Getting your first drone can get really challenging. What model to buy? What to check? Are there any drone regulations? Are all the questions that pops-up in your mind when buying a drone for the first time. We will make it easier for you to buy your first drone by giving you the basic things to consider before buying a drone for the first time:

1. Price

Drones come in all prices, types, and qualities. While buying a drone for the first time the most important thing to consider is the price of the drone. We suggest you start off with a low-priced drone.

Remember, flying a drone is easy, but crashing it is even easier. Meanwhile, you figure it out how to fly one; we don’t want you to be experimenting with an expensive one.

2. Type of Drone You Need

You must be very clear about the type of drone you want and why you need it?

Photography Drones

If drone photography is your prime aim, then the quality of the drone cam will be your most important concern.

Different photography drones are fitted with different cameras depending on their resolution and quality of the image. A few of the options of drone cameras that are currently available in the market are the phantom, Inspire 2, Mavic, etc, to name a few.

Spark is the top of the line drone cam that has been labeled as “selfie drone cam.” It provides you images of up-to 1080p resolution. It is one of the best options for your drone photography.

Racing Drones

In case you are looking for a racing drone then the features of the drone will be substantially different. Racing drones are designed to operate at higher speeds than other drones and also have higher maneuverability than the ordinary drones in the market.

Training Drones

There is no such thing as specifically a “training drone”, we have just named it for your convenience.

If you want to learn how to fly a drone before you jump into any specific types of drones, then you need to get your hands on cheap basic drones that are very stable to fly and require very little input from their controllers to stay in the air.

3. Regulations

The most important factor that you need to consider before buying a drone is your local regulations on flying a drone. FAA has devised strict rules for flying drones and you need to check out the regulations in your area to avoid getting into any trouble.

Here are the basic regulations that you need to know before flying a drone:

• Make sure you do not fly drones near the airports (5 miles radius)
• Do not fly drones over people without their permission
• You cannot fly drones in public parks/places or over vehicles
• You are not allowed to fly drones in bad weather
• And most importantly, you need to register your drone with FAA, before you can start flying legally

Note: The registration cost is very nominal as compared to the cost you’ll have to pay if you’re caught flying an unregistered drone.

4. Drone Terminology

Before you buy a drone, it is extremely important to understand drone terminology. Here are a few abbreviations that you’ll see in the product description for drones, and you must know what each of them means in order to avoid any trouble later on.

Bind-to-Fly (BNF)

Bind to fly drones are assembled drone units but do not come with a flying controller. You’ll have to buy a separate one or install the software in your smartphone to fly the drone. In case you don’t have a good smartphone that can support the “heavy” drone apps, then it is better to avoid these models.

Ready-to-Fly (RTF)

Ready to fly drones are not “that” ready to fly as the name suggests. RTF drones come in dis-integrated modules that need to be put together before you can start flying.

Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF)

We recommend you to thoroughly reconsider your options if you come across one of the ARF types of drones (just kidding). An Almost ready to fly drone is more of a drone kit than a complete drone. You’ll need to buy the rest of the drone parts separately in order to complete the drone and make it fly.

First-Person-Video (FPV)

FPV label depicts that these drones are fitted with cams that can be linked to a phone/VR headset and provide a first-person view of the flight (doesn’t that sound exciting?). First-person video drones are great for racing and are also equally well adaptable for photography. But for the first timers, you need to consider the high costs that are associated with these drones.

5. Local Weather

One important factor to consider before buying a drone is the climate of your area. If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain or strong winds then it might not be a good idea to buy a drone. 

Since drones are very delicate and the slightest of weather disturbance can make them go out of control.

5+1. Flight Time of the Drone

And last but not least, the flight time of the drone is a consideration to give before buying one. It has been observed that a lot of people get very disappointed to see their drone just flying for a few minutes before running out of battery. To avoid any frustration later on, check the flight time as claimed by the manufacturer before buying the drone.

Now, If you're feeling more confident to choose your new drone, click here.