Buying your first drone is exciting, but it can also be daunting. With so many options to choose from, and a new one being added every day it can be hard to know what features you need, or how much money you should spend. So we have decided to help you out and break down a few of the best drones for beginners. All of the images you see associated with this article were taken from the DJI MIni 2 mRPAS... Wouldn't you like to capture your own?
DJI Mini-Series
DJI is by far the biggest name in consumer drones, and they have earned that spot with their large lineup of well-equipped and competitively priced drones. One of their more popular lines and an ideal drone for a beginner is the Mini series.
At the time of writing, DJI announced the release of the Mini 3; however the Mini2 is still quite popular, and with the release of the Mini 3, we should be seeing its already competitive price begin to come down.
What makes this drone ideal for beginners?
Firstly, its weight comes in at under 250g. This means that it is considered a Micro Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (mRPAS) and is therefore exempt from most of Section IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). As a result, it is easier to find legal places to fly. Being light has other benefits for pilots regardless of their experience, it is just easier to travel or hike with this drone than with a larger unit because you can toss it in a backpack or even a large pocket.
Despite its small size and weight, this drone packs a lot of great features. A decent camera with onboard computational photography algorithms allows new photographers to capture stunning images. 5KM of range in an ideal environment and 30 minutes of flight time means that you will have plenty of freedom to explore the land and sky around you and capture amazing photos and videos.
One thing to be aware of is that the Mini 2 does not have collision avoidance, whereas the new Mini 3 does.
Overall this is an easy to fly Drone that comes in at an affordable price point with decent features.
Through our partners at Drone Dynamics, you can Purchase the DJI Mini 2 HERE
Or Pre-Order the DJI Mini 3 HERE
Autel EVO Nano Series
Another option for the new or experienced pilot alike is the Autel EVO Nano Series. This drone is also below 250g and comes standard with collision avoidance sensors and an amazing ½” 48-megapixel camera. This leads to stunning lowlight photos. Much like the DJI Mini Series, this drone is easy to fly and comes with everything you need to get going for less than a thousand dollars.
You can purchase the Autel EVO Nano Series Drone through our partners at Drone Dynamics HERE
Fly Your Drone Safely
No matter what drone you decide to purchase as you step into the world of RPAS flying it's important to know how to operate your drone safely. If you are flying a drone under 250g you are not required to obtain a drone pilot certificate however good airmanship means setting yourself up for success. By taking Level Flight's low-priced Basic Drone Safety Course you will learn everything you need to know to safely operate your drone; and if you choose to, write and pass the Transport Canada Basic Licensing exam. Completing this process now will give you the tools and knowledge for current flight operations while enabling you to easily upgrade your drone to one that does require a pilot certificate. Contact the team at Level Flight to learn more or Sign Up today!
FAQs
No! National Parks have their own laws about drones, and flying any drone, including a drone that weighs less than 250g, in a National Park can lead to expensive fines and possibly jail time!
In Canada, the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) state that drones that weigh less than 250g are exempt from most of Section IX of the CARs. This means that, as of May 2022, you do not need a license to operate these drones, and you do not need to receive permission to fly them in controlled airspace or near people. This gives the drone pilot more freedom to be creative and explore. It should be noted however that this freedom comes with the responsibility to not endanger aviation or public safety! Taking a basic drone safety course will give you the tools you need to be a good drone operator in the aviation community.
They handle it surprisingly well. With good GPS signal and their advanced onboard stabilization, they can handle winds up to 35 Kilometers per hour. However, it is still up to the pilot to make sure that they have the skills to pilot their drone in more challenging conditions.
Take Flight Now
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