Drone comparison. Quadcopters for GoPro

Good day, our dear readers. This time we want to talk about how to choose a quadcopter. The question of choice can hardly be called simple. The number of drone models amounts to hundreds of items, and this does not include kits and components for self-assembly. The differences in functionality, performance, maintainability and, finally, cost are so significant that even experienced pilots spend a lot of time choosing a new copter. For beginners, all this often turns out to be a dark forest.

It is very extensive, and combines not only quadcopters but also, for example, models of helicopters and radio-controlled airplanes. In this article, we are interested in multicopters, that is, devices built according to a helicopter design, but equipped with at least three main rotors.

Although in the future we will talk about which quadcopter to choose, there are other aircraft made according to the same design, but equipped with a different number of propellers.

Tricopters

Probably the most unusual of the multicopter family is the tricopter. It has three supporting propellers, one of which is located on a movable platform. By changing the angle of rotation of the platform, you control the turns of the drone. This device cannot be called the best option for beginners; it is not as easy to control as a quadcopter. But he is very maneuverable and fast.

Quadcopters

Quadcopters are the most widespread. They are equipped with 4 propellers and 4 engines, are easy to operate, allow you to lift additional loads, and can be equipped with a wide variety of attachments.

When choosing your first drone, it is better to choose a quad. Most of the devices on the market are quadcopters. Successful design and good flight characteristics allow them to be used for a wide range of tasks.

Hexacopters

The difference between hexacopters and quads is the use of 6 propellers and 6 engines. There are not very many hexacopters among amateur drones. This is a good option for video and photography, because these aircraft maintain a stable position in the air, have an increased carrying capacity, are more reliable and resist wind better.

Octocopter

Octocopters, that is, drones with 8 rotors, are rare. As a rule, these are professional models. They are capable of lifting heavy loads, are very reliable, and can work in adverse weather conditions. However, for amateur-level copters, overly reliable systems are not needed. Buying an octocopter will be justified if you know exactly what you need it for.

What kind of drone are you looking for?

The best quadcopter for beginners will certainly be the one that meets the ideas and requirements of its owner. And before you run to the store to make a purchase, you should at least roughly understand for what purposes the drone will be used.

It's one thing if you just want to get acquainted with UAVs, and quite another if you need beautiful picture from the air or improved speed characteristics. Even a superficial comparison of quadcopters and their capabilities will help you make your choice.

The beauty of copters is that no special skills or training are required to operate them. The main thing is to understand what exactly you need.

Toy

Sold in any children's store. They can be ordered on online platforms, and they are inexpensive. As a rule, they are all made in China, although there are exceptions. Toys usually include all aircraft whose flight zone is limited to indoors. If the copter is not capable of flying in open areas, then it is most likely a toy.

However, this does not mean that such radio controlled models bad. The main thing is not to chase the cheapest devices, although in the toy segment drones can be inexpensive and still fly well.

More advanced toy models are capable of flying outside the home. Such devices can be equipped with simple video cameras, can transmit video to a remote control or smartphone, and support common functions (for example, headless mode, return home, etc.). Outwardly, they may look like serious drones, but their modest technical characteristics give them away. The flight range rarely exceeds 100 meters, brushed motors are used, and the video quality leaves much to be desired.

For video shooting

A quadcopter with a camera can be quite expensive for beginner pilots. Yes, you can easily find inexpensive drones with a video camera and a simple gimbal, but in this case, cheap does not mean high quality.

A good camera with a gimbal can cost significantly more than an aircraft. And if the task is to get nice picture, then you won’t be able to save money. It is better to take one that is capable of lifting additional weight, and equip it with an action camera, for example, GoPro or Sjcam. If desired, you can purchase an fpv transmitter separately. Such a kit will be relatively inexpensive and will allow you to get video acceptable quality. It is cheaper to assemble a budget quadcopter for video shooting yourself than to buy a ready-made solution.

Well, if money is not a limiting factor, then there are many models available to choose from, equipped with numerous automatic modes, gyro-stabilized gimbals and good autonomy.

Racing fpv drones

They stand somewhat apart from conventional quadcopters. They have a rather limited scope. Such quads are equipped with powerful motors, their body is made of lightweight materials, and the built-in camera allows you to control it in FPV mode.

Often racing drones, but there are also ready-made models. There are not very many budget models, because high-quality parts are used. The copter must have good brushless motors.

You can choose a quadcopter for beginners spontaneously. And such a choice may turn out to be successful. However, given that there are often not the highest quality models on sale, you risk losing interest in drones even before you master the basics of control. We recommend that you listen to our advice, because we know how to choose the right aircraft.

Decide why you need a quadcopter

Try to answer the question for what purpose the drone will be used. Perhaps you won't be flying it into the sky very often, and then it will suit you budget model amateur level. It is possible that the copter will never fly outside the home or office, and this means that a mini quad is needed.

If you need a copter that can shoot high-quality video, then you should pay attention to models with a high-quality camera gimbal. There are selfie drones that can take beautiful panoramas. In general, there are many devices.

Do you love construction sets?

A separate category includes copters that you assemble yourself. Many pilots prefer to assemble drones with their own hands, fine-tune them, and perform test launches. There are even ready-made kits on sale from which you can assemble a quadcopter.

Decide whether you are a radio amateur and whether you are ready to sit for hours on the assembly of a quadcopter

Assembling a copter is a fun and educational process, and the result is unique. No one has a second drone like this. In addition, a self-assembled copter can be noticeably cheaper than its factory counterparts, while at the same time surpassing them in its parameters and characteristics. The customization options are almost endless, but are you willing to put in the time to create a drone?

Set a budget

The budget is of huge, often decisive importance. Any guide to choosing quadcopters always pays attention to their cost. The best aircraft are expensive, but you can get a decent quad for less money.

It’s unlikely that you should spend a large sum on your first drone. After all, you may not be excited about the controls, or you may not be able to find enough free time to fly the quadcopter into the sky often.

Look for a middle ground. Super-budget copters are also not a good choice, because their capabilities are minimal, they are unreliable and quickly break down.

Read reviews

After reading a certain number of reviews, you will understand how to choose your first drone and what characteristics you should pay attention to first. You can also read reviews on our website. By the way, we do not engage in advertising or promotion of individual models, so you can trust us.

Find out about the guarantee

A significant part of copters are ordered from China, so the question of warranty often turns out to be rhetorical. But if you buy a drone from a reputable company, the company selling it should provide a warranty. Large manufacturers such as DJI always provide an international warranty, and it does not matter from which reseller you purchased the aircraft.

Drone Features

Let's talk about some features of the UAV. Not all of them may be decisive when choosing, but it is necessary to have at least a general understanding of the characteristics of quadcopters for beginners.

What are rtf bnf and arf

On drone boxes you will usually see one of the following abbreviations - RTF, BNF and ARF. They mean:

RTF – ready to fly, or ready to fly right out of the box. The package includes everything you need to launch the drone. Often it is completely assembled and all that remains is to charge the battery
BNF – bind and fly (or bind to the remote control and take off). This abbreviation means that the kit does not include a control panel, but the drone can be connected to the remote control that the pilot has. This version is suitable if you already have control equipment. As a rule, advanced quadcopters are sold with the BNF marking
ARF – almost ready ty fly (almost ready to fly). Despite the word "almost" we're talking about about the kit from which the quadcopter is assembled. The package includes all the necessary parts, but you will have to do the assembly and soldering yourself. The remote control may or may not be included in the kit.

Dimensions

Dimensions can be indicated both for the assembled model, that is, with propellers and protection, as well as with the attached chassis, and for the model without attachments and screws. The size can also indicate the diagonal distance between the propellers.

The larger the size, the better the copter resists the wind, and the greater the lifting force of the propellers. Typically such devices have large radius actions and a camera capable of shooting high-quality video. The miniature quad is unable to withstand even weak gusts of wind, and often carries a small, low-quality camera on board (or does without one at all).

Range, time and flight speed

These are one of the key parameters of any quadcopter. To put it simply, the larger each of them, the better. However, there are always limitations.

A flight time equal to or greater than 20 minutes is considered good. This is already a fairly serious indicator, allowing you to count on a long stay in the air. Models capable of flying for 30 minutes are expensive and often belong to the professional segment.

A flight range in the range of 1-5 kilometers is considered sufficient for most amateur devices. Some copters have a flight radius of up to 10-12 kilometers, and these are the real long-range drones. Low-end aircraft are usually able to maintain contact with the remote control within a radius of 100-200 meters (or less).

Flight speed is of utmost importance for racing drones. The higher it is, the better. As for conventional quadcopters, they do not need excess speed. Smooth flight, resistance to gusts of wind, and ease of control come to the fore.

Control type

To control quadcopters, transmitters operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz are used. Some models operate at a frequency of 5.8 GHz, however, as a rule, this frequency is used for video transmission.

Commands can be transmitted both from the control panel and through the application installed on the mobile device(smartphone or tablet). Some copters, equipped with high-quality cameras and motion recognition systems, are able to respond to the tilt of the pilot’s head, perceiving them as commands.

Most drones are controlled by remote control. Mobile applications allow you to expand the functionality of the copter. As a rule, additional flight modes and fine adjustments to the copter’s operation become available only when using the program.

Housing material

The vast majority of quadcopters have plastic bodies. Sometimes alloys of light metals, carbon fiber, aviation aluminum. In fact, the use of more expensive and durable materials is justified only for models at the upper price level, including professional drones. Plastic cases have proven themselves well; they are sufficiently durable and lightweight.

In the cold, plastic can become brittle. This is typical for budget quadcopters.

Engines

Copters costing up to $100-150 are equipped with cheap brushed motors. Unfortunately, the reliability of such engines is not very high, but they are inexpensive and can be replaced.

The power of the commutator motors does not allow the drone to develop high speed. There is not enough lift to lift additional cargo into the air without compromising flight performance. There are a lot of models with collector engines. When choosing a first aircraft, a new pilot often has no idea what type of engine is being used.

All more or less serious devices are equipped with brushless motors. They are much more reliable and powerful compared to brushed motors. Most likely, you will not have problems with them throughout the life of the drone. Professional models are equipped only with brushless motors.

The use of more expensive motors increases the cost of the quadcopter. However, if you do not want to experience problems with power plants, we advise you to pay attention to more expensive models.

Battery

Battery capacity directly affects flight time. The higher it is, the more minutes the quadcopter can spend in flight. There is one critical limitation - as the capacity increases, the weight of the battery increases. The engine capabilities are not limitless, so installing a capacious and heavy battery in an amateur-level drone will not work.

Inexpensive quadcopters may have a built-in battery. This is not very good, since such a battery cannot be replaced, and if it is dead, then it will not be possible to continue the flight with a new one. However, most quads are equipped with removable batteries. Spare batteries will come in handy, especially if you plan to fly frequently and for a long time. A continuous flight time of 20 minutes is considered good. Inexpensive copters usually fly for up to 10 minutes.

Availability of camera and gimbal

A review of the quadcopter would be incomplete without a description of the gimbal and camera. Even the most inexpensive drones are often equipped with video cameras that can not only record, but also broadcast video signals.

The gimbal is necessary in order to stabilize the position of the camera, reduce or completely eliminate vibration. A good gimbal allows you to get a smooth picture without shaking or hesitation.

If you buy an inexpensive drone with an HD camera, you can count on very mediocre video quality. Good video equipment is expensive.

Some cameras support FPV function. The video is broadcast to a remote control or smartphone in real time. The pilot can control the copter not visually (which is not always possible if the device has flown far), but using a video signal.

For an inexpensive drone entry level A gimbal camera is not required. Moreover, it is better to save money and buy a model without a camera, because most likely the video quality will be unsatisfactory. But if you want to get an aircraft with advanced video capabilities, we recommend paying attention to DJI quadcopters.

Additional features and functionality

The functionality of copters may vary. The most simple models have several basic functions. For example, a choice between two flight modes and an activated headless mode. Quadcopters with a barometer support altitude hold function.

The more expensive the aircraft, the wider its functionality. Instead of a flight controller, a real computer can be installed on board, capable of executing many commands and supporting several flight modes. The drone can be equipped with an obstacle avoidance system, an autopilot, support independent takeoff and landing modes, be able to maintain altitude, return to the takeoff location, follow the pilot, and so on. In video reviews of the best quadcopters, a lot of attention is usually paid to describing functionality.

Spare parts

When buying their first quadcopter, few people think about spare parts for it. But they may still be needed. As a rule, the kit contains only four spare propellers. But if you fly actively, falls, collisions and sloppy landings can lead to damage not only to the propellers, but also to the beams, engines, landing gear, and body elements.

For popular models, almost any spare parts are usually available. If the copter is not in great demand, then finding the same flight controller can become a real problem. Not all spare parts can be purchased in our country, but they can almost always be found in Chinese online stores. Experienced pilots usually order consumables (engines, propellers and batteries) in advance.

(4 ratings, average: 3,00 out of 5)

In the 21st century, drones (i.e., unmanned aerial vehicles) have moved from the category of science fiction to the category of reality, accessible to everyone. Most modern drones are quadcopters, i.e. have four main rotors. Less common are tricopters (3 propellers), hexacopters (6 propellers) and octocopters (8 propellers). The simplest drones, capable of staying in the air for only a couple of minutes, are used by teenagers for modeling, and more complex ones, whose cost can exceed 100 thousand rubles, are used for a wide range of tasks: racing, aerial photography and filming video clips, cargo delivery, fighting crime, etc. search and rescue and military operations. Probably the most popular task of modern professional drones is photo and video shooting. The cameras of the best quadcopters are capable of solving almost any shooting problem.

In this rating, we will look at the top 5 best quadcopters with cameras at the beginning of 2017 in different price categories: from models for beginners to professional expensive models. All quadcopters presented in the rating are from Chinese manufacturers, because... It is the Celestial Empire that is the world center of their production. It is especially worth noting DJI - the so far unattainable leader in the production of drones not only in China, but also in the world (four out of five models in our rating are produced by DJI).

Syma X5SW

The average price in Russia is 4,500 rubles. You can buy Syma X5SW on AliExpress for 3.8 thousand rubles (delivery to Russia is free). This inexpensive drone scored 36% of the five stars according to reviews in Yandex Market. Technical characteristics: control via radio channel, control range up to 150 m. Battery with a capacity of 500 mAh allows flights lasting up to 5.5 minutes. Weight 1216 g. Included: USB charger, set of spare propellers, screwdriver, propeller protection kit, card reader, smartphone holder.

External camera included, matrix resolution 2 megapixels, video recording resolution - 720p.

From reviews:

"As a toy and device for initial learning, it is excellent."

"An indestructible model. Durable and high-quality plastic. At first I dropped it very hard, but not even a scratch appeared. As the first quadric in my life, I recommend it to everyone."

“A good toy for an initial acquaintance with quads. A certain stage before the “phantom”)) Easy to control, takes good pictures in daylight, flight altitude, in my case it flew over a 9-story building, I didn’t try it again.”

DJI Phantom 3 Standard

The average price in Russia is 40,700 rubles. You can buy Phantom 3 Standard on AliExpress for 29.5 thousand rubles (delivery to Russia is free). This model scored 25% of fives according to reviews in Yandex Market. Technical characteristics: maximum flight altitude - 6 km, maximum speed flight speed - 16 m/s, built-in GPS sensor, control via radio channel, there are functions of autopilot, following the operator, returning to the take-off point, control range up to 1 km, Wi-Fi. A battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh allows you to make flights lasting up to 25 minutes. Weight 1216 g. Included: holder for smartphone or tablet, propellers (4 pairs), Li-Po battery, charger.

External camera included, matrix resolution 12 megapixels, viewing angle 94°, video resolution - 1080p, photo resolution 4000x3000.

This model is the optimal solution for those who will use a quadcopter for amateur photography (for professional photography, you need to consider models in the first three places in the rating, capable of shooting 4K video). As for the maximum controlled flight range of 1 km, those for whom this is not enough can buy a narrow-directional antenna and an additional battery. This will be cheaper than buying, for example, DJI Phantom 3 Professional, which is ranked higher in our rating.

3rd place.

DJI Phantom 3 Professional

The average price is 69,900 rubles. This model scored 43% of fives according to reviews in Yandex Market. Technical characteristics: maximum flight altitude - 6 km, maximum flight speed - 16 m/s, built-in GPS and GLONASS sensors, radio control, autopilot functions, following the operator, returning to the take-off point, control range up to 2 km, Wi-Fi Fi. A battery with a capacity of 4480 mAh allows you to make flights lasting up to 23 minutes. Weight 1280 g. Included: holder for smartphone or tablet, propellers (4 pairs), Li-Po battery, charger.

From reviews:

"Super video quality! The video here looks better than Sony AS100, better even than GoPro 4 black.

Awesome pendant. It works perfectly. I have not seen a single video with the most laudatory suspensions from third-party companies that people hung on past phantoms. This picture looks like it’s from rails, or like it’s from a tripod when it’s in place. Amazing! Together with the camera, the picture quality produces a WOW effect:) The picture is like on the Inspire 1.

Excellent flight characteristics, incl. into the wind. Horizontal speed up to 60 km/h. Super fast climb. A very playful and stable quad."

DJI Phantom 4

The average price in Russia is 81,500 rubles. You can buy Phantom 4 on AliExpress for 62.2 thousand rubles (delivery to Russia is free). In Yandex Market, this model, released in February 2016, is the most popular quadcopter, and has received very good reviews - 86% of fives. The technical characteristics are excellent: maximum flight altitude - 6 km, maximum flight speed - 20 m/s, built-in GPS and GLONASS sensors, radio control, autopilot functions, following the operator, returning to the take-off point, obstacle avoidance system, control range up to 3.5 km, Wi-Fi. A battery with a capacity of 5350 mAh allows flights lasting up to 28 minutes. Dimensions 289.5x289.5x196 mm, weight 1380 g. Includes: holder for smartphone or tablet, propellers (4 pairs), Li-Po 4S battery, charger, USB cable, Micro USB cable, Micro SD 16 GB, case.

External camera included, matrix resolution 12.4 MP, viewing angle 94°, video resolution - 4K (2160p), photo resolution 4000x3000.

From reviews:

“An excellent device, ahead of its time. Hiking with a copter has never been so easy. The price is high, but there are no competitors. All the so-called “phantom killers” are very far from quality and convenience; the closest analogues are the 3 series phantoms.”

Those who doubt whether it’s worth overpaying over 11 thousand for the Phantom 4 or buying the Phantom 3 Professional will be interested in a comparison of these two models from Yandex Market user Dmitry Morozov:

"I used to have a Phantom 3 Pro, so I want to talk about the advantages of the Phantom 4 in comparison with the previous model:

1. The body of Phantom 4 is made better and it is more monolithic! Fewer holes into which moisture can get in during rain, for example. In general, the quality of the materials is much better and more pleasant to the touch, this even applies to the charger!

2. B included excellent case - everything is compact and there are even 2 places for additional batteries! Handle and lock! The previous version did not include a case!

3. Very convenient screws - quickly installed and removed, unlike the third phantom!

4. It has become more convenient to catch in the hand - the camera is shifted forward and there are no other protruding parts, plus the legs are much more rigidly connected to the body!

5. The camera suspension handles strong winds better and is generally more reliable! It is extremely difficult to catch the “jelly” effect on phantom 4, but on the third phantom - I succeeded quite often. This is not surprising - after all, in the fourth phantom all the unnecessary elements are hidden in the body!

6. The connection quality is more stable than on the third phantom! Where the third phantom lost contact, on the fourth I flew and filmed without any problems!

7. The battery lasts longer!

8. I don’t remember if there was a d-log camera mode in the third phantom, but in the fourth it is!

In general, there are still a lot of small improvements and improvements compared to the third phantom! I was surprised how quickly DJI improves their products! Less than a year has passed between the release of these models - but the difference is huge and progress is obvious!"

DJI Phantom 4 PRO

The average price in Russia is 98,000 rubles. You can buy Phantom 4 PRO on AliExpress for 86.7 thousand rubles (delivery to Russia is free). The advanced version of Phantom 4 went on sale in November 2016. Technical characteristics: maximum flight altitude - 6 km, maximum flight speed - 20 m/s, built-in GPS and GLONASS sensors, radio control, autopilot functions, following the operator, returning to the take-off point, control range up to 3.5 km, Wi-Fi Fi. A battery with a capacity of 5870 mAh allows you to make flights lasting up to 30 minutes. Weight 1388 g. Included: mount for mobile device; propellers (4 pairs), Intelligent Flight Li-Po 4S battery, charger.

External camera included, matrix resolution 20 MP, viewing angle 84°, video resolution - 4K (2160p), photo resolution 5472x3648.

As we can see, the price of the Pro version compared to the “regular” Phantom 4 is higher by an average of 16.5 thousand rubles. Is it worth paying this money or can you be content with the already excellent characteristics of the Phantom 4? Let's look at what exactly has been improved and added to the new model.

Firstly, the Phantom 4 Pro has an improved camera with a larger sensor, capable of recording 4K video at 60 fps, as well as taking 14 photos per second in burst mode. The drone's camera has been significantly redesigned: it has a one-inch CMOS matrix with a resolution of 20 megapixels (at previous model was 12.4). The lens consists of eight lenses organized into seven groups. For the first time in a DJI camera of this size, a mechanical shutter is used, allowing you to capture fast-moving scenes without the “jelly effect”.

Secondly, the drone now recognizes obstacles in five directions and is able to avoid collisions in four (Phantom 4 saw obstacles only in front of itself). This greatly simplifies the operator's work, allowing him to shoot more complex scenes.

Thirdly, there is no longer a need to use a mobile phone as a screen. Built-in 5.5" display and Full resolution HD (1080p) has a brightness of 1000 cd/m2 - twice as bright as most tablets. The DJI GO 4 app comes right into the display, so you can update firmware, edit and share footage without the need of a smartphone or tablet. The remote control operates for five hours on one battery. Built-in Lightbridge signal transmission technology broadcasts high-quality video over a distance of up to 7 km.

Fourthly, the battery capacity has been increased, allowing you to spend even more time in flight.

It is worth stating the fact that before the release Phantom 5, which is expected in mid-April 2017, equalThere is no Phantom 4 Pro, and if you want to buy the absolute bestquadcopter right now and the financial resources allow you to do this, then you should opt for Phantom 4 Pro.

Read in the review which inexpensive and good quadcopters with a camera are now the most popular. We present to you a rating of drones balanced in price and quality.

Many people have the impression that any drone costs a lot of money. In reality this is, of course, not the case. If you are focused on high-quality video shooting, then you will really have to fork out quite a lot of money. But if a flying device is needed only for entertainment, then saving money or taking out a loan is absolutely not necessary.

There are a lot of inexpensive quadcopters that can fly quickly and move some distance away, and some models can even automatically return home! This article will introduce you to the best drones in different price segments. These are mainly products whose cost does not even reach 10 thousand rubles.

How to choose an inexpensive and good quadcopter with a camera

First, you need to understand exactly what parameters you should pay attention to when choosing a budget drone. Indeed, in the case of products from DJI and some other companies, everything is clear - here you only need to focus on the purpose of the device.

And when choosing an inexpensive quadcopter, it’s easy to get into trouble. That's why you need to know which characteristics are the most important. Then, from all the abundance of cheap drones, you will choose the one that suits you, if not 100%, then at least 90%.

So, the greatest attention should be paid to the following parameters:

Presence or absence of a camera- however, you can’t expect anything from a cheap quadcopter good quality It's not worth shooting anyway. But if the product has a GoPro camera mount, then you can launch your own device into the air.
Presence or absence of an FPV system- this is when the image from the camera is transferred to a smartphone or remote control. In theory, this allows you to fly a greater distance, because with FPV it is not necessary to visually observe the drone.
Control type- a high-quality quadcopter must maintain radio communication. If control is assigned only to a smartphone (using Wi-Fi), then most likely you will only have to fly indoors.
Flight range- depends on the frequency at which the signal is transmitted and received, as well as on the size of the antennas built into the drone and radio equipment. Cheap quadcopters usually fly at a distance of no more than 70-150 meters. However, there are exceptions to the rule.
Flight duration- depends on the strength of the outgoing signal, the size of the propellers, the type of engine, battery capacity and many other factors. In any case, it won't hurt you to buy additional batteries.
Presence or absence of GPS- unfortunately, so far the manufacturers of the most inexpensive quadcopters refuse to use a navigation chip. But if it does end up in your drone, then if the signal is lost or the battery charge is critically low, you can count on its return. But before the device takes off, you will have to calibrate the digital compass.

Inexpensive and good quadcopters with a camera differ in many other parameters. But they are already less important. For example, not everyone needs a height sensor and telemetry sent to the remote control. This can also be said about the waterproofness of the device, because flying in the rain is not very convenient, and it is unlikely that you are going to land the drone on a water surface.

Perhaps we can only mention the type of engine. It can be commutator (gears are present) or brushless. The second option is definitely quieter and more durable. However, such motors are more expensive to produce, so they are practically not found in the cheapest models.

Conditionally inexpensive quadcopters

DJI Spark

Control type: Wi-Fi, radio channel
Flight range: 100 m (Wi-Fi) / 500 m (radio channel)
Flight time: 16 min
GPS: There is

At the time of writing, this is the cheapest quadcopter released by DJI. In Russia you can buy it, especially during sales, for about 30 thousand rubles. This drone is also the most compact. If you fold its arms on which the propellers are located, the device easily fits in your pocket.

At the same time, its “brains” contain almost all the skills that the much larger Phantom 4 and Mavic Pro can boast of. That is, the quadcopter can follow a person, film him, moving in a circle, soar high up and perform other actions. It cannot get lost, in which case the return to the starting point is carried out using GPS coordinates. By the way, the device takes off right from the palm of your hand, and sits there too.

Of course, the small size of the device makes itself felt. It is unlikely that you will launch this quadcopter on long distance. Firstly, for this purpose you will need a remote control, which must be purchased separately. Secondly, at high altitudes, it is difficult for the drone to resist strong winds.

Therefore, the manufacturer recommends buying its product for lovers of selfie photography. DJI Spark copes with this task perfectly. Despite its miniature size, it is equipped quality camera with an excellent stabilizer. Video shooting is carried out in Full HD resolution.

One can only find fault with this model because of the controls. Since the touch screen of a smartphone is used, you should not hope for precise adjustment of the position in space.

Difficulties also arise in urban areas, when there are a lot of foreign networks Wi-Fi - because of them, the flight range can be reduced to a catastrophic 30-50 meters. However, this does not interfere with the execution automatic functions shooting, because they are implemented by moving along GPS coordinates.

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 300 m
Flight time: 20 min
GPS: There is

Many people have appreciated the inexpensive and good quadcopters with a camera produced by Hubsan. This Chinese company decided to rely not so much on budget products, but on safe copters. Its range includes models with a built-in GPS chip. In particular, such a device is the X4 FPV Brushless H501S.

This drone can return to the starting point if the signal is lost; it should also return if the battery charge is greatly reduced. By the way, one battery lasts for about 15-20 minutes of flight, which cannot be said about every inexpensive quadcopter.

The manufacturer claims a control range of 300 meters. This is quite enough for the average buyer. However, tests have shown that in a field where there is no abundance of power lines and all kinds of wireless networks, it is possible to achieve a drone distance of a kilometer distance!

How can you monitor its position when the quadcopter can no longer be seen visually? This is where FPV comes to the rescue. The device has a built-in tiny camera that can shoot video in Full HD resolution. The picture quality, of course, is far from ideal, but you don’t pay attention to this on the remote control display. Much more important is that the image is practically uninterrupted throughout the entire flight, so there are no problems.

The Hubsan X4 FPV includes a magnetometer and an altitude sensor. And smart electronics can automatically follow the operator. More precisely, it is guided by the signal from the remote control, so it will not be possible to put it aside.

The drone also boasts brushless motors, which indicates their durability. In short, this model is ideal for a beginner. If he had a gimbal for an action camera, the quadcopter would not have a price. Without it, the product is valued at 15 thousand rubles.

Hubsan X4 Pro H109S

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 1500 m
Flight time: 20-25 min
GPS: There is

If you want to buy a good and inexpensive quadcopter that can also take relatively good pictures, then you should look towards Hubsan products. For example, there is nothing bad to say about the X4 Pro H109S. This is a fairly large drone, which is quite problematic to put even in a regular backpack.

But he has at his disposal powerful screws and capacious battery. This set provides a very good flight time, which is exceeded only by elite quadcopters created, for example, by DJI. And the increased dimensions contributed to the installation of high-quality antennas. As a result, the device can be sent over a distance of up to 1.5 km.

This quadcopter was not created for simple flights, but for quite acceptable video and photography. The device comes with a camera that can record video with Full HD resolution and a frame rate of 30 frames/s. And while slightly cheaper quadcopters can do something similar, the Hubsan X4 Pro also boasts camera tilt control. In the model for 22-25 thousand rubles, this can be done along one axis.

There is also a more expensive modification of the drone, where the camera is tilted along three axes, and stabilization is also added. An even more expensive option supports image transfer to a smartphone or tablet. In the cheap version, the image is transmitted to the remote control screen, which has a 3.7-inch diagonal.

Hubsan X4 Pro H109S has a GPS chip, so it can return home and hover in one place. It also has a height sensor and brushless motors.

In short, this is a very good drone for those who want to be able to shoot from a height for relatively little money. But we recommend that you fork out for the version with a three-axis gimbal - it will please you much more. However, thoughts are already arising about whether to add more money to purchase a Phantom.

Good quadcopters with a camera costing no more than 12 thousand rubles

MJX Bugs 3

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 300-500 m
Flight time: 19 min
GPS: No

Is it possible to choose inexpensive quadcopter for a camera, and even with brushless motors? It's difficult, but it's possible. A good option with such criteria, the choice is to purchase MJX Bugs 3 (until its Pro version goes on sale). However, this drone does not have an altimeter or a GPS chip. In this regard, you should not hang a camera on it until you get comfortable with the controls.

The device comes with a simple gimbal in which you can pack a GoPro Hero 4 or an action camera of a similar size. Be sure to turn off Wi-Fi on your device, as this network may cause interruptions in receiving signals from the remote control. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to instantly assess what exactly the camera is capturing right now.

And you won’t be able to fly any far, as you may lose visual contact with the quadcopter. This problem can be eliminated by purchasing an FPV system - the corresponding camera is installed instead of the front LED. You also need to remember that the gimbal does not eliminate vibration - if the camera does not have optical stabilization, then the picture will shake quite well.

If you remove the gimbal from the quadcopter, it becomes very nimble. At the second expense, a beginner may not even be able to control it. Flight time in this lightweight state increases to at least 17 minutes. By the way, the battery charges in almost four hours, so additional batteries will definitely not hurt you.

MJX Bugs 6

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 300 m
Flight time: 12 min
GPS: No

Another inexpensive and good quadcopter with a camera. It is distinguished from the option discussed above by a more sporty bias. There is no way to attach a gimbal with an action camera. But the drone itself has a camera - it is built into the “nose” of the product. On the sides of the lens there are two bright LEDs, which are clearly visible even on a clear sunny day.

There is a red LED at the back of the quadcopter. In short, problems with positioning are almost completely eliminated. You can also control the device using an LCD monitor attached to the remote control antenna.

The manufacturer promises stable control at a distance of up to 300 m. The image from the camera is transmitted over a separate frequency (5.8 GHz), so it should not affect the quality of signal reception from the remote control.

The drone also boasts brushless motors, making it quite quiet. Buyers really like the fact that the quadcopter can accelerate to a speed of 50 km/h. He is also trained in performing flips.

Alas, you can look at increasing engine power from the other side. Such a drone can fly for only 12 minutes. Therefore buy better kit with three or four batteries. But it’s better to save money on a VR helmet - you’ll only try it on a couple of times, after which you’ll return to the LCD monitor. The option without a helmet is estimated at Chinese online stores approximately 9 thousand rubles.

Syma X8HG

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 150 m
Flight time: 10 min
GPS: No

You can buy it inexpensively and focus on Syma products. This company has existed for a whole decade, having learned during this period to create quite good drones, albeit with some limitations. For example, Syma X8HG, like other copters from this company, does not have a GPS chip, and therefore you need to operate it carefully - if the signal is lost, then you should not wait for the device to return.

But almost all drones from Syma support Headless mode. In case of loss of visual contact, this forces the quadcopter to follow strictly towards the remote control or vice versa, depending on which direction you move the stick.

The product has commutator motors. But even with them, the device moves in the air quite briskly, especially at second speed. But it is not capable of flying for a long time - here the presence of gears and increased heat generation make themselves felt.

If you want to get maximum pleasure, you will have to spend extra money on three or four batteries. But even without them, this model costs almost 10 thousand rubles. Why is it so expensive? The fact is that the copter comes with a camera that is mounted on a gimbal. Fortunately, there are versions of the Syma X8 without a camera, created strictly for those who only want to fly and not shoot.

Files are saved here to a memory card; this camera is not capable of transmitting images at a distance. There is also no stabilizer here, so the image will shake quite violently, because commutator motors vibrate noticeably during their operation. By the way, during operation you can try hanging up your own action camera, if you have one.

The best quadcopters with prices up to 7 thousand rubles

WLToys Q303-A

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 150 m
Flight time: 9 min
GPS: No

One of the most fast quadcopters in our selection. This drone is capable of accelerating to a speed of 13.8 m/s, especially with a tailwind. He does this almost instantly, which is good news. This inexpensive and good quadcopter with a camera also has a Return to Home function.

However, there is no navigation chip here, so the device is simply guided by how exactly it rotated the screws before it ended up in current point. The influence of the wind is not assessed in any way, so most often the drone tries to land far from where it took off.

As mentioned above, WLToys Q303-A comes with a camera. However, not everyone will like its resolution. In fact, this camera was created only to implement the FPV function. This drone costs approximately 6,400 rubles, and it really allows you to observe the flight from a first-person view.

The problem with such a flight is that you do not see the battery level - telemetry is not sent from the quadcopter. When visually tracking, you can have time to pay attention to the flashing of the backlight.

For FPV flights, a remote control with an LCD display is used. The picture is visible in cases where the distance to the drone does not exceed 100 m. Interestingly, here you can adjust the tilt of the camera, even if only along one axis. Usually quadcopters are like this price category They don't provide anything like that.

Syma X5C

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 100 m
Flight time: 7-10 min
GPS: No

One of the most popular quadcopters on Aliexpress. Like others, it suffers from typical problems such as a terrible camera and the lack of a GPS chip. But at least there is a camera here, it can record at least some kind of video, which allows you to at least somehow look at the take-off site from a height.

Recording is carried out on a memory card, which is most often included in the kit. There is no possibility of broadcasting images over the air. However, you wouldn’t expect such a function from a copter that costs 3 thousand rubles (this is the cost not only with the camera, but also with several additional batteries).

The product uses commutator motors, so it is not recommended to sit on sand. Such a quadcopter will not fly over a long distance. However, 100 meters is a completely acceptable parameter for those models that are not equipped with FPV equipment. Additional batteries will definitely be needed, since the flight time does not exceed 10 minutes. But if you forget about the shortcomings, then the quadcopter is quite capable of pleasing. It flies quite quickly, and in the air the device is capable of performing flips in any direction - this function will definitely appeal to children. Headless Mode is also present here. In this mode, you can safely return the drone back, even if it has moved far away and you cannot see exactly where its front beams are now.

The quadcopter comes with a traditional remote control from Syma. It has convenient sticks, additional buttons are located on the top end. You can also find trim switches here.

Yizhah Tarantula X6

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 100 m
Flight time: 8 min
GPS: No

Which quadcopter should you choose inexpensively if you want to get a device with a unique design? Perhaps we can recommend taking a look at the Yizhah Tarantula X6. This drone not only has the lower parts of its beams glowing, but also the eyes painted on the front. With such a set of LEDs, it is not difficult to determine where exactly the front of the copter is now.

The basic version of the product costs 4 thousand rubles. If you pay a certain amount, you can get a kit complete with a camera. It can have a resolution of 2 or 5 megapixels. Of course, you won’t be able to make a high-quality video in any case. However, the camera is at least capable of satisfying curiosity.

The device is powered by a 1200 mAh battery. This is enough for nine to ten minutes of flight, depending on the pirouettes performed. Charging the battery lasts for 150 minutes. As you understand, it is better to immediately stock up on additional batteries.

The biggest drawback of the Yizhah Tarantula X6 lies in the remote control. It's powered by eight AA batteries! Not everyone wants to buy so many of them. And not to mention the fact that the batteries make the remote control very heavy.

MJX X400

Control type: radio channel
Flight range: 100 m
Flight time: 6-7 min
GPS: No

One of the simplest quadcopters. It is sold for only 2500 rubles. For that kind of money, the buyer gets a compact device, complemented by good radio equipment. Inside the drone there is a high-quality gyroscope, the operation of which is unlikely to be any complaints.

The kit includes protective arches that allow you to launch the copter at home without fear of damaging the propellers on walls or furniture. But even if something happens to the propellers, it’s not a big deal, since four additional propellers are supplied with the drone.

This quadcopter has a miniature size, so it is extremely difficult for it to withstand the wind. However, running outdoors is entirely possible. But the flight time will not exceed seven minutes, which is very short. You'll have to get hold of extra batteries.

By the way, charging the battery only lasts a little more than an hour, which cannot but rejoice. The remote control is also a little surprising - it requires only three AA batteries (four batteries are used much more often). However, the remote control does not require much power, because the drone is not capable of flying far.

Best prices for quadcopters in Chinese online stores

Photo	Model	Buy profitably
Updated: 03/08/2019. Prices are provided by online stores for information purposes. Differences in price may be due to different configurations. Sometimes higher cost means more RAM and ROM. Carefully look at the product characteristics on the online store page!
	Quadcopter Syma X5C
	Selfie quadcopter Syma X5UW
	MJX B3 Bugs 3 RC Quadcopter – RTF
	WLtoys Q333-A FPV RC Drone
	Quadcopter Syma X8HG
	MJX Bugs 6 brushless quadcopter
	Hubsan X4 FPV Brushless H501S Quadcopter
	Hubsan X4 Pro H109S quadcopter

Conclusion

Of course, these are not all inexpensive and good quadcopters with a camera that are worth the money spent. However, we have tried to mention the most decent options. You can buy a cheap drone for both your child and yourself. After all, many of us were deprived of the opportunity to control such a toy as children. So why not catch up now?

Quadcopters are becoming increasingly popular every day. Drones are really cool. Already, drones hovering in the sky have become a common occurrence. There is a wide range of models on the market today. In order not to get confused when choosing and purchasing a flying device, we have compiled practical recommendations that will help you decide on the gadget and not be disappointed in the purchase later.

What kind of drone are you looking for?

Present on the market various types unmanned aerial vehicles - racing drones, inexpensive toy drones, drones for photography, sports drones and others. You must decide which type you need. Select the desired model based on its features and functions, quality, ease of use and cost. In 2017 you can buy the best quadcopters.

Introduction to drones

The most popular consumer drones are quadcopters. They usually have an X or H frame and are lifted by 4 rotors. Typically, they use 2 sets of identical propellers - two clockwise rotations and two counterclockwise rotations. They also have built-in sensors - a gyroscope and/or an accelerometer - to measure the aircraft's roll, pitch and yaw.

Quadcopters 2017 are famous for their maneuverability and safe operation. You can also install a protective bumper for the propellers on the drone, which will surround them, thereby reducing the likelihood of damage.

Not all 2017 quadcopters are ready to fly right away. When you select it, you may see the following abbreviations:

RTF– ready to fly. This means your model comes with everything you need to get it airborne within minutes of opening the package (assuming your batteries are charged);
ARF– almost ready to fly (Almost Ready to Fly). This type of device would be more suitable for people who love to create and design. An ARF category drone is not supplied in one piece and often requires good level assembly, in order to make it ready to fly;
BNF– bind and fly (Bind-N-Fly). Such a drone must be linked to a remote control, which is not included in the kit. BNF products come with everything you need except the transmitter. With BNF type models, you can use the transmitter of your choice and pair it with the receiver that comes with the model.

Drone Features

When it comes to buying a drone for a beginner, many people are confused about choosing a quadcopter. Buyers don't know what to look for and what features are really important. Below we will list some of the features of all the best quadcopters of 2017, and explain how useful they are and what they are needed for.

A drone's flight time is limited due to its battery: most aircraft will alarm before the battery runs out - make sure you keep track of your flight time;
Due to the limited flight time of most drones, you will need to purchase a spare battery instead of constantly recharging your battery;
You shouldn't expect high quality video footage and other advanced functionality from drones priced below $400-$500. The saying “what you pay for is what you get” is true here;
Always keep the quadcopter in the field of view - FPV (First-Person-View) - there have been many accidents involving power lines, birds or other obstacles in your path;
In Russia, the federal law on quadcopters 2017 was adopted in the Air Code on the abolition mandatory registration quadcopters 2017 (weighing up to 30 kg).

Quadcopters for beginners - TOP 5

In this category, we will list the best drones for first-time users. These are reliable, inexpensive unmanned vehicles. The best thing about them is that you can buy a lot of spare parts (such as batteries, propellers and motors) and replace them if necessary very inexpensively.

This amateur drone is from Chinese manufacturer Hubsan has proven itself quite well and is perfect for entertainment (price is about 35$ ).

A simple and reliable drone can hover in the air for about 9 minutes and rise to a height of up to 100 meters. Sturdy one-piece main frame, 4 propellers are located on 4 screws from the corners of the body. Updated version The X4 drone (H107L) has LED indicators on each beam and body that glow brightly in the dark.

The aircraft is controlled by a 4-channel remote control with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The high capacity lithium polymer battery (240mAh) will ensure a 7-9 minute flight of your device. The built-in 6-axis gyroscope provides accuracy, stabilization and instant response to commands.

Stylish and inexpensive drone for 50$ with a 2 MP video camera will delight you with flights and excellent photo and video shooting (HD 720p). Customer reviews indicate that this is an excellent choice for a quadcopter with a camera.

Advanced 6-axis gyroscope for precise skies and more precise stabilization of the flight system. The quadcopter is equipped with the following functions: up/down, forward/backward, turn left/right, 360-degree 3D flip, and bright LED indicators will ensure night flight and orientation in space.

Remote control with basic functionality at 2.4 GHz (you need to purchase 4AA batteries), capacitive Li-Po 3.7V battery (500 mAh) - when the battery is low, the backlight starts blinking. Flight time depends on external environmental conditions and averages about 7-8 minutes.

Impressive equipment - 4 spare propellers, 4 protective blocks for propellers, charger, control panel, 2 Gb memory card, card reader, USB cable for charging the battery, screwdriver, detailed instructions.

Today, affordable amateur radio-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles costing up to 100$ – .

The multicopter has a standard design for drones, a 2 MP HD camera, supports automatic mode, return to home and is famous for its ease of operation, which is especially important for beginners. On a full battery charge, the drone can fly for about 7-9 minutes with a range of up to 30 meters.

The 2017 quadcopter comes with all the necessary accessories that are needed to start - Li-Po battery 500mAh (2 pcs.), USB charger for it, SD card reader, 1 GB SD card, spare propellers (4 pcs.), 4-channel remote control with a frequency of 2.4 Ghz.

The F181 is an impressive quadcopter for beginners and is indeed a good choice for a camera quadcopter. The average cost of the F181 gadget is about 110$ .

Holy Stone F181 RC has 4 speeds - you can start flying slowly and gradually increase the speed. The drone is equipped with Key Return & Headless Security System, altitude hold functions, which will help beginners to prevent loss and damage.

The built-in camera with a 2 MP photo matrix allows you to take high-quality, bright photos and videos. 4-channel remote control, 360 degree flips, continuous flight on a single charge up to 7-9 minutes with a range of up to 50-100 meters, battery charging time about 80 minutes.

Best quadcopter 2017 in the category inexpensive models for beginners is drone X8g from a Chinese company Syma Toys. An incredibly durable and feature-rich aircraft for just over 100$ .

The device comes with a detachable 8 MP camera that can shoot in Full HD 720/1080p, and is compatible with other GoPro cameras.

This drone has an IOC control system - an intelligent attitude control system. With the help of it, as well as a 6-axis gyroscope, auto mode, and 360° flips, you can easily control the drone during flight. And a protective bumper around the blades will prevent collisions, falls and wear of the propellers. The capacitive battery (2000 mAh) guarantees up to 15 minutes of flight.

The X8G is fully kitted and comes with propellers, an SD card for the camera, a chassis and a set of extra screws. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for any beginner who wants to fly and film without spending a fortune on an expensive device.

Rating of quadcopters with camera - TOP 5

Yuneec Q500 Typhoon

Chinese company Yuneec produces exclusively high-quality drones and models Q500 Typhoon with a camera is proof of this.

The device is equipped with a 16 MP CGO2 camera with a 3-axis stabilizer and a stable grip, as well as the ability to shoot FHD video and high-resolution photos. In addition, the device comes with a built-in 5.5″ touchscreen Android screen. The device is controlled in three main modes – Smart, Angle, Home. The Q500's flight time is around 25 minutes, and it comes with 2 batteries, so you'll get almost an hour of flight time.

The next device is , an excellent RTF type drone for novice users, made in black. This model does not have a built-in camera, but is compatible with GoPro cameras. Device price approx. 700$ .

The remote control from 3dr Solo is suitable for smartphones and tablets, so there are no restrictions. You'll also get scenic camera views that stream to your smart device with virtually no lag. The Solo remote control comes with mounting brackets for mobile gadgets(based on iOS and Android) and an HDMI port.

If the 2017 drone has flown far enough, then thanks to the “return to home” function, the copter will automatically return to base. The maximum distance is approximately 800 meters. There is an offline mode and a selfie mode. The device is equipped with a Pixhawk 2 autopilot. You can set a pre-planned flight route, and during the flight itself, take the necessary photographs or record videos, and make 3D flips along a 360-degree trajectory. The battery provides approximately 20 minutes in the air.

Premium device with 4K Ultra HD video camera and 3-axis gimbal stabilizer for stunning shots from above, with Live View up to 1.2 km and offline mode flight via the free Starlink app (with iOS or Android).

Flights are carried out at the base intelligent system controls, dual GPS and GLONASS satellite navigation, as well as SecureFly magnetic anti-interference system. Intuitive remote control with LCD display and one-touch action buttons.

The drone comes with a set of accessories included: a durable premium case, 64GB microSD card, batteries, 1-hour fast charger, spare propellers and small parts. You can buy an Autel Robotics X-Star quadcopter for 799$ .

The upgraded version 4 PRO of the almighty Phantom is released and is the best quadcopter in 2017 for consumers.

The new Phantom 4 Professional 3D camera has 20MP photo capabilities, a mechanical shutter and a large 1-inch sensor. Video capabilities have also been improved, with the drone now capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second.

The drone is equipped with a system for avoiding obstacles (5 directional sensors, infrared sensors), which made it one of the best drones of 2017 in the quadcopter rating.

The design also looks updated and stylish. Lightbridge technology is also present, but this time the remote automatically recognizes the signal and switches between the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz transmission bands. Flight time has been increased to 30 minutes (depending on weather and flight conditions). The cost of the gadget ranges from 1549 to 2250$ .

New in the company DJI– compact, portable model drone 2017 Mavic Pro, allowing you to put it in a backpack or bag and carry it everywhere. This drone is equipped with everything you need - a 12 MP video camera with a 3-axis mechanical stabilization system, a set of sensors (vision, obstacle avoidance, gesture control), sports mode, autonomous, smart mode.

Long flight range - up to 4.3-7 km or about 27 minutes at a speed of about 64 km/h. Precise positioning indoors and outdoors is provided by GPS and GLONASS. Effortless professional video with smart features (ActiveTrack, TapFly). You can buy a quadcopter for 999$ .

Racing FPV drones

A racing drone is a small drone specifically built for FPV racing (“first person view”). Racing drones are completely different compared to camera quadcopters and beginner models. These drones typically have an average flight time, high speed, are easy to use, maneuverable, and extremely lightweight. It is important to note that these quadcopters are not for beginners.

Rating of FPV racing quadcopters – TOP 5

Let's start our rating of quadcopters with the notorious TBS Vendetta, designed specifically for freestyle flying and fpv racing. This powerful racing quadcopter is small in size (240 mm) and its body is made entirely of carbon fiber (weighing just over 400 grams without battery and camera). HobbyKing TBS Vendetta 240 price is 499$ .

One of the features of this racing drone is that, thanks to its modular design, if it is necessary to replace parts after an accident, it will not require a soldering iron - the electronics of the 2017 quadcopter are compatible with special equipment from different manufacturers in a fairly wide price range.

This pocket-sized device can reach a maximum altitude of 1300 m, flies for 3 to 5 minutes with a top speed of over 70 mph during the race.

one of the most popular racing drones of 2017, thanks to its relatively low price ($359) and great availability. The quadcopter (RTF) comes with everything you need to fly.

Myself racing drone has a 1500 mAh Li-Po battery, providing up to 10-12 minutes of flight time. The remote control has a built-in 7-inch display with matte finish for FPV flights. Moreover, the 2017 quadcopter's display image is surprisingly clear and sharp, and there is an OSD menu that shows the battery level, time in the air, and channel transmitter. This drone has a durable carbon fiber body and is equipped with LED lights on the front and rear, with color changing illumination.

The 2017 racing quadcopter has the same functionality as the “big models”, but costs less (about 310$ ). However, this does not mean that its quality will be inferior, and the durable carbon fiber body proves it. The device comes with almost everything you'll need to fly, except the battery. ARRIS company recommends using Li-Po 3S (1500-2200mAh) or 4S (1100-1500mAh) batteries.

The most impressive part of this drone is the external frame design, and more specifically the FPV camera mount. The camera is separated from the main frame by an anti-vibration system, and top panel There is a slider for adjusting the FPV camera angle - all this increases the service life of electronic components.

Another very popular racing quadcopter 2017 is a premium one, known for its durability and maneuverability.

The 250 Pro drone is upgraded to include 4mm carbon fiber, and the overall 25mm body is much stronger and more crash resistant than the previous version of this trademark. A small drawback is that you will need to purchase additional Li-Po 3S-4S batteries, which are not included in the package.

You can install an external camera like a GoPro, the angle of which can be adjusted, providing an excellent frontal view during a high-speed race. You can buy the ImmersionRC Vortex 250 Pro quadcopter for 489$ .

The QAV210 is a larger version of the QAV180 (the smallest FPV multicopter). The average cost of such an aircraft is about 400$ .

The 2017 racing drone features a 21mm carbon fiber frame for added durability and resistance to damage. The device comes fully configured, tested and ready to fly (RTF). The only downside is that you will have to buy an additional radio receiver.

Device Lumenier QAV210 also supports HD cameras such as Mobius or GoPro type in addition to its built-in Full HD camera (1080p).

The quadcopter is named after one of the most popular professional racers today - Carlos Puertolas Charpu, and this indicates the high quality of the drone.

IN lately appears more and more more models, which are focused primarily on shooting. In this regard, it becomes quite not an easy task— how to choose an inexpensive and good quadcopter with a camera, considering that drones differ very much both in purpose and in price.

Before deciding on the final option, you need to answer a few simple questions: what do you plan to shoot and what budget do you plan to meet?

All drones with a camera can be divided into several types:

Mini drones with a camera – these drones will fit in the palm of your hand, but the video quality will not be the best.
Selfie drones have been a very popular trend in drone development lately. With their help you can get decent quality photos and videos.
Cheap mid-size ones are the most popular segment for beginners.
Copters with an HD or 4K camera are a more expensive segment, but the video quality is also higher.
GoPro camera drones are typically action drones that can carry a GoPro or other similar camera.

Of course, this breakdown is very arbitrary and the characteristics of models from different groups may overlap. Let's look at each group and study the main, most prominent representatives in each. Let's start with the smallest representatives - mini drones.

Mini drones with camera

To begin with, since the dimensions of these models are extremely small, they are more suitable for flying indoors than outdoors. And here's why: firstly, they are very light - it will be difficult for them to fight even a slight wind, and secondly, if you lose sight of it, you most likely will not find it.

It is worth noting their advantage - they are practically indestructible.

The most famous model with a video camera is perhaps. Its size does not exceed 40 cm, while it is capable of shooting video in HD resolution (720 P) and transmitting it via Wi-Fi to a mobile phone, and the cost is within 2 thousand rubles.

Of course, you shouldn’t demand super-quality shooting from such drones, but you are guaranteed the pleasure of flying around your apartment.

Another interesting model in this segment is the legendary Hubsan X4 H107С and its further modification Hubsan X4 H107С Plus. Both of these drones are slightly larger than the CX-10W, have a 2MP camera capable of shooting 1280x720 at 30 frames per second, the cost for the modified version is around 3 thousand rubles and 2 thousand for regular. Video recording occurs on a microSD/SDHC card. If we talk about the X4 H107C Plus, then its costs were reduced in order to get a more stable video, in addition, this modification acquired a new, more interesting design, mode, etc.

Recently, drones designed for FPV flights in apartments have become increasingly popular; this segment has even been given a special name: Tiny Whoop. Tiny Whoop is a microcopter with a radio-controlled video camera and a video transmitter, i.e. it's essentially indoor FPV quadcopter. You can assemble such a quadcopter yourself or purchase a ready-made model.

One of the most popular camera drones in this segment is Eachine E010C. It has an M7 800TVL camera with a 150-degree field of view and a built-in video transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to FPV goggles or a display. The price for eachine E010C kit is approx. 2 thousand rubles.

Selfie drones

Selfie drones are now actively developing, with new models being released almost every month. Selfie drones are excellently equipped; many of them have GPS, ultrasonic and visual sensors.

In addition, such drones have excellent software, because... they are controlled mainly using mobile phone. For example, it can recognize faces, fly around you while taking pictures, and also follow you. Almost all selfie drones can display an image on the phone screen, i.e. equipped with FPV function.

As a rule, selfie drones are very compact; it is assumed that such a drone will always be with you, like a mobile phone. What's a selfie without a good camera? Naturally, none, so such drones are equipped with pretty decent cameras capable of shooting in 1080p resolution, and some, such as, even in full 4K.

The only weak point of selfie drones is their short flight time, on average 5-7 minutes, no more. The leader in this indicator is Hover Camera Passport– 10 minutes of active flight. Naturally, the price of such copters can be quite high - from 200 to 500 USD.

Perhaps the best in this segment is a flying drone with a camera - . Spark is the latest quadcopter, the presentation took place on May 24 in New York, and at the same time the smallest in the entire DJI line. Due to its compactness (143 × 143 × 55 mm) and light weight, we classified this drone specifically as a selfie drone, although in terms of equipment it is not much inferior to its older brother Mavic Pro.

Judge for yourself:

Maximum speed - 50 km/h;
Maximum flight range - 2 km;
Maximum flight time is 15 minutes;
Front camera with the ability to recognize obstacles based on a 3D model;
Visual positioning system;
Gesture control;
Two-axis gimbal with digital image stabilization;
Camera with Full HD shooting capability;
Intelligent flight modes (including ActiveTrack, TapFly, shooting horizontal and vertical panoramas, etc.);
Compatibility c.

Agree, not every radio-controlled drone with a camera can boast such capabilities, not to mention a selfie drone. The cost of DJI Spark is 499 USD. For this money you will only get a drone without a transmitter. For the Fly More Combo version with a transmitter, a case, screw protection and two batteries you will have to pay 699 USD.

Home-grade camera drones

Perhaps the most numerous segment, in which there are quite a lot of interesting models, such as Syma x5, Syma x8, JXD 509W or hubsan H502e. The price of a budget drone with a camera can range from 30 to 100 USD, depending on the configuration. By far the most popular amateur drone with a camera in terms of price and quality ratio is. This drone has a 2MP camera which is powered by a 3.7V 500mAh main battery. The flight time is about 10 minutes and the maximum distance is 150 meters. Syma x5 has received many different modifications, which include options such as Headless mode, FPV and a built-in barometric sensor.

You can evaluate the quality of the shooting in the following video:

If you need a more powerful copter, pay attention to. Despite the fact that the camera is identical to the younger version x8C, it is capable of lifting a GoPro or any other similar camera.

Syma X8HG is a modification of Syma X8 with a more or less decent stock camera capable of delivering 1080p resolution. Of course, there is no question about the quality of modern action cameras, but this is the best budget solution that Syma Toys has previously offered.

Many would agree that the Syma X5C1 and X8C are some of the best cheap camera drones on the market.

We also recommend paying attention to the JXD 509V. This drone is a little more expensive, but the camera in it can tilt 30 degrees, allowing you to get interesting angles. In addition, this drone is richer in equipment, it can return to the pilot at the press of a button, maintain altitude, allowing the pilot to concentrate on the video, and also has a headless mode.

Another interesting option under 100 USD is the HUBSAN H502e. Here we get a 720P HD camera, the control distance is 200 ± 15 m and the flight time is about 10-12 minutes. In addition, this drone is equipped with a GPS sensor, which allows the drone to maintain altitude and return home to pre-memorized coordinates.

You can evaluate the quality of the video obtained from this drone in this video.

Quadcopters with HD and 4K camera

A copter with an HD camera is already a serious-level aircraft capable of producing excellent picture quality in HD or even 4K format. The price for such devices ranges from 500 to 1500 USD, but they are really worth it.

When choosing a model with an HD video camera, you usually get a high-tech drone with many flight modes adapted for filming. What are these modes?

Orbit mode - in this mode, the drone will circle above you, while the camera will be pointed at you.
Point of Interest - this mode is designed for shooting an object of interest to you. You set the drone's flight altitude, speed and camera tilt yourself.
Selfie mode - the drone flies away from you at some distance and approaches, taking pictures.

Flight modes different manufacturers may vary.

There are quite a lot of interesting models from various manufacturers in this segment. The leader is certainly the Chinese company dJI Innovations. perhaps the most recognizable radio controlled quadcopter with HD and 4K video camera. And there is a reason for this: for 1500 USD you get a drone capable of taking stunning video and photos with a resolution of 4K 60 FPS, shooting continuously at 14 fps, staying in the air for almost 30 minutes, flying at a speed of 70 km/h and has flight radius is almost 7 km! Thanks to a system of sensors and cameras, Phantom 4 Pro can detect and fly around obstacles in 5 directions.

Another unique quadcopter of a similar modification is this. Key Feature Mavic Pro is compact. With modest dimensions (length 198 mm, height and width 83 mm), this drone is not inferior to the Phantom 4 Pro in terms of technology. The Mavic can accelerate to 65 km/h and remain in flight for as long as 27 minutes. And all this for 999 USD. As for the camera, Mavic has equipped a 4K camera capable of shooting video in 4096 × 2160 format at 24 frames per second.

Another interesting option is . As the name suggests, this drone is capable of shooting not only in FULLHD but also in 4K.

This drone cannot be called compact; it weighs 1.7 kg, but this can be a plus - such a drone is more resistant to gusts of wind. The camera has a 115-degree field and a lens system that completely eliminates barrel distortion. A competitive feature of this drone is its fairly rich package, which in addition to the drone includes a manual SteadyGrip gimbal, a hard case for transportation, two batteries and a remote control with a screen to which video from the camera is broadcast. All this will cost 799 USD. This drone has flight modes such as FOLLOW ME (follow me) and WATCH ME (shoot me). The drone can stay in flight for up to 25 minutes.

If you want to get a good and inexpensive quadcopter with an HD (FHD) camera, at a price of about 500 USD, pay attention to. For this money you will get a magnificent quadcopter with a FULL HD camera and electronic image stabilization.

Various selfie shooting modes will allow you to get unique shots of your loved one. The drone can fly for up to 25 minutes and accelerate to 55 km/h. The drone is controlled using a mobile phone, but there are configurations with an impressive multifunctional Skycontroller or FPV configuration with a compact controller and Cockpitglasses.

Please note that for the full effect of control using Skycontroller you will need an iPad tablet.

Another interesting quadcopter with a camera from a well-known manufacturer of mobile electronics. Depending on the configuration, the drone may have an FHD or 4K camera. The camera has an unusual round shape with a 360-degree view, which is located in the front of the drone. The drone can be controlled at a distance of up to 4 km, and the flight time is about 25 minutes. The cost of the drone is about 500 USD. Mi Drone has ultrasonic height detection sensors and a camera that performs processing luminous flux allow the drone to hover at a certain altitude even without communication with satellites. In addition to the drone, Xiaomi has released the “Mi Drone” application, which with each update becomes more functional and includes more and more features.

Quadcopters for GoPro

There are quite a few quadcopters for GoPro on the market, and in some models the integration is so tight that you can literally control the camera parameters. Moreover, the Australian manufacturer of the famous cameras itself has launched its own GoPro Karma quadcopter on the market. Perhaps we’ll start with that.

It has folding beams and is compatible with cameras such as Hero4 Silver, Hero4 Black, Hero5 Black. Support also announced the latest camera Hero5 Session. The drone turned out to be quite dynamic (maximum speed 54 km/h), capable of flying up to 3 km and staying in the air for up to 20 minutes. Karma comes with a universal suspension that can be used with the Karma Grip handheld monopod. The controller has a built-in screen, so you don't need any mobile device. The kit also includes a carrying case for the drone. It is worth keeping in mind that the GoPro camera will have to be purchased separately. The cost of the drone is 1000 USD.

If you love action sports and want a dynamic and compact quadcopter for GoPro, you can't find a better one. The drone is adapted for GoPro cameras 3, 4 and 5 generations. All control occurs from the AirLeash hand bracelet as well as the Air Dog application in which you can configure various flight parameters. The drone has 6 flight modes, which you can read about in our article about this copter. The drone is capable of staying in flight for up to 20 minutes and reaching speeds of up to 65 km/h. For all its merits, perhaps the most significant disadvantage is the price. For an Air Dog without a camera you will have to pay 1600 USD (and that’s without a camera).

Another Go Pro cat quadcopter is of interest - this is. This drone has a whole series features. Firstly, this is perhaps the only drone running the Linux operating system. Considering that Linux open platform, if you have the appropriate knowledge, you can reprogram the drone for yourself. The second feature is GoPro integration. The gimbal is made in such a way that you can control both the drone’s flight modes and camera parameters through a single 3DR Solo APP. Thirdly, this is one of the most dynamic drones, capable of reaching speeds of about 90 km/h. Fourthly, the drone turned out to be incredibly durable, capable of withstanding a fairly hard landing. The price for this drone is about 400 USD.