Rating of the best quadcopters (drones) with a camera in 2020

Photography and filming is now gaining great popularity. Everyone wants to take an original photo or shoot an interesting video. And in this matter everyone has their own approach, someone buys expensive equipment and is looking for new interesting places, and someone brings to life unusual ideas and ideas. If earlier shooting with a drone was rare, now such flying objects do not surprise anyone. Indeed, with their help, you can find a lot of interesting angles, be it a custom photo session or shooting for your own pleasure.

What is a drone and how does it work

A drone is considered to be a device that flies without the assistance of a pilot. Control is carried out remotely through the remote control. With its help, you can carry out both amateur photography and conduct an assessment of the area or search activities. Although the models presented in their modern form appeared relatively recently, the prerequisites for their development began quite a long time ago. At first, drones were used for military purposes. And later, fans of radio-controlled devices adapted this invention for domestic needs.

Although each model of such an aircraft has its own unique features, the basic elements remain unchanged. The main element of the drone is the frame. It is to her that all parts are fastened. Therefore, it must be strong and light. It is usually made from various polymers or metal alloys. To receive signals, a flight controller is installed, which transmits them to the engine and other working elements. This part of the drone consists of a processor and various sensors that control speed, pressure, position in space, etc. The more sensors there are, the higher the capabilities of the aircraft. To control the flight, motors and propellers are installed. And no drone can fly without a battery. The flight duration and altitude will depend on its capacity.

Usually this device has 4 propellers. Two of which rotate clockwise and two counterclockwise. When they all rotate at the same speed, takeoff occurs. In order for the movement to be in a given direction, one of the propellers begins to rotate more strongly, in order for a turn to occur, two propellers need to have a higher rotation speed.

Types of drones

Depending on the number of propellers and motors, multicopters can be categorized.

If the device has three propellers, it is classified as a tricopter. Such models do not have great stability during flight, therefore they are used as toys.

The most common variant is considered to be the one with four propellers - a quadcopter. They are stable during flight, have a more powerful battery, and the functionality of the device copes with many tasks.

There are also variants with six and eight propellers, their motors are more powerful and can handle heavy loads. But they have large dimensions and high cost, therefore they did not receive much popularity.

In addition, drones can be divided into several groups depending on their size and functionality. The first group includes drones that are small in size - minicopters. Such devices are mostly used for entertainment, they do not have a large set of functions. Due to their light weight, they should not be used outdoors in windy weather, and they can also be played at home without fear.

Amateur models are relatively inexpensive. The camera of such models does not have a wide viewing angle, but for amateur photography it will be the best option. It should be noted that such models will not have a long flight time and will not be able to fly long distances.

There are also models for professional use that can take high quality panoramic images. But they are very expensive, and not everyone can afford such a device.

Devices used for racing can also be classified into a separate group. They are distinguished by their small size and propeller design. The engine of such models allows you to gain high speed and perform various tricks in the air.

How to fly a quadcopter

Such an unmanned device is controlled from a remote control, which is made in the form of a joystick or using a smartphone. In addition, there are models where the joystick is connected to a smartphone. If the control takes place via the Wi-Fi of the phone, then such models of copters, as a rule, do not have a long flight range. And the control will not be very comfortable.

The control process itself is quite simple. But beginners can face certain difficulties. To avoid such moments, you should carefully study the instructions before use, only then start practice. For the first take-off, choose calm weather. Start learning the control process with takeoff and landing. It is not advisable to start training indoors. In this case, you can easily break the device or damage fragile items in the room. Having dealt with the basic actions, you can proceed to simple maneuvers. Until you understand the controls well enough, choose places where there are no large crowds and restrictions in space. This way, in the event of an emergency, you will not harm others or smash the drone against the wall.

Criterias of choice

Before buying a quadrocopter with a camera, you should decide on the purpose of purchase. If you want to shoot for your own pleasure, then you can get by with the usual model of the middle price category. But if you need to shoot fast moving objects, then you need a model that has a high speed and is able to take pictures at high flight speeds.

Don't forget about the size of the device. Since it will need to be transported to the shooting location, it will be easier to do with a small-sized device. Newbies shouldn't buy an expensive device with a lot of features right away. It will be difficult to understand them, and a budget model is suitable for teaching management and standard functionality.

Battery capacity is important for operating time. The flight distance will also depend on this parameter. Simpler models can fly within 7-15 minutes, and professional versions can hold out in the air for up to 30 minutes.

Remember the brand too. Trusted manufacturers who have gained popularity in the market make quadcopters from reliable parts that are durable and durable.

Best quadcopters with camera

Pilotage shadow hd

The Pilotage Shadow HD quadcopter will be the ideal purchase for the novice user. This device combines all the qualities a beginner needs: simple operation, light weight, optimal camera resolution and affordable cost.

The Pilotage Shadow HD is made of durable plastic, has bright LEDs for night flight and a six-axis stabilization system. Convenient control is carried out using the joystick that comes with the kit. With its help, you can control not only the flight, but also the camera and engine speed.

Several modes are provided for convenient control. There is also a function "3D Flip", with which you can make flips in any direction. Such functionality makes it easy to fly both indoors and outdoors, skillfully using the remote control, you can easily fly around an obstacle. The camera is easy to operate and does not have complicated settings. The camera image can be viewed on the smartphone screen in real time.

A full battery charge lasts more than 20 minutes of flight. The battery is fully charged in 2.5 hours. The size of "Pilotage Shadow HD" is 25 * 25 * 17 cm, while its weight is 134 grams. The speed of movement is 3-5 m / s, and the range reaches 100 meters.

The average cost is 4500 rubles.

• Time spent in the air;
• Easy control;
• The ability to make somersaults;
• A light weight;
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use;
• Includes spare propellers;
• Price.

• Short flight range;
• Due to its light weight, it is not suitable for use even in light winds.

Ryze tech tello

Such a compact and lightweight drone can be excellent entertainment for children and adults. With its help, you can not only fly, but also take photographs and broadcast in real time. The camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, in addition there is electronic video stabilization. All pictures will be transferred via Wi-Fi to the smartphone. You can control this device both from the included remote control and through a mobile application.

Although the device is not large, it can reach speeds of up to 29 km / h. and a full battery charge lasts for 13 minutes of flight. There is no need to worry about safety during operation. An obstacle detection system is provided here.

There are several flight modes. For example, 8D Flips mode allows you to perform all sorts of tricks, and with Bounce Mode, the drone lands right in the palm of your hand after flight. If communication with the operator is interrupted, the Ryze Tech Tello will automatically return to the take-off point.

The Ryze Tech Tello measures 9.8 * 9.2 * 4.1 cm and weighs 80 g. The maximum flight height is 10 m and the range is 100 m.

The average cost is 9,000 rubles.

• Small size;
• Several control modes;
• Suitable for a beginner;
• Return to the take-off point if communication is lost;
• 3 video modes.

• Short flight time.

DJI Mavic Mini

Do you want a quality quadcopter that is small in size, light in weight and takes high quality images? Then the DJI Mavic Mini is the perfect solution. This model has light weight, which provides high maneuverability during operation, and simple control will be subject to even a beginner. To operate the device, you will need the DJI Fly mobile app, which will make the controls intuitive. And for beginners, there is a special flight training mode. Also, this application works with images and video, now you don't have to spend a lot of time on editing. Photos have a resolution of 12 megapixels, videos - 2.7 K. At the same time, it is worth noting the built-in stabilization, which will save you from blurry frames.

The DJI Mavic Mini has 360-degree propeller guards to ensure safety during use. It is also worth noting the presence of a backlight that will change color depending on the distance from the operator. This makes the device easy to spot in the dark. Also in front there are sensors that protect against collisions.

The complete set with the drone comes with a remote control, which has a transforming design. The remote has a built-in battery that can charge your smartphone. A full charge of the quadcopter battery will last for half an hour of flight. Using the remote control, you can maintain a signal at a distance of up to 2 km.

The size of the DJI Mavic Mini is 14 * 8.2 * 5.7 cm, and the weight is 250 g. The maximum flight speed in calm weather is 13 m / s. The DJI Mavic Mini is not recommended for use in wind speeds exceeding 8 m / s.

The average cost is 29,000 rubles.

• Design;
• Small size;
• Speed;
• Flight time;
• Various shooting modes.

• Obstacle sensors are installed on the front panel only;
• Range of flight.

Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE

This model of a quadrocopter from the company "Xiaomi" has a folding structure and stylish design. And in terms of its characteristics, it can compete with well-known brands that produce drones.

The camera "Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE" has a resolution of 12 megapixels, with its help you can record 4K video. A three-axis gimbal is provided for image stabilization. It is also impossible to ignore that the drone has 5 shooting modes: tracking an object, flying at selected points, panoramic shot, etc. If we talk about tracking an object, then there are three options for performing the task. The drone can fly parallel to the object, follow it from different angles or from one, which is set by the operator. Also, this drone has an FPV function, when shooting is carried out in the first person, and the image from the camera is transmitted instantly to the phone. Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE supports a memory card with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. All the information received will be recorded there.

Before the first flight, you need to install a special application. After launch, the quadcopter automatically rises to a height of 4 meters and waits for a command from the operator. Its maximum flight altitude is 500 meters, while it can fly up to 5000 meters from the operator. A full battery charge will last for 30 minutes of flight. But "Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE" can automatically return to the launch site when the battery is low. This will happen even if the signal from the control panel is lost.

The size of the "Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE" is 20.4 * 10.6 * 72.6 cm, and the weight is about 800 g. The maximum flight speed is 18 m / s.

The average cost is 39,000 rubles.

• Foldable design;
• Flight time;
• High definition camera;
• Various shooting modes;
• Return to take-off point.

• Not.

Hubsan X4 Pro H109S Standard Edition

This aircraft is suitable for those who love long-distance flights and high-quality photo and video shooting. The camera of this model records Full HD video with a resolution of 1920 * 1080. The recording will be saved to the memory card and simultaneously broadcast in real time on the remote control. For precise positioning, there is a GPS module and a built-in compass.

There are two modes for a comfortable flight. One of which turns off the orientation of the drone in space, and the other keeps the drone at a given altitude. There is a function to return to the takeoff point. This can be either set by an operator command or automatically, in case of signal loss. Also "Hubsan X4 Pro H109S" can fly to the specified points, in this case, you just have to enjoy the shooting process.

A full charge of the battery lasts for 20 minutes of flight. The battery charging time is approximately 180 minutes. The size of the drone is 20 * 30 * 30 cm, and the weight is 1500 g. The flight range is 1 km, and the maximum height is 250 m. The maximum speed that the drone can do is 60 km / h.

The average cost is 28,000 rubles.

• Flight range and time;
• Control panel with LCD screen;
• Brushless motors;
• Smooth fit.

• The remote control quickly runs out of batteries;
• Calibration is difficult.

Syma X8 Pro

The novelty of a well-known manufacturer of small drones is ideal for beginners. Control from a smartphone, tablet or remote control.The maximum flight range of this medium-sized model is 70 m, the height is about the same. The built-in camera records video in the highest possible quality of 720 p, there is a special suspension for the action camera. The device is not for long flights: the battery only lasts for 9 minutes.

• easy to manage;
• quick start;
• protection of screws;
• inexpensive;
• high-quality assembly;
• backlight;
• several control options.

• short flight duration.

Average price: 6 600 rubles.

Xiro XPLORER mini

A small amateur-class drone weighing 430 g with a beautiful design, decent technical characteristics and decent equipment is suitable for adults and children. Simple control via wi-fi from a tablet or smartphone allows flights up to 100 m at a height of 50 m.The drone is capable of reaching a speed of 8 m / s.
It is tied to the point of departure, fast acceleration, flight duration is 10-12 minutes (although the manufacturer promises 15). The device provides high-quality shooting without skipping frames, blurry images in HD quality thanks to electronic camera stabilization. There is a suspension for a third-party photo or video camera. First-person flight is carried out from a tablet or smartphone.

• durable body;
• recording quality;
• image stabilization;
• Beautiful design

• short flight duration.

Average price: 11 900 rubles.

MGX Bugs 8

A high-tech ultra-light compact device for geodetic aerial photography with an accessible application and two speed modes for recording a flight at specified points at a distance of up to 500 m via a radio control panel. Brushless motors work reliably, allowing the device to perform automatic flips (flips in the air), move at speeds up to 45 km / h. The built-in camera does not have a high image quality, however, there are mounts for installing an external photo and video device. The set includes 3D glasses, RTV monitor.

• low price;
• durable screws;
• large control radius;
• powerful battery;
• nice appearance.

• poor image quality.

Average price: 4 900 rubles.

Conclusion

The rating presents inexpensive models and options with an average price category. For training aerial photography, budget options are suitable. With their help, you can easily learn how to control a drone, shoot from the air, and just cheer yourself up. Also, such drones will be a great gift for a teenager. Having mastered the basics of control, it will be possible to move on to more expensive models that have a higher camera resolution, longer range and flight time.