Drones for photography, video, FPV flying and hobby use, together with the batteries, filters, cases and spare parts that go with them. The range suits first-time flyers as well as people who shoot aerial footage regularly. DJI makes up the largest share, alongside Freewell, BETAFPV, AMEWI and Autel.
How to choose a drone
Purpose. Decide what you want to do first. Camera drones such as the DJI models in our range suit photography and video, FPV drones suit fast, manual flying and racing, and small toy-style drones suit learning the basics in a garden or a large room.
Weight and rules. Lighter drones are easier to carry and generally face lighter restrictions. In every case, check the civil aviation rules that apply in South Africa before your first flight, especially if you plan to fly near people or airports, or for paid work.
Camera and stabilisation. For video, look at sensor size, maximum resolution and whether the camera sits on a gimbal, which keeps footage steady in wind. A larger sensor copes better in low light, while a basic camera is enough for casual holiday clips.
Battery and flight time. Many consumer camera drones fly for roughly 20 to 30 minutes per battery, and small FPV drones often fly for less. A second or third battery usually adds more flying time than moving up a model, so budget for spares and a charger.
Drone brands we carry
- DJI: the best-known maker of consumer camera drones, with lightweight folding models in the Mini series and the Avata line for FPV flying.
- Freewell: known for ND and polarising camera filters, which let a drone camera keep a slower shutter speed in bright light.
- BETAFPV: specialises in small FPV drones, controllers and parts for hobby racing and freestyle flying.
- Autel: Autel Robotics builds the EVO series of camera drones, a direct alternative to DJI.
- HOVERAir: makes small self-flying camera drones that follow you without a handheld controller.
- Revell and AMEWI: Revell is best known for model kits and AMEWI for radio-controlled models, and both offer easy-to-fly hobby drones.
- Sunnylife and Patona: Sunnylife makes add-ons for popular camera drones, such as propeller guards and carry cases, while Patona is known for replacement batteries and chargers.
- B&W: a German maker of rugged transport cases for protecting equipment on the move.
Also in our range: ALLNET and Maclean. The Drone accessories subcategory holds over 100 products, covering items such as batteries, filters, cases and spare parts.
Drone FAQ
What is the best drone for a beginner?
A lightweight camera drone with obstacle sensing and automatic return-to-home is the easiest starting point. Small folding models are simple to carry and forgiving to learn on. If you only want to practise the basics, a small toy-style drone costs less and is safer to crash.
Do I need a licence to fly a drone in South Africa?
Rules depend on the drone's weight and on whether you fly for fun or for payment. Commercial flying generally needs registration and licensing through the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Check the current regulations before you fly, as they apply to hobby pilots too.
How long does a drone battery last?
Many consumer camera drones fly for around 20 to 30 minutes on a full battery, depending on wind, weight and flying style. Small FPV drones usually fly for less. Carrying spare batteries is the simplest way to extend a session.
What is the difference between a camera drone and an FPV drone?
A camera drone is built for stable, easy flying and good-quality photos and video, usually with automatic assistance. An FPV drone is flown through goggles or a screen and controlled mostly by hand, which gives faster and more acrobatic flight but takes more practice. Choose a camera drone for filming and an FPV drone for the flying itself.
