Rating of the TOP 13 best quadcopters with a camera in 2021, as well as tips on how to choose

Introduction

Today, a quadcopter without a camera is unlikely to interest anyone, so manufacturers of household UAVs are trying to keep up with the times and equip all their products with cameras. Various Internet trading platforms offer a huge number of quadcopters with a camera, and of course, a person who has decided to purchase a drone for the first time, looking at this abundance of drones, has a question: “Which quadcopter with a camera is better?”

To ease the pain of choice, we decided to select the ten best budget quads with a camera in the price range up to $300. Why up to $300? Because in this price range there are products that are best suited for getting the first trial experience. Having gained experience in piloting drones from the budget segment, you can safely move on to more expensive models. The selection was carried out according to such criteria as: popularity in the hobby, price, quality of the product, its functionality, quality of photo and video material. Let's start with the last one - 10th place. For those who do not have time to fully familiarize themselves with the rating, we have prepared the table below.

comparison table

If you think that our rating is missing some model, then tell us about it in the comments below and we will definitely consider it.

The best inexpensive quadcopters

Syma X8Pro

It has more impressive dimensions - 500 mm and 600 g. It flies for 9 minutes, the maximum flight range is 300 m, although the video broadcast is only 100 m. The built-in 1 MP camera with a viewing angle of 90 degrees. There are two speed modes, automatic takeoff and landing, auto return and hovering at one point. Controlled by remote control. Includes charger and replacement propellers.

Advantages

• Availability of navigation system
• Low price
• Auto return function
• Great build
• Sturdy construction

Flaws

• Short flight range
• Low resolution and camera angle
• Sophisticated drone calibration system

Xiro XPLORER mini

An average quadcopter with a maximum flight speed of 8 m/s. It can reach a height of up to 50 meters at a speed of 3 m/s. Thanks to the presence of a large number of sensors, such as ultrasonic, this unmanned aerial vehicle can fly indoors without any special control from the operator. The drone itself is directly controlled via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Sensor resolution 13 megapixels. The maximum time the quadcopter remains in the air is 15 minutes. Also noteworthy is its light weight (451 g), as well as a very convenient automatic return to the starting point function, which will not allow you to lose the device.

Advantages

• Automatic return to starting point
• Flight time 15 minutes
• Magnetometer, accelerometer, ultrasonic sensor and optical position sensor
• GLONASS, GPS navigation systems
• Smartphone control

Flaws

• Unfinished application
• Problems with starting in the city due to “littered” Wi-Fi

WL Toys V666

A good quadcopter with excellent stabilization. It's also quite heavy, allowing the device to lift your GoPro camera without compromising stability. The device is large in size and the flight time reaches 10 minutes. Judging by the reviews from users of this drone, it can be assumed that the complexity of controlling this model is amateurish. The radio pairing range reaches 130 meters, which is very high among budget devices of this type. The kit includes a spare set of propellers (4 pcs.). Charging the device takes 90 minutes, but it is worth waiting for this time, because after the charging process is completed, you will receive an unforgettable experience that will outshine the moment of waiting.

Advantages

• Affordable price
• Flight time 10 minutes
• High range
• Excellent stability thanks to tilt sensor

Flaws

• The display on the remote control is blinding in sunlight
• No instructions in Russian

Pilotage Shadow HD FPV RC62321

In the segment of inexpensive good quadcopters, the Pilotage Shadow HD FPV RC62321 model looks great, attracting with its high-quality brushed motor and built-in HD FPV camera. Consequently, everything that the lens displays can be broadcast via Wi-Fi to the user’s smartphone. It can be attached to the remote control using a quality clip. The maximum flight duration can reach 28 minutes. It is worth noting that the device takes up little space and is easy to transport. Ease of use is guaranteed by the included remote control. At the same time, the device attracts with its compact size, support for 3D mode, and durable design.

Advantages

• bright design
• flies well
• compact dimensions
• 3D mode support

Flaws

• weak camera

Syma Z3

We are talking about a modest technology with a maximum flight time of about 8 minutes. The signal transmission range can reach eighty meters. It is worth saying that the device received an amateur camera with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. Suspension installation is provided. We are pleased with the modest dimensions of the invention - 320 by 320 by 50 millimeters. Moreover, the structure is foldable. The gadget weighs around 116 grams. Features of the technology include a barometer, the presence of an optical sensor, as well as a gyroscope for more accurate positioning. Charging takes an average of 120 minutes.

Advantages

• compact dimensions
• optical sensor
• fast charging

Flaws

• modest performance

WL Toys Q626

Our review of quadcopters for video shooting continues - WL Toys Q626 is a drone equipped with a 720p HD camera that transmits images online to your smartphone, can record video and take photos from the air. This model has many features, for example: automatic 3D flips and rolls, altitude hold mode, automatic return to the take-off location by pressing one button, automatic take-off and landing by pressing a button. Despite the low price, this quadcopter is absolutely in no way inferior to its competitors.

WL Toys Q626

Advantages:

• convenient control
• flight speed
• affordable price

Flaws:

• range of flight
• short flight time on one battery

LSRC K20

LSRC K20 folded
In the last, twelfth place of our rating is the LSRC K20 model, which is also in third place in the top 10 drones from Aliexpress 2021. The device has a foldable design, brushless motors and has one of the largest control radii for its price category - up to 1800 meters, which has been confirmed in practice. The drone is equipped with a good wide-angle camera, video recording is done in 4K resolution. The quality of the shooting pleasantly surprised most users. There is support for GPS positioning and object tracking mode. The maximum flight speed is up to 16 m/s, there is an automatic speed control function. On the negative side: the actual flight duration is no more than 15 minutes due to the fact that the battery discharges quickly. This goes against the technical specifications stated by the manufacturer (up to 25 minutes). The battery, by the way, is set to 1800 mAh. The weight of the drone is 320 grams. So, let's highlight the main advantages and disadvantages.

The main pros and cons of the LSRC K20 quadcopter

Low cost for such a set of parameters and functions (about 10,000 rubles)
Folding design

Good video quality

Fast 5G connection

Nice functionality

Flight time does not correspond to stated

At high altitude the copter tilts to the side

Hubsan X4 FPV Brushless H501S

This drone model is perfect for professionals. Hubsan H501S has unique flight characteristics. Powerful motors can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h. The reliable frame is prepared for possible collisions and hard landings. The quadcopter has an HD camera and can be used for aerial photography. Simplicity of control is due to the remote control with an informative display, which operates within a radius of 300 m.

Hubsan X4 FPV Brushless H501S

Advantages:

• GPS
• flight speed
• convenient control
• flight altitude

Flaws:

• poor video stabilization
• short flight time on one battery

Syma X5HW

A budget quadcopter equipped with a camera and the ability to broadcast images in real time to a smartphone. The Syma X5HW is capable of performing some aerial acrobatics. The detachable camera is capable of taking photos and recording 720p video. The included remote control operates at a distance of 50 m, video broadcasting is possible at a distance of no more than 20-25 m.

Syma X5HW

Advantages:

• convenient control
• huge selection of components
• stable
• affordable price

Flaws:

• low quality photo
• short flight time on one battery
• small control radius

Which drone is best to buy for filming in 2021?

Today there is a wide variety of quadcopter models from different manufacturers. Premium models are distinguished by higher technical parameters, wider functionality and excellent quality of video and photography. But among devices in the mid-price segment, and even among budget UAVs, you can find a model to suit your taste.

If you want to purchase a quadcopter on the aliexpress site, then you should pay attention to the official rating of the top 9 quadcopters chosen by users for February 2021.

What else is important to know

Moving closer to the end of the article, I would like to talk about what other points you need to pay attention to and what to do to choose a good quadcopter:

1. Screw protection. If you are a beginner, look for a device with a protective casing, because... drones fail very quickly if the propellers are mechanically damaged. A protective cover will extend the life of your copter while you learn to fly, especially for outdoor use.
2. Availability of spare parts. Before purchasing, analyze whether spare parts are sold for the quadcopter you have chosen and how much they cost. Often even propellers are difficult to find or wait for weeks to order, which causes some inconvenience.
3. Case material. If you buy a budget device, it's always about plastic. However, when choosing a more expensive quadcopter, it would be better if its body is made of light metal alloys, aircraft aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials are resistant to mechanical damage and frost.
4. Availability of guarantee. If you buy a drone on Aliexpress, keep in mind that repairs and maintenance fall on your shoulders. The mechanism for returning goods to Ali has not yet been refined to such a level that everything is reliable. In addition, shipments take a lot of time; it would be better to focus on those manufacturers who care about customers and have service centers in the regions. The warranty period also says a lot; the longer it is, the better.
5. Customer reviews. Well, one of the most important things you should take care of is studying real reviews about the model you have chosen. Customer opinions can say a lot about the stated and actual characteristics, ease of use and typical problems when operating a quadcopter. Be sure to study video reviews of the drones you like and read reviews on various popular sources (Yandex.Market, irecommend, feedback, etc.).

These simple tips will help you avoid disappointment after your purchase. We also recommend studying reviews of quadcopters on our website. At the end of each review, we summarize our opinion about a particular model.

Important point! When choosing a quadcopter for a child, remember that this type of device is officially approved for children over 14 years old! If you want to give a drone to a younger boy or girl, keep in mind that this is a relatively dangerous toy that requires adult supervision!

Hubsan X4 Star Pro H507A+HT0009

Another lightweight and nimble drone that can be controlled via a smartphone. X4 Star Pro has the ability to reach fast speeds and rise to a height of up to 100 m. It independently returns to the point of departure if the connection with the remote control is lost. The drone is equipped with a good HD camera. It also transmits a multimedia signal from the camera to the screen of your phone at a distance of up to 100 m.

Hubsan X4 Star Pro H507A+HT0009

Advantages:

• compact
• GPS
• auto take-off/auto landing
• affordable price

Flaws:

• short flight time on one battery