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ASUS ROG 9
iPhone 16
AirPods 4 with ANC Headphone
Smart Ring
iPad mini 7th Gen (A17 Pro)
iMac (M4)
MacBook Pro (m4)
Mac mini (M4)
Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2024)
Copilot
Sony
PS5

Drones are really popular these days not only because they are easy and fun to use, but also for their versatility in photographing beautiful scenery from amazing angles. But with so many to choose from, it’s difficult to make a decision. So here's a quick guide to help you.

Drone Shopping Tips

1. Category

The main types of drones are aerial drones which allow filming from the air and submersible drones which explore the ocean by filming underwater.

2. Shooting Specs

First be sure to check the camera lens and resolution. Most drones can shoot in 1080p or 4K, but many do not use industry-level lenses so footage quality is not as good as a professional camera. A wide-angle lens with a wider field of view distorts the picture so choose a drone that offer a stable wide-angle lens.

3. Head

Drones wobble a lot when flying. This affects the stability of the video so many are equipped with special ‘heads’ to stabilize the image. There are two main types:

Type Benefits Disadvantages
3-axis head
  • Best stabilization
  • Ideal for those who want good quality footage
  • Prone to breakage
  • Large and difficult to store
Electronic head
  • Electronic anti-shake technology for improved stability
  • Compact and not easily damaged
  • Anti-shake technology not yet mature
  • Image quality not as good as a 3-axis head

4. Remote control

This is indispensable for drones. Professional photographers prefer a remote control with a high reception capacity, while general users can simply use the remote control that comes with the camera.

In terms of specs, the distance between a remote control and a drone is about 500-1000 metres. Check if you can control the angle of the camera as well as tracking and return functions. More advanced models support apps that enable you to control the drone via mobile phones/tablets.

5. Memory capacity

Another important factor to consider before buying a drone. Most have built-in memory capacity and support a Micro SD card for expansion. If you need to shoot for long durations, get one with a large capacity memory card.

6. Endurance

The weight of the drone affects endurance. If you use a sports cam, check the body and take-off weight in the drone specs. Additional weight is the result of subtracting between the two. A typical drone can hover for around 20 minutes so it is advisable to bring 1-2 extra backup batteries to avoid running out of power during filming.

7. Real-time video transmission

When filming at high altitude, you won’t be able to see the drone so you won’t know exactly where it is. This makes it difficult to control its route. To address this, some drones come equipped with "real-time video transmission" (FPV) so you can be aware of the maximum distance of the video transmission. Drones are susceptible to environmental disturbances which reduce the transmission distance. Check the performance capacity and product specs. As for the image quality, most drones can transmit at 360P to 480P, with some high-end models offering HD quality footage at 720P and above.

8. Smart systems

These make it easier to capture difficult images and enhance the overall user experience. For example, the "Total Awareness" mode provides effective assistance and protection during flight, making it safer to fly, and therefore ideal for novices.

9. Indoor flying

Most drones are equipped with GPS, allowing them to shoot steadily in mid-air. Indoor use is not recommended as it’s hard to receive GPS signals inside a building. Some models come with a video cam on the underside of the body, which uses image matching technology for indoor positioning, an ultrasonic sensor can detect the height of the flight to around 3 metres. If you are considering filming indoors, check if the drone is equipped with this feature.

10. Stability

Drones are designed for filming, so stability is more important than flying speed. Some have a hovering accuracy of +/- 0.5m vertically and +/- 1.5m horizontally. The higher the accuracy, the more stable the hovering. If you want clarity, you should choose a 3-axis head with auto lens position adjustment.

In terms of speed, the main concern is how quickly your drone can reach your shooting destination. Novice users do not usually fly their drones out of range so speed is not a big issue.

11. Portability

A drone with a large axis distance weighs more, but has better wind resistance and stability, making it more secure and suitable for those looking for quality photography. Lighter drones are easier to carry around, but are less wind-resistant and stable which impacts footage quality.

Drone Flying Safety Precautions*

Region Flight Regulations Registration ProcessDrone Weight Requiring Registration

Hong Kong

  • Maximum altitude:
    90m
  • Maximum speed:
    50km/h
  • Time:
    daytime only (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset)
  • Area:
    check restricted areas in the "SUA One-stop" app and maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from buildings and people
  1. Download the Civil Aviation Department’s "SUA One-stop" app. Register as a "Standard Level" remote pilot. For Category A2 drones or those weighing more than 7kg but less than 25kg, register and obtain a label via the app.
  2. After receiving a notification from the Civil Aviation Department, affix the label to the drone and verify through the app/website by entering the verification code and uploading a photo of the labelled drone.
  3. Once confirmed, the drone's registration status updates to "Valid".
> 250g

Mainland China

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Area:
    check restricted zones on the "UOM Platform" before flying, stay within a 500-meter visual range
  1. Register on the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s "UOM Platform" with a mainland Chinese phone number.
  2. Submit personal details and photos of the Return Permit card.
  3. After manual review and approval, input drone details including manufacturer, model, and serial number, and upload photos of the drone.
  4. Once registered, print and affix the QR code to the drone.
  5. Before flying, activate the "Flight Data Reporting" feature in the app for real-time data transmission.
> 250g

Japan

  • Maximum altitude:
    150m
  • Maximum speed:
    daytime only
  • Area:
    avoid restricted areas such as around airports, above 150 meters, over densely populated areas, and stay within visual line of sight while maintaining a 30-meter distance from people, buildings, and vehicles
  1. Register on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism’s drone registration website.
  2. Provide personal details, passport, and proof of residence for verification.
  3. Upon approval, pay the registration fee.
  4. Enable Remote ID for the drone via the app, and affix the registration mark provided in the confirmation email to the drone.
> 100g

Thailand

  • Maximum altitude:
    90m
  • Maximum speed:
    only fly during the day
  • Area:
    no flying in restricted zones (such as military areas, government buildings, palaces), within 9km of airport boundaries, over crowded areas (such as large events, sports competitions, or concerts), national parks, and historical sites
  1. Prepare required documents (personal identification, drone technical specifications, purchase receipt, drone photos, liability insurance certificate) to register with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
  2. Go to the CAAT official website and register an account.
  3. Fill out the drone registration form, providing specific information about the drone and owner details.
  4. Upload all required documents and check for accuracy.
  5. After submitting the application, you will receive an application number; the approval process usually takes 15-30 working days.
  6. Upon approval, you will receive a digital registration certificate (a copy of this certificate must be carried while operating the drone).
  7. Visit the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) drone registration page, fill out the registration form, and provide information on the drone's radio frequency usage.
  8. After submission, the NBTC will review the information, usually taking 7-14 working days for approval.
  9. Once approved, you will receive a radio frequency usage permit issued by the NBTC.
  10. Always carry the CAAT registration certificate and the NBTC radio frequency usage permit while flying for inspection.
  11. Affix the registration number label indicating the CAAT registration number on the drone to aid in identification during flight.
  12. Ensure that the drone's liability insurance is always valid and updated before expiration; lack of insurance will result in illegal drone operation.
> 2kg

Singapore

  • Maximum altitude:
    60m
  • Area:
    no flying in military areas, around airports, over government buildings and other designated restricted zones, or over crowds. When flying near airports or busy airspace, drone operators must apply for flight permission in advance and maintain a safe distance from buildings, roads, and people
  1. Go to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) drone registration platform (CAAS UAS Portal) and log in using SingPass (if you don’t have SingPass, you may need to create an account).
  2. Fill in the drone's basic information, including brand, model, weight, serial number, etc.
  3. Provide detailed information about the operator.
  4. Pay the registration fee of SGD 15, valid for 2 years (payment can be made through the online payment system on the website).
  5. Check all information for accuracy and then submit the registration application.
  6. After successful registration, you will receive a drone registration number, which should be affixed to the drone for identification.
> 250g

Malaysia

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Maximum speed:
    night flying requires special permission
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5km), over crowds, and must keep the drone within visual line of sight
  1. Visit the CAAM official website and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Provide detailed information about the drone (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee.
  4. After submitting the application, CAAM will review it and issue a registration certificate upon confirmation.
  5. After registration, the drone owner must regularly update registration information and comply with all relevant flight regulations.
> 250g

South Korea

  • Maximum altitude:
    150m
  • Maximum speed:
    night flying requires special permission
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5km), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Go to the official website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of South Korea and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Provide detailed information about the drone (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee.
  4. After submission, the Ministry will review the application and issue a registration certificate upon confirmation.
  5. After registration, the drone owner must regularly update registration information and comply with all relevant flight regulations.
> 250g

Indonesia

  • Maximum altitude:
    150m
  • Maximum speed:
    night flying requires special permission
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5km), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Go to the official website of the Ministry of Transportation or the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Indonesia and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Provide detailed information about the drone (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Attach necessary documents such as identification and proof of drone purchase.
  4. Pay the relevant registration fee.
  5. After submitting the application, it will be reviewed, and a registration certificate will be issued upon confirmation.
  6. After registration, the drone owner must regularly update registration information and comply with all flight regulations.
> 250g

Australia

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Maximum speed:
    only fly during the day
  • Area:
    no flying within 30m of crowds, buildings, vehicles, and vessels; no flying over crowds (including over beaches, sports fields, concerts, or other public events); no flying around airports (within 5.5km) or other restricted areas (such as military zones, government facilities, etc.)
  1. Go to the official website of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA): myCASA registration platform.
  2. After creating an account, log in to the myCASA platform with your login information.
  3. 3. Select the “Register Drone” option and fill out the basic information about the drone, including brand, model, weight, and serial number.
  4. Pay the AUD 20 registration fee.
  5. After approval, you will receive a drone registration number, which should be displayed on your drone.
> 250g

Germany

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Maximum speed:
    night flying requires special permission
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 1km), over densely populated areas, public events, or sensitive areas (such as military facilities)
  1. Go to the official website of the German Air Traffic Control and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Provide detailed information about the drone (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee as required.
  4. After submission, the application will be reviewed, and a registration certificate will be issued upon confirmation.
  5. After registration, the drone must display the owner's registration number prominently.
  6. Drone owners must regularly update registration information and comply with all relevant flight regulations.
> 250g

France

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Maximum speed:
    night flying requires special permission
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5km), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Visit the official website of the French Civil Aviation Authority and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Provide detailed information about the drone (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee as required.
  4. After submission, the application will be reviewed, and a registration certificate will be issued upon confirmation.
  5. After registration, the drone must display the owner's registration number prominently.
  6. Drone owners must regularly update registration information and comply with all relevant flight regulations.
> 800g

United Kingdom

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5km), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Go to the official website of the UK Civil Aviation Authority and register as a drone owner.
  2. Fill out the drone registration application form, providing necessary information (model, serial number, owner information, etc.).
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee, usually around £9 per year.
  4. If the drone weighs over 250g, an online test must be completed to obtain an operating certificate.
  5. After submitting the application, the CAA will review it and issue a registration certificate.
  6. Ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant flight regulations and safety guidelines, regularly checking and updating registration information.
> 250g

Italy

  • Maximum altitude:
    120m
  • Area:
    no flying into restricted areas (such as airports, military zones, and crowded places); pilots must keep the drone within visual line of sight
  1. Visit the ENAC official website and find the relevant page for drone registration.
  2. Fill out the application form, submitting the required personal and equipment information, including the drone's model and serial number.
  3. Pay the relevant registration fee.
  4. After completing registration, you will receive a registration number, which must be displayed on the drone.
  5. Adhere to ongoing compliance requirements, regularly inspecting the drone to ensure it meets safety standards and updating registration information as necessary.
> 250g

United States

  • Maximum altitude:
    400ft
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5 miles), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Go to the official website of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), create an account, and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Pay about USD5 registration fee.
  3. After registration, the drone must display the owner's registration number prominently.
> 250g

Canada

  • Maximum altitude:
    122m
  • Area:
    no flying near airports (usually within 5 miles), over densely populated areas, or large gatherings
  1. Visit the official website of Transport Canada and fill out the drone registration application form.
  2. Pay about CAD 5 registration fee.
  3. After registration, the drone must display the owner's registration number prominently.
> 250g

*information updated in November 2024