In this electrifying era where adrenaline-filled activities like surfing, skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing have taken the frontier of sports, catching all the action on film is now part of the fun. These audacious feats make for breathtaking footage, unforgettable memories, and Instagram-worthy posts. The right gadget to help you immortalize these moments? A well-selected drone. But with the vast array of drones out there, how do you choose the appropriate one for your action sports endeavors?
There’s a rising trend in the industry: action sports drones. These airborne marvels of technology capably document your thrilling escapades. With just a cursory Google search of “action sports drones”, it’s clear these gadgets are indubitably cornering a space in the adventurous athlete’s kit.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with expert guidance on selecting the best action sports drones. Leveraging our deep knowledge in the drone industry, we’ll discuss key features that make excellent action sports drones and review five of the best drones for this specific purpose.
Understanding Drone Features for Action Sports
Not all drones are created equal. When it comes to choose an action sports drone, you’ll need to be sure that the drone can keep up with you, capture the required footage and that it is easy to control. You might need to take some training to ensure that you can use the device adequately too.
Another thing to remember is that some drones are for professional use such as videographers. If this isn’t you, you might find that a standard consumer or budget action sports drone will be fine.
Even so, it’s necessary to understand some crucial drone features when choosing an action sports drone as a ski gadget. And so here are some considerations:
1. Camera Quality
A drone’s camera quality is of utmost importance when capturing your sporting exploits. High end drones will offer 4k video, while some might offer HDR or 1080. If its just for fun, you might not need 4k.
2. Flight Time
The longer flight time your drone has, the more opportunities you have to capture the perfect shot. An average flight time is about 20 minutes per battery. But most drones come with backup batteries to increase flight time.
3. Flight Stability
For capturing clear footage, you need a drone with good stability in different weather conditions. Most action sports drones have some kind of wind stabilisation.
4. Speed
Since you’re dealing with action sports, choose a drone that keeps up with your pace. Most drones can move quite fast and will be able to track you so long as you’re not driving a formula 1 racecar.
5. Follow-Me Mode
A vital feature for action sports drones is the Follow-Me mode. This autonomous tracking allows the drone to follow and capture your every move. Simply set the drone to follow you and it will keep its focus on you and chase you along your route until you call it back.
6. Return to Home
This crucial feature means that you can simply press a button and the drone will fly back to you. Much easier than flying it back to you manually, and also means you’re less likely to lose the drone.
Top 5 Action Sports Drones
Now let’s delve into the top 5 drones that are perfect for action sports drones, rated on their camera quality, flight time, stability, speed, and autonomous tracking features. Remember, every drone model has its strengths and weaknesses, so choose according to your individual needs.
1. DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S sits atop our list. With an impressive camera capable of 5.4K video and 20MP photos, your action shots will be stunning. A maximum speed of 68.4 kph and flight time of 31 minutes make it a beast in action sports drones.
2. Autel Robotics EVO II
The EVO II boasts 8K video and 48MP stills, making it a powerhouse for ultra-high-definition memories. It offers a whopping 40 minutes flight time, though it’s a bit on the heavier side.
3. Skydio 2
Skydio 2 is famed for its superior autonomous flight capabilities, suitable for precisely capturing high-action sports shots. It also offers a respectable 23 minutes of flight time.
4. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The high dynamic range (HDR) of the DJI Mavic 2 Pro allows you to capture footage with vibrant colors and great contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions. It also displays excellent flight stability, making it a preferred choice of drones for action sports.
5. PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard
The PowerEgg X Wizard is an amphibious drone, making it perfect for water-based sports. It also includes AI tracking to keep up with your aquatic adventures.
Other Action Sports Drone Uses
Beyond action sports, drones can provide a host of other recreational benefits, such as real estate photography, agricultural surveys, and simply exploring your surroundings from a bird’s-eye view. Most action sports drones are packed with sophisticated components that allow for use in a multitude of applications.
As drone technology evolves, so too do the exciting ways we can use them. Particularly true for action sports drones. Whether you’re a professional athlete seeking to capture your feats or a hobbyist looking for unique angles in your sporty escapades, choosing the right drone is vital. Or, they make a great gift for skiers too.
Now, you’re armed with the knowledge you need to select the action sports drone that suits your requirements and budget. So ready your gears, pick your drone, and make your wildest action sports dreams a tangible, sharable reality.
