

2025 Popular Drone Shopping Guide & Recommendation
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 |
|
|
Electronic 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 Process | Drone Weight Requiring Registration |
Hong Kong |
|
| > 250g |
Mainland China |
|
| > 250g |
Japan |
|
| > 100g |
Thailand |
|
| > 2kg |
Singapore |
|
| > 250g |
Malaysia |
|
| > 250g |
South Korea |
|
| > 250g |
Indonesia |
|
| > 250g |
Australia |
|
| > 250g |
Germany |
|
| > 250g |
France |
|
| > 800g |
United Kingdom |
|
| > 250g |
Italy |
|
| > 250g |
United States |
|
| > 250g |
Canada |
|
| > 250g |
*information updated in November 2024