The Best Drones For Beginners In 2024 (Plus How To Choose)
Drone technology has advanced significantly in the last few years, resulting in a plethora of features available even on beginner drones. Here’s a look at a few to be familiar with.
1. Gimbal
Before we get to resolution and other features photographers like us often begin with, let’s explore a term that might be new to us: gimbal.
Gimbals are mechanical devices that maintain a level orientation for the camera, absorbing the vibrations and movements of the drone while it’s in flight. A high-quality gimbal enables the camera to capture stable and clear images or videos even when the drone is navigating through the air.
Gimbals come in different types, with the most effective being the 3-axis gimbal which can compensate for drone movements in three directions – pitch, yaw, and roll. This results in smoother footage and sharper images, which is key for high-quality aerial photography.
2. Resolution
In drone photography as with all photography, resolution is particularly important as it directly influences the clarity and quality of your images.
Most camera drones on the market have a resolution that falls between 12MP and 48MP. Even those on the lower resolution end can provide decent image quality suitable for smaller prints or for folks just getting started.
Remember, while more megapixels often mean better image quality, they also typically come with a higher price tag and may require more storage space. As a beginner, you’ll want to strike a balance between cost, storage considerations, and your need for high-quality images.
3. Video Quality
Drones with high video resolution can provide stunning, detailed footage that brings your subjects to life, whether it’s a sprawling landscape or a herd of wildlife.
For beginners, a drone with 1080p resolution will likely suffice, but as you get more comfortable with controlling your drone and processing footage, you may opt for one capable of shooting in 4K.
Again, like with stills, higher video quality requires more storage space, plus potentially more advanced editing software.
4. Video Capabilities
While we’re on the video train, let’s take a quick look at video capabilities available in modern drones. One is vertical video – video footage that is shot in portrait orientation.
This format is perfectly suited to smartphone viewing and social media posting.
Not all drones offer this capability, so if vertical video is something you’re interested in, make sure to check if your chosen drone supports it.
Other features like slow-motion filming can add dramatic flair to your footage by slowing down fast-paced action, while time-lapse options allow you to condense hours into seconds, revealing patterns and movements in your subject matter that would be otherwise missed in real time.
Some drones also come with First Person View (FPV) capability. An FPV drone provides a unique, immersive flying experience. When piloting an FPV drone, you see what the drone sees in real-time, thanks to a camera mounted on the drone that transmits live video feed to FPV goggles.
FPV drones may require a bit more technical know-how and practice to master, so be prepared to embrace a learning curve.
5. Flight Time
It goes without saying, but the longer your drone can stay in the air, the more opportunities you have to capture the perfect shot.
Flight time is determined by battery life.
With a longer battery life, you have more time to plan your shots, explore different angles, and cover broader areas.
A beginner drone with a flight time of around 20 minutes is a solid choice and, as you advance in your drone skills, consider investing in a drone with a longer battery life or purchasing spare batteries.
(Keep in mind though that a spare battery may increase the weight beyond that 249 gram threshold.)
6. Flight Range
Flight range refers to the distance a drone can fly from its controller while maintaining a strong, stable connection. This factor impacts the kind of shots you can capture and the overall operating flexibility you have.
For beginners, a drone with a moderate flight range is likely enough to learn the ropes and start capturing aerial footage.
If you opt for a camera drone with a longer flight range, you’ll also want it to be GPS-enabled, at the very least, as well as a return home feature so it can safely make its way back to you if it’s out of range or low on battery.
7. Obstacle Avoidance
While this feature isn’t standard, it can play a key role in protecting your drone from damage, especially when you’re still learning.
Obstacle avoidance sensors detect the presence of the obstacles and either halt the drone or help it navigate around them, reducing the risk of damaging the drone in flight.
For beginners, this feature can be a lifesaver as it adds an extra layer of safety while you’re still mastering the controls.
While obstacle avoidance sensors can increase the price of the drone, they’re a worthy investment for the added protection they provide.
8. Remote Control
The remote control serves as the primary interface between the pilot and the drone, facilitating a wide range of functions crucial for the drone’s flight and operation.
With the remote control, you can navigate the drone, adjusting its altitude and direction, and control its speed. It’s through this device that you instruct the drone to take off, land, or return home.
Beyond flight control, the remote control also plays a vital role in managing the drone’s camera.
From the remote, you can adjust camera settings such as exposure and shutter speed, control the gimbal for stable and smooth footage, and trigger the camera to capture photos or start recording videos.
Some advanced remotes may even come with a built-in screen or can be paired with a smartphone or tablet to provide a live video feed from the drone’s camera to phone screens.
9. Weight
As we’ve already covered, what a drone weighs affects the legalities of its use but it also impacts flight capabilities.
Heavier drones typically require more power to stay aloft, which can reduce battery life, but they also tend to be more stable in windy conditions.
On the flip side, lighter drones tend to be more agile, which can offer added maneuverability when you’re trying to capture dynamic footage.
Also, if you’re hiking to a photo location, a lightweight drone ensures you can easily carry your equipment without feeling weighed down.
For beginners, starting with a lightweight drone might be a less complicated entry point into the world of drone photography.
10. Price
Budget drones provide a fantastic starting point for beginners dipping their toes into the world of drone photography.
They offer a cost-effective way to learn the basics of navigation and camera control without a hefty price tag.
While they may lack some of the high-end features of more expensive models, the best budget drones still offer good flight stability and decent image quality.