Drone filming is fast becoming a new fad, drawing enthusiasts of drones to seek the delight of capturing aerial panoramic view of scenery. While filming quality is clearly one important factor for drones, but equally crucial are the concerns over its performance in flight control and stability. At the same time, users must be aware of the risk involved in safety and privacy infringement. As in a breach of the law, not only will the consumer be facing the penalty of fine or imprisonment but also putting in serious jeopardy the safety of the public.
The Consumer Council has undertaken a test on 8 brands of the product comprising 11 models of the quadcopter design priced from $2,999 to $10,380, with the test focuses on flight performance, filming and photo shot quality, battery performance, versatility, safety design, and convenience of use. The results found vast variations in their quality, varying in overall rating from 2.5 to 4.5 points.
Not surprisingly the results again proved no direct correlation could be established between price and quality. On a scale of 5, the top performer (4.5 points) was priced at $7,759, followed by two other models (4 points) in second place being priced at $5,459 and $3,869 respectively. The highest priced model ($10,380) lagged behind with only a score of 3.5 points.
A unique feature of drone filming is its ability to capture an amazing bird's-eye view of a wide stretch of landscape, this is why when considering a drone purchase, consumers place much emphasis on filming quality. The test models were set at different resolutions , among them 5 came with Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution. (In the 10 models fitted with cameras, 5 came with Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, and 1 with resolution of 2704x1520 pixels while 4 others with Full High Definition (FHD) of 1920x1080 pixels.)
The results have shown that most of the models were able to produce satisfactory shots and photos in outdoor daylight conditions. But in a low light environment the performance of some models was considerably less satisfactory, with 3 models scored poorly with a mere 1 point. Consumers should also note that in accordance with the operational parameters for safe operations of drone issued by the Civil Aviation Department, drones should only be flown during daylight hours; flying a drone in low light may as well constitute a threat to safety.
On flight performance, it is vital to see whether the drones are easy to control, stable and sensitive, but overall performance of the models differed from one to another with rating from 2 to 4.5 points. 1 model stood out in terms of flight control and stability, both scoring 5 points. Some models without the functions for the test were therefore given only 1 point for the relevant category. Moreover, tests showed varying performance in the flight control of drones, with the models scoring from 2 to 5 points. The model with rating of 2 points fared poorly in sensitivity in the control function, which made it more difficult to perform precise flying manoeuvre.
The stability of a drone in windy conditions is essential affecting not only the flight performance but also safety. Subject to conditions of a slight wind speed of around 10 kilometres per hour, the results of stability of drones showed 2 models scored the highest rating of 5 points, but 1 model performed poorer, drifting quite wide apart from its designated flight position, thus scored only 2.5 points.
Drone users also pay much attention to battery performance. If drones are out of battery and unable to land on time, they could cause accidents and damage. The test showed that after the models were in motion for 10 to 24.3 minutes, they would issue the initial warning about low battery. When they flied 11.5 to 24.7 minutes, the serious low battery warning would be set off. The gap between the two warnings was less than 1 minute for some models, operators are therefore advised to steer their drones home as quickly as possible once they notice the initial low battery warning.
To assist new users who are less experienced in drone control and unable to steer the flying machine back to its base, some drone models were fitted with automatic-return-to-home function. All models were tested to successfully return and land safely but only 2 of them also made the claims that they have built-in auto sensors to avoid collision with obstructing objects. Operators are nevertheless advised not to rely solely on the auto return function but to ensure that the drone is flown in a space within your range of eyesight, and to keep a safe distance from people and objects to avoid accidents.
The Council stressed that operators of drones must abide by the related regulations in Hong Kong. There have been people arrested for operating a drone improperly without due care. Operators should always refrain from operating a drone in an area crowded with people. They should stay clear of people, vessels, vehicles or structures in case the drone may suddenly spin out of control and crash resulting in injury to people. The authorities are urged to make reference to the overseas experience in completing as early as possible a study on regulatory oversight of drone flying, including registration for licensing and the designation of no-fly zones, etc. as well as reviewing existing legislation in order to provide clear guidelines to safeguard public safety.
Consumers should also pay attention to issues of personal privacy. Although the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) does not explicitly stipulate against the use of drones, the filming by drones may be considered to be collection of personal data under the Ordinance if the images are used to identify an individual. If the activities of people inside their home are being filmed, this filming may be beyond the reasonable expectation of privacy of the people concerned and amount to unfair collection of personal data.
Additionally, some users might alter the radio system of drones but they have to note that any alteration of radio system could cause interference to interrupt the operation of other radiocommunications equipment and also infringe the Telecommunications Ordinance. Offenders found guilty are liable to a fine of up to HK$50,000 and to imprisonment of up to 6 months.
Apart from familiarising themselves with the legislative requirements, consumers operating drones are urged to also pay heed to the following:
- Always read the product manual and safety guide first to gain a good understanding of its flight control, follow the manufacturer's instructions to renew and upgrade drone software, and joining the manufacturer's product introduction or training classes might help the operators to better familiar with effective flight control skills;
- Do not fly a drone in strong gale conditions or adverse weather to prevent it from running out of control;
- Never attempt to install or drop any object from a drone in flight;
- Check the bolts and screws of the drone beforehand, inspecting for signs of loosening parts, and the fuselage, the propellers and battery for signs of deformity or damage, and ensuring all parts are being installed correctly, functioning normally and fully charged;
- Remember to reserve sufficient battery power for the return journey;
- Clean the fuselage and propellers after flight.
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