It started with a roughly £90 drone I found on TikTok. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about GPS, control, safety, batteries and the simple pleasure of getting outside with a camera in the sky.
I wanted to share the real experience of trying a few drones, making mistakes, and finding something I enjoy. This isn’t a professional technical review: it’s my own experience, including what I’d do differently next time.
My first drone cost around £90 and I think I bought it through TikTok. My son and I took it out together, which was great fun, but the GPS positioning and control didn’t feel very dependable.
That first flight taught me that a low price can be tempting, but stable positioning and predictable controls matter when you’re trying to enjoy flying and get usable photographs.
My next drone was a DJI. I found the GPS and controls much better, and it gave me more confidence when flying. DJI models can cost more — often a few hundred pounds depending on the model and offers — but I personally found the difference worthwhile.
That’s my experience rather than a guarantee that every drone or every flight will behave perfectly. It’s still worth comparing features and prices before buying.
I once flew my DJI near an Audi site and got it stuck in a tree. I hadn’t planned the surroundings as carefully as I should have. I was also worried about the cars and the road nearby, and I didn’t want to put myself or anyone else at risk trying to retrieve it.
I contacted the site, but help wasn’t straightforward. I believe the drone was eventually brought down, although I can’t be certain exactly what happened. The main lesson was clear: check trees, roads, vehicles, people and a safe landing area before taking off. If a drone gets stuck somewhere dangerous, don’t climb or put yourself at risk to retrieve it.
My current drone is the DJI Lito 1. I’ve been pleased with the camera, and on my latest outing I spent about an hour outside taking photographs in the sunshine. I came home with pictures I was genuinely happy with.
The battery seemed to give me a good amount of time, too, although flight time varies with conditions, settings and how the battery is used. The best part was simply stepping away from the computer, getting some fresh air and enjoying being outdoors.
Modern drones have useful safety information and flight features, but I’m still learning exactly what each warning or feature can and cannot detect. I never want to treat technology as a substitute for checking the area with my own eyes.
Before flying, I check the surroundings, weather, people, roads, trees and the planned landing area. I also check the current UK rules and any restrictions that apply to the location.
Look beyond the view you want to capture. Check trees, buildings, roads, vehicles, people, take-off space and somewhere safe to land before you launch.
GPS and safety features can help, but they don’t remove the need to keep the drone in sight, stay aware of your surroundings and follow the rules.
Keep early flights simple, leave a sensible battery reserve to return and land, and don’t take risks trying to recover a drone from a dangerous place.
I found prices could differ between the DJI website and Amazon. Compare the exact model, what’s included, warranty and delivery rather than choosing on headline price alone.
I initially bought the wrong size of memory card, so it’s worth checking the format and speed rating before ordering. For the DJI Lito 1, the card we discussed was:
Look for a microSD card marked UHS-I, U3 and V30 (Class 10). The card we discussed was a 64GB Lexar card with those ratings. “U3” is the correct marking — not “U30”. Check the current DJI Lito 1 specifications and the card’s authenticity before buying, then format the card in the drone before recording.
This is a personal note, not a guarantee of battery life or a substitute for checking the manufacturer’s current specifications and UK flying requirements.
Browse the aerial photographs I’ve been taking around my outings.
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