Discover the comparison of the best drones. Which drone is the easiest to fly ? What is the best drone on the market ? Who can fly a drone ? Whether it’s your first time researching or you’re intermediate on the subject of drones, we have the answers to your questions. This guide concerns exclusively drones intended for the general public. Whether for photography, videography or leisure piloting, this article will guide you to the best drone according to your needs, the possibilities of application and your choices of use.
What you need to know before buying a drone
Do I need a licence ?
It all depends on the weight of your drone. In Canada, drones over 249g are considered aircraft (just like an airplane). Otherwise, it’s a toy. This means that if your drone weighs more than 249g, it is mandatory to have at least a drone pilot certificate, basic operations, as well as register your drone.
In the case of non-compliance with the regulations surrounding drones, fines can amount to up to $15,000. Since June 1, 2019, Transport Canada has implemented a regulations specific to drones in the form of Schedule IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
In the 24 months prior to piloting your drone, you must ensure that you do one of the following :
- Retake and pass either the exam basic operations, or the examination advanced operations ;
- Pass a flight review.
- Complete one of the following training activities :
- Participate in a safety seminar sponsored by Transport Canada Civil Aviation ;
- Complete a recurrent drone training program offered by a drone flight school ;
- Take a self-study program sponsored by Transport Canada.
What is the difference between a basic operation and an advanced operation ?
If you answer the 5 following conditions, you perform basic operations :
- You are flying your drone in uncontrolled airspace ;
- You fly your drone a horizontal distance of more than 30 meters (100 feet) from passers-by ;
- You never fly your drone above the passers-by
- You are flying your drone more than 4.8 nautical km from a certified airport or a military airfield ;
- You fly your drone more than 1.6 nautical km from a certified heliport.
If you don’t answer none of these 5 conditions, you perform advanced operations.
Source : Transport Canada
Do I have to follow a training course before the purchase ?
Basic Certificate
No training is required prior to purchase, but strongly advised. Nevertheless, if you wish to fly your drone weighing 250 grams or more in uncontrolled airspace, Transport Canada requires the certificate mentioned above. The basic operations training allows you to learn everything you need to know to easily pass the Transport Canada exam and obtain the Drone Pilot Certification. After this training, you will have acquired the knowledge to fly your drone safely and in compliance with Canadian aviation regulations.
With the online training offered by DroneXperts that you can take from the comfort of your home, you will learn everything you need to know to pass the Transport Canada exam and obtain the Drone Pilot Certification – Basic Operations.
Discover the Basic Operations training.
Advanced Certification
For the advanced operations, you must :
- succeed online exam for advanced operations ;
- successfully complete a flight review ;
- submit a request for Pilot certificate – advanced operations.
At DroneXperts, whether you are a beginner or experienced, our training courses are adapted to your skills and experience. In addition to training for basic operations and advanced operations, we also offer advanced training for tools such as Pix4D, LiDAR, multispectral technology and introduction to the thermal camera.
Support from A to Z to acquire drone piloting skills and obtain your Transport Canada certification.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, this training has been developed with your skills and experience in mind.
Discover the advanced operations training
Where to fly my drone ?
In order not to compromise aviation safety, it is essential to know where to fly your drone.
Fly your drone :
- To a place wherewhere you can see it at all times ;
- Within 122 meters (400 ft) ;
- At a distance of 1.9 km from the heliports ;
- 5.6 km from airports, and outside of controlled airspace ;
- Away from emergency operations and announced events (festivals, concerts, parades).
Basic operations
- Fly your drone at a horizontal distance of 30 meters from passers-by.
Advanced operations
- Fly your drone in controlled airspace with permission from NAV CANADA ;
- Ability to fly your drone close to passers-by or above them.
Use this interactive map
The National Research Council has created a interactive map which allows drone users to find sites far from controlled airspace.
Areas where drone use is restricted
- Airport, water airport, heliport outside controlled airspace ;
- Operations within 3 nautical miles of a Department of National Defense (DND) aerodrome ;
- National parks (with exceptions) ;
- Emergency sites ;
- Announced events ;
- Indoors, near and above buildings.
Which drone to buy in 2022 ? Your Buyer’s Guide to the Best Drones.
How to choose my drone ?
Buying a drone can be more complex than you think, especially when it comes to your first research. A good quality camera (in other words a 4K camera), a battery with a long battery life or an easy-to-use user interface can be among the top of your requirements. Thanks to this guide, concerning both drones for beginners and drones for professionals, you will be able to choose the drone that best suits you in order to make your shopping experience enjoyable.
What is the best drone for beginners (amateur) ?
Are you interested in the world of drones and you don’t know which model to turn to to get started ? The uncompromising and ideal model for beginners is the DJ Mini 3 Pro. Being as mini as it is functional in addition to combining power and portability, it not only complies with regulations, but it is also the safest Mini drone.
For those who create on the move, uncomplicated creation is essential. Weighing less than 249g, the Mini 3 Pro does not require registration in most countries and regions.
Our opinion on the DJI Mini’s 3 Pro – The small 4k drone par excellence
The Mini 3 Pro features an all-new look, optimized for a better experience on every flight. With larger propellers, sloping body aerodynamics and a powerful obstacle detection system, the streamlined design of Mini 3 Pro improves flight time and safety.
The gimbal has been reworked and now offers a greater rotation range for both low angle and true vertical shots, for even more creative opportunities. Every detail of this new design has been carefully considered to elevate Mini to heights never before seen.
Its foldable and compact design makes it easy to carry with you on your next hike, day at the beach, or an unplanned weekend getaway. Be ready to capture stunning shots whenever inspired.
To remember :
- The best size / performance combination ;
- Level 5 wind resistance ;
- Resolution: 4K up to 30 fps. 1080p up to 60fps ; 1080p jusqu’à 60 fps ;
- Weight: 249g ;
- OcuSync 2.0 video streaming ;
- Maximum range: 10 km ;
- An extended flight time of 34 minutes ;
- 1-inch CMOS sensor has dual native ISO and supports direct output from HDR shots ;
- Share your creations in the moment and support Wi-Fi downloads up to 30MB/s ;
- Wide-angle, 180°, vertical and sphere.
- Zoom x4 en 4K ;
Consult the DJI Mini 3 Pro
Demonstration of DJI Mini 3 Pro
Which personal drone to choose for leisure ?
If you are looking for a solid and easy to control model to live a real piloting experience, the model of DJI Air 2s is the one for you.
Our opinion on the DJI Air 2s
The compact and foldable design of the DJI Air 2S drone makes it easy to capture breathtaking aerial images and videos whenever the mood takes you. It’s an ideal alternative to use when traveling on vacation or for photography enthusiasts looking to record from new and unique perspectives. Piloting is simple and intuitive thanks to your smartphone and the DJI Fly app. Just slip your phone into the included remote. Thanks to the Air 2S’ 3-axis gimbal, four remote antennas and OcuSync 3.0 technology, you can receive a stable and live view of the drone up to a distance of 12 km.
Note that it is available for purchase alone or with an additional “Fly More Combo” accessory set which will be detailed for you in the section of the best drone accessories.
To remember :
- High performance and versatile drone ;
- Video resolution: 5.4K at 30 fps and 4K at 60 fps ;
- Maximum range: 12 km ;
- Autonomy: 31 min ;
- Weight: 595g ;
- OcuSync 3.0 video streaming ;
- Zoom x8 and 1080 ;
- Zoom x4 en 4K ;
- Horizontal maximum speed: 68 km/h ;
- Maximum descent speed: 22 km/h ;
- Maximum wind resistance: 38 km/h ;
- Ceiling the full : 5 km ;
- Maximum hovering time: 30 minutes.
Consult the DJI Air 2s
Demonstration of DJI Air 2s
What is the best drone for filming (taking photos and videos with 4K camera)?
A drone that embodies all of DJI’s advanced technologies and is capable of redefining what’s possible in the world of aerial photography is the DJI Mavic 3.
Our opinion on the DJI Mavic 3.
A leap forward in professional-grade aerial imagery, the Mavic 3 from DJI is the flagship drone that offers a dual-camera setup in a 3-axis gimbal. There’s the 20MP wide-angle camera with 4/3″ CMOS from the legendary camera maker Hasselblad and a 12MP telephoto lens with 1/2″ CMOS, 4K video and 28x hybrid zoom.
Iconic Swedish brand Hasselblad designed and manufactured the L2D-20c aerial camera specifically for the DJI Mavic 3, packing professional-grade 4:3 CMOS into an incredibly compact space. Hasselblad’s rigorous standards are applied to both hardware performance and software algorithms, taking imaging quality to an entirely new level.
Professional Video Specifications
The Mavic 3 not only records aerial video at high resolutions and frame rates, it also captures up to 1 billion colors with a 10-bit D-Log color profile. This allows for more natural gradations of sky color with more detail retained for greater flexibility in post-production.
The Mavic 3 Cine supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ encoding with a maximum bitrate of 3772Mbps. It also supports a built-in 1TB SSD and a 10Gbps lightspeed data cable to further facilitate professional filming and creation.
To remember :
- Weight: 895g ;
- 4/3 CMOS ;
- Resolution: 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps ;
- 46 minute flight time ;
- O3+, 15km, 1080p/60fps Transmission ;
- Omnidirectionnel ;
- 8 GB of internal storage ;
- 28x Zoom.
Consult the DJI Mavic 3.
Demonstration of DJI Mavic 3
What is the best budget drone ?
Who says cheap does not necessarily mean poor quality. If your first criterion is the price, the best drone for sticking to a low budget is definitely the DJI Mini SE. In single unit the Mini starts at $369.00, with the Fly More Combo the price rises to $499.00
Our opinion on the DJI Mini SE
The compact yet powerful DJI Mini SE is the perfect creative companion for capturing your moments in a way that effortlessly elevates the ordinary. With the easy-to-use DJI Fly app, you’ll enjoy a simplified flight experience and a different perspective.
Beginner pilots can soar to the skies for a unique visual perspective with the DJI Mini SE. This compact drone unfolds to give you an aerial platform for taking stunning photos and videos. To make it easier to capture memories, DJI offers Quickshots, four predefined flight plans that can be activated with just a touch. They give a professional and Hollywood look to short films which you can easily share via social media. The 3-axis stabilized gimbal is capable of shooting video clips up to 2.7K and photos up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. Piloting is easy and intuitive with your smartphone and included controller, and app DJI Fly is here to help you along the way with tutorials and access to SkyPixel: an online community of fellow pilots.
To remember :
- Best Budget Drone Without Compromising Its Features ;
- Weight: 242g ;
- Vitesse horizontale maximale : 13 m/s / 29,1 mph ;
- Ceiling the full : 3 km ;
- Maximum flight time: 30 minutes ;
- Maximum tilt angle: 30° ;
- Sensor type: 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor ;
- Effective sensor resolution: 12 megapixels ;
- Memory card: SD, SDHC, SDXC (256 GB maximum).
Demonstration of DJI Mini SE
Which drone to choose for its quality-price ratio ?
Are you looking for a drone with an excellent price-performance ratio ? The EVO Nano and the Evo Nano + of Autel Robotics is the one for you.
Our opinion on the EVO Nano
The EVO Nano is equipped with a 48MP camera that can record ultra-sharp 4K/30ps videos. Combined with a three-axis mechanical gimbal to prevent vibration, the Nano provides everything you need to ensure your footage is smooth and stable, no matter how tough the conditions.
Our opinion on the EVO Nano +
The EVO Nano+ features a 1/1.28 inch (0.8 inch) CMOS sensor capable of shooting 50 MP photos. An RYYB color filter array design with a large f/1.9 aperture provides superior noise reduction capabilities and the power to easily produce quality images in low-light conditions. Track fast-moving subjects with incredible precision thanks to the PDAF + CDAF autofocus system.
Extract rich details from shadows and highlights in extreme lighting conditions with HDR mode, which quickly takes multiple shots at different exposures so they can be stitched together in post-production.
To remember :
- Weight: 249g ;
- Autonomy: 30 min ;
- Maximum range: 11.26 km ;
- Level 5 wind resistance ;
- Maximum tilt angle: 33° ;
- HDR photo: 3840×2160 ;
- Video resolution: 3840×2160 30/25/24fps.
Read more about the EVO Nano and the Evo Nano + from Autel
Demonstration of the EVO Nano series
What is the best drone for basic photogrammetry ?
Photogrammetry in a nutshell
Photogrammetry is a technique focused on modeling the geometry of images to create an exact 3D copy of reality. This was democratized thanks to drones in order to facilitate the taking of topographic photos of large surfaces or the modeling of buildings in an ultra-precise way. Photogrammetry is used in different fields such as topography, cartography, GIS, architecture, police investigations, geology or archeology.
For photogrammetry, the drone par excellence is the Evo II Pro. The Autel Robotics EVO II Pro Rugged Bundle packs a drone and accessories into a military-grade hard case for easy transport and ultimate gear protection. The precision-cut foam case stores and protects the EVO II, 3 spare batteries, controller, charging hub, spare accessories and charger.
To know more : Everything you need to know about drone photogrammetry
Our opinion on the Evo II Pro
The EVO II Pro by Autel Robotics is a foldable 6K drone intended for the general public but categorized for professionals. The EVO II Pro drone comes with an interchangeable 1″ 6K CMOS sensor, capable of capturing dynamic 20MP stills and HDR videos. It offers the longest flight time of 40 minutes (hover time of 35 minutes ) among all foldable drones with a 7100 mAh battery.
The EVO II Pro features Omni-Directional Obstacle Avoidance which includes 12 optical sensors and 2 sonar sensors that actively work to detect all important directions. You can adjust aperture from F/2.8 to F/11 and ISO range from 100 to 12,800 for stills and 100 to 6,400 for video to capture stunning detail not previously available on an aerial platform of this size. With Dynamic Track 2.0, EVO II Pro is a huge improvement over EVO I.
To remember :
- Ceiling the service maximum : 7000 m ;
- Maximum flight time: 40 minutes ;
- Maximum hovering time: 35 minutes ;
- Maximum flight distance: 25 km ;
- Maximum tilt angle: 33° Internal storage: 8 GB ;
- Stockage SD standard : 32 Go ;
- Maximum Micro SD card supported: 256 GB.
Consult the Evo II Pro
Demonstration of Evo II Pro
What is the best professional drone on the market today ?
Our recommendation for a drone that does not compromise on its photographic, videographic and technical performance, stops on the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Combo. Basically, the Mavic 3 is the safest on the market and avoids almost all collisions.
The Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Cine have a lot in common, sharing impressive key features such as a dual camera system, the ability to shoot 5.1K/50fps video and epic 4K/120fps slow motion, 46 minutes of shooting time. of flight and a suite of safety features.
The biggest difference is that the Mavic 3 Cine uses the Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec, the industry standard for high-quality video and one of the best HD formats available for cinematography. The Mavic 3 Cine Premium Combo includes the all-new, next-generation smart controller, the DJI RC Pro. Designed for professional-level aerial photography, this upgraded remote features a next-generation processor, increased storage capacity, built-in high-brightness display and comes with powerful O3+ video transmission technology.
Consult the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Combo
Demonstration of the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Combo
The best drone accessories: everything you need to know
The essential accessory for using a drone
In order to use a drone, you will necessarily need a category u3 micro SD card. The memory card will allow you to record and capture uninterrupted 4K UHD and Full HD video. With faster transfer with a write speed of up to 90 Mb/s and a read speed of up to 160 Mb/s. The memory card with SD adapter SanDisk Extreme UHS-I microSD is the best option. In addition tobe compatible with DJI drones, it is made according to extreme temperature, splash, drop and X-ray.
Additional accessories for using a drone
There is always the possibility of purchasing additional accessories to make your drone more efficient and effective. Whether it is for recreational drones or professional drones, you can enhance your flight experience and enjoy these features.
Fly More Combo
Should you opt for the autonomous drone or for the Combo Fly More with its set of additional accessories ? Let’s dissect the situation and decide if the combo is worth it.
If you are looking to get everything you need in one package, you can get a drone with the accessories considered necessary for flight (such as the micro SD card), or you can get a drone enhanced with a Fly More Combo.
For a modestly higher price, you can get a ton of must-have accessories, including batteries, a charging hub, a carry bag, and more ! For some time now, DJI has been marketing its products with a Fly More combo, which includes extra batteries, propellers, a multi-battery charger, and a few other items. If we only consider the monetary value, the Fly More Combo du Mavic Air 2 is interesting. The two extra batteries alone are worth $230.
Depending on the drones, you have the option of buying a single combo or getting a drone including this one. There is no doubt that the Fly More Combo is a safe bet when considering its dollar value. To find out if the Fly More Combo is really worth it, you need to check if you are going to use everything in it.
Drone landing pad
Are drone landing pads worth it ? Why would you need a landing pad ?
If you are the proud owner of a drone, you probably want to keep it as long as possible. If you want to prevent debris, dust, or water from coming into contact with the drone’s propellers or the camera lens, you should consider getting a landing pad.
Advice and recommendations
- A landing mat can be anchored in place with two pegs ;
- Thicker, softer material will protect your drone during landings and cushion it when it lands ;
- A landing mat is a good option if you live in tall grass ;
- A landing pad provides great visibility ; You will be able to quickly see the location of the drone in the area.
About our landing pad.
Power bank
One important thing that many people forget to think about is battery life and the ability to charge it. There are many drones like the DJI Phantom and the Mavic Pro that have excellent battery life but are not USB rechargeable.
One thing you don’t want to risk is a dead drone battery. It’s always good to have at least two drone batteries with you. If you need more flight time, use a power bank to recharge.
The Mavic Air Battery Adapter 2 external battery is designed to provide power from the Mavic Air 2 Intelligent Flight Battery to mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. Use the Intelligent Flight Battery as an external battery. An Intelligent Flight Battery has a nominal capacity equivalent to an ordinary mobile phone; 20% of the remaining power after the flight can be used to charge a mobile device.
Additional Quick Charge Cube
If you are looking for THE product to keep all your devices charged, the Blu-E Wall Charger Dual USB is definitely for you.
Why would you need a fast charging cube ?
- Keeps Your Mini Drone Batteries Fully Charged ;
- Keeps your DJI and Autel drone controllers fully charged ;
- Universal compatibility (phone and MacBooks) ;
- Charge up to two devices simultaneously ;
- Includes USB-C and USB-A ports.
Thanks to this universal fast charging solution. The wall charger’s foldable plug makes it compact and easy to grip for quick charging on the go.
DJI Care Refresh
What is DJI Care Refresh ? : Complete protection for peace of mind.
DJI Care Refresh is a comprehensive and reliable protection plan that provides DJI products with coverage for a series of accidental damages (collision, water damage and natural wear and tear) applicable to camera drones or portable photography. DJI Care is valid immediately after purchase when purchased separately. When purchased with a new aircraft, DJI Care is valid from two days after the aircraft is shipped.
Suggestions for protection :
FAQ
Can I control my drone via my smart phone ?
No, we cannot directly fly your drone with your smart phone. However, there are several applications that allow you to have access to several interesting features.
DJI Fly
Designed to optimize your aerial experience, the DJI Fly app lets you fly your drone, capture never-before-seen aerial footage, and easily edit and share it. The application interface has been designed for a simplified and ultra-intuitive user experience. With comprehensive flight tutorials and a highly user-friendly editor, you can now use your flycam right out of the box, and create stunning content with confidence.
For more information about the application, just click here
Autel Sky
The app is now available for download for iOS and Android devices. Designed to accompany the EVO Nano and EVO Lite, the Autel Sky app enables beginners and veterans alike to achieve pro-level shots at the touch of a button through four auto shooting modes.
Have you finished filming ? Instantly go from awesome to unforgettable with the app’s huge selection of ready-to-use video and soundtrack templates. From flying to shooting to editing, Autel Sky is an indispensable companion for any videographer who wants to make an impact.
For more information about the application, just click here
What is the average autonomy of a drone?
Drones intended for the general public have a significantly lower autonomy than drones for businesses. This is justified by the nature of the use. Typically, consumer drones fit in a backpack and are equipped with a single battery. It is therefore normal that the autonomy is reduced, however, some drones stand out from others such as the drone Autel Evo II Pro from the Autel Robotics brand with an autonomy of 40 min and the DJI drone Mavic 3 with an autonomy of 46 min. On average, the autonomy is between 20 and 25 min.
How far can a drone fly from its pilot ?
A drone’s range can be measured by the maximum distance it can fly horizontally from its pilot before losing connection.
Small drones can have a range of 700 to 1,300 feet (213m to 396m). Medium-sized drones can have a range of up to 5 kilometers. Higher end drones can be programmed with GPS capabilities allowing them to stay more precisely within the limits set by the controller.
Depending on the models, the distance varies between 3 and 7 km.
How many batteries are needed to complete a mission?
In view of a mission considered short, the pilot should have with him at least 2 batteries. In addition, depending on the nature of the use of the drone, the flight time may vary. If you plan to go on a full day trip you can consider bringing up to 6 batteries.
How long does it take to charge a battery ?
The recharge time depends on the method used but DJI announces a complete recharge of a battery in 90 minutes when you connect your drone via USB to the mains. If you prefer the charging hub then it will take you 270 minutes to recharge the three batteries in a row. For example, the Evo II Pro, Mini 2 and Mavic 3 also take more or less 90 minutes
What is the average cost of a drone ?
For drones categorized as mini, the average cost is between $650 and $800. If we average between mid-size drones, the average cost would be between $1300 and $1800.
What is the best drone for travel ?
To travel light without compromising on quality, the best drone for traveling is the DJI Mini 3 Pro or Mini 2. For those who create on the move, uncomplicated creation is essential. Weighing less than 249g, Mini 3 Pro does not require registration in most countries and regions. In addition, its foldable and compact design makes it easy to carry with you on your next hike, day at the beach, or an unplanned weekend getaway. Be ready to capture stunning shots whenever inspired.
Dronexperts your canadian reference in drones
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Our team of experts, who have been supporting companies with confidence since 2012, offer you an incomparable human and professional service At DroneXperts, we help our employees develop a customer and expert attitude in their work through a culture of results, mutual support and continuous improvement, this is reflected in the service offered to customers.
Do you want to learn more about drones, our training courses or do you have any questions ? Contact us by phone at 418-476-3007 or directly on instant chat.