Drones 101: Here's what you need to know
Michael Irving
STACK Writer
Drones might seem like an intimidating hobby to get into, but you can be cleared for take off sooner than you think. Here’s everything you need to know to start droning.
Pre-flight check
The first thing to consider is what do you want to do with a drone?
If it’s just about the thrill of the flight, there are plenty that work like remote-controlled toys, some even doing cool acrobatics or light shows. The DJI Neo drone, for example, is a great starting place for kids.
The main draw for drones, however, is snapping photos or shooting videos from a point of view that you can’t get otherwise. They can be everything from hovering tripods for selfies, all the way up to professional, long-range camera rigs.
Safety features
Flying drones can be tricky, and you don’t want to damage your new gadget. Most have safety features built-in, such as obstacle avoidance, automatic return, and emergency landings.
Beginner models often take a simpler approach to safety, making durable drones with propeller guards that can take a few knocks.
Control
Some drones are controlled from a phone app, while others include a video game-style controller. Some can launch from your palm or by throwing them gently into the air. Some perform certain tasks autonomously, or even with voice commands.
Flight time
A key thing to check before any purchase, flight time is based on the drone’s battery. Some basic and toy drones might be best in short sessions, while higher end models feature swappable batteries to keep you in the air longer.
Range
This is how far away your drone can get from the controller, while still receiving instructions or transmitting video. Even if your drone can fly far away, legally it needs to stay in sight and within a certain distance.
Camera
The quality of the camera can be important for photography-focused drones. Resolution can range from 720p up to 4K, at different frame rates. Videos and photos are usually stored on the drone’s internal memory or onboard microSD cards.
Modes
Some drones can film preset shots, like zooms and pans, or follow set paths. Some can even lock onto a subject and follow them, great for action sequences of surfing, biking, or other sports.
Stabilisation
Drones move in 3D, so it’s important they can stay facing the right way, and know which way is up in the face of wind or fancy flying. Different models have different sensors and GPS for stabilisation.
Q+A
We asked JBTV’s Joe Van Vugt what you need to know to enter the drone zone.
What are the most important things to consider when choosing a drone?
When choosing a drone it's important to focus on features that are both easy to fly and capture great footage.
Camera quality is crucial – drones with high-resolution cameras and good stabilisation make for crisp, professional shots.
Battery life is another key factor, as longer flight times allow for more filming without interruptions.
Look for drones with handy flight features like GPS tracking, obstacle avoidance, and 'return to home' (RTH) capabilities to make flying safer and easier, especially for beginners.
If you're planning to travel with your drone, portability is also worth considering – compact drones like DJI's Mini line are ideal for easy transportation.
What are some common challenges when operating a drone?
Flying a drone comes with its challenges, but most can be avoided with the right precautions.
For example, drones are often sensitive to wind, which can affect stability and footage quality. To avoid this, check the weather forecast before flying and aim to fly on calm days – most drones are rated to a certain wind speed.
Battery drain is another common issue, but carrying spare batteries and keeping an eye on battery levels during flight can prevent unexpected cutoffs.
Signal loss can also be frustrating, but you can reduce the risk by flying within the recommended range and keeping your drone in clear, open spaces to maintain a strong connection.
What are your tips for beginners?
Start by practicing basic manoeuvres like hovering in an open area before attempting more complicated flights.
It's important to familiarise yourself with local regulations by using apps like OpenSky, which show where and when you can legally fly according to CASA guidelines*.
When you're ready to edit your footage, use video stabilisation and colour grading tools to enhance the final product.
What shouldn't you do?
Never fly your drone near airports or over large crowds, as these areas are heavily restricted. Always keep your drone within your line of sight to stay safe and avoid fines or legal trouble.
* Before you start droning, check out the full drone rules and regulations at https://www.casa.gov.au/knowyourdrone/drone-rules. Ignorance of them isn’t a valid defence if anything happens to go wrong.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
