Drones, these remotely piloted flying devices, have now become essential tools in a wide range of fields. The most widespread category is the “quadcopters”. They get their name from their configuration of four propellers driven by separate motors.
Thanks to the independence of these propulsion systems, which can spin at different speeds, these aircraft offer remarkable stability and manoeuvrability, making them perfectly suited to capturing aerial footage.
The arrival of these machines on the market has radically changed photography standards, giving wide audiences access to perspectives that were previously out of reach. This democratisation of aerial views explains their success with photographers of all levels.
Keeping charge: a key factor for flight time
The power pack is without doubt one of the most crucial components. Whatever the quality of the onboard camera, a lack of electrical power will drastically limit the time available for image capture.
On average, drones designed for photography have a flight endurance ranging between 20 and 30 minutes. Aircraft offering more than 20 minutes’ runtime are generally considered state of the art. It is therefore essential to plan for at least one spare battery if you are planning a long shoot.
Here are the main factors that reduce battery endurance:
- Carrying excessive payload.
- Flying in strong wind conditions.
- Very aggressive flying, with abrupt changes of direction.
Best practices for maintaining your power supply
It is vital to protect the battery from extreme temperatures. As a rule, drone batteries can handle operating temperatures between 0 and 40 °C.
For charging, it is advisable to keep the temperature between 5 and 40 °C. You must therefore make sure you do not leave the battery in places that are too hot or too cold.
For storage, the ideal temperature is between 20 and 30 °C, away from direct sunlight. In addition, never connect the battery to the charger immediately after removing it from the drone.
Give it some resting time so it can return to a normal temperature. Even though so‑called “smart” batteries stop charging once they reach 100%, it is still recommended to unplug them as soon as they are fully charged.
If the battery is not going to be used for an extended period, avoid storing it fully charged or below 40%. The optimal charge level for long‑term storage is between 40 and 80%.
It is also crucial to avoid full discharges. If the charge drops below 15%, you need to connect it to the charger again. Smart models will automatically put the aircraft into a safe mode when the charge becomes too low.
For drones that use a pair of batteries in tandem, it is best to always keep similar charge and discharge levels on both units.
Finally, there is one simple but essential maintenance task: clean the terminal contacts with a clean, dry cloth roughly every three months. Also make sure that the power management software is regularly updated.
When is it time to replace the battery?
A replacement is required if:
- The battery is visibly swollen, damaged or shows signs of liquid leaking.
- The connection terminals are dirty or corroded.
- A warning message in the app indicates a fault in some cells or an overload.
- A power‑related error message appears after two consecutive usage cycles.
- The aircraft has suffered a heavy impact or serious crash.
Key criteria for choosing a new battery
Before buying a replacement part, it is essential to research your specific drone model and the options available. You need to know whether you must stick to the exact same model or whether an upgrade is possible.
It is important to note that most drones use lithium‑polymer batteries. These are preferred because they are lightweight, safer than lithium‑ion, long‑lasting and quick to recharge, which makes them ideal for this use.
Several specifications should be considered when buying:
- size and weight: a larger form factor means a heavier battery. This extra weight can cancel out the benefit of higher capacity by increasing the aircraft’s power consumption.
- voltage: the voltage of the new battery must be very close to that of the original to ensure optimal compatibility.
- connector type and position: although many batteries look similar, the connector must match your old battery in every detail.
- capacity (mAh): higher capacity means better endurance. However, before opting for a “high‑capacity” model, check that it is fully approved for your drone.
Higher‑capacity batteries often require more cells, which can make them bulkier or heavier. And, as mentioned, extra weight reduces actual flight time.
In summary, drones are engineered with great precision, and even the smallest change can affect their flight performance. The power supply plays a central role. It is therefore strongly recommended to invest in one or more spare units, making sure they are a perfect match for the brand and model of your drone.
Where to buy them?
As drones are still a relatively new market, accessories are not available in every shop. You can buy batteries online from retailers such as BatteryLaptop (www.batterylaptop.co.uk) or from specialist stores.
If you choose to buy online, we suggest prioritising a local retailer. The advantages often include faster delivery, lower shipping costs and easier warranty handling.
