10 Best Drones For Starting a Business

Many people use drones just for fun, but there are those who want to make a business out of them.  A huge number of mini-drones are ideal if you just need to fly and take selfies, looking at the world from a different angle. But on the other hand there are more massive and powerful drones that are capable of doing some serious work where you can make a good money.

Professional drones can stay in the air much longer, carry heavy filming equipment and cameras, which are equal in quality to their Hollywood counterparts. Licenses for such drones are also required if you want to get started. In this article, we will describe top 10 drones that are best for starting a business.

List of Best Drones For Starting a Business:

How to Start a Drone Business

After you decide you want to start a business in the drone industry, the next step is to learn something about drones and get an insight into what they can do. Setting up a business is the same as any other business, and depends on what service you will provide or sell on the market. So the first step is to look into all the jobs in the drone industry and opt for one of them. Afterwards, look at the companies in your city that are in demand for the profession you are offering and contact them.

Therefore, it is necessary to make your business official as soon as possible and to gain trust with your future customers and clients. It is also necessary to possess a business permit from the city (which is about $100) and is easily procured. You do not need to rent an office for this kind of job, rather you can comfortably do it from your home. My advice is to open your own website so you can provide your services much easier for potential customers to find you. Marketing is very important when starting any kind of business, especially at the beginning.

How to Get a Drone FAA License

It’s not hard to learn how to operate with a small hobby drone. But if you are a professional, you will not just need a specialized knowledge, but qualification is an important factor in starting a business. In order to be licensed drone pilot and to use your drone for a business, you will need to have a FAA certification.

How to get FAA Certificate? You must complete an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website or by paper using FAA form 8710-1 and submit it to a Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), an FAA-designated pilot examiner, an airman certification representative associated with a part 141 flight school, or a certificated flight instructor. Link for more is HERE. (This content is from Federal Aviation Administration site).

What Fields Are There For Starting a Drone Business?

If you are thinking of starting a business in the drone industry, you may think of aerial photography, but the drone business is not limited to aerial photography. Areas where growth is anticipated for starting a business in the future include infrastructure inspection, agriculture, surveying, logistics, measurement, disaster countermeasures and much more. There are great opportunities for using a drone in lot of fields. Here we will list some of them:

• Infrastructure Inspection (bridges,buildings etc..)
• Aerial Photography (buying-selling photos, recording weddings, etc.)
• Agriculture (spraying seeds and pesticides, etc.)
• Surveying (generate a three-dimensional models, etc.)
• Logistics (transport goods, etc.)
• Measurement (measure traffic, space, maps, etc.)
• Disaster measures (monitor floods, tsunamis, forest fires, etc.)

10 Best Drones For Starting a Business

1. DJI Phantom 4 Pro

Key Features:

• Size: 325 x 220 x 381 mm
• Flight time: 30 min;
• 4K video shooting at 60 frames/s;
• 6 vision sensors, obstacle detection;
• Maximum speed 72 km/h;
• Draw, ActiveTrack, TapFly modes, motion control mode, return to home point.

Check the price on Amazon

DJI Phantom 4 Pro: Power, portability and the presence of “smart functions” make it one of the most popular devices for professional work around the world. A camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor captures great videos and photos. And this is the first DJI drone equipped with front, rear and side obstacle detection sensors. Such a system will be very useful during flights in narrow spaces, for example, in search and rescue operations.

The Phantom 4 Pro specifications listis long. It incorporates all the technical characteristics of the Phantom 4 and adds new ones. It has a maximum speed at 72 km/h, range increased to 30 minutes and , especially, camera for photos of 20 Mpx and videos in 4K Cine at 60 fps). Features that will appeal to the most demanding aerial image enthusiasts and some independents who seriously thought of investing in a Ready To Fly quadcopter but who feared that the image quality of the age-old 1/2.3 inch sensor in service since the Phantom 3 is not sufficient in terms of definition and video rate.

2. DJI Inspire 2

Key Features:

• 6K CinemaDNG shooting ( X7 camera );
• flight time 27 minutes (X4S camera);
• maximum speed 94 km/h;
• removable cameras (Zenmuse X4S, X5S , and X7);
• self-heating batteries;
• FPV camera.

Check the price on Amazon

This drone, DJI Inspire 2 as if flew from the future. The main feature of its appearance, which was introduced back in Inspire 1 , is a transforming design. In transport mode, its chassis moves parallel to the body to take up as little space as possible. If you press the power button five times, they will go down and you can put it on the ground and start it. As soon as you take off, the chassis rises up so as not to get into the camera lens.

In addition to its transformative design, the Inspire 2equipped with many other technological innovations. Dual self-heating batteries give you the ability to shoot up to 27 minutes at temperatures below zero. Currently, three different Zenmuse cameras can be installed on the copter: the X4, as well as the X5S and X7 , which support removable lenses. The image processing system allows you to record video in CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes formats. For professional and business operators, the Inspire 2 quadrocopter is one of the best options.

3. DJI Matrice 200

Key Features:

• protection against rain and snow IP43;
• support for Zenmuse industrial cameras (XT, Z30, X4S, X5S );
• transforming design;
• battery duplication system;
• self-heating batteries;
• FPV camera

Check the price on Amazon

The Inspire 2 drone for shooting films is about the same as the DJI Matrice 200 in production applications. Drone Series M200 are equipped with batteries, the self and their construction resembles Inspire 2 . But unlike the latter, they are resistant to rain and snow, their propellers are longer, various camera installation options are possible. All this makes the M200 powerful and durable. Main feature of the M200 series – Support for Zenmuse industrial cameras such as the Z30 and XT with thirtyx magnification and thermal imager.

And the M200 model supports two camera installation options, so the user can install the Z30 and X5 at the same time, combining two different videos about the same flight. Installing the camera on the front stabilizer contributes to a better view of buildings, such as bridges. In cases where positioning with centimeter accuracy is necessary, professionals can choose the M200 RTK model. This copter is equipped with the D-RTK system, which is indispensable for enterprises collecting geospatial data.

4. DJI Matrice 600 Pro

Key Features:

• transforming design;
• A3 Pro flight controller
• can tolerate RED EPIC + Ronin-MX;
• D-RTK GNSS compatible
• 6 batteries and a charging hub;
• modular design.

Check the price on Amazon

DJI Matrice 600 Pro is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, the M200 . It can lift loads weighing up to 6 kg, is equipped with a power system with six batteries that can supply energy at the same time – this copter is suitable for the most advanced professionals in their field. Around 90 minutes are required for charging of the batteries.

Unlike the M200 , it can be considered not just a drone, but an entire flight platform. This means that its design is modifiable. The M600 Pro drone is equipped with a mechanism that can reset supplies to help with accidents or carry professional cameras for shooting movies, even those as heavy as the RED EPIC. This drone has high payload, very good flight time and a technically sophisticated remote controller. This is just a few of the advantages that this M600 Pro has to offer.

5. Agras MG-1S

Key Features:

• 40 to 60 times more effective than manual spraying;
• carries up to 10 liters of fluid;
• intuitive flight planning;
• automatic tracking of changes in the territory using the radar;
• an ultra-bright screen is built into the controller.

Check the price on Amazon

The Agras MG-1S incorporates many advanced DJI technologies: the new A3 flight controller, a radar detection system; in order to obtain optimum reliability during the flight. The spraying system and the flow sensor ensure precise spreading. When used with the MG Intelligent Operation Planning System and the DJI Agriculture Management Platform, the operator can plan missions, manage flights in real time and precisely monitor the use of the DJI Agras. The MG-1S is a high performance, complete solution for precision farming.

Equipped with the latest DJI A3 flight controller, the MG-1S is extremely reliable. Its algorithm has been optimized for agricultural uses, ensuring stable flight even with moving liquid. In addition, the redundant design of the A3 includes two barometers and two compasses. If an error occurs in one sensor, the system automatically switches to the other sensor to continue the flight safely. While the M600 is suitable for a wide range of applications, Agras has one specific function – spraying. So if you have decided on a farming business, this is the perfect drone for you. Agras MG-1S runs on eight engines, has 4 sprayers, a large reservoir for liquid. Its radar system automatically tracks changes in the territory. 

6. DJI Mavic 2 Pro

Key Features:

• Size: 21.4 x 9.1 x 8.4 cm (folded) and 32.2 x 24.2 x 8.4 cm (unfolded)
• Weight: 907 grams
• Autonomy: 29 – 31 minutes
• Maximum speed: 72 km/h
• Camera: 4K 30fps at 100 Mb/s

Check the price on Amazon

DJI Mavic 2 Pro: Since the release of its Mavic Pro in 2016, DJI has taken center stage with its drones that are both compact, intelligent and capable of producing good image quality. Unlike the Mavic Pro , the Mavic 2 is available in two versions: a “Pro”, this time with a 1 “sensor camera, but also a” Zoom “, which is distinguished by an optical zoom (2x) which the other Mavics lack, apart from this difference in camera.

Once in hand, we note, however, that the Chinese quadrotor has become overweight. It is indeed larger than the first Mavic Pro and have dimensions of  214 x 91 x 84 mm folded; The Mavic 2 Pro is ready to fly just as fast as its predecessors. Just remove the protective screen from its camera, unfold its four arms and turn it on. The Mavic 2 Pro is capable of filming up to Ultra HD at 30 fps. We regret that it does not offer 60 fps at this definition, or even a recording in 4K Cine (4096 x 2160 px). And the battery life goes up to 31 minutes.

7. Yuneec Typhoon H PRO

Key Features:

• Size: 480 x 425 x 295 mm
• It has 8 smart flight modes
• Flight time of 25 minutes
• Camera: 12,4 megapixels
• Maximum speed of 70 km/h
• Weight: 2,06 kg

Check the price on Amazon

The features of the Typhoon H Pro Hexacopter differ primarily from the regular Typhoon H drone from Yuneec. This model is efficient and very safe. Its autonomy of 25 minutes of flight time allows optimal use of the device. A drone is equipped with the latest Intel Realsense technology, the TYPHOON H Pro is a unique wonder of its kind in the world of civil drones. Indeed, with this technology where the drone is equipped with Full HD camera, infrared sensor, and infrared laser, the detection even of small obstacles like tree branches without leaves is very easy.

Any collision is thus avoided. Its size of 52.1 x 45.7 x 29.5 cm allows great ease of handling, and transport. For your shots from the sky, this drone has a 360 ° vision with a 7 inch screen and HD 720p feedback. It includes a 16GB micro SD card port which allows it to store several data internally during the flight. Those who have already tested the product are mostly won over by it, and it is not by chance. The advantages of this drone are numerous despite some disadvantages.

8. DJI Mavic Air

Key Features:

• Size: 49 x 83 x 168 mm;
• Flight time of 21 minute;
• Camera: 32 MP;
• Maximum speed of 67 km/h;
• Weight: 430 grams;
• Battery: 2375 mAh.

Check the price on Amazon

The DJI Mavic Air has numerous properties and functions that absolutely delight. On the outside, the stylish quadrocopter is a mixture between the slightly smaller Spark and the larger Mavic Pro. Thanks to the folding mechanism, the aircraft with 49 x 83 x 168 millimeters fits easily in every backpack and even in larger jacket pockets. The propellers are not foldable and can also remain mounted for transport. Before starting, the front joints are unfolded, the rear arms can then be swung outwards.

Overall, the construction looks very stable and of high quality. The Mavic Air is available in white, black and red. On the back there is a compartment for the SD card behind a flap – unfortunately, removing the memory card is a bit fiddly because the plastic cover is in the way. The Mavic Air is eight gigabytes in size. On our first test flight, the quadrocopter bailed us out of it because the packed memory card was not fast enough for UHD recordings.

9. Parrot Anafi

Key Features:

• Size: 24 x 6.7 x 6.5 cm;
• Flight time: 25 minutes;
• Weight: 320 grams;
• Camera: 21 megapixels;
• Maximum speed: 54 km/h
• Battery: 2700 mAh.

Check the price on Amazon

Visually, the Parrot Anafi is reminiscent of an insect. And that was also the goal of the manufacturer, so that Parrot basically divided the drone into three parts – the head, the thorax and the abdomen.  This drone has flight time of 25 minutes with the battery of 2,700 mAh (LiPo battery/7.6V). The Parrot Anafi is equipped with a folding mechanism. When folded, the Parrot Anafi measures just  24 x 6.7 x 6.5 centimeters and therefore has dimensions comparable to a water bottle. In terms of weight, the Parrot Anafi weight only around 320 grams.

Nevertheless, the dark gray Parrot Anafi is heavy enough to fall under the legally required labeling requirement from 250 grams. A drone sticker or a drone license plate is therefore also mandatory when used with the Anafi drone. The maximum speed of the Parrot Anafi is 54 km/h.  The camera of the Parrot Anafi can be controlled vertically by 180 degrees. This drone is much cheaper than the previous one on this list, so if you are thinking of using it for business, consider what you will do.

10. DJI Spark

Key Features:

• Starting weight: 300 grams
• Dimensions: 143 × 143 × 55 mm
• Top speed: 50km/h
• Maximum flight altitude: 4000 meters
• Maximum transmission range remote control: 2 kilometers
• Maximum flight time: 16 minutes

Check the price on Amazon

The DJI Spark is a powerful and, above all, easy to transport mini drone that is fun. Newcomers to drones will have to familiarize themselves with the drone’s commands. Nevertheless, you hardly get as much performance for the money as with the DJI Spark. The special feature of the small DJI Spark drone is the control by hand gestures, which is really innovative and worked well in the test. Like a Jedi Master, you can control the mini drone that grabs your hand and follows it.

You can even have them land on your palm automatically. Beginners should stick bumpers on the rotors. Waving triggers a selfie. The small quad copter offers various automated flight maneuvers: it can fly backwards upwards (dronie), circle an object (circles), spiral upwards (helix) or start upwards (rocket). There is also a collision protection and tracking mode for film-ready recordings on board. 

Drone Business Categories

The business where drones are positioned at the center of business activities is called the drone business. The drone business can be broadly divided into three types: aircraft, services and peripheral services. The aircraft is the sale of hardware, the service is a business using a drone, and the peripheral services are maintenance of consumables such as batteries and human resource development.

According to a survey released by Impress Research Institute in March 2019, jobs in the drone industry are expected to increase approximately 7.3 times compared to 2018 drone business sales. As you can see from the survey results, the drone business is still in its infancy and there are many opportunities for those who are starting up.

Different Types of Professional Drones

There are different types of drones: Rather small and mostly cheap drones, which primarily are designed for fun, and larger drones that are equipped with a camera or can be expanded, for example, with a GoPro. In comparison, the large drones are usually much easier and more stable to control, which is interesting not only for professionals, but also for beginners. In addition, they bring significantly more functions and equipment, the maximum flight time is longer, the range is longer and videos are partially recorded in 4K. Most of the drones in the test are quadrocopters, so they have four propellers arranged in the form of a plus sign or an X. There are also models with six or eight blades, so-called hexa- or octocopter.

How To Choose a Drone For Business?

If you want to buy a new drone for your business, make sure that “RTF” is written on the packaging. The abbreviation means “Ready to Fly”, which means that after purchase you only have to attach the propellers, insert the battery and connect the quadrocopter to the controller. This will greatly help you if you decide to use a drone for your business as you will not waste a lot of time adjusting it. Also these are some other features that are important when choosing a drone for a business:

• Maximum flight time:Try to pick a drone that has the longest flight time possible. Pay attention to the batteries when doing so. Always take a few extra batteries. Quadrocopters with a long flight duration usually have around 20 to a maximum of 40 minutes of flight pleasure.
• Maximum range:There are also large differences between large and small drones in terms of range. The range for cheap entry-level devices is between ten and 50 meters, while the more expensive range is 100 meters or even several kilometers. So try to choose a drone that has the longest range possible. However, in most cases it is only allowed to fly the drone in sight.
• Weight:  If you want to fly a quadrocopter with a camera, you get at least 300 grams, but in most cases 500 – 700 grams. Try to choose a drone that is designed to carry loads so you can be sure when doing the job that the drone will withstand it. Note that depending on the weight, certain regulations apply to the remote control of a drone.
• Control:Cheap entry-level drones often come with a simple controller, the best quadrocopters can either be controlled via their own remote control and / or via an app on the smartphone. Certain flight maneuvers can sometimes be saved here and then carried out at the push of a button. Some drones with cameras can also be controlled with gestures – for example, a photo is automatically taken when the arm is raised.
• Flight functions: Quality drones have plenty of flight modes. With “Follow me” the drone tracks an object, for example, “Orbit” orbits it and with “Tap & Fly” you define a route that the device then flies. Different flight modes also support in special weather conditions or flight styles – even loops should be possible. This will be a desirable option for your drone, and will make it easy for you to do a lot of things in your business world.
• Equipment: As mentioned at the beginning, there are basically drones without and with a camera. In the best quadrocopters with cameras, live transmission takes place on a screen on the remote control or on the cell phone. So-called FPV drones also bring glasses, so that when you fly you have the feeling of sitting in the device yourself. This depends on your type of work that you will do with your drone, so pay attention to the equipment also.

How to Choose a Good Camera For Business

If your job is solely based on camera quality, this is an important factor to consider. Many of the new professional drones with live cameras no longer only film in HD, but in 4K. In addition to the maximum resolution, the frame rate is also decisive. The more images the test winners capture per second, the smoother the videos become.

It should be at least 30 frames per second. The so-called gimbal, a device in which the camera is attached under the drone, compensates for any stuttering at lofty heights. Many models also allow a live transmission of the aerial photos to the cell phone or directly to the appropriate VR glasses. In the professional area, there are also drones with thermal imaging cameras.