As the number of drone models increases year by year, the functions are also diversifying. I think there are many people who find it difficult to choose the best model for them.
The drone you should choose depends on your flight history. Here are five points that should be emphasized by those who purchase a drone for the first time and recommended drones.
In 2020 and 2021, the Aviation Law on Drone Flight was revised, and it was announced that there would be major changes in the system contents. In 2022, drone users will be required to carry out procedures associated with various system changes.
Explain the charm of the new drone "DJI Air 2S"! Equipped with a 1-inch sensor for 5.4K video recording
Table of contents
5 points that should be emphasized when choosing a drone for the first time
How to choose a drone 1. Good operability
The operation of the drone is unexpectedly difficult. Some models can reach speeds of 30 to 60 km / h, and drones can fly faster than you can imagine.
If a person who has no experience in drone operation flies at such a speed, there is a high possibility that it will lead to an accident or damage, and in some cases it may lead to personal injury. Therefore, the operability of the drone is a very important point when selecting a model.
So what exactly does operability mean?
Perhaps many people have the image of operating the drone by moving only the stick attached to the remote control, but in fact the drone has abundant assist functions so that it is no exaggeration to say that it is a "flying device". I am.
For example, it has an obstacle avoidance function, automatic landing, and a function to automatically return to your location using GPS when the battery runs out. The installed assist function depends on the model, but thanks to these functions, the operability of the drone will improve at once, so those who purchase the drone for the first time should emphasize the details and operability of the assist function. I recommend it.
How to choose a drone 2. High camera performance
There may be various purposes for flying a drone, but I think many people want to take beautiful pictures. Also, in recent years, a lot of video content has been distributed, and the camera performance of drones is very important for creating high quality content.
Therefore, I would like to recommend a drone equipped with a 4K compatible camera.
The 4K image quality can be viewed on a TV while maintaining good image quality, and since it is possible to take very detailed details, it will be a beautiful finish even when shooting nature.
How to choose a drone 3. Heavy items
Weight is also an important factor when choosing a drone. The reason is that heavy drones are stable.
When the aircraft is stable, it will inevitably be easier to operate and you can fly with peace of mind. While reading this, you may be wondering, "Is stability so important?" However, when I try to fly the drone, I feel afraid unexpectedly when the model flies high in the sky even if it is not on the ground.
Lighter models will not fly well on windy days, so if you want to shoot high quality footage, we recommend choosing a drone that is as heavy as your budget allows.
How to choose a drone 4. Consider flight time
If you shoot a lot for a long time, you should choose a camera-ready drone with a large battery capacity. Most drones have a flight time of about 10 to 30 minutes, so if the flight time is short, the battery may run out immediately even during aerial photography.
Those with a large battery capacity from the beginning or those with a spare battery can fly longer during aerial photography. It is also recommended to purchase an additional spare battery in case of emergency.
How to choose a drone 5. Easy to carry
Many people who buy a camera-ready drone will want to enjoy aerial photography when they are outdoors or traveling.
If you choose a foldable drone, you can carry the drone compactly. Some are sized to fit in your coat pocket.
Are there any restrictions on drones?
The points to be aware of when flying a drone are explained separately for each law. There are some flight conditions that require permission, so be sure to check them carefully.
① Drone regulation by the Aviation Law
There are seven places and situations where you will be exposed to the Aviation Law if you fly without permission.
① Around the airport ② 150m above ③ Densely populated area (DID) ④ Night flight ⑤ Non-visual flight
⑥ Third party less than 30m ⑦ Over the event venue ⑧ Transportation of dangerous goods ⑨ Do not drop things
Flying drones under the above conditions is prohibited. Before flying a drone, make sure that it is a good place and situation to fly.
(2) Drone regulations other than the Aviation Law
There are five places and situations subject to drone regulation other than the Aviation Law that are often overlooked.
① Around important national facilities, diplomatic missions, nuclear power offices, etc. ② Over private land
③ Restrictions by ordinance ④ Actions that touch the Radio Law ⑤ Takeoff and landing from the road
Drone regulations other than the Aviation Law are often overlooked. Please note that flying a drone at the above location also violates the regulations.
③ Other points to watch out for
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Aviation: Cases described in flight rules for unmanned aerial vehicles
① Fly over highways and bullet trains ② Railroad vehicles and bicycles suddenly pop out
③ Radio interference may occur near high-voltage lines, substations, radio towers, and wireless facilities.
In recent years, drone flight by the general public at airports and fire scenes has become a problem. Even a small toy-sized drone can cause great damage if it hits an airplane or helicopter. Let's enjoy the drone safely by looking at the flight conditions and conditions in addition to the regulations.
Do you need a license for your drone?
At this time, there is no government agency that directly licenses or certifies drones like a car. There is no such thing as "the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issues a drone license based on the Aviation Law." Therefore, there is no drone license.
However, you may have seen or heard the word "drone license" on the internet or in general conversation. What this means is that the certification of a drone's private qualification is called a "drone license".
Those who want to learn drone operation well and want to improve drone operation are recommended to obtain a private qualification. The following articles introduce recommended drone schools and online courses.
However, after 2022, it may be necessary to obtain a maneuvering license (national license) according to the flight level of the drone. By obtaining a maneuvering license (national license), you will be able to fly a drone without permitting or approving some flights.
* It is also possible to fly without obtaining a national license according to the existing permit / approval system.
Added in September 2021
With the cooperation of G-Tech Co., Ltd., the latest information on the drone system that will be changed due to the revision of the Aviation Law is summarized in two parts. Please refer to it.
The latest in 2022! Explaining the outline and changes of the aviation law revision regarding drones [Part 1]
The latest in 2022! Explaining the revision of the Drone Aviation Law [Part 2] [Maneuvering license]
[Latest in 2022] 4 Recommended DJI Aerial Drones
This time, I would like to introduce the DJI model, which is the most popular among the manufacturers that sell drones. DJI is a drone manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China, and is supported by drone enthusiasts around the world. This time, I would like to introduce the drone provided by DJI.
1.DJI Mavic 3
View on Amazon| Product name | DJI Air 2S |
| weight | 895g |
| Maximum flight time | 46 minutes |
| Video resolution | 5.1K / 50fps |
| Transmission distance | 8km |
Three years after the Mavic 2 series was released, the Mavic 3 was finally released.
The Mavic 3 uses a dual camera system with two lenses. The sensor of the main camera has been successfully increased to 4/3 inch, achieving a high resolution of 5.1K / 50p.
The Mavic 3 series is available in two models, the Mavic 3 and the Mavic 3 Cine, the latter with a built-in 1TB SSD and support for the Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec.
DJI Mavic 3 Cine
View on Amazon2.DJI Air 2S
View on Amazon Drone aerial photography. View on com
| Product name | DJI Air 2S |
| weight | 595g |
| Maximum flight time | 31 minutes |
| Video resolution | 5.4K / 30fps |
| Transmission distance | 8km |
Equipped with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, it has the same specifications as a high-end model.
It is a model that is easy to handle from beginners to professionals with 5.4K video recording.
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3.DJI Mini 2
View on Amazon Drone aerial photography. View on com
| Product name | DJI Mini 2 |
| weight | 199g |
| Maximum flight time | 18 minutes |
| Video resolution | 4K / 30fps |
| Transmission distance | 6km |
It is a high-performance camera drone packed with powerful new functions that can shoot 4K in spite of its compact and easy-to-carry body of 199g.
This model is recommended for those who are looking for a compact drone.
Equipped with a 1 / 2.3 inch sensor, it can shoot 12MP photos and videos with a maximum resolution of 4K / 30fps at 100 Mbps. Images can be saved not only in JPEG format, but also in RAW format for advanced users who want to edit later.
While recording at 1080p resolution, you can also use the 4x zoom (lossless zoom at 2x) and use the zoom function to raise the subject without actually moving the drone. With pre-programmed intelligent mode, the drone will perform set actions and shooting functions so you can shoot beautiful images without complicated operations.
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・ Five recommended points for DJI Mini 2's first drone!Precautions when flying
4.DJI FPV
View on Amazon| Product name | DJI FPV |
| weight | 795g |
| Maximum flight time | 20 min |
| Video resolution | 4K |
| Maximum transmission distance | 10km |
It is a drone that you can enjoy FPV control released by DJI. It became a hot topic as soon as it was released because it was possible to operate FPV without obtaining a license. With a high-spec drone aircraft, FPV video can be transmitted with low delay and high resolution.
As an option, a motion controller (sold separately) that can control DJI FPV with just one hand movement is also available. It is an FPV drone that provides a new way to enjoy drones, and it is also recommended as an FPV starter machine for those who want to start drone racing. ▼ Recommended Articles ・ Enjoy DJI FPV! Directly interview the drone race team manager about the charm![Latest in 2022] 6 Recommended Aerial Drones (Small Edition)
Here are 6 recommended small drones.
A small drone generally refers to a drone that weighs less than 200g. It was noticed as being relatively easy to handle among drones.
Please note that after June 2022, all drone aircraft weighing 100g or more must be registered under the revised Aviation Law.
Drone aircraft registration system will be mandatory from June 2022! Thorough explanation [Beginning of pre-registration]
1.4DRC 4D-V9
View on Amazon| Product name | 4D-V9 |
| weight | 50g |
| Maximum flight time | 10 minutes |
| Video resolution | 720p |
| Transmission distance | About 80m |
It is a foldable and compact model.
One-key start / land, one-key return function, etc. are installed, and the point is that the operation is easy.
One of the attractions is that you can also experience 3D VR (VR headset (sold separately)).
2.Holy Stone HS440
View on Amazon| Product name | HS440 |
| weight | About 166g |
| Maximum flight time | 40 minutes |
| Video resolution | 1080p |
| Transmission distance | About 100m |
A model equipped with a 112 ° wide-angle HD camera that can fly for up to 40 minutes.
Since it is equipped with basic functions such as high-speed turning mode, headless mode, trim mode, hovering mode, and speed switching, even beginners can easily enjoy playing like a professional.
3. Tello
View on Amazon Drone aerial photography. View on com
| Product name | Tello |
| weight | 80g |
| Maximum flight time | 13 minutes |
| Video resolution | 720p |
| Transmission distance | About 100m |
Tello is a small drone developed under the technology of DJI and Intel. It's a palm-sized and very small drone, so you can fly it in your house and enjoy it.
Although the specifications such as camera performance are inferior to other drones, it is possible to shoot with sufficiently good image quality in a drone of this size. Taking pictures from a different angle using a drone, such as a party with friends or BBQ, may be a more enjoyable memory.
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4.Potensic P7R
View on Amazon| Product name | P7R |
| weight | About 68g |
| Maximum flight time | 20 minutes (when using 2 batteries) |
| Video resolution | 720p |
Potensic P7R is a drone equipped with a battle function.
Two or more drones can play against each other. Use the included remote control to fight using shooting and defense modes. If you hit 4 times, the drone will land automatically and the match will end.
It is a high-performance drone equipped with various functions such as altitude retention and gesture control in addition to the battle function.
5.Holyton HT02
View on Amazon| Product name | HT02 |
| weight | About 19g |
| Maximum flight time | 18 minutes (when using 3 batteries) |
| Video resolution | 720p |
Despite its compact size, it is a multifunctional drone.
It is equipped with various functions such as "trajectory flight mode" that automatically tracks the flight path set by the dedicated app and "experience operation mode" that allows you to operate by simply tilting your smartphone.
One of the attractions is that the selling price is relatively low at 5,000 yen.
6.Shantoushi 4D-V4
View on Amazon| Product name | 4D-V4 |
| weight | About 38g |
| Maximum flight time | 54 minutes (when using 3 batteries) |
| Video resolution | 1080p |
It is a drone that can fly for a long time, which has become Amazon's bestseller. Recommended model for those who want to use the drone for a long time.
In addition, it is equipped with GPS, speed mode adjustment, one-click start, etc., and is full of functions recommended for beginners.
For those who are wondering which model to choose
Many drones are expensive products, so I think many people cannot decide to buy them immediately. Even if you say "aerial photography with a drone", there are various uses and shooting scenes, so honestly, I don't know which one to buy.
In such a case, if you clarify the following three things, you may be able to get a drone that suits you.
・ How much shooting quality do you want?
・ How much budget do you want to buy a drone?
・ Where do you want to fly the drone?
Explaining the shooting quality of drones, for example, for those who want to shoot magnificent nature, it is assumed that they will shoot in nature such as mountains and the sea.In such places, the wind can be strong, so it is preferable to choose a model that is relatively heavy rather than a lightweight drone.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy aerial photography easily, such as "I would rather take a picture of a landscape where everyone is having fun doing BBQ," a lightweight model like the DJI Mini 2 may be recommended.
The higher the performance of a drone, the more expensive it is. Before purchasing a drone, look back on the places you often go to on holidays, activities, transportation, etc., and consider how much you can afford for the aerial photography before selecting a model. I recommend it.
Focusing on the specifications, it is possible that you purchased a high-priced drone but "cannot use all the functions" or "a different model was enough", so clarify the purpose of aerial photography and drone that suits you We recommend that you choose.
In addition, various advance applications and procedures are required for drone flight. Let's enjoy the drone correctly and safely while paying attention to the latest information on the aviation law set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
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