Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) drone technology is rapidly growing as big investments and innovations provide more advanced drone models and lower drone prices to the market every few months.
UAV technology covers everything from the materials used in the manufacturing process and the drone’s aerodynamics to the software, circuit boards, and chipset, which are regarded as the brains of the drone. Let’s take a closer look and find out everything you need to know about drone cameras:
Types of Drone Cameras
First Person Video Drone (FPV)
The FPV drones are designed to capture images or videos of a particular area and transmit them directly on a VR headset or to a smartphone. The captured footage will let you see them from a first-person viewpoint since you see precisely what the drone camera is watching.
Almost Ready To Fly Drone (ARF)
ARF models are another hugely popular breed of drones that skilled pilots mostly use as they require better handling, assembly knowledge, and a high degree of customization. ARF drones are designed to fly at a super fast speed; hence the handler needs prior training before using one; otherwise, they might crash it in the first go.
Plug and Play Drone (PNP)
This model is known as Plug and Fly drone camera as they do not feature any receiver or transmitter. PNP drone cameras are an excellent fit for those trained pilots who already have these components (receiver or transmitter), and they are only paying for the drone.
Some of us might find the name misleading as you have to install the transmitter and receiver before actually using it, which means PNP is somewhat of a namesake.
Bind and Fly Drone (BNF)
Bind and Fly Drones are designed especially for those who already have drones and intend to upgrade them. The BNF models can be an ideal fit for existing users as they come without a transmitter onboard. If you don’t have a drone or transmitter, it would be better to look for other models.
Ready-to-Fly drones (RTF)
RTF drones are hugely popular and are the easiest to set up as they come with everything you might need as a beginner in the retail box. The Ready-to-Fly drone cannot be used directly out of the box, as you need to take care of the primary assembly.
For instance, attaching the rotor blades, but they are pretty easy to assemble and use. The drone camera prices of such models can be higher as you get a complete package.
Permit for Drone cameras
Drone cameras look fantastic when we get to see them in movies or other media platforms. However, you need to be aware of certain factors and rules if you are planning to buy one. You will have to apply for permits and licenses in India, depending on the size of the drone you wish to purchase.
Nano Drones (No license or permit needed)
Those models are classified under this category which weighs less than 250gm and is called a ‘Nano’ UAS or Unmanned Aircraft System. Users or buyers will not have to apply for any permit or license to operate them as these drones are subjected to UAS Rules 2021.
Micro and Small Drones
A Micro drone can weigh anywhere between 250gm to 2kg, and a Small drone’s weight limit is between 2kg to 25kg. As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the buyers (the user who operates the drone is also called a pilot or operator in drone lingo) must possess a UAS Operator Permit-I (UAOP-I) for flying Micro or Small drones.
After acquiring the license, you also need to get familiar with and follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) set by the DGCA. For instance, pilots can operate Micro and Small drones by maintaining a visual line of sight and without any payload (carry-on or add-on).
Medium and Large Drones
Then you get Medium Drones that can weigh anywhere between 25kg to 150Kg, and Large Drones’ are anything above 150Kg that will require DGCA’s UAS Operator Permit-II (UAOP-II).
Here, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is the governing body for managing the airspace administration in India. All drone pilots must abide by the rules and regulations proposed in the USAR 2021.
The drone pilots cannot operate their gadgets in closed spaces and must seek clearance from Air Defense Control (ADC) and Air Traffic Control (ATC) before flying the same. Safety Management System (SMS) is a core piece of aviation compliance that needs to be implemented by drone pilots for safe operations.
Essential Features of Drone cameras
Battery Life
A mid-range drone with a 1,100-1,500mAh battery capacity will give you a runtime of 10-15 minutes, whereas a top-tier drone camera with a 3,000-4,000mAh battery pack will let you fly them for 25-35mins. A higher battery backup means a higher drone price.
Flying Range
Most mid-range drones for photography come with a range of 400m to 3km; this operating range determines how far you can fly them horizontally. On the other hand, professional top-tier drone cameras feature a 7 to 12km range, mainly used for capturing vivid aerial shots or conducting surveys.
Camera
A drone with high-megapixel cameras that can offer great resolution and details is one of the most popular choices across the globe. If you are a beginner, you can opt for a model with a built-in camera.
On the other hand, Pros generally mount their cameras for better customization. In both cases, you can capture amazing photographs and videos from those angles, which is otherwise impossible without a drone.
Student Remote Pilot License comes with a maximum validity period of 5 years from the date of issuance, which you can acquire from a DGCA-approved training organization or drone school. Student Drone Pilots can keep renewing their licenses for additional two years.
On the other hand, Remote Pilot Licenses are issued by the DGCA itself and come with a validity period of 10 years from issuance. You can renew your Remote Pilot License for another ten years once it expires.
After checking the camera, transmitter, receiver, or drone prices, if you are delaying the purchase plan due to budget constraints, then again, we are here to bail you out. Keep reading to find out more.
The Ultimate Way of Purchasing your Favorite Drone Cameras
Bajaj Mall is a top-class online shopping portal for all types of the latest cameras and camera accessories. Here you can find a massive collection of budget-friendly and premium-tier drones that you can purchase without the burden of paying the full drone cost at once.
All thanks to the No Cost EMIs facility. Visit the online Bajaj Mall today and check out their amazing Zero Down Payment facility, applicable to numerous drone models, to make your shopping experience more memorable.
I am a avid writer and traveler. I am known for analyzing market trends, specially e-commerce industry and write about it which reflects in my numerous blogs.
