dramatic results. This feature isn’t yet available for all drones, but it’s an increasingly popular option.

For professional photography and videographers, high-performance drones such as the Mavic 3 Pro Series and Autel EVO Max are indispensable. These powerful models elevate aerial photography and videography to the next level, while specialized applications like inspections, search and rescue missions and surveying are catered for by more rugged and durable solutions. The latest drones in this category also include advanced flight capabilities such as omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, auto-flight and D-Log M color profile support for superior image quality.