Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims it has found dozens of Western-made components in the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) flying wing unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) downed last month in a case of friendly fire. “The aggressor state, despite sanctions, used components manufactured by Western companies to create this weapon,” GUR said on Telegram Friday. […]
A South Korean research team has succeeded in developing a new technology that can detect and track illegal flying drones that cause crimes such as unauthorized flying, terrorism, and privacy invasion. This technology is expected to strengthen national security and enhance public safety against the threat of illegal drones. The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute […]
– Diehl Defence has teamed up with Skysec to develop a drone interceptor. Diehl works with Skysec’s subsidiary, Skysec Defence, to modify the original civilian-oriented net-arresting interceptor into a hard-kill system suitable for military missions. Armasuisse, the Swiss Federal Office of Armaments, backs the program. Sky Sphere has undergone initial test flights without a live […]
– Volatus Aerospace Inc., a supplier of advanced aerial solutions, and Kongsberg Geospatial a recognized innovator in geospatial software and situational awareness solutions, have announced a new collaboration to enhance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) through the integration of Kongsberg’s IRIS Terminal into Volatus’ state-of-the-art Operations Control […]
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has announced upcoming tests of an air defense missile developed by Estonia-based Frankenburg Technologies. The prospective trials were discussed at a meeting between Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense, General Anatolii Klochko, and the management of the Estonian defense company. Few details about the missile itself have been made public: it […]
Thermal UAV Surveys Confirm Vital Koala Habitat, Marking a Conservation Milestone in MidCoast NSW by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb Researchers working in Australia’s new Waulinbakh Wildlife Sanctuary, located three hours from Sydney on the traditional land of the Worimi people, recently discovered the presence of a young Koala joey cuddling with its mother […]
New FAA Authorization Supports NYPA’s Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Drone Missions ANRA Technologies announced a significant milestone with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granting it a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) to deploy its strategic drone conflict detection and conformance monitoring services. In collaboration with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), ANRA’s solution will enhance safety and efficiency for […]
New Licensing Program Opens Door for Entrepreneurs in Drone Services Droneify, previously known as The Sky Guys, has taken a significant step in its business journey, announcing an expansion into drone-powered window cleaning services. The company also launched a licensing program, giving entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to join the growing industry. This program supports partners […]
(Part of a series on the drone community’s response to natural disasters) Last week marked the 12th anniversary since Hurricane Sandy slammed into the U.S. East Coast, causing tremendous devastation across wide areas of New York and New Jersey. In New York City, at least 43 people died as a result of the storm, which […]
As the Drone Girl, I’m always getting questions from new pilots! This question is only a semi-new pilot, as this pilot is wondering how when it’s time to upgrade my drone! Patrick Sherman, a long-time drone enthusiast who has risen to become a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University specializing in drones joins us to answer.
(Photo courtesy of Patrick Sherman)
One reader wrote in to say: I bought a cheap $299 drone at BestBuy to learn drone maneuvers, but when I am ready to upgrade I am leaning towards the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the Mavic 3 Classic. The new Mavic 3 Pro looks really nice, but pricey! Do I really need all that zoom when starting out?
Patrick Sherman, who is also the author of the book “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes” knows a thing or two about launching a drone business. Given that, I asked him to help me answer this question
Here was his response (and if you want more of his insights, grab a copy of his book today!):
When it comes to making a purchasing decision on your next drone, select the least expensive option that will allow you to accomplish your goals, whatever those may be. Goals vary by pilot. For a newbie that goal just might be getting comfortable on the sticks. For someone who has aspirations of selling their photos, that very well may be having a higher-quality camera.
Especially when you’re getting started with drones, The Drone Girl has long recommended using any sort of cheap, practice drone you can get your hands on. Alas, it sounds like you’ve done that!
When to upgrade to a better camera drone
That said, you did mention upgrading from your existing toy drone to something slightly better. For what it’s worth, the Mavic 3 (in either its Pro or Classic form) still might be more than what you’re looking for.
Unless you need a powerful telephoto lens or high-quality cameras because you’re going to be doing professional aerial photography in the immediate future, I’d go with the Mini 3 Pro. It will get you into the DJI ecosystem, giving you the opportunity to become familiar with the company’s hardware and software without putting a huge investment at risk as you continue learning how to fly.
For now, it sounds like a powerful telephoto lens or high-quality camera might just be overkill.
For what it’s worth, the Mavic 3 series — whether you opt for the standard or the Pro version — are formidable aircraft. In fact, many consider the DJI Mini 3 to be the best DJI drone under $600.
(Photo courtesy of Patrick Sherman)
What matters most at this point in your career is to continue learning how to fly. Learning will necessarily involve making mistakes, and the less your aircraft costs, the less those mistakes will cost you.
Good luck!
-Patrick Sherman
Are you starting out as a remote pilot? Do you have other questions you’d like Patrick to answer? The chances are that he already has answered it! Check out his new book, “Getting Started with Drones and Model Airplanes,” published by Aviation Supplies & Academics – the leading publisher of aviation-related books in the United States. Copies are available on Amazon!
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims it has found dozens of Western-made components in the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) flying wing unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) downed last month in a case of friendly fire. “The aggressor state, despite sanctions, used components manufactured by Western companies to create this weapon,” GUR said on Telegram Friday. […]
