Even though the Zano drone KickStarter campaign did recently shut down without delivering (and is now under investigation) – it did raise more than $2M, proving there is a clear, strong and rising demand for drones out there.
There are many more small and micro drone projects out there – including active crowdfunding campaigns and already live products on the market.
Yes, there is also some controversy around them, but drones (otherwise known as UAV’s – unmanned aerial vehicles) are here to stay – be it with better and stronger regulation and improved safety.
The consumer and commercial market is split into 4 categories:
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Micro – the likes of Zano and others, such as HeliMax, Micro Drone, Hubsan and many others like it.
Their main characteristics are:
- Very small – the size of a cigarette pack
- Very light
- 10-15 minutes max flight time
- 4 motors usually
- Record OK video (SD, sometimes HD) – not all models
- Usually a fixed camera (some have a simple gimbal)
- Some live video streaming but with limited range (100 meters or so)
- No GPS stabilisation or orientation
- Cost around $100-$250
- More a toy than a serious tool
- RTF (Ready to fly) straight out of the bag usually
These drones are mainly meant as toys or for recording OK quality video – enough for family memories, Facebook and so on. They’re not that easy to control but since they’re small even if they do crash they survive most times.
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Macro – DJI Phantom, DJI Inspire, 3DR Solo, Walkera Scout, Parrot Bebop, Chroma and a few other similar models.
- About the size (and weight) of a medium cat
- 20-25 minutes flight time
- Camera is kept stable and level despite drone tilts – via a gimbal
- Record HD or 4K video
- Use GPS for steady hover hold (works outside only)
- Some use a down looking camera for in-door position hold (limited to about 5-10 meters max)
- 4 motors usually
- Stream (some HD) live video
- Range of about 200m
- A few minutes assembly – props on, battery in, power on, etc
There are some top end commercial drones out there which have longer range, 45+ minute flight time, a few minute assembly and so on – such as the Aeryon Scout – but they are in a different league and cost 10’s of 1000’s of $$.
Aeryon Sky Ranger is one such UAV and is aimed at the law enforcement and military markets but is not necessarily limited to those.
The mid size class is one of the most well developed with many 3d and 4th generation products from many vendors.
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Large – DJI Spread Wings, FreeFly Alta, Walkera X900,Tarot DIY frames, a few other semi DIY models.
- About the size (and weight) of a medium dog (big and heavy)
- 20-25 minutes flight time
- Record HD or 4K video
- Able to carry a DSLR or an even bigger camera such as Black Magic or Red Epic (but not the larger Red’s)
- DSLR stabilised via a gimbal
- Stream (some HD) live video
- 6, 8 or even 12 motors
- Able to lift 1-4kg
- Range of about 250m
- Cost a few thousand $$ (not including the camera)
- 10 minutes or so assembly – frame unfold, props, battery strap in and connection of cables, attaching the camera, power on, etc
- Some are not folding at all and require very slow propeller attachment which can take 20 minutes for the whole drone to take off
These are much bigger and are pretty serious machines. Many are sold as frames for which you then have to buy motors, autopilot electronics, batteries and so on and solder and assemble everything yourself.
They are able to carry much more load, such as a DSLR or a semi pro video camera such as the Black Magic (but not quite a Red).
There are no drones on the market right now which will fly for 30+ minutes with a large camera, such a professional DSLR or mid sized pro camera such as Black Magic. All are limited to around 25 minutes.
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Extra large (XL) – AERIGON, Vulcan UAV and some others.
- About the size (and weight – some coming in around 15kg) of a large dog
- 20-25 minutes flight time
- Record 4K or 6K professional video
- Lift a heavy professional camera such as Red Dragon, Arri, Phantom etc + a remote controlled focus and zoom rig
- 6-8 high powered motors
- Huge 27″ propellers
- 5-6Kg of batteries (sometimes more)
- Stream (often HD) live video
- Range of about 300m
- 10 minutes assembly or so – unfold or attach motor arms, props on, battery in, power on, etc
Many drones exist in this category and even though the Freely Alta is more of a large than XL drone, it can carry a Red, so it kind of belongs to both classes.
As well as the fairly slick and clean professional Aerigon and Alta’s there are also many DIY models with custom frames – many have fairly untidy wiring hanging out and take a while to assemble.
Bottom line is that there any many drones out there for almost all pursuits and purposes (as well as wallet sizes), new models are being released almost every few months so watch this space!
Mind Iterations 