The true cost of flying a drone. What’s the question asked of a drone operator most of the time?
You’re out on an operation; the drone is down safely and shut down. A voice pipes up behind. “Been watching you fly, looks great fun, what a great job”.
Here comes the question. “How much is the drone?”
I have lost count the number of times I have been asked this. My reply is on the face of it, “the drone itself is represents great value for money for the technology involved and the high quality imagery produced. However the additional equipment needed to provide a quality professional service soon adds up”.
Take the DJI Mavic Pro 2. This drone provides fantastic results from such a small drone. There is no doubt about it this drone is way ahead of other manufactures of similar offerings.
The true cost of flying a drone
The drone itself costs £1349 (DJI latest prices), the more kit is on offer at the present for £339 normally £526. This gives you additional two batteries, spare props, carry bag and charging system for whilst on the move. You will really need another battery at £129. Set of ND filters £99 for the camera.
We also use the DJI Goggles at £349 for observer to use or the producer to frame shots. DJI CrystalSky monitor at £449 to enable viewing in high sunlight levels (a must).
Of course you will need a number of high speed SD cards at around £15 each for 16GB (6 off). Camera cleaning kit £16.
When your away on location it good to have a power pack to provide charging system on the fells. We use the SwellPro Lipo system (45,000mAh). Fully portable and can provide an additional 471 minutes flight time. However it’s not cheap at £472. It also provides power to charge phones, laptops, lighting when out on location.
We are now getting a true cost to keep that drone in the air for a day or more flying when on location.
When totalled up the cost is now:-
£3292
This does not include the insurance.
I highly recommend that a second drone is always taken to location as backup.
https://www.swellpro.com/dronepower-45K.html
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