The integration of drones into professional operations has transformed many sectors. However, one question remains for many: is it better to buy or rent a drone? This article explores the different aspects to consider when making an informed choice.
What are the prerequisites for operating a drone?
To fly a drone in Canada, it’s essential to comply with the regulations set out by Transport Canada, which are designed to ensure safe and responsible drone operations. At all times, pilots must:
- Know the rules applicable to drones of different sizes and for different uses.
- Choose a drone marked with a compliance label, indicating that it meets safety standards.
- Respect weight limits and flight specifications for drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms.
- Ensure that the drone is operated in such a way as not to compromise the safety of people and property on the ground.
Drone pilot certificates in Canada
Transport Canada requires drone operators to obtain one of two types of pilot certificates, depending on the intended use of the drone and its operational environment:
- Basic Operations Certificate: Required if you are not flying near people or in controlled airspace, and always more than 30 metres (100 feet) away from people.
- Advanced Operations Certificate: Required to fly near people or in controlled airspace, or within 30 meters (100 feet) of people. This certificate requires passing a more rigorous online exam, as well as a practical test.
Where can I fly my drone in Canada?
The areas authorized for drone flight are regulated mainly to avoid interference with air traffic and to protect the privacy and safety of citizens. Here are the main restrictions:
- Near airports and heliports: Without a certificate for advanced operations, it is forbidden to fly within 5.6 kilometers (3 miles) of an airport or 1.9 kilometers (1 mile) of a heliport.
- Over populated areas or gatherings of people: Drones must not be flown over festivals, sporting events or densely populated areas without proper authorization.
- In national parks: Most national parks in Canada prohibit the use of drones to protect wildlife and the visitor experience.
- Controlled airspace: Controlled airspaces require specific authorization, especially if the pilot only has a basic certificate.
It is advisable to consult the drone flight zone map provided by Transport Canada or reliable drone apps that provide real-time information on local flight restrictions to stay compliant with legislation and avoid fines or other penalties.
Buying a professional drone
Buying a drone can quickly become complicated, as there are many models and sensors that can affect your results. And without the right support, your equipment can quickly become outdated and not adapted to your needs. That’s why we’re going to take a look at the various steps involved in buying a drone.
Things to check before you buy
What budget for a drone?
With the development of drones and their technologies, there are now drones for all budgets. Before investing, it’s important to set a budget and take into account all ancillary expenses. In addition to the drone itself, you’ll need to purchase one or more SD cards, extra batteries, ND filters, spare propellers and insurance.
What do I need?
There is no need to run on the most expensive drone or sensor, but you should go for the one that best fits your expectations. Video resolution, photo quality, autonomy, size, weight, etc. Another important point to take into account is the environment in which you’ll be taking your readings or shots. If you’d like us to help you define your needs, don’t hesitate to contact one of our advisors.
Training time
The use of a professional drone often requires in-depth training to ensure safe operation and compliance with regulations.
Investing time in training not only guarantees the safety of your operations, but also improves the quality of your services and can open up new professional opportunities.
The advantages and disadvantages
When you buy a drone, you become the full owner of your aircraft. This means that you can dispose of it as you wish, although long-term leasing also offers you this opportunity. It’s worth buying if you already have a fleet of UAVs and qualified personnel to operate them.
However, if you don’t have these skills in-house, the purchase can quickly become complicated, as you’ll have to call in an external company to maintain, overhaul or update your device. In the event of partial or total failure of your drone, you’ll have to wait for repairs, which can sometimes take longer than expected, depending on the availability of certain spare parts. In conclusion, if you already have the know-how and skills within your company, buying a drone is a good way to leverage your business.
Drone rental in Quebec
Drone rental in Quebec has become a popular solution for professionals and aerial technology enthusiasts. It offers the flexibility of accessing state-of-the-art equipment without the costs associated with purchase. Whether for aerial photography, mapping, industrial inspection or film production, our rental services offer a variety of drones to suit every specific need.
By working with DroneXperts, users can benefit from regional expertise, technical support and in-depth knowledge of Quebec aviation regulations.
The DJI Mini 4 Pro
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the latest addition to DJI’s Mini series, combining light weight with advanced performance. Weighing less than 249 grams, it evades certain regulations, while offering professional features. It features a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 48-megapixel images and recording 4K video at 60 frames per second.
Its OcuSync 4.0 transmission system ensures a control range of up to 10 kilometers, offering a stable connection and low latency. With a flight autonomy of up to 34 minutes, the Mini 4 Pro enables extended image capture sessions. What’s more, it incorporates tri-directional obstacle avoidance sensors (front, rear and bottom), enhancing safety when flying in complex environments.
The DJI Mavic 3 Ciné
The DJI Mavic 3 Ciné is a benchmark for filmmakers and aerial imaging professionals. It features a dual-camera system comprising a Hasselblad camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor for exceptionally clear images, and a telephoto camera for detailed long-distance shots.
The Cine version stands out for its ability to record 5.1K video at up to 50 frames per second in Apple ProRes 422 HQ, offering optimum video quality for high-end productions. It features 1TB SSD internal storage to handle the large files generated by high-resolution recordings.
With an impressive battery life of 46 minutes and the O3+ transmission system offering a range of 15 kilometers, the Mavic 3 Ciné is designed for superior flight performance. Its omnidirectional obstacle detection ensures maximum safety, allowing pilots to concentrate on capturing the perfect image.
The DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise
The DJI Mavic 3 Entreprise is designed for demanding professional applications. Available in two versions, the Mavic 3E and the Mavic 3T, it meets the specific needs of different sectors. The Mavic 3E features a 20 MP wide-angle camera with mechanical shutter, ideal for high-precision mapping and photogrammetry. The Mavic 3T adds a thermal camera for thermal inspections, surveillance and search and rescue operations.
The drone incorporates an RTK module that provides centimeter-accurate positioning, essential for missions requiring extreme precision. With a flight autonomy of up to 45 minutes, the Mavic 3 Enterprise can cover vast areas in a single mission. Its advanced obstacle avoidance sensors and robust transmission system make it a reliable tool for professionals.
The DJI Matrice 350
The DJI Matrice 350 RTK is a rugged industrial aerial platform designed for the most demanding missions. With a flight autonomy of up to 55 minutes, it offers exceptional endurance for extended operations. Its high payload capacity enables the simultaneous transport of multiple sensors and cameras, such as Lidar modules, thermal or multispectral cameras.
The Matrice 350 features RTK for precise positioning, essential for mapping, infrastructure inspection and precision agriculture. Its IP55 protection rating makes it resistant to dust and water, guaranteeing reliable performance in harsh weather conditions. What’s more, its modular design makes it easy to maintain and upgrade components.
The DJI Matrice 30 & 30T
The DJI Matrice 30 series represents a new generation of compact, powerful industrial drones. The M30 and M30T are designed to be easily transportable thanks to their foldable design, without compromising performance. With a flight autonomy of up to 41 minutes, these drones are equipped with integrated sensor systems including a wide-angle camera, a zoom camera, a laser rangefinder, and for the M30T, a thermal camera.
They are IP55-rated, making them resistant to dust and water, and operational over a wide temperature range. The OcuSync 3 Enterprise transmission system ensures stable communication over long distances. These drones are ideal for infrastructure inspections, public safety, emergency response and other industrial applications requiring a reliable, fast-to-deploy aerial solution.
The WingtraOne GEN II
The WingtraOne GEN II is a unique fixed-wing UAV with VTOL capabilities, combining the advantages of both fixed-wing and multi-rotor UAVs. It takes off and lands vertically, eliminating the need for large launch zones. With a flight autonomy of up to 59 minutes, it can cover vast areas, up to 1,100 hectares in a single flight at a resolution of 3 cm/pixel.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras such as the 42 MP Sony RX1R II, it delivers exceptional data quality for mapping and 3D modeling. The integrated PPK GNSS system offers centimetric accuracy without the need for ground control points, reducing set-up time and costs. WingtraOne GEN II is the perfect tool for topographic surveying, mining, construction and natural resource management.
How much does a drone rental cost?
The price for renting a drone in Quebec varies according to several factors, including the type of drone, the duration of the rental and additional services such as the presence of a certified pilot or specific training. For a detailed, personalized quote, please contact one of our advisors.
The advantages and disadvantages
The negative point of renting is that the equipment does not belong to you, however it offers many advantages. Today with the democratization of this new tool that is the drone, the rental services have evolved and are now adapted to your needs, whether for a short, medium or long term.
This approach also allows you to benefit from a tailor-made support, with the choice to take or not, an insurance in case of partial or total breakage of your device. By opting for this option, you benefit from a loaner aircraft immediately and during the entire duration of the repair of your drone to ensure a permanent continuity in your operations.
You can also benefit from a maintenance and update of your equipment in order to always have a tool with the point of technology which enable you to carry out your missions of flights and catches of sights in full safety. You will have understood that renting a drone remains a very interesting offer if you want to remain competitive at a lower cost.
Camera rental
DJI LiDAR Zenmuse L2
The DJI LiDAR Zenmuse L2 represents a major breakthrough in aerial mapping and 3D modeling. Designed to be compatible with DJI’s Matrice series drones, the Zenmuse L2 integrates a high-precision LiDAR system and an RGB camera, offering a complete solution for geomatics professionals.
The Zenmuse L2’s LiDAR sensor is capable of capturing up to 480,000 points per second, with an effective range of up to 450 meters. This data density enables the generation of exceptionally accurate digital terrain models, essential for applications such as surveying, forest management and infrastructure inspection. The integrated 20 megapixel camera captures high-resolution color images, making it easy to overlay LiDAR data with realistic textures for detailed 3D rendering.
Equipped with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic), the Zenmuse L2 offers centimetric positioning in real time, essential for projects requiring high geospatial accuracy. Its three-axis stabilization guarantees reliable data even in complex flight conditions. What’s more, its IP54 protection rating makes it resistant to dust and water, enabling it to be used in harsh environments.
DJI Zenmuse H30T
The DJI Zenmuse H30T is a hybrid camera pod that meets the demands of the most complex professional missions. It combines a zoom camera, a wide-angle camera, a thermal camera and a laser rangefinder in a single compact module, optimizing versatility and operational efficiency.
The zoom camera offers a 20x optical zoom and a hybrid zoom of up to 200x, enabling precise details to be captured from a distance. This is particularly useful for inspecting infrastructure such as power lines or wind turbines. The thermal camera, with a resolution of 640 x 512 pixels, detects temperature variations, which is essential for detecting hot spots in fire-fighting or locating people during search and rescue missions.
The integrated laser rangefinder has a range of up to 1,200 meters, providing precise distance measurements for mapping or assessing tactical situations. The entire system is stabilized on three axes, ensuring optimum image quality even in adverse weather conditions. What’s more, the H30T features intelligent functions such as moving target tracking and synchronized data capture, enhancing decision-making in the field.
DJI Zenmuse H20
The DJI Zenmuse H20 is an integrated sensor solution that combines multiple cameras and sensors in a single device, offering unrivalled flexibility for a variety of industrial applications. It includes a zoom camera, a wide-angle camera and a laser rangefinder, making it a versatile tool for inspection, surveillance and mapping missions.
The zoom camera features a 23x optical zoom and a hybrid zoom of up to 200x, for detailed observation at long distances. The 12-megapixel wide-angle camera captures images with an extended field of view, ideal for overview surveys or monitoring large areas. The laser rangefinder provides precise measurements out to 1200 meters, facilitating the collection of accurate geospatial data.
The Zenmuse H20 is also equipped with advanced features such as PinPoint, which quickly marks the location of an object, and Smart Track, which automatically tracks moving targets. Its rugged design with high protection rating makes it suitable for use in harsh environments, ensuring reliable performance whatever the conditions.
DJI Zenmuse P1
The DJI Zenmuse P1 is DJI’s first full-frame aerial camera, specifically designed for professional photogrammetry. Featuring a 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, it offers outstanding image quality for high-resolution 3D modeling and mapping applications.
The P1 is compatible with 24mm, 35mm and 50mm fixed-focus lenses, enabling the field of view to be adjusted to suit mission requirements. Its TimeSync 2.0 system synchronizes data from the camera, RTK module and control system to the microsecond level, guaranteeing centimetric accuracy of the models generated. This is essential for applications such as cadastral surveying, where data accuracy is paramount.
With the ability to cover up to 3 km² in a single flight, the Zenmuse P1 significantly improves the efficiency of mapping missions. It supports automated flight modes and intelligent features such as Smart Oblique Capture, which optimizes image capture at the edges of the flight zone, reducing time spent in the field and increasing productivity.
In conclusion
In conclusion, the choice betweenbuying or renting a professional drone depends closely on the needs and circumstances of each individual user or company. Purchasing a drone offers the advantage of having the equipment permanently available, enabling unlimited use and customization to specific needs. This can be particularly beneficial for companies that regularly use drones as part of their operations, ensuring total control over the equipment and long-term cost amortization.
However, the purchase involves a substantial initial investment, accompanied by additional costs for training, maintenance, technological upgrades and insurance. What’s more, the speed with which technologies evolve can render equipment obsolete within a few years, necessitating new investments to stay at the cutting edge.
On the other hand, drone rental offers financial and operational flexibility. It provides access to a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment without the high acquisition costs, ideal for one-off projects or for testing different models before committing to a purchase. Leasing often includes additional services such as technical support, training and sometimes even a certified pilot, making it easy to integrate the drone into your projects without the need for extensive prior expertise.
However, leasing can have limitations in terms of equipment availability and customization, and can result in high cumulative costs if used frequently or over the long term. It also implies dependence on the service provider for maintenance and equipment availability.
So it’s essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option against your specific needs, frequency of use, available budget and long-term goals. A thorough analysis of these elements will enable you to make an informed decision, aligned with your operational and financial priorities, whether to buy or lease a professional drone.