Alexandra Ramirez
1. DJI
Best Overall Drone with Camera
5/5 Product Rating
Features of this high quality drone include a Vision Positioning system where you can fly indoors with plenty of stability, a 4k UHD video recording that has a 3 axis gimbal that is fully stabilized and much more.
These features are just a few of the things that are responsible for crisp videos and still photos that you will be proud to show off.
There is a flight battery that is included and a rechargeable remote controller that is ready to use right out of the box.
The DJI Pilot app works for iOS and Android and allows total control of the camera and live viewing too. The Lightbridge digital streaming allows for incredible live feeds of the video at 720p while it records full resolution video that is saved on the microSD card.
Add in the GPS navigation, auto landings, auto take offs and intelligent flight battery and a built-in database of places you can’t fly (no fly zones) and you have an incredible drone that you will be addicted to using.
– Darius Spieth
2. Potensic
Best Overall Drone with Camera – Runner Up
4.7/5 Product Rating
It has a first person view that includes a hi-def 2 megapixel camera for great photos worthy of saving and sharing.
The 5.8 GHz wireless transmission allows for real time viewing that goes right to the LCD transmitter screen.
This drone is more geared toward the drone flyer that just wants to casually play around.
It does offer stronger wind resistance and has flight characteristics that are reliable and super stable from the moment you take it out of the box.
It has an anti-collision protective frame that is made out of elastic plastic and means it can handle a lot of crashes much easier than the regular quadcopters can. Repairs and maintenance are easier on this model as well. This item makes a wonderful Christmas gift.
– Darius Spieth
3. Syma
Best Budget Drone with Camera
4.4/5 Product Rating
Users can enjoy live view as far as 30 meters from where you are.
The Syma app provides autonomous flight modes that are compatible with iOS and Android and is free to download and use.
Other features include the SecureFLYTM magnetic interference. There is also the Symat Positioning System TM that helps indoor flying.
Accessories that come with this exceptional drone include a premium quality hard case, a 64 GB microSD card, 1 hour fast charger, small replacement parts and spare propellers, an intelligent battery and more.
The remote controller is an intuitive remote with LCD display and features one-touch action buttons. This drone is easy to learn to fly and has the ability to start the motors, hover, land or take off by utilizing the one touch buttons.
– Darius Spieth
Drone with Camera Buying Guide
Factors to Consider
There are several things that you want to consider when it comes to choosing the right drone for your preferences. We have listed these factors below so you can learn about them and understand what the differences are between the different models on the market.
- Price – Price is a factor that you will need to consider when it’s time to start shopping for the drone you want. Setting a budget for this type of purchase is very important so you don’t overspend. If you have a high budget, that is great, as there are several higher cost drones with cameras that are excellent products. The price of a drone can run anywhere from $30-$40 dollars all the way up to $800 or more. What you will be using the drone for will also play a part in which one you purchase and how much you spend. If you’re using it for business, you will want to invest in the highest quality you can that has the features you are looking for.
- Cameras – Not all drones have cameras. This guide is geared towards the ones that do have cameras. Look for cameras that offer real time video streaming for fascinating videos and photos. Look for the best MP and resolutions you can afford. It will make a huge difference in the quality of the pictures and video you take. One of the best ways to ensure excellent footage is to get a drone with a gimbal. This is a stabilized mount that the camera is attached to that will keep the camera steady even when it is moving around and tilting. Your camera will sometimes record two different ways, one of which goes to the MicroSD card or USB drive. Sometimes you can get footage to you smartphone or they will send it to the phone or wherever you want to put it.
- Flight and Charging Times – Most often you can expect to have anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes of straight flight time on a full charge. Charging the drone takes about one hour. The controllers take 4 AA batteries so you will want to have plenty of them on hand as well.
- Flying Range and the Best Place to Fly –Figure on about 50m of flying distance which comes out to about 165 feet or so. If you are flying in the UK you have to keep the drone in your line of sight at all times. There are laws related to flying in the US as well but they vary so you will need to read them and make sure that you are aware of what they are. It isn’t recommended to fly the drone inside. The rooms are typically way too small to fly the drone in safely. The best place to fly it is in a park, field and any other open space.
- Spare Parts – Due to the nature of flying a drone and what can happen while flying it, you should expect to be replacing things like rotors (propellers) and other small pieces on a regular basis. All drones have a full set of spare propellers but since at some point you will end up having to replace them again, you want to look for drones that are easy to find parts for.
- Drone Flying Rules and Privacy – There are many rules present when it comes to flying a drone and you need to be in the know of what they are. There are several places that are no fly zones as well as places that are simply a massive breech of disability. Do not post any aerial video or photos that have strangers in them or that are of identifying places such as homes, license plates, etc. You want to adhere to drone flying etiquette which means not using them to spy on people, or other less than respectful ways. If you are not careful, you can get in real trouble flying a drone where it does not belong so know those laws and no fly zones and adhere to them. You can find no fly zones easily on the internet which will help you avoid being somewhere you aren’t supposed to be.
Some United States Regulations
These regulations apply even if you are just flying the drone for fun. Make sure you follow these rules so there is not a problem when you are flying it.
- Don’t fly within 5 miles of the airport without getting approval
- Keep your drone in visual sight at all times while you are flying it.
- Register the drone with the FAA if it weighs more than .55 pounds.
- Drones need to always yield the right of way to manned aircraft
- Pilot of the drone must have a remote pilot airman certificate and be at least 16 years of age. (this rule is for business use)
- Needs to be vetted and checked out by the TSA
Conclusion
Drones are used for all kinds of things, from showing real estate to simply flying for recreation. People use them for business and recreation every day. They offer a different way of looking at the world with the various video and photos that are taken. There are so many different models and price points of drones that you want to know exactly how you feel about something before you spend your money on it.
The information contained in this guide is designed to help you understand what to look for when you are shopping for a drone with a camera. The knowledge you have gotten will make the process of selecting the perfect drone much easier. You can feel confident that you have selected a good quality drone that will meet your preferences and needs.
Be sure to read the instruction and owner’s manual before you take your drone out for the first time. You also need to have read safety precautions, rules and regulations as well. The more prepared you are when you take your drone out for the first time the better time you will have.
Resources
- DJI Phantom – http://www.dji.com/phantom
- Autel Robotics – https://www.autelrobotics.com/
- Potensic – http://potense.com/en/
