There is no doubt that the drone development is one of the best technological advances made in recent years. With the advancement in this field of technology, a lot of improvement has been made in films, item delivery, and information gathering. But if there’s one market that makes the drone industry alive, that would be the hobbyists who want to have some fun in flying drones. And there’s a good reason for that: flying drones is a fun hobby.
Unfortunately, flying a drone is also an expensive hobby. If you want to use a good drone, you need to have a decent amount of money to buy it. Most of the suitable drones are as expensive as a decently powered laptop. For the top of the crop drones, expect a four-digit price tag attached to it. What affects the drone prize, and how would you choose your next purchase? Read on to find out.
Different Drone Prize Range
As of the moment, if you categorize the prizes of drones based on price and capabilities, you’re likely to have under $250, under $1,000, and above $1,000. For those who have had a budget of $250 and below, you might have a harder time finding a decent drone. Although if you want to try the water, this price range might be the right one for you.
Getting a decent drone if you have a budget of more than $250 but less than $1,000 is possible. There are great drones such as the DJI Mavic Air and Parrot Anafi, which already has decent zoom functionality and high durability. If you want the best of the best, such as the DJI Inspire 2, prepare to spend a significant amount of money.
6 Things That Affects The Price Of A Drone
There are a lot of factors that affect the price of drones in the market. To make the best out of your allocated budget, you need to purchase the one with a better value and functionality. Here are the things that usually affect the drones’ prices in the market.
1. Durability
The durability of a drone depends on the design and the materials used. If you buy a cheap drone, you can immediately tell that the materials are not that great. Durability is an essential factor in a drone. If your unit has more durability, the longer you can use it in real life, even after a crash.
A cheap drone such as the $20 from EACHINE uses plastic to cut costs and make it more lightweight. It’s a good beginner’s drone: no cameras, no sensors, no-frills, and complicated stuff. But when you compare the material used in DJI Inspire 2, you will know right away that it’s not as durable, and you will only be able to use it in the short-term.
2. Camera Quality
The camera quality is a significant factor for film making. It is one of the factors on whether the filmmaker will get those fantastic aerial views or not. Most cameras from drones above $500 already have 4K video that supports up to 60fps. That’s why to up the game; manufacturers are trying to make a better drone camera.
If 4K is already a great experience, wait till you see the footages of drones with 5.2K camera options. These cameras are usually in the threshold above $1,000 or even $2,000. Professionals typically use drones with high-quality cameras and not by consumers.
3. Battery Life
The battery has been one of the biggest complaints of drone owners over the years. Even the best drone models can only last for up to 30 minutes in the air. This means that the footages should be recorded in just a few shots before the battery runs out of power.
Usually, drone operators have a spare battery with them, just in case of reshoots are needed. If you’re planning to use drones for long aerial shots, make sure to factor out extra battery costs. There are times when it’s better to buy cheaper drone models to purchase additional batteries for longer flight time.
4. Kind Of Drone
There are three kinds of drones, depending on the intended usage. First, and probably the most expensive ones, are the camera drones. These models are used for capturing videos and images while on the flight. You’re not only paying for the motors and sensors, but you’re also paying for the camera attached to the model.
Next in line are Racing Drones, which are usually for freestyle flights and racing. Some of these models have cameras that are worse than your first smartphone camera ever. The price for these models is generally in the range of $700 and below. Last but not least are the toy drones, which are recommended for total beginners. These models are usually cheap, so you won’t have to regret a lot if you accidentally break them.
5. Sensors And Motors
Last but not least is the number of sensors and the power of the motors. The best drones use Gyroscopes, Barometers, GPS, Rangefinder, and more sensors to make sure that its flight is safe. These features serve as an assurance for drone owners to make sure that their devices are secure even when they’re away from sight. Take note that these features will add to a drone’s price.
Conclusion
It might be very overwhelming to select a drone when you’re unsure of the features that you need. More features mean that your drone will have more capabilities and has better safety and flight time. However, if you’re short on budget, get the drone that checks all the features that you need within your budget range. Good luck in finding the best drone for you.