Drones offer a number of fascinating and entertaining uses for their owners, including the opportunity to indulge in some of the most amazing aerial photography the world has seen to date. There are a number of different models on the market, so how do you decide what drone size would be the best choice for you? When it comes to a lot of products, bigger can be better, but does that apply to the world of drones as well? Here are some things to keep in mind when doing your shopping.
Drone Size is Everything
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Just as with most technology, larger drones offer more functions, such as the ability to reach higher speeds, dual pilot operation, optical flow stabilization, and a greater range when it comes to streaming video. Assets such as these make larger models appealing for hobbyists who like high-end toys and governments or companies looking for devices that will best suit professional applications. The latter include search and rescue, inspections, surveillance and security, surveying, and scientific research. These larger craft can fly higher, stay aloft longer and carry heavier loads.
However, those extra frills do not come cheap and larger drones can sometimes cost several times what their more compact counterparts retail for. Bigger models are not as easy to transport for the average person and the larger your drone, the more likely it is to eventually fall under the FAA’s jurisdiction. That likely means operator training and certification would be required to legally operate the craft.
Sometimes Smaller is Better
On the other side of the coin, the smaller your drone, the less equipment you need to worry about. More compact models (also known as micro-drones) are capable of flying into tight spaces that larger units would be unable to investigate.
That makes the smaller models a welcome choice for photographers and those wishing to explore uncharted, inaccessible terrain. They are light and tiny enough to fit into a bag or backpack, which makes them easily portable and more convenient. For your average hobbyist, that smaller drone size may make them the better choice, and these models are also more economical, costing a fraction of those at the high end of the spectrum.
When considering what drone size to buy, it ultimately boils down to your planned use and the degree of convenience required. If you need a craft that can perform professional functions, such as surveillance and search and rescue, you should consider larger models that can fly faster and have greater range when it comes to streaming video.
However, if you are more of a hobbyist and a budding videographer, smaller models are often technically advanced enough to fulfil your needs. Their more compact drone size and lighter weight make them easier to transport and those smaller dimensions also make them capable of getting into areas that their larger counterparts simply cannot fit into. Whichever drone size you choose, any drone is a significant purchase. Protect your investment with economical GPS tracker features. Don’t forget to operate your drone safely and be aware of the laws regarding use of this civilian aircraft in your area.
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