Nowadays, you can’t call yourself a “real” Instagrammer if you don’t have aerial photos taken with a drone interspersed amongst the usual food and travel pics.
Drones are not only fun to fly (if you obey the law and don’t get your precious drone confiscated) but also relatively inexpensive, thanks to the many entry-level drones which are now flooding the market.
Before you hit the hobby shops in Singapore, here are a couple of drones to take note of.
4 drone cameras to get in Singapore for amazing footage
| Drone | Price |
| DJI Mavic 2 Pro Singapore | $1,988 |
| DJI Phantom 4 Drone Camera | $1,700 |
| Parrot Mambo Fly Drone | $160 |
| JJRC H37 Mini Baby Elfie Wifi FPV RC Drone | $56 |
DJI Mavic 2 Pro Singapore ($1,988)
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro, is a bit more pricey than the popular DJI Phantom 4, but it has received rave reviews. It’s also one of the drone of choice for pro photographers thanks to its longer flight time of up to 31 minutes and the fact that it’s quiet when flying.
One of the Mavic 2 Pro’s great strengths is its camera, which not only has a large sensor but also offers photographers full control over the aperture and shutter.
The Mavic 2 Pro is also extremely compact, which makes it convenient for those who intend to travel and shoot with it. Do note, however, that the Mavic 2 Pro is not designed to be waterproof, so avoid using it in the rain.
It’s currently selling on Lazada for $1,988.
Taken with the Mavic 2 Pro:
DJI Phantom Drone 4 Camera ($1,700)
The DJI Phantom 4 is one of the most popular and best looking drones for serious hobbyists on the market right now.
There are actually a few slightly different models, including the Phantom 4, Phantom 4 Pro. The Phantom 4 Pro can sense obstacles better and has better stereo vision sensors than the Phantom 4, so you’re less likely to have accidents while flying. It also has slightly better battery life.
Overall, the price is quite significant, but for what you pay you can expect a great-looking drone that’s easy to use and suitable for beginners, yet packs a punch in terms of photo and flying capabilities. However, don’t expect professional-quality photos, and know that the camera doesn’t perform well in low light.
One consideration when buying a drone is whether it is waterproof. Singapore’s generally wet climate and the ubiquity of high rise buildings here mean your drone might get rained on. The DJI Phantom Drone 4 is not marketed as waterproof, so use with caution.
This listing of the DJI Phantom Drone 4 Camera on Lazada comes with a free backpack.
Parrot Mambo Fly Drone ($178)
If the prices of the above two drones are making you balk, you might be looking for a much simpler model, a mini drone that the kids can fly without too much fuss, or that you can tinker around with at house parties when there’s a lull in the conversation.
This Parrot drone is an entry-level model that’s easy to set up and fly. Just be aware that, while better than typical brandless drones, it’s still an entry-level model, so the flight time is a short 8 or 9 minutes and the camera lets you take pics of up to just 0.3 megapixels.
The $178 Parrot Mambo Fly listing on Lazada comes with 3-year warranty.
JJRC H37 Mini Baby Elfie Wifi FPV RC Drone ($58)
This mini drone isn’t for hardcore aerial photography enthusiasts, but for those who just want to take selfies or more precisely, “dronies”, it’s a good option.
The selfie drone offers up to 10 minutes of flight time and can be controlled up to 50 metres away from you.
This means you should not expect to be able to take stunning aerial shots of Singapore’s skyline but will probably be able to take decent photo of your group of friends without having to argue over who has long enough arms to press the shutter button.
You can buy the JJRC Mini Baby Elfie on Lazada for only $58.
Where to buy drones: Hobby shops in Singapore and Lazada
Here are some hobby shops that sell drones in Singapore:
- The Drone Shop – 3 South Buona Vista Road #01-29 Viva Vista
- Dronematters – 6 Tagore Drive #03-03
- RC Helicopter Smartfly and Drones – 1 Queensway #02-04 Queensway Shopping Centre
- Rotor Hobby Enterprises – 809 French Road #02-37 Kitchener Complex
- Singapore Hobby Supplies – 150 South Bridge Road #B1-23 Fook Hai Building
Also don’t forget to check out lazada.sg, where you can often find popular drone models at lower prices.
Do you need a drone permit in Singapore?
You do not need a permit to fly a drone in Singapore if you are using it recreationally, provided you obey certain rules, including the following:
- Use only drones that do not exceed 7kg.
- Do not fly your drone higher than 200 feet above sea level.
- Do not fly your drone within 5km of an aerodrone or airbase.
- Do not use your drone as part of any orgnaised group activity or organised competition or tournament.
- Do not use your drone in conjunction with any activity provided by a business or in the course of business.
- Do not fly your drone over crowds or moving vehicles.
- Stay well away from people, property and aircraft.
- Do not fly anywhere that may result in interference with emergency service providers.
- Fly your drone only when there is good weather with high visibility.
- Only fly your drone in daylight.
- Keep the drone within your line of sight at all times.
- Ensure that your drone does not drop anything.
- Ensure that your drone is not carrying any potentially dangerous items such as weapons, radioactive substances or biochemical substances.
- Do not use your drone to take pictures of the Changi Airport, Paya Lebar Airbase, the Istana, the Supreme Court, Parliament House, and government/military buildings, camps, bases, or naval dockyards.
What is your favourite drone? Share your recommendations in the comments!
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