Best Quadcopter Drone with Camera

You don’t always have to spend a lot of money to find the best drone with camera for your purposes. There is a whole range of drones and prices that can deliver the features you need. If you are looking for the best drone for photography or the best one for sports, then features, camera controls and battery power are all going to be important considerations. If you want to just have some fun with a camera drone there are also affordable models that won’t make you feel like you are missing out on any of the capabilities more expensive models have. Read through this summary of the top products and find the best one for you to try.

Top best Quadcopter Drone with Camera on the market

Here is a short list of the top drone products with cameras from each of the price ranges. Don’t think that cheap means poorly made, often the difference in the products by price are in what features they include not the quality of their manufacture.

Premium Segment

The premium segment includes drones that are priced above $600. The quality of the cameras and feature capabilities for each can make these camera equipped drones ideal for sports and professional use.

1DJI 4K UHD Phantom 3-Professional

The DJI P3 is the upgraded version of their popular P2 camera drone. They have increased the power in the propellers for more lift. The drone can hold a microSD card for increased storage on the drone itself. DJI also puts out an iOS and Android app (Pilot) that allows for full camera control.

Features

• Lightbridge digital streaming
• 4K UHD video
• 720p
• 20fps
• 3 axis stabilized gimbal
• GPS free Vision Positioning
• Pilot app for camera control
• Rechargeable remote control
• Uses

This drone is very popular with sports and professional users. The camera quality and control are high. It is easy to control the drone indoors and outdoors. Care should be taken due to the range and clarity of the camera footage that privacy and airspace regulations are followed. This specific drone is not allowed to fly within 15 feet of any controlled airspace.

Average customer reviews

The P3 rates highly with consumers. The power and lift of the upgraded P2 system wins points. The main drawback is that the remote control unit is rechargeable, not battery operated. Many people resolved this problem with a minimal cost investment in a spare controller. The app is easy to use, but there is a learning curve. Overall, customers are very satisfied with this product.

DJI Phantom 3 Advanced Quadcopter Drone with 1080p HD Video Camera

This is the advanced version of the P3 that costs slight more than the 720p version. The jump to the 1080p delivers quality HD video footage and stills. The weight and size of this P3, plus its stabilizers make it easy to control in variable winds. It has a long range and the rechargeable flight batteries rate at 68.4 hours. Customers commonly buy spare batteries and controllers to extend their time in the field.

Features

• Lightbridge digital streaming
• 4K UHD video
• 1080p
• 20fps
• 3 axis stabilized gimbal
• GPS free Vision Positioning
• Pilot app for camera control
• Rechargeable remote control
• Uses

This drone is preferred by professionals due to its increased quality of image. It can require multiple MicroSD card changes during flight unless you opt to record directly to your mobile device by running the Pilot app. The live streaming can be viewed through the same app to allow for better camera control and still generation too. This drone a pro-sumer quality that must adhere to the growing regulations put forth by the FCC.

Average customer reviews

This is not the drone for beginners. It has a complex stabilization system and camera control that can be mastered with a few hours of practice. Like the 720p version, the only real complaint is that the remote control unit is rechargeable. Given that most people use this model for professional work, the standard solution for the battery life is to purchase spares of the flight battery and controller.

Medium Segment

The medium segment of the camera equipped drone market has a price range of $150to $600. This is a very wide price range to find drones with such similar features but what differentiates them from each other is the approach they take to their controllers. Some opt for a WiFi only controller, while others use the traditional RC set. These are higher end consumer products, but not the pro-summer quality of the premium segment.

Parrot AR Drone 2.0 Power Edition Quadricopter

One step up from the last drone on the list is the AR Power Addition. This drone adds in extra batteries supported by a slightly expanded body design to deliver a longer flight with more power and lift.

Features

• Controller free operation using iOS/Android app
• 720p
• 20 fps
• 20 ft focal range
• Stream or record via app
• App is optimized for social media sharing of footage
• Comes with all cables, cords and accessories package
• High visibility red propeller color
• 2 HD batteries included
• 36 minutes of flying time
• Uses

The extended flying time allowed with this drone has made it the popular choice for watching and filming live games. It lasts just about as long as a child’s soccer game. The extra power also allows for more exploratory use. With its high definition camera, people are also using it to explore areas while hiking or walking too. With the live streaming capability those who fish are also discovering its advantages over the water as well. It is considered a regulated aircraft so be aware of the rules and restrictions that may apply to its use.

Average customer reviews

This drone gets high points in the field. The addition of the high visibility red color is proving to be popular as it makes it easier to track the drone. Extended flying time and the 2 HD batteries lift this drone up from the “almost” category to the “definitely fun: to fly range. With almost 40 minutes in the air, customers feel very satisfied with the quality and delivery of this drone.

Parrot AR Drone Quadricopter, 2.0 Elite Edition, 720p

This popular line of quadcopter drones lets more people in on the fun of exploring with a drone by delivering longer flight times and better quality camera control than the entry level models. The Parrot drones also feature a modular design that makes repairing and replacing parts on the drone more cost effective.

Features

• Controller free operation using iOS/Android app
• 720p
• 20 fps
• 20 ft focal range
• Stream or record via app
• App is optimized for social media sharing of footage
• Comes with all cables, cords and accessories package
• Uses

Most popular with hobby fliers, this drone has enough power and lift to handle light and variable winds. The flight time is solid, but not as long as the premium drone models. These drones are considered to be unmanned aircraft so they are subject to regulation.

Average customer reviews

The general consensus on this drone series is they are the perfect step up for the beginner who is developing the hobby of flying drones. High points are given to the modular design with its foam cushioning. That prevents most damage from drops and makes any damage that does occur affordable to repair.

Ei-Hi S911C UFO 6 Axis Gyro Camera Quadcopter

This is a popular model due to its integrated foam drop protection. The high visibility light can be turned off to conserve battery power and it ships with a microSD card included. While it has a short flight time, the recharge time is also short.

Features

• Protective foam drop protection allows drone to bounce back up into flight
• Lights turn off and on with switch on body to conserve battery power
• Included 2G micro SD card
• Gyro positioning control with 6 axis control points
• Charges in less than 2 hours
• Average flight time is 7 to 9 minutes
• Channel flying function with 4 path control
• Modular design allows for low cost swap repair and little maintenance
• High powered lift props allow for lift in variable winds
• Uses

This model drone is preferred by hobby fliers who are experimenting with drone capabilities. It is also a perfect drone for interesting a child in flight. The visibility light makes it easy to track and the integrated drop protection allows it to take a lot of abuse without injury. The light also makes it a better choice for flying in populated areas too.

Average customer reviews

The consensus on this model is it allows for fun flights at parks and schools without all the complications of more advanced drone systems. The short battery time can be resolved by buying a few of the affordable duplicate packs so you can have several charged batteries on hand. It is easy to maneuver and has an uncomplicated recording system that is plug and play into editing programs for sharing.

4Hubsan X4 Quadcopter with FPV Camera

At the lower end of the medium price range is a surprising product that can deliver a unique take on drone flight. With its integrated viewer/controller the pilot has a first person view from the camera. This is a live camera range viewer with a 100 meter sight value. While not the highest quality, it delivers a clear image.

Features

• Integrated view screen controller allows for live FPV flight
• 100 meter camera range
• Control range extends to 100 meters
• Adjustable axis and gyro controls
• 6 axis flight system
• Durable and lightweight frame resists damage and conserves power
• 380mh Li-Po battery
• Uses

The light weight of this drone allows it to get a further range and flight time than most other drones in this price category. While you can’t record video, you can see it live on your controller. This is a great way to engage children in drone flight, or to do some exploration on your own. It is small enough to be portable and lasts long enough that you will get great personal pleasure from using this drone. It is still considered an unmanned aircraft and must obey local, state and Federal regulations.

Average customer reviews

The average customer review was one of surprise at how well this small drone worked. The video console style viewer/controller proved to be easy for children to master and made teaching about flight and just enjoying flying easy. This drone also got high marks for durability. It is light weight, but not fragile.