A drone gives you a new perspective for photos and video, whether you are capturing a holiday, landscape or professional project. From compact travel models to advanced camera drones, there are options for beginners and experienced pilots.
When you buy a drone, consider where you will fly, the camera quality you need and how portable you want your kit to be. You should also understand the Australian flying rules before taking off.
Find the Right Type of Drone
Drones vary in size, camera capability and flight features. Start with what you plan to capture and where you expect to fly.
Compact Drones Under 250g
Small, lightweight drones are easy to carry and suit travel and recreational flying. The sub-250g category also affects some Australian rules around controlled airports.
Mid-Range Camera Drones
These models balance portability with stronger camera and flight features. They suit travel, landscapes and photographers looking for an aerial companion to their cameras or action cameras.
Professional and Cinema Drones
Larger camera drones can offer bigger sensors, higher-quality recording and more advanced controls. They suit experienced pilots working on professional photo and video projects.
FPV Drones
FPV drones provide a first-person view for a more immersive flying experience. FPV flying in Australia is subject to specific CASA rules, so check the requirements before you fly.
Enterprise and Inspection Drones
Enterprise drones are designed for jobs such as mapping, surveying and inspections. Commercial use may require additional registration, accreditation, or licensing.
Compare Camera and Flight Features
Specifications can get technical, but a few features make the biggest difference when comparing drones.
- Camera sensor: A larger sensor can capture more light and may matter more to image quality than resolution alone.
- Flight time: Real flight time can vary with wind, temperature, speed and battery condition.
- Obstacle sensing: Sensors can help detect obstacles, but do not replace careful piloting.
- Transmission: Compare transmission systems and range, while remembering that Australian visual line-of-sight rules still apply.
- Gimbal: A three-axis gimbal compensates for movement to produce smoother footage.
Flying a Drone Legally in Australia
Check the latest Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules before flying. Recreational pilots do not currently need to register their drones or hold operator accreditation, whereas commercial operations have additional requirements.
For recreational flying:
- Keep your drone within visual line of sight.
- Stay no higher than 120 metres above ground level.
- Keep at least 30 metres from other people.
- Do not fly over people or populous areas.
- Check restrictions around airports and controlled or restricted airspace.
National parks and other locations may have their own rules. Check CASA guidance and local restrictions before flying.
Get Your Drone Kit Ready
The right drone accessories can give you more flying time and help keep your gear organised.
Spare batteries are handy for longer sessions, while ND filters help control exposure when filming. Choose compatible fast memory cards for high-resolution video and consider propeller guards where suitable. Camera bags & cases make it easier to carry your drone, batteries and accessories together.
Drone FAQs
Can I take my drone on a plane and fly it overseas?
You can often travel with a drone, but airlines have rules for lithium batteries and where they can be packed. Requirements vary by airline and battery capacity. Check the drone laws at your destination before you fly overseas.
What happens if my drone loses signal mid-flight?
Many modern drones can hover, land or return to a preset home point if the connection is lost. The exact behaviour depends on the model and your settings. Check the failsafe settings before each flight.
Can I fly a drone in wind or light rain?
Every drone has operating limits for wind and weather. Strong wind can affect stability and battery life, while rain may damage drones that are not designed for wet conditions. Follow the manufacturer's stated operating limits.
How long do drone batteries last before they need replacing?
Battery lifespan varies with charge cycles, storage and use. You may notice shorter flight times as a battery ages. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and stop using batteries that are damaged or swollen.
How difficult is it to learn to fly a drone?
Many modern drones have GPS positioning, automatic hovering and other features that make basic flying easier to learn. Start in a large open area and practise simple controls before trying more complex shots. Learning the Australian flying rules early also helps you build good habits.
