Cover image via Unbox Therapy Youtube
Thinking of getting a drone for yourself after seeing awesome drone photographs on social media?
Image via SAYS
Image via Ohsem Flying Objekt
Even if you're not in it for photography or videography, flying one is definitely a tempting and fun prospect
Image via South China Morning Post
But you're unsure of which one to get? Here are the top 5 things you should consider before buying a drone:
1. Not all drones are created equal. So who's it for?
Drones comes in different sizes and specifications. There are drones with features such as removable plastic wheel, making them more indoor-friendly. **These drones are also usually more simplistic in design and features, which is great for children who wants to have a taste of flying a drone.** Some drones even allow you to control it effortlessly with a smartphone. Parents should be relieved to know that they do not have to worry when their children is flying the new toy in the house.
On the other hand, there are also big, fast, sturdy fliers that are more suitable for adults. These drones are usually packed with more sophisticated features in a more complicated design, thus making it harder to control.
Image via banggood
2. How much will it cost me?
Drones have several functions besides serving as a tool to take aerial photography or videography. They can also be used as a development tool, to transport goods, and yes, even [to save lives](http://says.com/my/tech/video-this-drone-could-save-you-from-drowning-in-flood).
Image via Hardware Zone Malaysia
The price of a drone can be as little as below RM200 but it can also be expensive, going up to tens of thousands of ringgit. As such, it is important to predetermine what is the drone for because the more features a drone has, the more it will cost. If you're just buying a drone as a toy, you'll be saving a lot more money than buying a drone for photography or videography purposes.
3. Flying a drone requires some technical knowledge
Image via ABC News
A drone, like any kind of technology, will require a person to have a certain level of technical knowledge in order to properly operate it.
4. You can get it anywhere now – brick and mortar or online
Image via Geeksnack
No doubt, drones have been an increasingly popular item in the last few years that even [drone racing is becoming a thing](http://www.geeksnack.com/2015/06/12/drone-racing-is-apparently-a-thing-in-australia-and-will-soon-make-its-us-debut/).
You can always get one from any photography retail stores like [March Equipment Stores](https://www.facebook.com/MARCHEQUIPMENTSTORE) in Puchong. Otherwise, you can always scout around online from reputable camera online stores or various e-commerce websites such as Shashinki, eBay, Lazada and others to get the best deals.
5. It's not illegal to own one but you can be caught for operating it
According to Senior Assistant Director, Air Traffic Management Sector, DCA, Muddatstsir bin Mashor [as reported by Hardware Zone Malaysia](http://www.hardwarezone.com.my/feature-are-you-breaking-law-your-drones):
**• If you own a drone that is heavier than 7kg, then you need to register it if you are using it for commercial purpose.
• If you own a drone that is lighter than 7kg and you only fly it for leisure, then you don't need to register it.**
Image via Epoch Times
