Best Camera Drone for Your Budget – Under $100 to High End
[vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_facebook type=”button_count”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_tweetmeme share_via=”YinzBuy”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″ css=”.vc_custom_1606731333432{margin-top: -5px !important;}”][vc_pinterest][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Are you looking for the best camera drone for your budget? Camera drones range in price from under $100 to over $1000. No matter the price, a camera drone should offer great quality and performance.
Read on to discover some of the best camera drones for your budget, from under $100 to high-end. We will discuss some of the characteristics to look for when choosing a camera drone. Furthermore, we’ll take a look at some of the most reliable and innovative drones on the market.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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Characteristics to Look for When Buying a Camera Drone
There are many drones out there that are marketed as camera drones. However, it’s important to know what characteristics to look for when buying a camera drone. This will help you judge the quality of the drone and make an informed decision. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features to consider when camera drone shopping.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Look for Optimal Camera Quality for Your Drone
When looking for camera quality, the camera should ideally be a minimum of 12mp, with a resolution of 1080p. While budget drones may offer lower resolution options, you’ll be sacrificing picture quality in the name of price.
The camera should shoot in various modes, including video and photo mode at a minimum. Additional options, such as burst, time-lapse photos, or still shots with RAW files offer more advanced functionality. If you’re into advanced photography, these options may be more important. Check the lens angle as well. Most drones offer between 90 -130 degrees, so if you’re looking for wide, panoramic shots make sure to choose a wider angle lens.
Your camera drone should have an HD camera stabilized by gyroscope and camera gimbal for the best video quality. Altitude hold, which keeps the drone at a steady height hands-free is a great option to have for this as well.
While not necessary, many drones offer the capability to upload directly from the camera to social media, such as Facebook or YouTube. This allows for easy social sharing on any device with internet access!
You’ll also want to look out for a camera drone that can take photos and videos in varying light conditions. This will come in handy whether it’s sunny or cloudy, and you can’t anticipate what your drone will be flying in.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Camera Sensor Size Will Affect the Quality of Your Footage
Camera sensors are the part of your camera drone that captures what you’re looking at. There are a few different sizes to choose from, and some camera drones may not have one at all. However, a sensor is important for capturing quality footage.
Sensors are usually measured by their width, length, and height in millimeters (mm). A camera that has an APS-C-sized camera sensor will have a smaller measurement than one with a Full Frame camera sensor. The larger the lens opening, the more light is let in.
The camera’s ISO setting controls how sensitive to light a camera sensor is. Therefore, it determines how much detail will be captured, or video can be exposed within a certain amount of time. A lower number (100) usually means that less light enters from outside sources, while a high number (800) means that a camera can be used in just about any lighting condition.
Depending where you plan to use your drone, the sensor may play an important part in your choice. If you want to shoot outdoors in unpredictable weather, you’ll choose a different drone than someone who takes still shots in the sun.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Look for Higher Frame Rate and Resolution
The camera’s frame rate is the number of frames per second (fps) recorded by a camera sensor. This setting also represents how smooth or fast the video will playback on screen. A higher frame rate usually results in choppier movements within videos, but it does allow for a crisper video. If you want high quality video with a high frame rate, a very stable drone will be important.
Higher frame rate and high resolution work together to produce optimal video quality. The video quality is based on the sensor size – 720p HD is usually suitable for smaller sensors but doesn’t work as well with full-frame cameras that can shoot in 1080p/60fps or higher.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Search for the Controller Type that You Prefer
Camera drones are controlled by remote control. Different drone models have different controllers and features, so it’s important to choose what works for you. Here are some of the variations you can find in drone controllers:
- Number of controllers. Some camera drones come with two controllers while others only offer one. If you plan to share between multiple users, or want to have a spare, then you may prefer a two controller unit.
- First person mode. While camera drones are commonly used for taking photos and videos, they can also be flown in first-person mode to give the user a new perspective of the world around them. Many controllers offer an integrated mount to use a smartphone as a display. This allows you to fly the drone while watching the camera through your screen.
- Smartphone control. Some drones allow your smartphone to be used as a controller! If you prefer to not have a physical controller and to use touch programming, then select a drone that’s phone control compatible.
- Ease of use. Finally, look for a camera drone that is easy to control and fly. If it’s too hard to use, you’ll end up spending more time trying to figure out how it works than flying.
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Look for the Highest Flight Time Per Battery Charge
When looking at your drone’s flight time per battery charge, choose one that will best suit your needs. A single camera drone battery averages between 10 – 30 minutes of flight time. Some drones come with multiple batteries, so you can stay out longer.
If you only want quick aerial photos, a shorter charge may work fine. However, if you plan to take longer videos, you may want to invest in a larger capacity model.
If you’re not good at tracking your battery levels, also make sure to choose a drone that automatically returns when low on battery. This handy feature will bring the drone back to you before it runs out of power and crashes.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Picks for the Best Camera Drone on the Market
So now that we’ve covered what to look for when buying a drone, what are some of the best drones out there for various budgets? When it comes to different price ranges, camera drones offer a large variation in features. Let’s start off with a look at some of the best overall camera drones for general use on the market.
Here are some top-rated picks for a camera drone at various price points:
| Price Point | Top Drone Pick | Additional Drones |
| Under $100 | Holy Stone HS110D | Quadcopter Drone |
| Under $250 | Potensic D68 | Holy Stone HS100+ Drone Camera |
| Under $500 | Holy Stone HS720E | Ruko F11 Gim |
| Over $500 | DJI Mavic Pro 2 | Autel Robotics EVO 2 |
All of these top picks offer some great features for their particular price points. So, how do you determine what the right camera drone for your budget is? What differentiates a $200 model from a $2,000 high end drone? Let’s look a little bit more in depth at what all of these camera drones offer in terms of performance and quality.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Camera Drone Under $100
Sometimes, a budget option may mean cheaper materials are used in manufacturing. In other instances, a low cost option may lack some of the features of a more expensive model. When it comes to finding the best camera drone under $100, these two drones offer exceptional quality and function, given their economical price point:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Top Choice: The Holy Stone HS 110D Camera Drone
The Holy Stone HS 110D camera drone offers the ability to view your photos directly on your phone with the accompanying app. The app also enables you to share your quality photos right to social media. Some additional features of the Holy Stone HS110D include:
- Altitude Hold. This Holy Stone camera drone will hold the reached altitude when shooting images, even if you take your hands off the joystick. The drone can fly up to 328 feet with maximum live video transmission at 196 feet.
- Mobile Control is available through the Holy Stone App. The app includes additional functions like voice control and a flight sensor that can be activated when shooting images.
- 2 Extra Modular Batteries. The Holy Stone HS110D comes with two additional batteries that can support a 20 minute flight.
- Excellent Picture Quality. The camera on this drone works at 1080P, providing HD recording. It has a 120 degree wide angle lens, which aids in distortion prevention as well.
The Holy Stone HS110D camera drone is a great basic drone. It comes with a variety of features that make the under $100 price point well worth it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Runner Up: Eachine E58 Quadcopter Drone
The Eachine Quadcopter Camera Drone is another budget camera drone under $100 that will allow you to take HD photos and videos. This drone is also equipped with a 120-degree wide-angle lens. However, unlike the Holy Stone, this drone only offers a 720P HD camera. Here are some other great features of the Quadcopter:
- Altitude Mode. The Quadcopter offers an ideal altitude mode that will lock in the height of a specific location while you capture photos and videos. It caps out around 328 feet as well.
- One essential return mode. A one-touch return function alerts the drone to return automatically to your location. This prevents any chance of losing the drone in the air.
- Three included batteries support up to 9 minutes of flight time each, for a total of just under a half hour.
- App functions. Downloading the Quadcopter app offers extra control of the camera drone. Split-screen functionality and VR capabilities are some additional features that are enhanced through the app.
The Quadcopter Camera Drone and the Holy Stone HS110D are some of the best options for a camera drone under $100. They both offer unique in-app features, quality parts, and great functionality in the drone. The Quadcopter is the cheaper drone by about $20, which may be important if you’re on a budget. This is, however, dependent upon your acceptance of the 720p vs 1040p difference between them.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Camera Drones Under $250
Camera drones under $250 come with a few more features and functions than their lower-priced counterparts. Here are two well reviewed examples of the best camera drone under $250:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Top Choice: The Potensic D68 Camera Drone
The Potensic D68 Camera drone comes with increased functionality compared to a lower-priced camera drone. The features of the Potensic D68 include:
- GPS auto-return which brings the drone back to you at the push of a button. It will also come back when signal is lost or the battery is low.
- A foldable, compact drone body that’s small enough to carry around easily.
- The 4K camera which is able to take stunningly clear and precise photos and 1152P video content. The lens is adjustable 90 degrees.
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi to keep your transmission strong up to 984 feet, while the drone itself can travel around 1,640 feet.
- The extended battery which offers 25 minutes of uninterrupted flight time.
The Potensic D68 offers some quality features when capturing videos and photos. It has a longer battery life, and flies farther when compared to the camera drones priced under $100.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Runner Up: Holy Stone HS100+ Camera Drone
Much like the HS110D, the Holy Stone HS100+ camera drone offers some great quality functions. The HS100+, however, is a bit more powerful than its lower-priced counterpart.
- The 2K HD 4MP camera provides high-resolution pictures at 1152P. A 120-degree wide-angle lens captures stunning photos and videos. Altitude hold keeps the drone in place at your desired height for consistent pictures.
- GPS return to home. The return to home feature allows your drone to return when the battery becomes low or it loses signal. The GPS feature will allow the drone to return to your exact location.
- Foldable design and carrying case. The Holy Stone HS100+ comes with a carrying case that fits all your drone and its accessories well. The foldable design of the Holy Stone will allow you to store it virtually anywhere.
- Intelligent functions. The drone features a “follow me” function. This allows you to program it to follow you using GPS locations, or follow a path that you set beforehand.
- Flight time. The battery allows for around 18 minutes of total flight time. A maximum distance of 1,968 ft means more to explore.
Both of these drones are excellent choices in the under $250 category. Each offers great features and intelligent functions that are easy to use. Versus the $100 category, you’ll notice an increase in flight range, camera quality, and options like the “follow me” function. If you’re willing to spend a little more, these drones will offer quality photos and videos.
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Best Camera Drones Under $500
Camera drones priced between $250 and $500 begin to offer some technologically advanced functions and capabilities. Let’s look at two of the best options for camera drones in this price range.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Top Choice: The Holy Stone HS720E Camera Drone
The Holy Stone HS720E Camera Drone offers optimized technology that gives you a more comprehensive flight range and more capabilities when taking photos. Here are some of the other benefits this drone offers:
- Powerful camera. This Holy Stone drone features altitude hold with image stabilization technology on an anti-shake camera. The 90 degree adjustable angle 4k camera takes beautiful 2160p images. Video may be recorded at 1080p at 60/fps or 4k at 30/fps. It transmits via 5 GHz connection up to 1,640 feet.
- Advanced flight mode. An intelligent flight ability allows you to control the drone hands-free. It supports follow me, tap fly, and point of interest location. An ergonomic controller with built-in phone support is also available.
- 46 minute flight time. Two batteries provide 23 minutes of flight time each. They can be stored in the handy carrying case when not in use. This will come in handy, as the drone can travel up to 3,277 feet (394 ft high).
- Return home. The HS720E returns home at the push of a button, on low battery, or when signal is lost.
The Holy Stone HS720E is an example of the high-functioning camera drones available in the $250-$500 price range.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Runner Up: The Ruko F11 Gim Camera Drone
The Ruko F11 Gim camera drone comes with a mechanical gimbal and a two-axis stabilization system. This allows for the high-powered 4K camera to produce blur-free pictures and videos.
- Multiple Batteries. The drone comes with two batteries, each providing 28 minutes of flight time.
- Remote control range of 4900ft, while the 5G connection transmits between 1,900 – 3,900 feet depending on signal strength.
- Beginner friendly app. The Ruko F11 Gim comes with an advanced app that enables you to start a flight with a few simple steps and take photos and videos easily.
- Intelligent Flight Features. GPS tracking offers a return to home feature when in low-power mode.
These two camera drones are excellent examples of the technology and power you will receive at this price point. Both of these drones offer GPS tracking and extended flight times, as well as high-powered cameras for photography.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Camera Drones Over $500
Once you reach a price point of over $500, camera drones begin to offer some fantastic features that simply cannot be matched by other drones on the market. Here are two examples of the best camera drone available for over $500:[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Top Choice: The DJI Mavic Pro 2 Camera Drone
The DJI Mavic Pro 2 has been one of the most popular camera drones since its release. It features smart flight modes like ActiveTrack and TapFly, so long as your phone is connected. Some other features available with the DJI Mavic Pro 2 include:
- Thirty-one minutes of flight time with a 44mph top speed. It returns home to either the launch location or the current remote location.
- 8 GB of internal storage with 128 GB of SD card support.
- Omnidirectional object sensing to avoid crashes.
- The DJI Go 4 app which connects with your smartphone for additional flight support features and functionality.
- A Hasselblad L1D-20C Camera and 20MP 1” CMOS sensor.
- Impressive travel distance. The Mavic reaches the FAA limit of 400’ high, and can travel as far as 5 miles. As a reminder, the FAA requires you to maintain visual contact, so that may limit your actual flight distance.
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Runner Up: Autel Robotics EVO 2 Camera Drone
The Autel Robotics EVO 2 Camera Drone is another incredibly popular drone at this price point. Equipped with multiple batteries and a powerful camera, this drone is hard to beat. Here are some other features which make this Autel drone great:
- High Capacity Battery. The EVO 2 comes with a 7100 mAh rechargeable battery which supports 40 minutes of flight or 35 minutes of hover. It also comes with two spare batteries!
- Stunning 8K camera. This drone is one of the first in class foldable drones with an 8K HDR camera. Take beautiful video with up to 1 billion recognized colors and still photos up to 48MB at 4x zoom. It even has an anti-fog function.
- Obstacle avoidance. 12 computer sensors, 2 sonar sensors, and two on board LEDs give the EVO 360 degree obstacle avoidance. It also returns home safely when signal is lost or the battery is low.
- Superior range. This Autel drone flies up to 5.59 miles. It utilizes a 2.4 GHz signal to keep a strong connection even in dense areas.
The DJI Mavic Pro 2 and the Autel Robotics EVO 2 are examples of some of the best recreational camera drones on the market. Both drones offer intelligent functionality, superior video and camera quality, and long-lasting batteries. While you may yet find a stronger camera drone, it will likely be a commercial drone, which requires a special license to fly.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Best Camera Drone in Other Categories
While we’ve looked at some of the best all around camera drones out there, we certainly haven’t seen them all. If you’re looking for something more specialized, or a particular feature is most important to you, we’re going to review the best camera drone available in other popular categories.
Read on to learn more about our top picks for the best camera drone based on:
- Reliability
- Durability
- Battery life
- Video footage
- Beginner users
- Ease of use
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The Most Reliable Camera Drone
Our pick for the most reliable camera drone is The DJI Mavic Pro 2. Not surprisingly, we have already discussed some of the features of this camera drone. The reliability that comes with the DJI Mavic Pro 2 is unmatched.
This camera drone offers reliable features with smart flight modes like ActiveTrack and TapFly, so long as your phone is connected. Some other features that make the DJI Mavic Pro 2 an incredibly reliable camera drone include:
- Lithium Polymer batteries that offer thirty-one minutes of flight time.
- In-device storage and backup. SD storage offers 8 GB of internal storage with up to 128 GB of SD card support.
- The DJI Go 4 app connects with your smartphone for additional flight support features and functionality.
- The Mavic Pro 2 comes with a 2-year warranty.
These parts are made with high quality materials, and the results that have been experienced with this camera drone are incredible.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Most Durable Camera Drone on the Market
The DJI Phantom series offers some of the most durable camera drones on the market. The DJI Phantom drones offer stable three-axis gimbals and controls. They include GPS navigation and auto take-off as well as high-powered batteries. All DJI Phantom series drones also offer a built-in safety database of no-fly zones.
The DJI Phantom 3 Camera Drone is our pick for the most durable camera drone. This quadcopter features smart flight modes like ActiveTrack and TapFly, so long as your phone is connected. Some other features available with the DJI Phantom 3 include:
- Twenty-three minutes of flight time.
- 8 GB of internal storage with up to 128 GB of SD card support.
- The DJI Go 4 app which connects with your smartphone for additional flight support features and functionality.
- Vision positioning using a combination of optical and ultrasonic sensors to safely fly indoors.
- Quality materials and built-in safety functions.
The Phantom 3 includes GPS navigation and auto take-off as well as high-powered batteries. Finish it off with an aluminum case lined with soft foam padding, and you’ve got one durable quadcopter camera drone. Durable, however, does not mean indestructible. It should be noted that the features of the drone aim to keep you from crashing it, but it can still be damaged without proper operation.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Battery Life Camera Drone
More battery life equals more time flying and less time charging There’s nothing I dislike more than having to cut my fun short for a recharge. If you’re looking for a camera drone with the best battery life, check out the Contixo Quadcopter 4K HD camera drone. This great drone comes with two high capacity lithium ion batteries which provide 30 minutes of flight time each. That’s 60 minutes total between the two, which is impressive for recreational camera drones. Here are some of the other great features of the Contixo camera drone:
- 4K UHD camera and 2.7K video for quality images. A 120 degree FOV lens takes breathtaking shots.
- 64GB of storage via SD card which is included.
- Strong GPS signal which connects up to 1,700 feet. The drone can hover, follow, use waypoints, return home, and respond to gestures for selfies!
- Highly portable. This quadcopter drone folds down for easy transport in a small case without the need to remove propellers.
If you’re looking for a camera drone that will last for at least an hour, this Contixo is a quality pick. Coming in under $500, it isn’t the most budget drone available, but it boasts many great features over a cheap drone. It’s certainly worth the investment if battery life is important to you.
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The Best Camera Drone for Video Footage
We’ve mentioned the Autel EVO 2 camera drone before, in our best overall list. But the Autel really shines when it comes to video footage in particular. In fact, it’s one of only two consumer drones that currently offers 8K video quality. Here are some of the other features which make this our pick for the best camera drone for video footage:
- Tracking. This camera drone offers tracking up to 10m/s which is great for filming a moving vehicle. It also ensures it doesn’t crash into anything while following along. The Autel even identifies targets, so you can keep on a skier going down the slope with ease.
- Zoom. EVO has a 1-8x zoom option, with up to 4x lossless zoom. This allows you to hone in on those details for the best shots.
- Defogging mode which keeps your pictures more bright, crisp, and colorful.
- 10-Bit A-log which records 1 billion colors for superior views.
While the Autel is certainly not a budget drone, it’s a worthy investment if video quality is paramount. If you create short films, promos, or even video walkthroughs on a regular basis, this camera drone will take things to the next level.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Camera Drone for Beginners
What kind of camera drone should you get for a beginner? It should be easy to operate for someone new to drones. A beginner drone needs to be able to take a few hits, as crashes will be inevitable. You’ll also likely want a budget drone, not wanting to invest a lot into a new hobby at first.
Our pick for the best camera drone for beginners is the Hasakee Q8 FPV camera drone. It may look a little different from some of the other drones you’ve seen here, but that’s what makes it so great for a new user:
- Under $100. This is a budget camera drone that’s a cheap way to see how much you enjoy drones before taking a bigger plunge.
- Bright yellow LED lights circle the drone, providing increased visibility and protecting the blades.
- Durable. This quadcopter drone has a gravity sensor to help prevent crashes. It also features blade protectors, and an ABS body that can withstand minor bumps.
- Easy to operate. Take off, land, and return with one button. It also has gesture control, voice control, and an app. This drone can even be used by children!
Despite the low price point and ease of use, this camera drone has some solid functions. It features an HD camera with a live video function. Upload to social media instantly with a tablet or smartphone. It has altitude hold for steady images, and responds to gestures for photo and video as well, making it great for selfies.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Easiest to Use Camera Drone
If you’re looking to upgrade beyond a beginner drone, but still want something easy to use, check out the Holy Stone HS110G. This quadcopter camera drone has a built-in altitude control system to keep your flight stable. It also features a circle fly function that will automatically circle an area, taking stable camera shots or video along the way. I find flying in a circle and keeping things perfectly level to be challenging so I’m delighted if a drone does it for me! Here are some other great features which make this camera drone easy to use:
- GPS auto return. The drone memorizes home so it can return on lost signal, low battery, or when you press the return home button.
- Controller and app operation. Choose between a controller or a smartphone to easily operate this drone. Both feature easy to understand icons to make flying simpler.
- Intelligent features such as follow me or a customized flight path allow you to stay in control. It responds to points of interest and hand gestures. This camera drone can also follow waypoints.
- One click sharing allows you to upload to social media instantly.
While it should be noted that many of the drones in our ‘best of’ category offer some of these same features, this Holy Stone model does a particularly nice job. It also comes in under $200, making it a fairly cheap, budget-friendly choice for an easy to use camera drone.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Best Camera Drone for Underwater Use
You’ve probably noticed up until this point that all the drones have been aerial, flying type drones. While they’re wonderful for land-based photography, what happens if you want to take photos or video underwater? I can assure you the answer is not “just throw the drone in the water” – I promise that will end poorly.
The good news is that there are underwater drones as well. Just like their land-based counterparts, these drones can be piloted around to get all the best shots. If you’re looking for the best underwater drone, check out our review of the Geneinno T1. This drone can dive 150 meters (nearly 500 feet) and even comes with a robotic arm for grabbing stuff! It also takes great photos and videos, so you can dive without ever leaving land.
This sky and water stunt drone does not feature a camera, but it will let you operate a budget friendly drone that can both fly and is waterproof for up to 150 feet![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Conclusion
A camera drone is a great way to capture incredible footage of your adventures. It’s important to know what you want and need from your camera drone before purchasing so you can get the best bang for your buck! In this article, we have discussed some key features that make up a good-quality camera drone.
The camera drones on the market offer a wide variety of features and prices. We’ve covered some of the most reliable options at a variety of price points for your consideration when looking to buy one. Whether it’s a budget camera drone under $100, or a top of the line model, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. All of these top picks offer some great features, no matter your budget![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
As noted on our Affiliate Disclaimer page, links to products inside this blog could lead to sales commissions (at no additional cost to you) which allow this site to continue operations.
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