The best quadcopters with a camera in 2019

Attention! The ranking of the best quadcopters with a camera for 2024 can be viewed here.

If you go to any electronics store, you can see various aircraft at the exhibition stands. And after observing them for a while, it is easy to understand that they are very popular among the population. So what is their appeal, and which one is worth buying, our rating of the best quadcopters with a camera will tell.

What is this device and what are they?

A quadrocopter or drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is controlled by a remote control or other digital device. This is a multifunctional device that is now used in many areas of our life:

• as a toy for both children and adults;
• it is used to deliver goods or food;
• most often it is used as a device that takes photos and videos.

Here's how to choose the last type of copter and will be discussed.

The main purpose of drones with a camera

Before buying a drone with a survey, you need to determine for what purpose it will be used. In connection with this functionality, the following types of these devices are distinguished:

1. Home or mini. They are small in size, they can even fit in the palm of your hand, but the picture quality is far from ideal.
2. Selfie copters. This is a relatively recent trend in drone engineering, which is gaining more and more popularity. With their help, you can get a good picture quality.
3. Inexpensive mid-size quadcopters. These devices are in steady demand among beginner lovers of electronic gadgets.
4. Drones with a HD or 4K camera. More expensive semi-professional devices with better shooting quality.
5. GoPro - devices. Quadcopters designed to mount a GoPro camera, allowing you to capture the best quality video in any conditions.

The rating describes the advantages and disadvantages of the highest quality drone models of each type and their purpose.

Best mini drones

Mini drones are the smallest of all, so their main purpose is to shoot indoor video. The quality of shooting will not be very high, but the pleasure obtained from operating such a device will be one hundred percent. The cost of such devices is low. It is not recommended to use them outdoors as these drones are not heavy and are easily blown away by the wind. And if you lose sight of him, you will hardly be able to find it.

3rd place: CX HOBBY CX-10W

The smallest example of a UAV.Its dimensions are comparable to the dimensions of a matchbox, so that it is able to fly freely in rooms and maneuver in inaccessible places.

The quadcopter is equipped with a 3.7 V battery with a capacity of 100 mAh, which guarantees a flight time of about 4 minutes. It is charged using a special adapter, which is already included in the package. Charge refill duration is 30 minutes.

Users highlight the ease of control, the ability to recover the charge from the power bank and the 4 auxiliary propellers in the package as a bonus. The users did not like the short flight time and the lack of propeller protection.

The miniature control equipment is powered by two AAA batteries, which can be purchased at almost every store. The communication distance is approximately 20 m. With such a low price, the model is one of the best solutions for a beginner.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. flight time	4 minutes
Max. flight altitude	not specified
Max. flight speed	not specified
Max. video format	720 × 576 px
Additionally	FPV, Wi-Fi control, gyroscope

The average price is 1,500 rubles.

• Compactness;
• Copes well with the declared functions;
• Lightness;
• Controlled by Wi-Fi;
• Availability.

• Bad video quality;
• Fragile propellers;
• The package contains no power adapter.

2nd place: Syma X5HC

It is difficult to call it a solid device, because in many ways it lacks parameters. But, when compared with other inexpensive drones, then it definitely deserves attention. Users say that this is a pretty fun toy with rich functionality for such little money.

The model will be a good solution for children (recommended from 12 years old), as well as for their dads, who will also like this activity. It is not scary to learn on the model, since it “forgives” control oversights. With its help, the user is given the opportunity not only to look at the surroundings from a decent height, but also to entertain his friends with all sorts of acrobatic tricks.

This is a good decision to buy your first drone if in the future the user wants to buy a professional-type drone for aerial photography.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. flight time	7 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Flight speed	not specified
Max. Video format	1080x720 px
Additionally	auto flips, headless mode, barometer

The average price is 3,000 rubles.

• Integrated camera;
• There is a secure channel for broadcasting control signals at 2.4 GHz;
• Barometer;
• Headless control mode;
• Additionally, the package includes: a screwdriver, a USB cable for recharging, a 4 GB flash drive and a card reader.

• Alas, the camera does not have any sensors, and therefore the user will have to remember the position of the record key for clips and snapshots;
• Flies short distances;
• Low battery power.

1st Place: DJI Mavic Pro Platinum

The model is striking in its size. It is incorrect to say that this quadcopter is quite miniature. It would be more rational to compare it with a power bank with a capacity of about 10 thousand mAh. The device is equipped with stands with screws, due to which the drone can be put in your pocket and be sure that nothing happens to it.

At the same time, the device differs from the famous Phantom only in a smaller number of optical and ultrasonic scanners. Simply put, if the drone is flying to the left or backward, you need to make sure that there are no obstacles there. But what happens in front of him, the quadcopter distinguishes properly. DJI Mavic Pro Platinum even knows how to follow the operator and is able to respond to his gestures.

Not overlooked here is the “Go Home” option, which functions by receiving signals from the GPS and GLONASS navigation satellites. This quadcopter can be controlled from your phone while taking selfies. However, the smartphone has a significant limit - the signal of a wireless connection, even in open areas, does not penetrate very far. It is for this reason that it is better to control the drone from the remote control.

Believe it or not, this tiny drone can fly over 4 km. The flight process is written in 4K format, but if the user needs a good frequency, then experts advise to reduce this setting to FHD. By the way, the position of the camera can be changed along 3 axes.

Many users believe that the miniature drone cannot fly for a long time, due to the low-power battery. However, DJI is striking in this respect too. Their drone, tiny from the position of the Phantom series, is also capable of hovering for half an hour. By the way, there is a slightly stripped-down modification of the Mavic Pro, which lacks the "Platinum" prefix. Its set is not so extensive, and the flight duration is approximately 3-4 minutes. smaller.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	30 min.
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Flight speed	18 m / s
Max. Video format	2160p
Additionally	Point of Interest, ActiveTrack, TapFly, gesture control, flying around the set points, intelligent orientation control, first person view (FPV), return to takeoff point, operator follow

The average price is 62,400 rubles.

• Build reliability;
• High quality camera;
• Convenient remote control;
• Silence;
• Flight duration.

• Fragile suspension.

Best Selfie Copters

Selfie drones are currently gaining popularity. Therefore, the developers release new models almost monthly. Their difference from mini models is that they are equipped with a GPS sensor, as well as sound and visual sensors. Selfie copters are controlled by phones. Their software includes more advanced tracking and picture-to-phone (FPV) functions, it can recognize faces and fly around a person while filming.

Selfie copters are compact in size to be close at hand. And cameras are great for selfies, their resolution is usually 1080p, and some models have 4K. Like mini-drones, their time in the air is no more than 7-15 minutes. But the cost of these models is rather high due to better functions.

2nd place: Zerotech DOBBY

The assembled model takes up a little more space when compared to the 5-inch phone display. The drone propellers can be practically folded into niches next to the battery, so when transporting the quadcopter there is no problem with protruding parts.

The device is equipped with an integrated 4K variable-angle camera. It should be noted that the angle is not controlled remotely; all actions will have to be performed manually. Since the camera has optical type stabilization, the natural format is truncated to FHD.

The quadcopter is equipped with 4 brushless type 1104 motors. At the top of each motor there is a dedicated lock that allows the propeller parts to be folded to one side. Due to this mechanism of the mechanism, the quadcopter is very noisy, if you look at it from the side of its dimensions.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	9 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Flight speed	7.78 m / s
Max. Video format	1080p
Additionally	first person view (FPV), following the operator

The average price is 30,000 rubles.

• Miniature;
• Durable, won't break if dropped;
• GPS and GLONASS orientation;
• ROM;
• Good engines.

• Cost;
• The presence of vagueness in the rollers;
• Sitting on your hand may injure your fingers.

1st place: DJI Spark

The DJI Spark is the winner of the Best Selfie Drone category in the 2019 Best Camera Quadrocopters category. It is very small: only 14 cm diagonally, and also very lightweight - only 300 g. It has a colorful shell and spaced pylons.

In the basic configuration, there is no remote control, control is carried out from the phone via Wi-Fi.

And the copter can also take off and land from hands without the help of a smartphone - for this trick it has sonar and a camera on its "stomach". Obeying gestures, he flies up, flies off and takes off. The battery with a capacity of 1 480 mAh allows 12 to 16 min.enjoy the flight. The actual distance in urban conditions is approximately 30 m, and in field conditions - no more than 100 m, the speed is 25 km / h.

This drone is made for selfies, it can instantly take off, make circles and spirals, at the same time, recording breathtaking videos in FHD format.

The lens, the viewing angle of which is 82 degrees, does not introduce distortion, the device is stabilized in 2 axes, but experts do not recommend sharply rotating it in the horizontal direction. Beautiful pictures are obtained exclusively in good light, data is stored on an SD-drive, pictures are only in JPG format. It should be noted that it will be difficult to correct exposure errors.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	16 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Flight speed	13.9 m / s
Max. Video format	1080p
Additionally	ActiveTrack, TapFly, Auto Takeoff and Landing, Gesture Control, First Person View (FPV), Return to Takeoff, Notification Zone Alert

The average price is 29,900 rubles.

• Small size, convenient to transport in a standard box;
• Camera with mechanical stabilization in 2 axes;
• Specialized auto effects for videos.

• Short distance, flight time and speed;
• The video format is limited to FHD;
• There is no stabilization on the third axis.

The best mid-size drones for hobbyists

The most common type of drone with most models belongs to the segment of amateur quadrocopters with a camera. These devices are more affordable and are quite large in size and weight.

They are great for outdoor use, but flying at home can have bad consequences. They have more powerful batteries for a long flight, and cameras can be of any quality depending on the cost. They are specially designed for beginners who want to learn how to operate drones, getting the most out of it.

It is very difficult to single out the best models in the line of these quadcopters with a camera, since each device has its own functions. The choice is also complicated by the fact that all models are very attractive.

2nd place: YUNEEC Typhoon H

A hexacopter from China developers - Yuneec Int. Rushes in the second position in the category "the best mid-size copters for amateurs" with a roar of all 6 engines. On the ground, the device looks like a spider with spread coal legs, which stands on rods. As soon as it takes off, the view of the quadcopter changes: the legs automatically rise up, thus opening the photographic module under the "belly".

The 7-inch tablet is integrated into the PU, the picture and telemetry can be displayed on the TV.

There is a pair control option - the pilot controls the apparatus, and the operator turns the lens. The 5,400 mAh battery is sufficient for 25 min. piloting, the quadcopter is capable of speeds of no more than 70 km / h. The flight range is 2.5 km, which is an excellent result for shooting sports events.

A lens with a viewing angle of 115 degrees rotates without limits, and is also stabilized in all axes (there is a slight "barrel"). Video recording is in 4K format at 30 FPS, the user can adjust the parameters manually. The 12 MP matrix copes well with lighting in the dark. It's worth noting that light filters are sold separately, and shots are saved in JPG and RAW formats for further processing.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	25 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	122 m
Max. Flight speed	19.4 m / s
Max. Video format	2160p
Additionally	Point of Interest, first person view (FPV), return to take-off point, follow the operator

The average price is 86,900 rubles.

• Unique design, changes in flight;
• Good 4K video and great images
• A versatile camera with stabilization.

• Overpriced when it comes to semi-pro drones;
• Experience is required to control;
• The battery is constantly not enough.

1st place: MJX Bugs 2 W

This model is an inexpensive drone with brushless motors and a navigation unit. It will equally be an excellent option for both beginners and advanced users. The quadcopter can be used with the VRGoggles MJX G3 headset.

The Bugs 2 drone is equipped with a set of protective options, due to which flights will be easy and safe. The creators made sure that the novice user does not lose or break the device. GPS orientation makes it possible to easily navigate in space and leave the drone in the installed position.

The MJX Bugs2 drone always remembers the start point, and if necessary, it can return to this place to perform an automatic landing. Due to the integrated barometer, the quadcopter automatically adjusts the flight altitude. The option to automatically turn off the motor when it falls helps prevent motor failure.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	18 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Flight speed	not specified
Max. Video format	1080p
Additionally	automatic takeoff and landing, headless mode, first person view (FPV), return to takeoff point

The average price is 11,500 rubles.

• Dual GPS orientation system;
• Flight distance and altitude;
• Reproduction of information on the PU screen;
• Availability.

• The battery takes a very long time to recover, given its capacity;
• Low-quality videos;
• Not a good choice for professional video shooting.

The best drones for professional shooting

Quadrocopters with HD or 4K cameras are quite expensive, and their use is aimed at obtaining high resolution and good quality images even in poor visibility. These drones have multiple flight modes, allowing you to shoot from a wide variety of angles.

For example, you can fly a drone over an object in a circle, with the camera always pointing at the object. Or in Selfie mode - the device flies off a certain distance from an object or person, and then begins to descend towards the subject, recording. The set of such modes differs from model to model. Therefore, when buying drones with a professional camera, you should pay attention mainly to them.

4th place: Xiaomi FIMI A3

This model is the fruit of the collective work of FIMI Tech and the popular electronics manufacturer Xiaomi. This collective work has already led to the formation of 2 well-known copters - Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini and Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K.

Xiaomi FIMI A3 looks very solid. Its white plastic body leaves a pleasant external and tactile sensation, and also perfectly protects all the hardware of the drone.

At the bottom of the device there is a power button and a DIY slot, which is used to switch external devices. It should be noted that the bottom of the UAV is literally strewn with ventilation holes.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	25 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Flight speed	10 m / s
Max. Video format	FHD
Additionally	GPS and Glonass, FPV mode

The average price is 18,000 rubles.

• Availability;
• Ready to fly right out of the box;
• Support for updating the firmware;
• Many flight modes;
• 2-axis mechanical gimbal and 1080p camera;

• Large memory;
• Video recording only not exceeding 30 FPS;
• The PU display is unreadable in the sun.

More about the copter here!

3rd place: Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE

The model is the first portable quadcopter of Xiaomi corporation. It records videos in 4K format, allows you to fly no more than 33 minutes, and the flight distance is no more than 5 km. Due to the portable device, the drone can be transported in an ordinary backpack or a small bag.

Xiaomi FIMI X8 SE is a very practical and trendy gadget. The quadcopter is available exclusively in white color, despite the fact that it has some black components. The dimensions of the assembled drone are 204x106x73 mm, and the weight is 790 g. Simply put, the quadcopter is slightly larger when compared to a modern phone.

The aircraft is equipped with a photographic module with a 1.2 / 3-inch Sony IMX378 sensor and a 2.2 aperture.The photographic module stands on a three-axis mechanical suspension. FIMI X8 SE writes 4K videos at 100 Mbps. The limiting resolution is 3840x2160 px at 30/25/24 FPS. Results are saved on a microSD flash drive up to 64 GB.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	33 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Flight speed	65 km / h
Max. Video format	4K
Additionally	GPS + GLONASS + new visual positioning system consisting of a main camera, lower optical and ultrasonic sensors

The average price is 30,000 rubles.

• Trendy appearance;
• Lightness;
• Compactness;
• SAR mode;
• Excellent distance and flight duration.

• Not detected.

2nd Place: DJI Mavic 2 Pro

A novelty in modern design, designed for the most risky and challenging filming, for which excessive demands are placed. The novelty is produced in an improved shell, so that its "windage" has been reduced by 19, which significantly increased the distance and duration of flights.

A drone with new flight modes is of great interest for operators, hunting enthusiasts, search and security services, as well as fans of photography and just creative personalities who are professionally involved in filming. The clarity and dynamics of the activity is achieved through the stabilization type camera and the presence of the “Hyper lapse” function, which gives an accelerated result.

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is the first device in the world to be equipped with a built-in Hasselblad camera, which guarantees excellent image quality in medium format. The drone is equipped with a 1 ″ CMOS sensor and a 10-bit Dlog-M profile.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	31 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Flight speed	20 m / s
Max. Video format	2160p
Additionally	Point of Interest, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Auto Takeoff and Landing, First Person View (FPV), Return to Takeoff, Follow Operator

The average price is 98,500 rubles.

• Lack of noise;
• There is a collision avoidance system APAS;
• OcuSync 2.0 video broadcasting system with 1080p format has been updated;
• Exposure in different light conditions is controlled by adjusting the valve aperture in the 2.8-11f spectrum;
• Excellent wind resistance (over 10 m / s).

• Cost;
• Shallow depth of brightness at the lens;
• Uncorrected lens distortion.

1st place: DJI Mavic Air

The leader in the category of "best drones for professional shooting" is the DJI Mavic Air, which is interesting because its pylons fold in a portable state: the quadrocopter will fit into a large pocket, because its dimensions are 168x83x49 mm, and its weight is 430 g. looks like a colorful beetle, and a replaceable battery with a capacity of 2,375 mAh gives an autonomy of no more than 17 minutes.

As a rule, the model flies at a speed of 28.8 km / h, but is capable of reaching 68.4 km / h.

In the air, sonar allows you to dodge walls and branches. The remote control is synchronized with the phone, and the radio channel limits the distance to 1.7 km, and in urban conditions up to 750 m.

Besides sticks and virtual keys, the Mavic Air knows gestures.

A typical 12-megapixel camera has an 85-degree field of view. It should be noted that there is no “barrel” in the pictures. The suspension is stabilized on 3 axes, the scene in the frame does not jerk. The allowed video format is 4K at 30 FPS.

For data storage there is a ROM, the volume of which is 8 GB and an SD-drive. Auto modes contain circular and spiral flights and "Asteroid" - a circular panorama with the main object in the center.

Specifications:

Parameter	Value
Max. Flight time	21 minutes
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Flight speed	19 m / s
Max. Video format	2160 p
Additionally	Point of Interest, ActiveTrack, TapFly, Auto Takeoff and Landing, Gesture Control, First Person View (FPV), Return to Takeoff, Operator Follow

The average price is 46,500 rubles.

• Lightweight shell with collapsible pylons does not take up much space during transportation;
• The camera records videos in 4K at 30 FPS;
• Auto modes for shooting a colorful video.

• The flight distance is limited by the Wi-Fi channel;
• Low quality static photos;
• Errors during insertion of panoramas.

When choosing a suitable quadrocopter for aerial photography, you need to consider how and where you will shoot, what budget you have. And most importantly, the result you want to get. For training, get an inexpensive copter, and for flying at home - a mini model. But in each case, you will get incredible pleasure from controlling the drone and watching the video that it will shoot.