A quadcopter is an aircraft equipped with 4 propellers and controlled from the ground using a remote control. The design of all devices, regardless of the price, is approximately the same and consists of a frame made of durable and lightweight materials, a controller that determines the functional characteristics (video recording, GPS, various sensors). As well as a battery and a radio transmitter (receiver) that receives remote control signals.
Depending on the dimensions and weight, all quadrocopters can be divided into several large classes:
According to the complexity of control, quadrocopters are amateur, semi-amateur (for users with some experience) and professional. By the way, most models of quadcopters on Aliexpress equipped with a camera are marked by the seller as “professional”. As for the price range, it all depends on the functionality, manufacturer, battery capacity.
When choosing a model, it is worth considering the fact that, by law, all unmanned aerial vehicles (even without a camera) weighing more than 250 g are subject to mandatory registration. If you do not want to bother, write statements to regulatory authorities, then choose more compact models. And yes, the place of purchase does not matter.
One more thing - before you start the copter, you should look at the list of closed air zones on the website https://fpln.ru/.An unauthorized flight over the territory of a military unit, for example, can cost the owner of the device a fine of 2,000–30,000 rubles (if the copter is noticed, of course).
For beginners, for the first launch, it is better to choose a calm day (it will be easier to control the device) and an open deserted place so as not to accidentally injure passers-by.
If you are looking for a toy for a child, choose the simplest models with a minimum set of features made of impact-resistant plastic. Well, if the screws are protected by special rubber bumpers and bars. The former will come in handy in case of an unsuccessful landing, the latter will protect the hands if the child tries to grab the toy on the fly. It would be nice if the description of the product will have a mark about the presence of certification.
As for more expensive models, in addition to the description (in many cases it is not so easy to understand what the seller meant), it is worth studying customer reviews, paying attention to the number of models sold and the seller's rating. The higher it is, the lower the risk of getting a defective product.
For beginners, copters with the Headles function, which is also called the “headless” mode, are suitable (when activated, the toy will fly in a straight line) – it will come in handy for the first training flights. The main thing is to place the drone so that the front is often located in the direction of flight. Another useful feature for beginners is obstacle avoidance, which will save the quadcopter from an accidental impact with inept control.
If you do not want to waste time looking for a "lost" copter, choose models with a built-in GPS module. Such devices will return to the base automatically in case of signal loss.In addition, the built-in GPS allows the user to set the flight route.
When choosing a drone with a camera, pay attention to the presence of built-in stabilizers that will soften the effect of shaking during sudden movements or strong winds. There are only 2 types of stabilizers - two- and three-axis. The latter are more reliable.
The next point is the battery capacity, on which the flight time directly depends. Inexpensive models can stay in the air for no more than 10 minutes. More advanced - up to 30 minutes.
The last one is ease of use. The more expensive the model, the more buttons on the remote control, so it's not bad if the manufacturer offers a function to control gestures or through a smartphone, in real time.
And now for the features of the order, delivery and return. Pay attention to the conditions under which it will be possible to return money for defective goods. If only after the return of the marriage, it is worth looking for another option.
In fact, these are just flying toys with a small set of functions. They are usually made of safe, impact-resistant materials. Withstand repeated drops, easy to operate. About any built-in cameras, of course, there is no question.
Drone drone with soft bumpers that protect the propellers. It is made of shock-resistant safe plastic. Can be used both at home and outdoors. The built-in barometric sensor stabilizes the operation of the propellers in case of sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. Controlled from the remote control.
It is suitable for children aged 8-11, it is distinguished by the simplest control, there are several flight modes. It's better to start with Headlessmode.
The drone is powered by an 850mAh battery (with USB charging), the remote control is powered by three standard AAA batteries (not included). The flight time when fully charged is about 5 minutes.
Price - 2800-4500 rubles (the range is decent, so before buying it is better to monitor prices from different sellers).
Functional and inexpensive toy in a durable plastic case with a brushed motor. Suitable for running both indoors and outdoors. In the latter case, it is better to launch the drone somewhere in an open area, since finding a miniature device in tall grass will be problematic. The operating time in flight mode is about 6 minutes.
Key features: fine adjustment capability, anti-jamming remote control and control from up to 50m away. Plus 3 speeds, obstacle avoidance and emergency stop mode, 360-degree swivel and fast (only 40 minutes) charging time. Battery operated, USB cable included.
Price - from 1900 rubles.
A toy with a drone control function and hovercraft glide (can also be used in ground mode, on a smooth, flat surface).Of the functions - planning mode, turn left and right. The four-axis mode allows you to lift the toy high into the air.
Remote controlled (maximum distance 50 m). Charging cable, screwdriver and a set of stickers included, along with detailed instructions. Flight time on a full charge is 10 minutes.
Price - 4100 rubles.
The rating includes semi-professional models with good cameras and fairly simple controls.
Tiny device with a powerful camera and 2 switchable modes. It is controlled either from the remote control or through an application on the phone from a distance of up to 1000 m. OS requirements for smartphones are IOS at least 8 and Android at least version 5.
Photo resolution - 3840 × 2160 pixels, video - 16 frames per minute. The built-in image stabilization function allows you to achieve a smooth picture, and controlling the camera from your phone allows you to adjust the shooting angle.
There is a GPS function with the ability to build a route and automatically return in case of low battery or loss of signal. Additional features include GLONASS and a barometer. The latter ensures stable operation of feints even in strong winds.
Price - from 9000 rubles (depending on the seller and discounts).
Compact foldable device powered by a 1200 mAh battery. Three built-in cameras, Wi-Fi, gyroscope, high-fix function, orbital flight (you can choose the route), as well as:
Plus gesture control mode, built-in LED light and six-axis gyroscope for stable flight.
Working time - 16 minutes. Control from the remote control at a distance of up to 150 m. Includes a protective bag, charger, charging cable, remote control (with batteries) and detailed instructions.
Price - from 3000 rubles.
Relatively inexpensive, but functional, with a brushless motor, aerial photography, remote camera angle adjustment and gesture control. Takeoff (landing), return - by pressing one key. You can control the drone both from the remote control and from the phone.
The design is compact, the drone is convenient to carry. Thanks to the auto return option, it is almost impossible to lose a toy. The copter will return to the owner when the signal is lost, the battery is low.
The remote control is compact, without a display, but with LED indication of the buttons. At the bottom there are special racks for installing a smartphone. Photos and videos are transferred to the phone in real time, you can edit the picture right away - right in the application.
Operating time without recharging - 25 minutes, fully charged battery - about 5 hours.
Price - from 8000 rubles.
Drone with 4K HD camera with 5x zoom function creates truly beautiful panoramic photos. Thanks to the optical flow positioning mode, precise control of the aircraft is achieved even in the absence of a GPS signal. The 2-axis stabilizer reduces the effect of shaking during sudden movements or strong winds.
Control from the remote control or phone at a distance of up to 1.2 km. The image can be edited in real time, saved to the phone, share photo, video files with other users.
Built-in GPS allows you to track the position of the drone in the air, set the route. Flight time - about 25 minutes, full battery charge - 4.5 hours.
Price - from 15,000 rubles.
Foldable model with 3-axis stabilizer, 4K Ultra HD camera. In the lower part of the case made of shockproof plastic, there are 8 rubberized supports providing a soft landing. Motors are brushless, light weight, do not overheat during operation.
The camera deserves special attention - the photos are clear, and the video shot at a frequency of 30 fps is in no way inferior to the video shot on the camera of a good smartphone. Stabilizers perfectly dampen vibration - the picture is smooth. Videos and photos are transferred to the smartphone without delay.
The number of flight modes is 9. In addition to the standard and sports, there is also “follow me” (allows you to track an object and take photos along the way), flying around at given points (preset in the application), panorama mode, VR for FPV glasses.
The price in the basic configuration is 27,000 rubles (for a version with an additional battery, you will have to pay another 3,000 rubles).
Same 3-axis gimbal, portable design for easy carrying, and H.265/HEVC video capture (40% less memory than H.264/AVC).
The built-in night vision function allows you to take photos and shoot videos in complete darkness. The camera shoots in HDR resolution - the picture is as clear and detailed as possible.
The signal radius is 2 km (it does not reach the 5 km declared by the manufacturer, at least in urban conditions). Automatic modes work flawlessly, with the slightest signal loss, the drone returns home.
The application is convenient, damp according to some users, but quite functional.
Flight time is about 30 minutes, fast charging is about 3 hours.
Price - from 30,000 rubles.
If you are going to buy a copter for the first time, you should choose simple models in the middle price range, and it will be easier to deal with the controls, and it will not be so pitiful to break it. When management skills are worked out, you can take more expensive models.