The best quadcopters with a camera, top 10 rating of good drones

Technological progress in our time is developing quite actively — literally every year new types of gadgets appear, which over and over again cause surprise and real delight. Just a few years ago, the market exploded with the advent of devices such as quadcopters. They are miniature aircraft powered by batteries. Often, these devices can carry a load of a certain mass. For this reason, most manufacturers of these devices equip them with video cameras with decent resolution.

In digital technology stores, the range of similar products is very wide — even an experienced gadget lover can get confused in it, there is no need to talk about beginners. We decided to help you with the problem of choice and made a rating of the best quadcopters with a good camera in 2020. In this article, many of the most popular models of such devices will be considered, we will talk in detail about their capabilities, and also give a number of tips on choosing products.

How to choose a quadcopter with a good camera?

According to the principle of operation, this device completely copies a familiar helicopter. Usually, all the electronic stuffing is placed in a lightweight case, which rises into the air with the help of four screws at once. As a rule, collector or brushless motors are used here. Automation is controlled by a special controller, the signal of which is transmitted to the remote control. The battery life of a quadcopter is limited by its battery life — it usually does not exceed 20-30 minutes.

For beginners, not too expensive models are best suited. Such gadgets usually have a minimal set of flight capabilities, and they are also very easy to control. The mass of similar drones is insignificant, and the dimensions, too, so it is not so easy to break such a device. If there is no experience in controlling a quadrocopter, then it is best to opt for such products — it is not difficult to learn how to control them, after which it will be possible to switch to more massive and expensive models.

To date, drones, even for beginners, are equipped with a camera with a fairly serious resolution. Be sure to take into account the resolution of photo and video equipment — it ranges from 0.3 megapixels (such devices are installed on relatively cheap and simplest devices) to 4K quality (quite massive quadrocopters are equipped with such units). On sale you can find models with a built-in camera, and the picture will be transmitted in real time to the display mounted on the remote control. The shooting quality of such cameras is far from always the highest, however, due to the fact that the equipment is located under the body of the device, it will not adversely affect the flight characteristics of the quadrocopter, for example, streamlining.

You can find drones equipped with wireless communication modules, such as Wi-Fi, in which case they will be able to upload the received photos or videos directly to the Internet, for example, to the owner’s page on a social network. There is an original function — you can control this device in first-person mode using 3D glasses. Of course, such devices will cost buyers much more.

When we chose models to include in the ranking of the best quadcopters with a camera, we were based mainly on the characteristics considered. However, we took into account a number of other factors — user reviews, value for money, and so on. We tried to compile this review from not the most expensive models, so that our readers can choose a gadget according to their needs, based on financial capabilities.

The optimum ratio of price and quality

5. Ryze Tech Tello

The equipment of this flying machine is very modest — the drone itself with a set of spare propellers, there is a key for replacing them, a battery and a brief instruction, and without translation into Russian. The mass of the device is small, there are no moving elements, in addition to the screws themselves. The frame is four-beam, made of fairly durable plastic, and is integral with the body of the quadrocopter. The camera is built into the front of the device, slightly tilted down, which allows you to shoot even at high altitudes. In the immediate vicinity is a multi-color LED that informs the owner about the state of the device — battery charging or operating mode. The back side is an open type battery slot that simply slides into this slot and snaps into place. On the left side there is a microUSB connector through which the battery is recharged, on the opposite side there is a button to turn on the device. The device stands on short rubber legs.

There is a large set of sensors — an altimeter, an automatic hovering system, an air cooling system, represented by a small but relatively powerful fan. The battery capacity is 1100 mAh. A fully charged battery provides 13 minutes of continuous flight of the gadget. If necessary, you can purchase a set of additional batteries. A fully prepared and charged device has a mass of only 86 grams. The maximum resolution of the built-in camera is 1280×720 pixels, which corresponds to the HD format — videos and photos are quite high quality, bright and clear.

Advantages:

• The device is absolutely safe to use;
• Decent battery life;
• The battery charges fairly quickly;
• The camera allows you to provide high quality pictures and videos;
• If necessary, the user can create their own flight modes;
• It is possible to connect virtual reality glasses.

Disadvantages:

• Not too stable apparatus in low light conditions;
• Media files are transferred to the smartphone via a Wi-Fi channel, which has a short range.

Ryze Tech Tello

4. Xiro XPLORER Mini

This model has a very compact overall dimensions and the presence of a folding mechanism. The design has a dual navigation sensor — GPS and GLONASS, thanks to which the most accurate positioning in space is carried out. This drone comes with a special application, it also has a whole set of intelligent functions, so it will be very easy to control the flight of such a quadcopter. This device is suitable for any user — both for beginners and for advanced and even very experienced pilots. The product does not have a remote control — only a mobile application is enough to work with it. The program allows you not only to control the flight modes, but also to fine-tune the camera configuration when taking a photo or video, the camera tilt is also controlled through this application.

The device is equipped with a built-in memory where all media files will be saved. Charging the battery will take about one hour. The battery itself is inserted into the case and closed with a special plastic cover. Immediately after pressing the power button, a very powerful Wi-Fi module is activated — communication with the smartphone is established only after the application is launched. At the bottom of the device is a sonar sensor, designed for cases where it is not possible to establish a connection with geolocation satellites, for example, this happens when using the device indoors.

Advantages:

• The presence of a folding mechanism;
• Convenient to manage through the application;
• Powerful wireless channel;
• Accurate geopositioning;
• Compact overall dimensions.

Disadvantages:

• Somewhat pricey.

Xiro XPLORER Mini

3.FIMI A3

The device was developed by two leading companies that are known worldwide for their digital technology — Xiaomi and FIMI Technology Ltd. The main distinguishing feature of this quadcopter is the use of a dedicated 5.8G FPV communication channel instead of Wi-Fi, as is done with most similar drones. The design is minimalistic — no extra details are provided here, only the red logo of the manufacturer that stands out against the white background. The assembly is characterized by very high quality — no backlashes, extraneous squeaks were found. The blades are mounted on quick-release connectors, which have replaced the traditional self-tightening screws. In order to make it as convenient as possible to use this device in the evening and at night, there is a bright LED backlight, and the user, if necessary, can independently increase the total number of LEDs.

On board is a camera with FullHD resolution, its viewing angle is 80 degrees, the maximum shooting rate can reach 60 frames per second. Recordings are stored on a microSD memory card. The camera is mounted on a two-axis suspension, stabilization along three axes is electronic. The picture in real time is transmitted to the full-color liquid crystal display built into the remote control, the diagonal of which is 4.3 inches. The maximum transmission distance is 1 km. The drone is powered by a 2,000 mAh lithium polymer battery, which provides about 25 minutes of continuous flight.

Advantages:

• Excellent build quality;
• Acceptable cost;
• Ready to fly right out of the box;
• original design;
• The screws are fastened with quick-release mechanisms;
• A large number of different flight modes.

Disadvantages:

• The display on the joystick does not have an anti-glare coating;
• The quality of shooting with a lack of natural light leaves much to be desired.

FIMI A3

2. DJI PHANTOM 4

Although this model has been on the world market for about four years, it continues to be popular up to the present. This is an advanced device with four rotary engines. It stays in the air just perfect. One of the main operational features of this device is the presence of an expanded system of special sensors, thanks to which this device determines the location of obstacles in a timely manner, which helps it avoid collisions in flight, including at a considerable height. In addition, these sensors track the location of the drone in space, so it can independently return to the point of departure if, for example, its battery is running low or the communication signal with the control panel is lost.

The camera has a very sharp lens, so even at high speeds it will be possible to get fairly clear pictures, moreover, it shoots well even in low light conditions. The video is saved in .raw format. The engines are placed in such a way that they will not hit the lens at all, regardless of the flight speed — it can reach a maximum of 72 km / h. The battery capacity allows the quadcopter to stay in the air for almost 28 minutes. Before launch, the user can lay out the points through which the device must fly — he will be able to overcome the specified route on his own.

Advantages:

• A huge number of different modules, sensors and sensors that do not allow the device to crash or get lost during the flight;
• The drone can independently return to the launch point;
• Stylish appearance;
• High battery capacity.

Disadvantages:

• Somewhat pricey.

DJI PHANTOM 4

1. DJI Spark

In the first place in this section of the best quadcopters with a camera is another well-known model, which is characterized by its compact dimensions. In addition, these products are equipped with folding screws, so that they will remain intact during transportation. On the front side of this device there is a camera mounted on a two-axis suspension, as well as a set of sensors that are responsible for recognizing obstacles if the distance to them does not exceed 5 m. Immediately behind the camera there is another set of sensors, but they are responsible for visual positioning — independently calculate how much is left to the landing surface. All captured photos and videos are stored on a microSD memory card. At the same time, the quadcopter itself is available in several color options.

The camera of the product operates on the basis of a matrix with a resolution of 12 megapixels and a viewing angle of up to 82 degrees. Such opportunities allow not only to shoot landscapes from a bird’s eye view, but also to take high-quality selfies against their background. Movies are recorded in FullHD quality, but this feature is only available when shooting up to 30 frames per second. If necessary, the gadget can also be controlled through the application via Wi-Fi.

Advantages:

• Quite an acceptable cost for equipment of this quality;
• Excellent build;
• Several color options and a very interesting appearance;
• During the flight, it recognizes and independently goes around obstacles;
• Can also be controlled from a smartphone.

Disadvantages:

• The case is not equipped with a folding mechanism;
• The battery capacity is average, so the flight duration is short.

DJI Spark

Average price category

4. Walkera QR X350 Premium

Before you is a rather dimensional product — the model reaches 289 mm in length and width, and about 200 mm in height. Each propeller is 9 inches long. The body of the device is supported by high-strength plastic legs, which are additionally equipped with rubber pads. The chassis can be used to mount a compass or receiver antennas. In the stern there is a battery side and two signal lights. The camera is mounted on a two-axis gimbal, which is equipped with a digital stabilizer. At the same time, the capabilities of the camera itself are very high — the maximum resolution of the photo reaches 4032×3024 pixels. Frames are saved in .jpeg format to the memory card. The highest video resolution is 1920×1080 when shooting at 30 frames per second.

The quadcopter has a DEVO-M flight controller, which provides the most stable flight and keeping the set course via GPS. The same detail is responsible for the stabilization of the suspension. You can control it through the remote control or the Mission Planner application, through which you can set points on the map, where the drone will go, build a route, and so on. In addition, you can control the gadget without first building a path. When the device arrives at a given point, it will hover over it at a certain height, waiting for subsequent commands. It uses a lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 5200 mAh. Such a solution provides an autonomous flight of about 25 minutes without attaching additional equipment; with a full layout, the gadget will fly for about 15 minutes. The battery is charged for 5-7 hours.

Advantages:

• The device is compatible with a wide variety of cameras;
• It is delivered in several options of a complete set;
• Excellent flight characteristics;
• Can be controlled through the app.

Disadvantages:

• The battery takes quite a long time to charge;
• Doesn’t hold position very well in windy weather.

Walkera QR X350 Premium

3. XIRO XPLORER 4K

The device is a fairly reliable modular design that can withstand even serious physical exertion. The clearance can be adjusted by changing the height of the landing legs. Brushless motors are used as motors. A FullHD camera with a maximum resolution of 14 megapixels is installed on board. It is based on the latest generation CMOS matrix produced by Panasonic. It is mounted on a three-axis mechanical gimbal, and the standard camera can be removed if necessary, and a GoPro camera can be installed instead. The quadcopter has three activity modes, takeoff and landing can be done in an automatic format. If necessary, the quadcopter can be connected to virtual reality glasses and controlled from the first person. The maximum time in flight is 25 minutes, the device is able to climb up to 120 meters, fly away from the pilot at a distance of up to 800 meters.

During the flight, it accelerates to a speed of 28 km / h. Ready for use immediately after being taken out of the box. The battery function here is performed by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 5200 mAh. The device looks very stylish, the assembly is just on top. You don’t have to spend a lot of time and effort on learning to fly — the controls are intuitive.

Advantages:

• Excellent flight performance;
• Shooting and flight can be done in automatic mode;
• Attractive and stylish appearance;
• The chamber can be replaced if necessary;
• The battery has a charge indicator.

Disadvantages:

• Not trained to fly around obstacles;
• Although it is resistant to physical exertion, it does not tolerate radio interference so well.

XIRO XPLORER 4K

2. Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K

It is made on the basis of high-strength plastic, has a milky-white color, the quadcopter is characterized by high build quality: there are no gaps between the body elements, when you press it, no extraneous sounds are heard. The plastic is quite pleasant to the touch, it does not leave fingerprints. In the lower part there are stable and rather high chassis. They qualitatively perform their original function — they make the landing safer, maintain the performance of all elements. There are also two ultrasonic sensors that allow the device to independently determine the distance to the ground. Most of the internal space of the drone is occupied by a removable battery with increased capacity. There is nothing superfluous on the upper side of the case. All screws are equipped with reliable protection. They operate from collector-type motors, under each of them there is an LED backlight that allows the device to fly even in the dark.

The camera is attached to the device through a three-axis gimbal, it can have a resolution of 1080p or 4K, depending on the configuration of the device. The maximum video resolution is 1920×1080 pixels at 60 frames per second. The photo sensor installed here does an ideal job of stabilizing the picture, ensuring its minimal distortion. The highest resolution of photographs is 4608×2592 pixels. The quality of the photos is very good in sunny weather, in cloudy weather or in the evening, noise is not ruled out.

Advantages:

• Decent flight range and significant lift height;
• Modern and original appearance;
• Modular design with excellent build quality;
• Can be controlled both with a joystick and through the application;
• High battery power.

Disadvantages:

• Quite a long training mode — not only advanced users, but even beginners do not like it;
• High price.

Xiaomi Mi Drone 4K

1. DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo

Despite its very high cost, this quadcopter is characterized by small overall dimensions — it is no larger than a folded palm. It can be easily put into any bag or backpack. This device is extremely simple to operate — it is perfect for a novice user. There are a lot of original additions here. In particular, the device’s remote control recognizes the owner’s gestures, the controller can be connected to a smartphone or tablet. A unique boomerang mode is provided. It is enough to press just one button, as the device will begin to perform aerobatics or fly around the pilot and people standing next to him. At the same time, he will take several frames, after which he will automatically combine them into a 360-degree panorama.

No difficulties with landing and takeoff were identified. It is enough to put your palm under the drone, as it will land very gently on it, it is worth turning the device on its side, and it will turn itself off. On board is a very high-quality camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels. It has an excellent stabilizer — there will be no noise or interference in the picture, even at high speed. The structure is attached to the drone through a three-axis suspension. 4K video recording quality at up to 30 frames per second. The device receives a signal from the remote control at a distance of up to 4 km, when connected via Wi-Fi, the range is 80 m.

Advantages:

• Miniature overall dimensions;
• Can be carried with you in a bag or backpack;
• Able to fly a considerable distance;
• Capturing photos and videos at the highest level.

Disadvantages:

• Marked glossy body, on which dust and fingerprints are visible;
• It is very expensive.

DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo

Premium segment quadcopter

1. DJI Inspire 2 Cinema Premium (2018)

To date, this is the most expensive drone model on the entire world market — it will cost a Russian buyer over 1 million rubles. The products are made on the basis of magnesium-aluminum alloy, which gives this device even greater strength. The propellers are equipped with a locking system, the landing gear has a retractable mechanism to improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the products, and they themselves are made from lightweight carbon fiber. The appearance is futuristic — the manufacturers were able to achieve this effect by adding some angularity to the case. On the front side of the device is an FPV camera mounted on a two-axis suspension, as well as an original obstacle detection system. It is worth noting that she is not alone here — the main camera is capable of taking photos and videos in Pro format. This element is attached to the bottom of the unit through a three-axis suspension.

The design is thought out in such a way that in the event of a fall, even from a considerable height, nothing is damaged in it. Video from the cameras will be transmitted to the controller display — its diagonal is 5.5 inches, and it works on the basis of an IPS matrix. There is no signal delay. The drone is equipped with a 4,280 mAh heated lithium polymer battery. Due to this battery, the quadcopter is able to fly for 27 minutes, and the air temperature can reach -20 degrees. Charging the battery takes about an hour and a half. The device rises into the air with the help of powerful brushless motors, the maximum height is 2.5 km. If desired, the device can be equipped with high-altitude screws, then it can climb to a height of up to 5 km.

Advantages:

• Excellent build quality;
• Excellent reliability;
• Only high-quality components are used;
• original appearance;
• Flight performance is far superior to any other craft on the market today.

Disadvantages:

• Price;
• Large overall dimensions;
• Makes a lot of noise during flight.

DJI Inspire 2 Cinema Premium (2018)

In conclusion, a useful video

Our review of the best quadcopters with a camera comes to an end. We hope you find it interesting and quite useful. If some questions still remain, then you can always ask about the model you like in the comments to this article.