What to look for when shopping for a drone with a camera

It would be difficult to overstate the impact drones are having on the Australian economy and lifestyle. 

According to the Australian Government’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority, there are more than 1,000 drone operator certificate holders in the nation, with thousands more signaling they intend to start using drones commercially soon. 

One of the reasons drones have become so popular is because of their versatility—particularly when you consider how people and businesses are using drones with cameras. 

When drones are able to capture footage, they can be used for anything from cinematography to land surveying to search and rescue.  

At John Barry, we carry a number of drones and drone accessories featuring film-capture technology. So we’ve put together a list of things to consider before purchasing your next drone with a camera. 

What to consider when shopping for a drone with a camera

Ready to start looking for a drone with a camera? Here is what to keep in mind as you browse your options. 

What are you using it for? 

You’ll be able to narrow down your choices quite a bit if you pause to think about what you plan to use the drone for. Are you purchasing it for personal use—more or less as a form of entertainment? If so, it might be best to start looking at recreational drones, like those in the DJI Mavic range. 

Though these will have less capabilities, they’ll also be far more affordable than professional-grade drones. 

If you are planning on purchasing a drone for commercial use, what you’re looking for will depend largely on the industry you are working in. Filmmakers need drones with cameras that can capture high-definition film, while those using drones for surveying may need something more durable and with longer-lasting flight power. 

Once you know what you’ll be using the drone for, it will be easier to make a list of qualities for your purchase. 

What do you need in terms of drone payload? 

“Payload” refers to the amount of weight a drone can carry—something that is important to consider if you’re buying a drone with a camera, since many of these drones will carry a lens or other equipment. 

For example, a drone known for its payload capacity is the Freefly ALTA X, often paired with the Freefly Movi Carbon to help stabilize camera footage. 

This model is popular among film and TV crews thanks to its versatility—in addition to carrying gimbals and cameras, the drone can also carry lighting for night shoots, or thermal imaging systems and Lidars. These drones can also be used to deliver medical goods to remote areas, particularly when paired with Cargo Landing Gear. 

Do you need real-time footage or thermal imaging? 

Drones have come a long way in just the last few years, and there are now models that are highly advanced to assist users in industrial, agricultural, or government surveys. 

Drones like the new Freefly Astro Compact Industrial Platform have some of the most impressive technology around—including some applications that can be very useful for mapping, inspection, and first responder services. 

The drone’s Auterion feature allows you to integrate data and real-time video capture, along with thermal imagery. This makes it easier for drone operators to make fast, smart, and safe decisions while operating their drone with a camera. 

What do you need out of a gimbal or lens? 

If you plan on attaching your own camera to your drone, then you’ll need to  put just as much time into selecting the right camera, lens, or gimbal for your needs. 

It can often make sense to buy a camera that comes with special lenses for drone usage. For example, the Zenmuse X5 with lens can capture 4K video at up to 30 frames per second—an excellent choice if high-quality footage is a top priority for you.  

How much battery life do you need?

How long do you want your drone to be able to fly and capture footage before it has to return to ground to charge? This is an important decision, because flight time can vary greatly depending on the model of drone you choose as well as the payload. 

For example, the super-light Mavic mini can stay in the air for up to 30 minutes at a time when it has a fully charged battery. Most drones within the Freelfy family are going to get slightly less at around 20 – 25 minutes, depending on the payload. 

To make sure your drone can always be charged and ready to fly, you may want to consider purchasing a battery pack like the Freefly Alta Flight Pack for rapid recharging. 

How will you protect your drone? 

Purchasing a drone is no small investment, so if you are going to spend the money on a high-quality drone with a camera, you want to make sure you have what’s needed to protect it! 

 There are plenty of accessories designed to keep your drone in working order for years to come. You can purchase propeller protectors to keep the most delicate parts of the drone safe, or rain covers to protect it from the elements. 

Of course, if you plan to travel with the drone, you’ll want to purchase a hard case to keep it safe. You can also purchase a backpack case to make it easier to carry your drone with a camera to remote locations. 

Have more questions about your next drone purchase?

We hope this guide has made it a bit easier for you to choose the right drone with a camera for your needs. But if you still have questions about finding the best drone, we’re here to help. 

Feel free to contact our customer support or connect with us on social media, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.