How To Choose a Drone For Kids
Drones are very popular with children. From about 4 to 5 years old, they’ll be able to discover their surroundings with them and learn to control a flying object. Drones up to 2000CZK are probably the best choice for kids. Kids can find out if they enjoy flying and you will not regret the investment too much if the drone is destroyed (or at least much less than if it cost 30,000CZK). Children have a wild imagination and like to try tricks that adults would not even think of. In particular, drones for smaller children should be easy to operate and as resistant to impacts and falls as possible.
What parameters to focus on when choosing drones for children?
Speed
For many children's drones, you will not find data on their maximum speed, the cheapest ones reach 5 km / h and more. Powerful professional drones fly at speeds of around 60 km / h and some exceed up to 100 km / h. Speed, as well as battery life, is reduced by additional equipment, like a camera, covers, etc.
Flight duration
On a single charge, children'scosting drones up to 2,000 crowns, usually fly for about 7 minutes. The more expensive one lasts in the air for 30 minutes. If you want to have more fun, get some spare batteries. Charge them all at home and then use them in the field whenever you need.
Material
Especially the cheapest children's drones are made of plastic, which has a positive effect on price, speed and battery life. If you have deep pockets, there are also carbon and magnesium drones. These materials are strong and light.
Camera
Drones with a camera are suitable for children who want to shoot or take photos from heights and unusual angles. They start at around CZK 2,000 and you can choose either a model with a built-in camera or with a holder for attaching an additional camera. The second option is suitable for owners of action cameras, or if you plan to purchase one. Before purchasing, make sure that the mount is compatible with your camera.
Control systems
Drones for children are controlled by transmitters with joysticks and other buttons. More expensive drones use transmitters with a touch screen. You can connect a number of remote controls to smartphones or tablets via WiFi or a digital video transmission system.
Flight modes
Drones usually allow you to switch between several flight modes - automatic, hovering mode and manual mode. Automatic modes are pre-programmed and work with GPS. These modes are:
Follow me - the drone will follow you
Return home - the drone returns to its initial position
Hover mode - drone floats in place, you can release the joystick
Course lock - direct flight on a set course, regardless of the position of the camera, works even without GPS
Home lock - the drone returns to the place of take-off, it works only when GPS is switched on
Drones for children and beginners are easy to operate and have special modes for novices who are just getting acquainted with drones. Once activated, speed, distance and altitude are limited to minimize the risk of losing control.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a drone for children
Why buy a baby drone?
Because kids enjoy drones and can play with them for hours. Children like to try all sorts of tricks and the feeling of mastering something fascinates them. Drones for children are also a great "learning" tool. They will learn hand eye coordination and orientation in space.
Are children's drones easy to use?
In particular, children's drones up to 2 to 5 thousand are very user-friendly, so kids have no problem learning the principles of their control. However, if they enjoy flying drones, they will have no problem flying more expensive ones that are more difficult to control.
Get a baby drone with or without a camera?
Yes, we highly recommend drones with a camera to children. For example, they will show you what you or your house looks like from a height. But be prepared for a higher price, because children's drones with a camera are sold for over 2-3 thousand crowns. If price is your main concern choose drones without a camera. These are available for around 1,000CZK.
How big are children's drones?
The smallest drones for children measure 4 × 4 cm. They are light and literally fit in your pocket, so children can take them out with friends. More expensive drones are bigger, but it still shouldn’t be a problem for children to carry them.
Glossary - drones for children
Gimbal
A gimbal is a stabilization device that eliminates shocks and tilts when taking photos and recording videos. It keeps the camera in a stabilized position on three axes, so the resulting recording does not shake.
RTF (Ready to Fly)
The term Ready to Fly means that drones with this designation have everything you need to fly in the package, so there is no need to buy any accessories. Only for some models is it necessary to purchase batteries for the controller. These drones are designed for beginners and advanced drone pilots.
BTF (Bind and Fly)
The abbreviation BNF (Bind to Fly) refers to drones that are delivered without a controller. They are suitable for pilots who already own a remote control or want to fly with more models. If you do not have a controller at home, you will need to purchase one. It is important that the controller you purchase is compatible with your model.
Other concepts
Remote control range
Remote control range means the maximum distance that the drone can be remotely controlled from. The cheapest children's drones have a range of a few tens of meters, the most expensive up to a few kilometers. Drones controlled via Bluetooth using a smartphone or tablet have a range of about 20 m, drones with a radio control about 5 km.