Drones have become widely available for amateur and professional users over the past few years. Apart from being mainstream and affordable, thanks to companies like DJI, drones have become integral components of travel videos, events coverage, and journalism.
Along with the increased popularity of drones comes the rise in the number of accessories you can pair them with. Whether you’re shooting photos or videos, several drone accessories can significantly enhance your drone-flying experience. To help you make the most out of your gadget, we’ve put together five of the best drone accessories on the market today:
1. Anker PowerCore+ 26,800mAh
Drones often don’t have the best power capacity for long flying times, which can be a problem for travel vloggers who might not have access to a wall outlet throughout the day. Anker PowerCore+ 26,800mAh is a portable charger for a drone because it supports quick charging through USB-C. The Parrot Anafi, DJI Mavic 3, and Mavic Air can be charged in your bag as you continue traveling without taking up too much space. This $60 all-in-one charging device can also set up your phone, tablet, or laptop to help with your continuous workflow as you edit your footage.
2. Freewell Neutral Density ND16 Lens Filter
Neutral Density Filters are some of the essential accessories for drone videographers. These capture the best possible footage in all light situations. Freewell ND filters are constructed to reduce light hitting the sensor, which slows down the camera’s shutter speed. By smoothing out footage and helping reduce the appearance of “jello” effects from the camera’s rolling shutter, the filters create a more natural-looking motion blur and minimize noise around the footage. The $20 filter provides the best value because it has a dual function—reducing lens flare while shooting into the sun while toning down highlights when filming outdoors.
3. SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB A1 microSDXC memory card
The proliferation of counterfeit microSD cards can pose a danger to your precious drone footage. Scrimping on memory cards can ultimately cost you more money—video quality and lost footage are more expensive to repair and recover. The SanDisk Extreme Pro 64GB A1 microSDXC memory card is the answer to your drone storage needs. Its quick read and write speeds (up to 90 MB/s) ensure no video cutouts, which is a risk with slow cards. It also works with 4K mode and includes an SD adapter for a broader range of drone compatibility. At $28, it comes at a reasonable price for 64GB of storage space.
4. Lowepro DroneGuard BP 250
The Lowepro DroneGuard BP250 protects your drone as you take it out for adventures. This bag is fully customizable and can be molded to suit your setup and snugly fit your accessories, whether it be a propeller guard, a controller, or goggles. Its Formshell protection ensures that your drone is protected from the elements and lasts for years. It even comes with a removable waist belt to support your back as you carry the weight of the bag’s contents. At $180, this sturdy and bespoke backpack is one of the best investments you can make to keep your drone in its best shape as you bring it around.
5. Sun Hood Sunshade
Ambient sunlight makes it hard for drone pilots to see their monitors on an iPad, their phone, or any other tablet. This is why the Sun Hood Sunshade is an excellent purchase to see the final video shot you’re getting and your drone’s flight path. This ensures the safety of your drone and the quality of your image to avoid unnecessary accidents or reshoots. Its folding design makes it easy to store and keep inside your backpack. At $12, it is a cheap and practical solution to screen viewing problems, so every drone operator should have this as part of their setup.
These five accessories will address your needs for power, storage, and enhanced image quality. Whether you’re an experienced drone pilot or a budding drone enthusiast, these accessories can enhance your flying experience and maximize your drone usage.