Drone

There are drones to suit every requirement and budget. From tiny versions that are great for beginners and children to more expensive types, with a range of up to four miles and 4K video capture. The majority of general-use drones fall into the £50 to £300 price bracket, so don’t think that you have to spend big to get your own drone.

However, the more you are prepared to pay, the better features you’ll get in term of flying modes and video quality. If you are already an enthusiast and seeking an upgrade on your current model, look for one that has reasonably priced replacement parts. Most drones will crash at some point and many will need repairs, so make sure you won’t have to spend a fortune.

Most people will start off with a mid-range model, but to help you get started there are four main classifications to consider.

• For Beginners – People who are hoping to have some fun and don’t want to spend a fortune can buy a beginner or toy drone for between £30 and £100. These are also a great way to practise before buying a more expensive version and many take watchable videos. Spare parts are often cheap, but in normal conditions, modern beginner drones are usually very robust. The tiny Drone X Pro is a good option, it has a three-speed mode and a wide-angle HD camera.

• For Hobbyists – For amateur photographers, as well as technology or RC fans who want to spend a little extra cash, these are a good compromise. You can find a hobby drone for sale in the UK for between £300 and £600, expect enhanced photography software, longer ranges and a gimbal. The Parrot Anafi Drone is a good example, it comes with 4K HD capabilities and additional flight features to help out less experienced pilots.

• For Photographers and Filmmakers – If you make a living from photography, getting the best possible visuals is essential. Professional standard drones can cost upwards of £1000, but they are an investment buy for people working in the industry. They have longer range, excellent cameras and extended battery life. Plus, advanced flying features like GPS tracking and automatic ‘return home’ make it easier to obtain footage that would usually be difficult or impossible to record.

• For Speed Freaks – Racing drones are not for the faint-hearted or the inexperienced. They move at speeds of up to 70mph and as a result, frequently need to be repaired. Many have a first-person camera which can be accessed via a smartphone app, to make the experience of flying it even more exhilarating. There are many drone racing clubs and events in the UK.

While some drones promise a lot of fancy features, these might not be necessary for what you want to do with your drone. If you’re just looking to mess around with your drone, there’s no needed to splash out on nice-to-haves.

Here’s an overview of the general features available on drones and what drone technology you should look out for.