The Ultimate Drone Selection Guide: Simplified with AIM Robotics

The Ultimate Drone Selection Guide: Simplified with AIM Robotics

When it comes to selecting the perfect drone, whether you're a hobbyist or a business professional, the options can feel overwhelming. But don't worry—this guide breaks down everything you need to know to help you choose the right drone based on your needs, budget, and experience level. Let's dive in!

Do You Need a License to Fly a Drone in Canada?

Before purchasing a drone, it's essential to understand Canadian drone regulations.

NO: Micro-Drones (under 250 grams)
If your drone weighs less than 250 grams, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro, no license is required to fly. These drones are compact and designed for on-the-go convenience, offering great camera capabilities and flight performance. 

However, certain operations such as flying near or over people, or flying in controlled airspace will require certification and/or approvals from NAV CANADA.

YES: Larger Drones (over 250 grams)
Drones that weigh more than 250 grams require a Basic or Advanced license to operate. You can sign up for FREE online prep courses through RPAS Centre to get started on your drone certification. Sign up here

What Type of Drone Should You Buy?

Selecting a drone depends on what you want to do with it. Answer the questions and follow the steps to find the perfect drone for you:

Step 1: 

What is your primary use for the drone?

  • Recreational use/hobby flying → Go to Step 2
  • Industrial/commercial use → Go to Step 3
  • Photography/videography → Go to Step 4
  • Surveying→ Go to Step 5

Step 2: Recreational use/hobby flying

What is your budget?

  • Under $1500
    • DJI Mini 4 Pro (HD/4K, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mini 3 (4K camera, compact and affordable, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Compact, FPV, 4K, 20-30 minutes flight time)
  • $1500 - $2000
    • DJI Mavic 3 Classic (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Pro (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Great for FPV flying, 4K, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Air 3S (Compact, 4K camera, 46 minutes flight time, advanced features for versatile aerial shots)
  • $2000+
    • DJI Mavic 3 Pro (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Inspire 3 (6K/8K, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Matrice 30 Thermal (Thermal camera, 30+ minutes flight time)

Step 3: Industrial/commercial use

What is your budget?

  • Under $1500
    • DJI Mini 4 Pro (Portable, HD/4K, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mini 3 (Compact, 4K camera, 20-30 minutes flight time)
  • $1500 - $2000
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time, designed for commercial use)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise Thermal (4K thermal camera, 30+ minutes flight time, great for inspections)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Classic (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Air 3S (Compact, 4K camera, 46 minutes flight time, advanced features for versatile aerial shots)
  • $2000+
    • DJI Matrice 350 RTK (No camera, designed for industrial use, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time, ideal for commercial applications)
    • DJI Matrice 30 Thermal (Thermal camera, designed for industrial and commercial use, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise (Advanced surveying tool, ideal for industrial-scale surveys, inspections, and complex mapping)
    • DJI Matrice 4 Thermal (Thermal camera-equipped for specialized surveying, inspections, and thermal mapping)
    • FlyCart 30 (Heavy-lift drone, perfect for carrying additional payloads for surveying and industrial tasks)

Step 4: Photography/videography

What is your budget?

  • Under $1500
    • DJI Mini 4 Pro (Portable, 4K camera, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mini 3 (Compact, 4K camera, 20-30 minutes flight time)
  • $1500 - $2000
    • DJI Mavic 3 Classic (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Pro (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Air 3S (Compact, 4K camera, 46 minutes flight time, advanced features for versatile aerial shots)
  • $2000+
    • DJI Inspire 3 (6K/8K camera, 30+ minutes flight time, for professional filming)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Pro (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Classic (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time)

Step 5: Surveying

What is your budget?

  • Under $1500
    • DJI Mini 4 Pro (Portable, HD/4K camera, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mini 3 (Affordable, compact, 4K camera, 20-30 minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral (No camera, designed for surveying, 30+ minutes flight time)
  • $1500 - $2000
    • DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral (No camera, designed for surveying, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise (4K camera, 30+ minutes flight time, suitable for surveying or inspections)
    • DJI Air 3S (Compact, 4K camera, 46 minutes flight time, advanced features for versatile aerial shots)
  • $2000+
    • DJI Matrice 350 RTK (No camera, designed for professional surveying, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Matrice 30 Thermal (Thermal camera, ideal for surveying and inspections, 30+ minutes flight time)
    • DJI Matrice 4 Enterprise (Advanced surveying tool, ideal for industrial-scale surveys, inspections, and complex mapping)
    • DJI Matrice 4 Thermal (Thermal camera-equipped for specialized surveying, inspections, and thermal mapping)
    • FlyCart 30 (Heavy-lift drone, perfect for carrying additional payloads for surveying and industrial tasks)

Choose the Right Drone from AIM Robotics

At the AIM Robotics store, we offer an extensive line up of drones from DJI to meet every need—whether you're a hobbyist, a professional, or a business owner. Our selection includes top models like the DJI Matrice 350 RTK for industrial applications and the DJI Mini 4 Pro for beginners.

Plus, every purchase includes a free Pro or Enterprise subscription to RPAS Wilco, your personal co-pilot. This compliance platform streamlines site surveys and flight planning, as well as provides access to certified NAV CANADA aeronautical data and interactive maps so you can focus on flying safely.

Ready to take your drone experience to the next level? Visit our store today!

Drone FAQs

  • How far can I fly a drone?

The range will depend on the model. At the AIM Robotics store, many of our DJI drones offer a range of up to 10 km or more. Be sure to always stay within your visual line of sight (VLOS) and below an altitude of 400 feet to comply with regulations.

  • How Long Does a Drone Battery Last?

On average, drone batteries last between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the model and usage. If you want to extend your flight time, we offer extra batteries for purchase at the AIM Robotics store.

  • Can I Attach Cameras to My Drone?

Yes! Many of our drones are compatible with a variety of payloads, including cameras, sensors, and thermal cameras. Visit AIM Robotics store for more options.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us!

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