Over the years there have been many technological innovations that have swept photographers and videographers off their feet. The most recent innovation in this category has been the quadcopter.
With its invention, the quadcopter revolutionized filmography by making aerial shots much easier to take. Even beginners and filming enthusiasts who want to explore their interests could do so with the help of the quadcopter or “drone”. It’s easy to see why this gadget is so famous and sought-after.
In recent years, more affordable quadcopters have been released and you can find some of the best options for under $200 on sites like aeroflydrones.com. This has allowed amateurs to test out their skills and learn more about the art of filming with a quadcopter. But, it is still quite an investment and you should definitely not buy one without a brief idea about drones and the features you should look for.
That’s why we’ve created a list of 5 tips that you should follow while buying a quadcopter. If you want to know what we think you should consider, keep on reading.
What is a quadcopter?
First things first, let’s take a look at what a quadcopter really is.
A quadcopter, also known as a drone, is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). These gadgets function either by remote control or with the help of preprogrammed maps that are installed into the drone.
Quadcopters are used for a variety of purposes with filming and videography being the primary ones. Other than that, it is utilized for surveillance, wildlife tracking, and much more.
Tips to keep in mind before purchasing a quadcopter
Now that we know what a quadcopter is, here are 5 tips that you must keep in mind before you buy a quadcopter for yourself.
1. Know the law about drones
While many people see drones as just another remote-controlled toy, it is actually far more than that. It is a really advanced gadget and as a result, there are strict guidelines that dictate how and when a drone can be used as well as who can use it. Before you purchase a drone, make sure that you familiarise yourself with these guidelines. Otherwise, you may get into serious trouble. For instance, in the US, it is compulsory to get your drone registered to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Furthermore, drones cannot be operated over private property, national parks, etc. Most of these restrictions are applicable in other countries as well. So make sure that you read the drone ownership guidelines of your area of residence thoroughly.
2. Don’t empty your pockets
Quadcopters are expensive, no doubt about it. But it doesn’t mean that you have to empty out your bank for it. Like we mentioned earlier, nowadays you can find several affordable quadcopters that give you superior features. In fact, in most lists, you can see some of the best options for under $200. So, don’t go in with the mentality that more expensive means better quality. Most of the time, you’ll be getting the same features regardless of whether you purchase a $200 drone or a $600 one. So, instead of focusing on the price, decide the main features you want and buy according to them.
3. Think about what you want to get out of your copter
The word “features” brings us to our third tip and that is – make sure you’re clear about the features you want in your drone. You can find a multitude of drone models in the market right now, all of which have varying prices, features, styles, and more. If you’re not clear about what you’re looking for, it can get incredibly confusing to make a choice, and when you’re confused, you become susceptible to salesmen tactics and face-value features. In the end, you’ll end up going home with an over-the-top, over budget quadcopter that you’ll have no use for. So, it is absolutely crucial that you have a few key features in mind when you shop.
4. Choose according to your proficiency
A common mistake that most people end up committing is not taking their proficiency into account. While flying a quadcopter is no rocket science, it does involve a certain level of skill and experience to get the hang of. If you don’t buy your drone keeping your proficiency in mind, you’ll end up with a gadget that will most probably serve you no purpose. For instance, if you’re a beginner, look for drones geared for beginners. Similarly, if you’re learning, look for drones that have slightly more advanced features but are still easy to use. It may be tempting to go for a professional drone, but trust me, it won’t be worth it.
5. Think about added costs
Unlike what many people think, purchasing a drone isn’t a “buy once and it’s done” situation. There are a lot of added costs that come after the initial spending. For instance, most drones have an average flight time of 6-8 minutes, after which, the battery runs out. Most of the time, you’ll need to get at least one extra battery. If you’re buying the drone for photography purposes and you need high-quality pictures, you’ll have to spend on a camera as well. There are several added costs like this, which will depend on your requirements. Make sure that you have wiggle room to accommodate these expenses. Otherwise, there is a possibility that you’ll spend a lot on your quadcopter but still not be able to use it.