Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, allow users to capture still images or videos through remote control. Camera Drone Models differ in build and features based on whether they are meant for general or professional use. Mostly, they can be differentiated according to their resolution quality and a few other features such as angle-width of the lens, auto exposure and headless mode (which allows drones to auto align the direction relative to the controller). Many drones include an on-board camera but some have a mount to attach your own camera. Other parameters to keep in mind when shopping for camera drones are speed, flight time, range, controller type and GPS capability. The various models of camera drones available in the market are listed below for you to pick your favourite!
Mavic Air Camera Drone
Price: USD $939
Features:
- 32 MP Sphere Panoramas
- Foldable & Portable3-Axis Gimbal & 4K Camera
- 3-Directional Environment Sensing
- SmartCapture
- 21-Minute Flight Time
- 8 GB internal storage
Click here to purchase the Mavic Air.
Mavic 2 Pro Camera Drone
Price: USD $1,599
Features:
- Equipped with L1d-20c Hasselblad Camera
- 1″ CMOS SensorAdjustable Aperture
- 10-bit Dlog-M10-bit HDR Video
- Hyperlapse
- 8Km 1080 p live video
- 40 Mbps download speed
- 120 Ms low latency
- 72 Kph max speed in sport mode
- Obstacle sensors on all sides
The Mavic 2 Pro can be purchased here.
PARROT ANAFI 4K CAMERA DRONE
Price: USD $888
Features:
- The flying 4K HDR camera boasts exclusive video and photo shooting capabilities thanks to its unique 180° tilt gimbal and up to 2.8X lossless zoom.
- ANAFI’s camera features a wide-angle aspherical lens.
- Its ultra-compact foldable form means you can take this Parrot drone with you anytime, anywhere.
- Quiet and resitant to extreme weather conditions, ANAFI has a 25-minute flight time with advanced performances.
- Thanks to ANAFI’s embedded Artificial Intelligence, take advantage of its automated flight modes to capture spectacular shots.
Get your own ANAFI on the Parrot website.
Protocol Video Camera drone
Price: USD 79.99
Features:
• Maneuvers up/down, forward/backward, right/left, and side to side!
• Banked turns and 4-way 360° flips!
• Three selectable speeds
• Auto launch, hover, & land
• 6-axis motion-sensitive auto stabilizers
• 2.4 Gig remote
• Crash-resistant materials
• 4 GB memory included
• Video: records 40 minutes (640 x 480 pixels)
• Photo: stores 10,000 images (1280 x 960 pixels)
• Measures 6.1”W (includes blade guards)
• Recharges directly through provided USB cord
• Remote requires 4 ‘AA’ batteries (not included)
Buy the Protocol Video Camera Drone here.
Autel Evo Camera Drone
Price: USD $999
Equipped on the front EVO offers a powerful camera on a 3-axis stabilize gimbal that records video at 4k resolution up to 60 frames per second and a recording speed up to 100mbps in an H.264 or H.265 codec
Features
- Using real-glass optics EVO captures stunning photos at 12 megapixels with a wide dynamic range for more details and color.
- Integrated advanced computer vision systems provide forward obstacle avoidance, rear obstacle detection and bottom sensors for more accurate landings and stable indoor flights.
- EVO boasts flight times up to 30 minutes with a range of 4.3 miles (7KM). Additionally, EVO offers failsafe features letting you know when the battery is low and it’s time to return to home.
- EVO includes a remote controller which houses a 3.3-inch OLED screen providing you with critical flight information or a live 720p HD video feed letting you see the camera view without the need for a mobile device.
You can find out more about the Audel EVO here.
U45W BLUE JAY WIFI FPV HD CAMERA DRONE
Price: USD$129
Features:
- First person view with VR headset compatibility: Watch a live video feed of your flight from your iPhone or Android Smart mobile device with the FPV WiFi feature.
- Altitude hold function: Makes controlling the drone a breeze for beginners and stabilizes aerial photography. This is the ideal beginner drone with a lot of the latest features typically found on higher end models.
- One touch take off and landing: Drone automatically hovers at a set altitude after take off and before landing making it easy to control and maneuver, especially for beginners who are not yet skilled.
- Custom route mode: Trace the desired flight path on the mobile app screen and the drone will fly along the path unassisted
- HD Camera: Capture 720p high definition aerial photos and videos with 2MP camera; Sync it to your controller to really bring life to your flights!
Check out the U45W Blue Jay WIFI HD Camera Drone here.
Force1 Camera Drone U49C Quadcopter
Price: 129.99
Features:
- HD Camera
- Very Stable and Durable
- Extra Battery and Motors
- Flight Time: 15 minutes
- Range: 200 feet
- Camera: 720p
Buy the Force1 U49C Red Heron here.
Yuneec Mantis Q YUNMQUS Foldable Camera Drone with WiFi Remote
Price: US$499
Features:
- Using an integrated camera, the Mantis Q records high resolution photos and videos. Still images with a resolution of 4800×2700 (16:9) or 4160×3120 (4:3) pixels are saved in JPEG or DNG format on the included MicroSD card; the same goes for up to 4K of recorded videos.
- Vision based tracking and face detection. Simply smile at the drone to activate face detection and as soon as the Mantis Q “sees” the user’s face, it will take a photo from up to 13 feet away. In Gesture Control mode, Mantis Q will detect a hand waving and it will take a photo.
- “Mantis, take a selfie!” – With the all new Voice Control feature, users can command Mantis Q just by using their voice. Voice control allows users to take a photo or begin recording video all without having to manually take their hands off of the controls, making it that much easier to capture the perfect shot. Mantis Q responds to commands such as “Wake up” for powering on, “Take a picture”, “Record a video” and “Take a selfie”.
- Intelligent flight modes -Take your creativity to the next level by letting Mantis Q focus on the flying while you focus on the shot
Buy the Yuneec Matis Q here.
Ryze Tello Quadcopter
Price: USD$99.99
Features:
- The 5-megapixel camera records JPEG photos and 720p MP4 video
- The Tello flies up to 10m vertically and up to 100m away
- The Ryze Tello drone operates up to 13 minutes per charge
- VR Headset compatibility: fly with a breathtaking first-person view
Buy the Ryze Tello Quadcopter here.
Kaiser Baas Switch Camera Drone
Price: US$145
Features:
- Shoot 720p camera with adjustable angles. HD video at 30 fps
- 2.4GHz transmitter lets you perform a variety of precision aerial tricks.
- Foldable design: simply put it in your backpack and you’re ready to capture any adventure, anytime
- WiFi and Voice Activated
- Auto Takeoff/Landing, Auto Hover
- Headless Mode
- Gyro Mode
Get the Kaiser Baas Switch camera drone here.
Wingsland – Mini Racing Camera Drone
Price: USD$90
Improve your first-person view with this Wingsland mini racing drone that doubles up as a camera drone!
Features:
- Our best drone for beginners
- Can be flown outdoors and indoors with the propeller guards attached
WIFI FPV Micro Module Racing Drone - 3D Flip
- Beginner level
- In Door and Outdoor capable drones
- Max Flight Time: Approx. 7 Mins
- Max Ascent Speed: 1 m/s
- Max Descent Speed: 0.6 m/s
- Max Flight Range: 100m
- Camera: 640 x 368
Get the Wingsland Mini Racing Camera Drone here
Potensic T18 GPS FPV RC Drone
Price: USD$159
Features:
- Dual GPS: GPS positioning + GLONASS positioning provide you with accurate positioning details of your drone. Also able to provide with automatic return, low power return and no signal return.
- Follow Me Mode: Follow to the GPS in your smartphone, ensuring your drone automatically follows and captures you wherever you go.
- All-Round Functions: Headless mode, altitude hold and one key takeoff / landing for easier operation, no need to worry about orientation and with a simple press on the button your drone will rise to a height or land, perfect for beginners.
- 1080P (SD Card required) HD Wi-Fi Camera: 90° Adjustable angle, captures high-quality video and aerial photos. Possessing 1080P HD camera, high-speed picture transmission without delay. It records all your wonderful time, you only need enjoy real time beautiful scenery.
- Farther Control Distance: Can up to 300m, you can see a wider world and enjoy a more pleasant flight experience.
Buy the Potensic T18 GPS FPV RC Drone with Camera here.
AirSelfie 2 Camera Drone
Price: US$249.99
Features:
- Its turbo fan propellers can thrust up to 20 meters in the air letting you capture wide, truly original photos and videos on your device.
- Its ultra-light 2.8oz (80.3 gr) form means you can keep AirSelfie on you at all times.
- Designed by an international team, at just 3.8” long, 2.8”mm wide and 0.5” thick, AirSelfie is the thinnest and lightest HD aerial camera.
- Open the AirSelfie app (iOS and Android), press the lift button and watch your aerial camera hover to heights up to 65ft (20m).
- The anti-vibration shock absorber and 12 MP camera ensure the highest quality images.
Get the super portable and useful AirSelfie 2 here.
