Waterproof drones buying guide

All your struggles with water submersion and splashes come to an end with waterproof drones. These unique drones are fully capable of catering to your services in any environment.

Whether you are kayaking, paddling, boating, or surfing, these drones will never bow down to water damage. However, selecting the best option under your budget can be a little tricky.

You have to deem about flight range, battery power, durability, and whatnot. Gathering information on all these characteristics can become an arduous task.

A comprehensive buying guide allows you to study all the elements quickly without making much effort. You can evaluate them with your requirements and funnel down the best product.

So, let us start with a brief introduction to the product and then move into this extensive guide.

What are Waterproof Drones, and why should you opt for them?

Want to capture the essence of all your outdoor excursions and make a small movie out of it? Are you interested in opening your first vlogging channel?

Then you better own a drone to capture all your memories and cherish them till the end of time. Drones let you enter even the inaccessible places and enjoy the beauty of the location through the lens' medium.

It is a flying device loaded with software that is operated by remote control. It sends instructions to the embedded programming software, which usually consists of sensors and GPS for precise controlling.

Drones form the backbone of many industries, and play a significant role in carrying out challenging tasks, making your lives more comfortable. Some of the most sought after applications are:

1. Agricultural and Archaeological industries

In the agricultural industry, drones are used to assess crop height, water quality, ambient temperatures, etc. In the archaeological industries, drones are fitted with sensors with a high visual spectrum for surveying the land.

2. Aerial surveillance

Have you ever heard of detectives or armed forces spying on the terrorists' secret locations?

Drones help to track the movement of unwanted intruders. They have surveillance cameras to record or spy on them.

They are used by farmers to keep an eye on their cattle movement while the fire department uses them to find the area where the fire broke out. Many private businesses also use drones to handle their properties and goods.

3. Film making

Nowadays, you can easily distinguish between the movies made in the old era and what is being made now. Technology advancements have changed the whole scenario.

You can now witness how cinematic shots are being taken. The film industry is successfully using drones to get the best shots.

Drones have proved to be helping hands in many fields. Thanks to humanity and science, they have contributed to another incredible invention to the world's seven wonders.

Waterproof Drones vs. Water Resistant Drones

No matter what the weather is, drones are to be used, especially in agricultural and aerial surveillance.

If you recall the cameras that were made earlier, even if a single droplet of water entered inside, the camera would stop working.

Since drones are exposed to the naked surrounding, waterproofing becomes extremely important for them, what if it unexpectedly rains?

Those two terms, waterproof and water-resistant, are not interchangeable. Many people incorrectly use them for the same reason.

The internal components of waterproof drones are entirely sealed so that not even small water droplets can enter inside. Even if your drones fall on any water body, it does not get damaged.

The water-resistant robots, on the other hand, do not have watertight seals. They have water protection to some extent but do not resist water completely. If it gets submerged in water, be prepared to take it to a repair center.

Waterproof quadcopters are a must if you are using your drone to shoot or carrying it along with you for a vacation along the beach.

Why should you refer to a buying guide before buying a suitable waterproof drone?

Tempted to discover the outer world with the blue sky overhead and the pleasant weather surrounding you? Do you want to capture every single moment of your life?

Whether it's the wild or any scenic spot, waterproof drones improve your life and make it plain sailing. They make good use of the existing technology and offer you quality time to spend with your near and dear ones.

No shortcut will lead you to the right thing. But your job would become a little easier if you refer to a comprehensive guide.

Instead of browsing through endless web pages, you can take a look at the key features of a waterproof drone mentioned below and make a clear decision.

Types of Waterproof Drones

Whether you are a traveling enthusiast or you want to expand your recording kit with some fun stuff, you will get different types of drones, tailored just to suit your preferences.

You will find four different versions of your favorite waterproof drone as you progress with your hunt. They are:

1. Professional use

If you are a professional photographer, these drones are designed just for you. Their usage of modern technology provides you incredible results.

You can always rely on them if you want to experience smooth and straightforward video making. Its unique features like GPS, gimbals, and high-quality lenses enable you to get your best shot.

Their long-lasting batteries and smooth controls, provide you quality footage and help you stand out from the crowd.

2. Advanced camera drones

An advanced drone is a bridge that you have to cross while moving from the beginner drone to the professional drone.

Using the same technology as the professional ones, these drones work exceptionally well if you are a photography enthusiast.

You can use these to capture even the smallest detail outdoors. Though they have a heavy build, they can withstand high wind pressure very well.

These are fitted with a superb camera that gives you 1080p images. If you own a go pro, you can scan for a waterproof drone with an external camera attachment and not an integrated one.

3. Racing drones

With the increasing popularity of drones, photographers are experiencing the best time of their lives.

Drone races are now being carried out to instill excitement and drive emerging photographers to participate and improve their photography skills.

With high speeds up to 80mph, their tiny bodies let them aim locations, where other drone cameras can't go.

High control performance comes with high speeds. Your drone must respond quickly to your commands. It ensures that your drone is under control and does not go out of the ongoing race.

4. Basic camera drones

If you are a beginner and want to build up your career in the photographic world, it's not wrong to start with the basic camera drone. The underlying technologies and functionality are economically feasible.

The camera is completely basic and has a standard resolution. These drones help you get used to the usage of drones and further develop your skills.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Waterproof drones

Batteries

What's the use of carrying a drone without spare batteries? Your drone will fly until it's powered by the battery installed in it. Your beloved drone will crash somewhere as soon as all the energy is expended, and you will end up searching for it everywhere.

Switch to waterproof drones. These have interchangeable batteries and allow you to fly your aerial robot in the air for a longer duration.

Even bring some spare batteries as backup, in case your interchangeable battery does not work. Swapping batteries save time and are best for those professionals who wait for that one best shot.

Camera

The camera forms a drone's heart. Mounting and efficiency are the main factors that govern the existence of the camera on your drone.

Check for waterproof drones having a gimbal that has three axes in it. It will provide you high-quality images and cinematic shots that you crave for. Invest in a camera that has high quality and resolution in it, along with the necessary stability.

Types

In these drones, you will find payloads which are of two types:

1. Modular

These have parts that can be interchanged, which is beneficial in many cases.

2. Fixed

The fixed payloads do not support facilities available in the modular payloads. These are economically feasible and do not require a higher degree of specialization.

Special Features of Camera

Since the camera is the most important of all, you should also look for other special features in your camera to make your videos and images more iconic. The special features are:

1. Quality of the lenses and the sensors

Sensors are the order receiving points. Look for sensors that are not less than 369.72mm (23.7x15.6mm) in size to have an ideal camera that operates according to your wish.

If you want to carry out a one-time investment and purchase a top quality drone, it is best to look for 1-inch sensors.

2. Gimbal mount

If you want to shoot cinematic scenes and capture minute details, look for a 3-axis gimbal mount to achieve the same.

3. Shutter speed

It is difficult to take pictures while the camera is moving. If your camera is not stable, you will end up gathering hazy pictures. Shutter speed determines this.

To ensure that you don't face a similar problem, look for cameras with higher resolution. For this, you will have to invest in a camera having the resolution 1/8000s.

Flying time

The flying time mostly depends on how you use it and what sort of a drone it is. Big drones are usually designed to survive longer in the air.

When fully powered, professional drones fly for 30 minutes, while the basic one's flying time is only 7-10 minutes.

Depending on your preference, opt for waterproof drones that have swapping batteries and search for big-sized drones. Also, as a backup, carry spare batteries with you so that you don't regret not carrying them.

GPS

When your unmanned aircraft flies out in the air, you can only control it through the remote control tool. But the question arises as to how the drone will find those flight paths and return to where it took off from?

The remote control can only be used to steer the aircraft but not to help find routes. Here's where GPS comes in.

Global satellite positioning regularly informs you where your flying robot is located. The embedded software helps to find the flying paths and then return home. Only turn on the GPS and see the magic. Your robot has captured every little detail you couldn't get to.

Repairs

Crashes and damages are part and parcel of your drone's journey. You never know when it could crash, or what could damage it.

Waterproof drones are perfect for repair. The package includes a spare set of propellers if your drone gets damaged in the middle of the flight.

They have parts that can be easily found and replaceable and don't require unnecessary hassle to fix. Also, look for models that have motors without brushes. They will increase the lifespan of your drone and pay off your investments.

Speed

The drone achieves speed from the propellers. Size also leads to the same, but propellers do the main job. Propellers speed the unit back and forth and even allow it to climb up and down.

Since your drone carries a high risk of crashing, propellers will probably get damaged over time.

Thanks to waterproof drones, the replacement of damaged propellers has become effortless and fast. You get access to a collection of spare propellers now.

Moreover, you can repair your broken propellers in no time, and your drone can fly again at an enhanced speed. It will give you the feeling that it has been purchased a couple of weeks back.

Range

Flight range again plays an important role when taking shots, depending on your use. Waterproof drones fly to a distance of up to 2 km, allowing you to take amazing aerial shots.

You'll also find some versions up to 500 m regarding the range. But you may be wondering how a shorter range drone can come to your help?

Well, if you're traveling overseas, having a shorter range is always useful. It is because a lot of countries have limitations on the flight range. Also, shorter flight ranges keep your drone within your sight.

Climate

Strong winds and heavy storms pose a significant challenge to your picture tour. Waterproof drones are available to battle with your enemies and provide safety from water and withstand intense wind pressure.

You will save a lot on your battery side if you effectively stabilize your drone in the strong wind.

It ensures that you can spend more time capturing your picture-perfect shots. If you intend to fly in clear weather, it's smart to invest in a lightweight, portable drone.

Collision detection and communication loss

You can't risk losing your contact with the drone. You've got your precious pictures, and most important of all, you invested in them. Losing contact will cause you to lose your drone forever because you can't track it.

There is a reason why waterproof drones stand out among them all. They've got radio cameras to get around obstacles.

These drones are also equipped with overriding programs for communication losses to allow your drone to track the original path and find its way home without getting damaged or lost.

Durability and stability

You don't have the slightest notion, when outside, about how the weather will change. Would it improve for the better or, the worse? You should have a durable drone that can withstand any circumstance.

Since you need to get pictures of different kinds showing the beauty of nature, the reliability of a drone is what you should be talking about in-depth.

Search for waterproof drones with wind speed resistance of 20 mph minimum. It helps you fight the bad weather.

Consider your drone flying time, too. Since the stabilization consumes battery, it is advisable to increase the flight time above 27 minutes to make it easier to operate in bad weather.

Purpose

After your photography session is done, it's time to edit the same and share it with others. To let it happen, you need to focus on the software to convert your visuals into reality.

To help you decide which software suits your needs, we have dissected the various software used and placed it under different sections for your better understanding.

1. Data management

It is the software that helps you realize your drone's actual worth. This software provides the following features:

• Download your data and stitch them together to form a base.
• It offers various tools to help you manage your data.
• It provides a forum where you can share your files and other data with others through collaboration.

2. Mission planning

The easiest way to operate your drone is to prepare and program a drone's scheduled flight path beforehand. It improves the quality of your drone and helps you gain more control.

The key features of this software are:

• Carrying out your mission successfully
• Keep an eye on your drone and its flight path.
• Offers you the scope for integration with VR

3. Air space

If you are flying at a place where you are likely to encounter regular weather changes or intend to fly near the airport, it is best to use Airspace software.

It provides you with a weather report of the zone you are flying in, so you can take precautions. The benefits you gain are:

• Instant weather advisories change near you.
• Your drone location and location map
• Secure information and file-sharing forum.

Depending on your needs and the location you planned, opt for waterproof drones with the software you need or at least two out of these three mentioned above.

Registration and License

Just like a compulsory car driving license, if you only use it for fun, you are not required to have a drone license. But if you're a professional or wish to use your drone for other purposes, you should be legally registered with an authentic license for your drone.

Make sure your waterproof drones are registered and that you hold a license for each drone you own.

A drone license is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which deals with cases related to drones. All around the world, FAA certified licenses are recognized, and owning a local license won't serve your purpose.

To stay away from legal issues, and enjoy your time, ensure that you travel with all the essential documents related to your drone.

How to clean your drone?

A well-maintained drone will serve long years. The life span depends on how much you care for your drone, as it's part of all your trips.

The first step is to comply with the flying instructions set by your waterproof drones' manufacturer. Favorable weather conditions, terrain, etc. are all pre-determined for a particular model. Violation of any of the instructions can damage your drone.

There are some points which you should register in your mind:

• Make sure that no debris or coarse particles interfere with your drone's movement and its propellers.
• Avoid flying your robot in zones with many cables and power cords. It can obstruct the flight and damage the propeller's blades.
• If you use your drone in a beach area, there is a risk of corrosion due to intense salt exposure. To avoid corrosion, wash your drone's propeller blades with fresh water, even if they are resistant to corrosion.

These small steps are not time-consuming, but patience is required. Your drone needs low maintenance but a lot of care. If it gets damaged, your entire investment will be a waste, and you don't want that to happen.

FAQs

1. How do drones work?

Drones work on a simple mechanism in which a remote controller contacts the drone via radio waves. Thus, you need a power source, frame, and a propeller to get the drone flying. Every drone has a unique design, and it depends on its future use to add more functionalities to it. The controller handles everything from the flight beginning, its particular use, and landing remotely.

2. How to maintain a waterproof drone?

Start by reading all the instructions mentioned in the user manual. Always clean the propellers and power source so that there is no debris or obstruction. If your drone comes in contact with salt water, you need to clean it properly with fresh water for a rust-free drone frame.

3. How are water-resistant drones good for fishers?

A water-resistant drone can be easily used to capture all the fishing activities on the attached camera. They can even locate fish beforehand to help the fishers speed up the fishing process. Being water-resistant, the fishers don't need to be worried about any water damaging the drones. Thus, these drones can turn out to be perfect fishing companions.

Final Verdict

With all this information under your possession, what are you waiting for? Purchase an ultimate waterproof drone and start capturing your different memories in a unique way.

Here in this buying guide, you will find all the necessary details and facts about the product. You can quickly assess the performance and usability of different models and make an informed decision while selecting the best option.