If you're new to the world of drones and looking for a little help in choosing the right one, then you've clicked on the right link. With so many different options, two of the most important things to consider are what you plan on using the drone for, and your drone-purchasing budget. To help you answer the first question, we'll go over some of the main entry-level uses for drones, show you some options, and explain what features make them something to consider. As for your budget, we promise these suggestions won't break the bank. In fact, nothing here is over $400, which is around the price of a modern gaming console.
Indoor Fun
At the low end of the drone spectrum are fun beginner drones and simple indoor racing drones. Like an old school remote control car, if you're just looking to pick up a remote and have some fun, drones like the Snaptain SP350 and EMAX EZ Pilot are great options. Both are made with the beginner in mind, with integrated propeller guards to keep your friends and your home safe in case you crash. The SP350 couldn't be easier to control. With one button, it can take off from the palm of your hand, and Headless Mode makes piloting intuitive. With Headless Mode, the SP350 will go away from you when you push forward, and return when you pull back on the joystick, regardless of which direction the drone is facing.
The EMAX EZ Pilot ramps up the action with increased speed, as it's designed to be an indoor racing drone. Like the SP350, the EZ has integrated propeller guards to protect people and property as you fly. While it may not have headless mode, it does have beginner-friendly features to help with piloting. Three modes of gyroscopic self-leveling and Smart Height Assist help to ensure the drone is always stable and has enough throttle to stay airborne. The real highlight of the EZ Pilot is the included goggles, giving you a first-person view (FPV) of the action as you fly. One of the most inexpensive models to include that feature.
Flying Cameras
Today when you think of taking out a camera to snap a quick photo or video, you're more than likely going to use your smartphone. With that in mind, there's an interesting beginner category of drone developing that's essentially a flying camera, giving you one more option other than a selfie stick and your phone. Two models that highlight this type of drone are the HOVERAir X1 and the DJI Neo. Both are designed for portability and ease of use, able to be taken out, launched from your hand, then put away when the image or video is captured. With that kind of use in mind, both are made to be safe, with their propellers fully enclosed.
As these are drones, they are made to do more than simply act like a hovering smartphone (which they can do if you want that). Each offers intelligent self-flying modes that take advantage of the dynamic videos you can take with a drone. Some can circle around you, fly complex maneuvers with you as the subject, or lock onto a target to film as it follows. So, rather than capturing what you see on a bike ride, you can film the ride itself. The quality is on par with pricier drones, with 2.7K video on the HOVERAir and 4K on the Neo, both with their own versions of image stabilization.
A Taste of Pro
For something that has a feature set more akin to professional drones but without the additional complexity and licensing requirements, the DJI Mini 4K and Fimi Mini 3 are models to look into. There are a number of upgrades when compared to the models we've already mentioned. For starters, these drones offer 3-axis gimbals, which deliver full pitch (tilt), roll, and yaw (pan) camera movements. Controllers are now included, although still requiring a smartphone to function.
Finally, both drones give you a lot more range for control and video transmission. The Mini 4K uses DJI's OcuSync 2.0 to achieve a range of up to 6.2 miles, while the Fimi Mini 3 can get up to 5.6 miles. Both continue to deliver on video quality and ease-of-use, with folding lightweight designs, 4K video, and intelligent flight modes.
When it comes to shopping for your first drone, you definitely have a variety of options to consider. We hope that this rundown of beginner drone types and some highlights in each category has given you a good idea of what's currently available. Be sure to reach out in the comments below if you have any questions, or if you happen to be a drone pro that has additional suggestions and tips for those just starting out. If you want more information on these models, you can find all things drones right here at B&H.
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