The best quadcopters with a camera in 2019

Attention! The rating of the best quadcopters with a camera for 2022 can be viewed here.

If you go to any electronics store, you can see various aircraft at the exhibition stands. And after watching 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, will tell our rating of the best quadcopters with a camera.

What is this device and what are they?

A quadcopter or drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is controlled using 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;
• with its help deliver goods or food;
• most often used as a device that takes photos and videos.

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

The main purpose of drones with a camera

Before buying a quadcopter with shooting, 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. Homemade or mini. They are small in size, can even fit in the palm of your hand, but the picture quality will be far from ideal.
2. Selfie copters. This is a relatively recent trend in drone building, gaining more and more popularity. With their help, you can get good picture quality.
3. Inexpensive medium sized quadcopters. These devices are in steady demand among novice electronic gadget lovers.
4. Drones with a camera that shoots in HD or 4K. More expensive semi-professional devices with better image quality.
5. GoPro devices. Quadcopters designed to mount a GoPro camera that allows you to shoot video of the best quality in any conditions.

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

The best mini drones

Mini drones are the smallest of all, so their main purpose is to shoot video indoors. The quality of shooting will not be very high, but the pleasure gained from operating such a device will be one hundred percent. The cost of such devices is low. They are not recommended for outdoor use, as these drones are not heavy and are easily blown away by the wind. And if you lose sight of it, then you are unlikely to find it.

3rd place: CX HOBBY CX-10W

The smallest sample of the UAV. Its dimensions are comparable to the dimensions of a matchbox, so that it is able to fly freely in rooms and maneuver in hard-to-reach 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. The recharge time is 30 minutes.

Users highlight the ease of control, the ability to restore the charge from the power bank and 4 auxiliary propellers in the package as a bonus. 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. At such a low price, the model is one of the best solutions for a beginner.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. flight time	4 min.
Max. flight altitude	not specified
Max. flight speed	not specified
Max. video format	720x576px
Additionally	FPV, WiFi control, gyroscope

The average price is 1,500 rubles.

• Compactness;
• Copes well with the declared functions;
• Lightweight;
• Controlled via Wi-Fi;
• Availability.

• Bad video quality;
• Fragile propellers;
• The package does not include a power adapter.

2nd place: Syma X5HC

It is difficult to call it a solid device, because in many respects it lacks parameters. But, when compared with other inexpensive drones, then it definitely deserves attention. Users say that this is a rather exciting 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, because 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 their friends with all sorts of acrobatic stunts.

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

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. flight time	7 min.
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Airspeed	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 a frequency of 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 videos and pictures;
• Flies short distances
• Low battery power.

1st Place: DJI Mavic Pro Platinum

The model impresses with its size. It is not true to say that this quadcopter is quite miniature. It would be more rational to compare it with a power bank with a capacity of approximately 10 thousand mAh. The device is equipped with racks with screws, due to which the drone can be put in your pocket and be sure that nothing will happen 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 flies to the left or back, you need to make sure that there are no obstacles there. But what happens in front of him, the quadrocopter distinguishes properly. DJI Mavic Pro Platinum even knows how to follow the operator and can respond to his gestures.

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

It's hard to believe, but this tiny copter is capable of flying over 4 km. The flight process is written in 4K format, but if the user needs a good frequency, then experts advise reducing this setting to FHD. By the way, the camera position can be changed along 3 axes.

Many users believe that the miniature drone is unable to fly for long periods of time, citing a low-powered battery. However, DJI Corporation is amazing in this regard. 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 is devoid of the “Platinum” prefix. Its set is not so extensive, and the flight duration is approximately 3-4 minutes. less.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	30 minutes.
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Airspeed	18 m/s
Max. Video Format	2160p
Additionally	point of interest, ActiveTrack, TapFly, gesture control, flying around given points, intelligent orientation control, first person view (FPV), return to takeoff point, following the operator

The average price is 62,400 rubles.

• Assembly reliability;
• Quality camera;
• Convenient remote control;
• Noiselessness;
• Flight duration.

• Fragile suspension.

The best selfie copters

The direction of selfie drones is currently gaining more and more popularity. Therefore, 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 using phones. Their software includes more advanced tracking and phone picture display (FPV) functions, it can recognize faces and fly around a person while capturing video.

Selfie quadcopters are compact enough to be always at hand. And the cameras are great for taking selfies, usually at 1080p with some models at 4K. Like mini-drones, their time in the air is no more than 7–15 minutes. But the cost of these models due to better features is quite high.

2nd place: Zerotech DOBBY

The assembled model takes up a little more space when compared to a 5-inch phone display. Drone propellers are practical to fold 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 vari-angle camera. It is worth noting 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 cut down to FHD.

The quadcopter comes with 4 1104 brushless motors. At the top of each engine there is a specialized lock that allows you to fold the parts of the propeller to one side. Due to this arrangement of the mechanism, the quadrocopter is very noisy, if you look at it from the side of its dimensions.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	9 min.
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Airspeed	7.78 m/s
Max. Video Format	1080p
Additionally	first person view (FPV), camera follow

The average price is 30,000 rubles.

• Miniature;
• Durable, will not break if dropped;
• GPS and GLONASS orientation;
• ROM;
• Good engines.

• Price;
• The presence of vagueness in the commercials;
• When landing on the hand, it can hurt the fingers.

1st Place: DJI Spark

The DJI Spark is the winner in the Best Selfie Drones category of the Best Camera Quadcopters 2019. 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 hand-held without the help of a smartphone - for this trick it has sonars and a camera on its “belly”. Obeying the gestures, he flies up, flies off and shoots. The 1480 mAh battery allows 12 to 16 min. enjoy the flight. The actual distance in urban conditions is approximately 30 m, and in the field - no more than 100 m, the speed is 25 km / h.

This drone is made for selfie shots, it can instantly take off, make circles and spirals, while recording breathtaking FHD videos.

The lens, whose viewing angle is equal to 82 degrees, does not introduce distortion, the device is stabilized along 2 axes, but experts do not recommend turning it sharply in the horizontal direction. Beautiful pictures are obtained only in good light, the data is stored on an SD drive, pictures are only in JPG format. It is worth noting that it will be difficult to correct exposure errors.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	16 min.
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Airspeed	13.9 m/s
Max. Video Format	1080p
Additionally	ActiveTrack, TapFly, auto takeoff and landing, gesture control, first person view (FPV), return to takeoff point, restricted area alert

The average price is 29,900 rubles.

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

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

The best mid-sized quads for hobbyists

The most common type of drones with most models belongs to the segment of amateur quadcopters with a camera. These devices are more affordable and have a fairly large size and weight.

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

In the line of these quadcopters with a camera, it is very difficult to single out some of the best models, since each device has its own functions. The choice is also difficult because all models are very attractive.

2nd place: YUNEEC Typhoon H

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

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

There is a pair control option - the pilot controls the device, and the operator rotates the lens. The 5400 mAh battery is enough for 25 min. piloting, the quadcopter is capable of reaching 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 settings manually. The 12 MP matrix does an excellent job with lighting in the dark. It is worth noting that light filters are sold separately, and images are saved in JPG and RAW formats for further processing.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	25 min.
Max. Flight altitude	122 m
Max. Airspeed	19.4 m/s
Max. Video Format	2160p
Additionally	Point of Interest, First Person View (FPV), return to takeoff point, follow operator

The average price is 86,900 rubles.

• Unique design, changes in flight;
• Good 4K video footage and excellent images;
• Universal camera with stabilization.

• Overpriced if we talk about semi-professional copters;
• Control requires experience;
• The battery is constantly running low.

1st Place: MJX Bugs 2W

This model is an inexpensive drone with brushless motors and a navigation box. 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 move in space and leave the drone in a fixed position.

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

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	18 min.
Max. Flight altitude	not specified
Max. Airspeed	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;
• Distance and flight altitude;
• Reproduction of information on the PU screen;
• Availability.

• The battery recovers for a very long time, given its capacity;
• Poor quality videos
• Not a good choice for professional video shooting.

The best drones for professional photography

Quadcopters with an HD or 4K camera are quite expensive, and their use is aimed at obtaining high-resolution and good quality images even in poor visibility. These quadcopters have multiple flight modes that allow you to shoot from a variety of angles.

For example, you can make a drone fly over an object in a circle, and the camera will always be directed at the object. Or in Selfie mode - the device flies off for a certain distance from an object or person, and then begins to decline towards the subject, making a recording. The set of such modes for different models is different. 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 a collaboration between FIMI Tech and popular electronics manufacturer Xiaomi.This collective work has already led to the formation of 2 well-known quadcopters - Xiaomi Mi Drone Mini and Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K.

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

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

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	25 min.
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Airspeed	10 m/s
Max. Video Format	FHD
Additionally	GPS and Glonass, FPV mode

The average price is 18,000 rubles.

• Availability;
• Ready to fly immediately after unpacking;
• Firmware update support;
• Many flight modes;
• 2-axle mechanical suspension and 1080p camera;

• Large memory;
• Video recording is exclusively not higher than 30 FPS;
• The display on the PU 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, despite the fact that it has some black parts. The dimensions of the assembled drone are 204x106x73 mm, and the weight is 790 g. Simply put, the quadcopter is slightly larger when compared with a modern phone.

The copter is equipped with a photographic module with a 1.2 / 3-inch IMX378 sensor from Sony and 2.2 aperture.The photographic module is mounted on a three-axis mechanical suspension. FIMI X8 SE records videos in 4K format at 100 Mbps. The maximum resolution is 3840x2160 px at 30/25/24 FPS. The results are stored on a microSD flash drive up to 64 GB.

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max. Flight time	33 min.
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Airspeed	65 km/h
Max. Video Format	4K
Additionally	GPS + GLONASS + new visual positioning system consisting of the main camera, lower optical and ultrasonic sensors

The average price is 30,000 rubles.

• trendy look;
• Lightweight;
• Compactness;
• SAR mode;
• Excellent distance and flight duration.

• Not detected.

2nd Place: DJI Mavic 2 Pro

A novelty in modern design is designed for the most risky and complex shoots, which are set to excessive demands. The novelty is produced in an improved shell, so that its "sail" was reduced by 19, which significantly increased the distance and duration of flights.

A drone with new flight modes is of great interest to operators, hunting enthusiasts, search and security services, as well as photography fans and just creative people who are professionally involved in filming. Clarity and dynamics of activity is achieved through a stabilization-type camera and the presence of the "Hyper lapse" function, which gives an acceleration result.

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

Characteristics:

Parameter	Meaning
Max.Flight time	31 min.
Max. Flight altitude	500 m
Max. Airspeed	20 m/s
Max. Video Format	2160p
Additionally	Point of Interest, ActiveTrack, TapFly, auto takeoff and landing, first person view (FPV), return to takeoff point, follow operator

The average price is 98,500 rubles.

• No noise;
• There is an APAS collision avoidance system;
• Updated video broadcasting system OcuSync 2.0 with 1080p format;
• Exposure in different light conditions is controlled by adjusting the valve aperture in the 2.8-11f spectrum;
• Excellent resistance to wind (more than 10 m/s).

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

1st Place: DJI Mavic Air

The leader in the “best drones for professional shooting” category is DJI Mavic Air, which is interesting because its pylons fold up in a portable state: the quadcopter will fit in a large pocket, because its dimensions are 168x83x49 mm, and its weight is 430 g. With open beams, the drone looks like a colorful beetle, and a replaceable 2,375 mAh battery gives autonomy no more than 17 minutes.

As a rule, the model flies at a speed of 28.8 km/h, but it can also reach 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 areas up to 750 m.

In addition to sticks and virtual keys, Mavic Air knows gestures.

A typical 12-megapixel camera is equipped with a lens with an 85-degree field of view. It is worth noting that the "barrel" is missing in the pictures. The suspension is stabilized along 3 axes, the scene in the frame does not twitch. The acceptable 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 include circular and spiral flights and "Asteroid" - a round panorama with the main object in the center.

Characteristics:

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

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 format 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 the insertion of panoramas.

Choosing the right quadcopter 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. Get an inexpensive copter for training, and a mini model for flying at home. But in each case, you will get incredible pleasure from controlling the drone and watching the video it will shoot.