21 Best Drones (Quadcopters) To Capture the World from a New Angle

Here are our picks of the best drones for the photography enthusiast in you!

Contents

1. Syma X5C Quadcopter

Syma X5C Quadcopter tops the list as it is loaded with the features you would love to have in the first camera drone you buy. It has a decent camera with following features.

  • 2 MP Camera for Snapshots
  • Video Resolution of 1280 x 720 p at the rate of 30 frames per second
  • Data rate of 1.5 Mbps
  • HD quality
  • Option to freeze a video frame to take snapshot of it
  • 2 GB Micro SD Card for storage

Syma X5C comes at the Ready to Fly Mode, therefore, you don’t have to struggle much when setting it up. The learning curve to get accustomed to the drone is of less than an hour, and it can be flown indoors as well as outdoors, hence you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging it. The drone is built with hard plastic which helps it survive a few hits. It also has protector guards to protect the blades against damage when it drops from heights or collides with something.

With the 2.4 GHz Remote Control, you can control Syma X5C from 30 meters away. The remote control allows you to control more than one quadcopter at once. It also has LCD Display to locate the drone when it is not physically visible. With one key on the controller you can command the drone to flip 360 Degrees to capture a brilliant video.

X5C can stay afloat for as long as 7 minutes at one go which is a great flight time for an affordable drone.

2. UDI U818A Quadcopter

UDI U818A Quadcopter is a product of UDI RC, a leading brand in Radio Controlled gadgets. UDI U818A is not only a fun quadcopter drone, but also enables you to make every flight picture perfect with the following features:

  • 2 MP Front Facing Camera
  • 1280 x 720p Video Resolution with 30 Frames Per Second
  • 4 GB Removable TF Card
  • USB Data Cable and Data Port
  • HD Photos and Videos

UDI U818A can perform 360-degree flips with ease, leaving your peers awestruck with your near-professional photography skills. While you put in a lot of efforts in capturing amazing pictures, you want to share them on social media as well, therefore, the Data Port and USB cable will enable you to transfer pictures and videos from the TF Card on your computer.

Flying UDI U818A is also quite easy as it is a headless drone, i.e., you do not have to worry about the direction in which it goes and comes Ready to Fly in the package. The 2.4 GHz LCD Controller is designed ergonomically, making is easier to control the drone. It can control the drone for up to 80 meters, for as long as 6-8 minutes in one charge, which takes 90-120 minutes.

3. Holy Stone HS170 Predator Mini Drone

Holy Stone is a well renowned brand when it comes to toys and recreational products for all age groups and HS170 Predator Mini is one of its prized innovation. HS170 Predator Mini is one of the best drones for beginners as it is easy to handle, light and reasonably priced.

HS170 Predator Mini sports a 6-axis Gyro, which keeps the drone stabilized. The flexible and light frame will keep the drone away from damage even in extreme conditions. And the headless design makes it easier to operate. Along with the above, there are more features which make it a to-go-for drone for beginners:

  • Colourful LED Lights
  • 3 Different Speed Modes
  • 360-degree Flips and Rolls
  • Indoor and Outdoor Maneuverability

The 2.4 GHz remote control ensures that you have all the control over HS170 Predator at all times. Its uninterrupted signals reach the quadcopter till 30-50 metres.

4. Holy Stone F181 RC Quadcopter

Holy Stone began its operations in the year 2014 with promising radio-controlled toys and products for kids and adults. And F181 RC Quadcopter is one of the best selling quadcopters of Holy stone.

F181 Quadcopter is a photography drone which promises to escalate your love for photography with its ability to do aerial acrobatics, made possible with its Altitude Hold Mode and Headless Mode:

  • 360 Degree Rolls
  • One Key Roll

The fine 2 MP HD camera lets you click quality pictures and the 720p HD camera for amazing videos will transform you from a beginner to a pro-photographer. The pictures are made better by the stability and manoeuvrability as it is equipped with the latest 6-Axis Gyro.

The 2.4 GHz remote control is powerful and can control the drone for as far as 100 metres. It also lets you fly more than one drone at a time. The colourful LED lights are of little use in the day but at night it makes the drone appear even cooler!

5. UDI U818A HD+ Drone

UDI U818A HD+ is another great innovation by UDI RC. The product is a hit amongst the photography enthusiast as it is an upgrade of the Discovery U818A Wi-Fi drone by the same brand which once ruled the markets.

UDI U818 A HD+ Quadcopter has all the features of the drones trending a couple of years ago, combined with the tech upgrades you are looking for in a new age drone:

  • Altitude Hold Mode for Stable Aerial Photography
  • Flyingsee: Mobile Phone App for Android and iOS Phones for Real-Time Transmission
  • VR Headset Compatibility
  • One Button Take-Off and Landing
  • Wi-Fi Control
  • Headless Mode
  • Low Battery Alarm
  • Custom Flight Route Mode

The above features do make UDI U818A HD+ a futuristic drone. Well, that’s not all, with Custom Flight Route Mode you can draw the flight line on your smartphone or tab and the drone will fly on the route you want it to. Plus, the LED Navigation Lights will keep you aware of the obstacles that might fall in your way while flying the ultimate drone which will escalate your love for photography !

6. Syma X5SW-V3 Drone

Syma, for 10 years have been catering to the “Fantasy, Fun and Inspiration” needs of kids as well as adults. With X5SW-V3, it has brought to the world a drone which is technologically more advanced than its previous innovations, and hence has stirred the drone and quadcopter brands across the universe.

Syma X5SW-V3 quadcopter is equipped with an HD Camera with which you can record high quality videos and click stunning pictures. You can also receive Real Time transmission of all the action on your smartphone or VR headset via SYMA FPV app available for Android and iOS.

The First-Person View feature of Syma X5SW-V3 does make it a Hi-Tech Drone, but here are some features that you must not miss out on:

  • 360 Degree Eversion
  • Headless Mode
  • Blade Protectors
  • 4 GHz, LCD Display Remote Control
  • Colourful Flashing Lights

The above features make Syma X5SW a drone worth more than just a shot!

7. DJI Phantom P3-STANDARD

DJI is a brand which started as a small manufacturing unit in 2006 and has expanded to become one of the global leaders, due to is innovation and tech advancement. DJI Phantom P3 Standard is a best-selling drone by DJI.

DJI Phantom P3-STANDARD is not a professional quadcopter but still can compete the professional ones with its extraordinary features. It sports a high-quality camera which enables you to capture 2.7K HD videos and excellent 12 Megapixel images from your desired altitude. It is a flying camera with some amazing intelligent features:

  • Automatic Flight Assistant
  • Real Time Transmission
  • Auto-Hover
  • Live GPS Assist
  • Safe Flight Limits
  • Status and Direction Indicators
  • GO App for Android and iOS Devices
  • Phantom P3 Remote Control

The above features allow you to hover the drone worry-free in the skies for as long as 25 minutes and the Remote control you get is specially designed for P3 STANDARD, hence can control it for up to half a mile.

8. Holy Stone F180C Mini

Holy Stone F180C Mini is Holy Stone’s another creation which won the hearts of the enthusiasts who want to become professional photographers someday. F180C is a starters’ drone which is marvelled upon for its stability and durability. It submerges into water completely before it flies out to rule the world.

The “headless return home mode” of the drone is probably its best feature as whenever the drone loses its orientation or starts to drift away with the wind, this mode brings it back to you. The HD camera offers a 720p resolution, and the images and videos are stored in a 2 GB Micro SD Card, which is quite decent for the price you pay.

In addition to the above, following features add feathers to F180C Mini:

  • 360 Degree Flipping/ Hovering
  • 12 Propellers
  • 6-8 Minutes Flight Time
  • 4 Sensitivity Modes
  • And boasts a 6 Axis Gyro, which stabilises the drone

F180C Mini is a light and powerful drone for the beginners.

9. Hubsan X4 Quadcopter

Hubsan X4 Quadcopter is a leading drone because of its compact design and powerful performance. The First-Person View technology lets you see the world from an all new angle.

The drone is equipped with a camera which offers a decent resolution of 720 x 420p, which can record astonishing videos when you make the drone do a 360 Degree Flip. The 2.4 GHz remote control will enable you to hover the drone for as long as 7 minutes and can control it within a range of 50-100 metres. The remote-control sports a 4.3-inch LCD screen, on which you can get the First-Person View of the world from top! It is also one of the best drones to buy under $100.

10. DBPOWER MJX X400W Drone

DBPOWER MJX X400W is a product of one of the leading brands Hawkeye. It is a recreational drone which established itself quite well on social media as compared to other drones which offer almost similar features.

DBPOWER MJX X400W transfers everything the camera records from the drone to your VR 3D Headset or MJX FPV App through Real-Time Transmission. With the 2.4 GHz remote control, you can control the drone from a distance of 100 metres and can fly it for up to 8-9 minutes with 120 minutes of charge. The camera quality is medium with 30 frames per second video recording, which is fine for a recreational drone.

It can perform one key 360 degree rolls, turns and flips and can move with agility as per the directions of the controller. Though the drone might not sound as exciting at first, but is one of the best options available amongst headless quadcopters in the price bracket it falls in.

11. QCopter Quadcopter Drone

To get the bird eye view of the world for double the time, go for QCopter Quadcopter. Yes, QCopter is a superior quality quadcopter drone renowned for its prompt customer service, low-cost and excellent performance.

The camera offers a resolution of 2 MP for pictures and 720p for videos. The remote control also lets you switch between high and low speed modes.

The 6 Axis Gyro ensures the stability and great manoeuvrability of the drone. QCopter can stay afloat for up to 15 minutes in a single charge and with 2 spare batteries offered in the pack, the time is doubled up!

Designed with utmost care, QCopter can resist winds, is scratch resistant and the blades are safeguarded with fan guards for extra protection. The speed at which it can go up to the altitude of 4-5 metres is 20 metres per second, which is acceptable for a quadcopter in this range. Plus, the drone comes ready-to-fly and has headless mode.

12. EACHINE E010 Mini UFO Quadcopter Drone

A product of EACHINE, a brand which promises a rendezvous with the horizons, E010 Mini UFO Quadcopter drone lets your imagination hover in the skies far and wide.

E010 Mini UFO Quadcopter can fit your palm and in seconds be above your head. It can perform wonders in the sky with its overawing features:

  • 360 Degree Eversion
  • One Key Return
  • LED Lights
  • Compass Mode
  • Headless Mode
  • Ready to Fly

The above features are amazingly useful for the 5-minute-long flights it takes after 30-50 minutes of charge, till the distance of 30 metres. The speed and altitude of the drone can be controlled by a 2.4 GHz remote control.

13. DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Quadcopter for GoPro

DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Quadcopter for GoPro is the one to begin with if you have never owned a quadcopter before. It is a recreational drone which gives you the most exciting 15-minute flights.

DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Quadcopter for GoPro has got its tech game high with following features:

  • IOC- Intelligent Orientation Control: It lets you switch from front camera to back and back to front in no time. Giving you more flexibility while operating it with camera.
  • GoPro Camera Mount: Is equipped with housing for GoPro Hero+
  • Ready to fly
  • Can Be Configured via USB and software can be downloaded in it

DJI Phantom Aerial UAV Quadcopter for GoPro might sound a drone for the professionals, but it fits the expectations of newbies and pros alike.

14. Force1 U45W Blue Jay Drone

Force1 is yet another renowned brand when it comes to RC drones and U45 Blue Jay is the quadcopter by Force1. Unlike other quadcopters which are either high on technology but lack specs you are looking for, or are having the specs but not proper app and software support; here is U45 Blue Jay, which seems to have it all.

The basic specifications which you are looking for in a good, recreational camera drone are all in-built in U45 Blue Jay:

  • 2MP HD Stationary Camera
  • 720p HD Video recording at the rate of 30 frames per second
  • One Touch Take Off and Landing
  • Altitude Hold for stable aerial photography
  • Headless Mode
  • 360 Degree Eversion

And as mentioned earlier, U45 Blue Jay has got its tech game right too with:

  • Flight Route Mode
  • Wi-Fi FPV
  • VR Headset Compatibility
  • Live Video on your Android and iOS phones

15. Holy Stone X400C Quadcopter

Holy Stone X400C Quadcopter is a recreational photography drone out of the X-series drones by Holy Stone. It is the drone for the gen-next as its features are at par with that of best quality quadcopter drones, though at a smaller scale.

The headless mode of X400C Quadcopter leaves no room for hassle of where the drone will head as it automatically adjusts its direction according to the remote control. Speaking of the remote control, it comes with a 2.4 GHz ergonomically designed controller, which can control the drone from a distance of 100 meters and can easily switch between left and right-hand throttle. When recharged completely, the battery supports a flight of 8.5 minutes.

You can also perform Aerial acrobats with the drone:

  • 360 Degree Flips and Rolls
  • One Key Roll
  • One Key Return

Or just hover in the sky at a point with throttle control.

The 6-Axis Gyro keeps the drone stable for capturing quality images. The 6MP Auto-Focus camera provides High Definition images and videos. Plus, FPV through the phone app for android and iOS makes it a must buy!

16. UDI RC U845 Hexacopter

UDI RC brought to the world yet another innovative drone, which not only futuristic but looks like a UFO. Yes, UDI RC U845 Hexacopter looks like a flying saucer.

You can control the Hexacopter with the 2.4GHz remote control which is made easier with the altitude hold mode and one button take-off and landing features. The drone can fly for 6-9 minutes after a charge of 120 minutes. The camera offers a decent 1280 x 960 photo resolution and 640 x 480 video resolution, which you can see via First Person View, on your smartphone or VR Headset.

The celestial-look of the drone is not the only feature that makes it a must try. Here are some other features of UDI RC U845 Hexacopter which will tempt you to get your hands upon one:

  • Altitude Hold Mode
  • Headless Mode
  • 360 Degree Flips
  • Real Time Transmission on Smartphone App (Android and iOS)
  • Virtual reality Headset Connectivity
  • Flyingsee App for control and FPV
  • Custom Flight Route Mode
  • Low Battery Alarm
  • Multi Axis Airframe
  • Ready to Fly

The drone is protected by blade guards to protect it from crashing against hard surfaces.

17. DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter

DJI Phantom 4 is another great product by DJI which lets you flaunt your pro photography skills with the best in class features it offers. The drone is built with great care of design, is light weight and strong as its skeleton is made up of magnesium, which reduces weight while keeping the board stiff. The core design makes sure that the centre of gravity lies in the middle to keep the board as stable as possible.

DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter is equipped with the following features which will definitely tempt you to fly one:

  • 28 Minutes Flight Time
  • Multiple Flight Mode
  • Front Obstacle Sensors: The sensors sense any obstacles which the drone might come across.
  • TapFly Mode enabled in the Smartphone App: Simply tap the point at which you want your drone to hover, on the screen, it will move to the direction.
  • Active Track Mode: The drone will identify the subject and follow it to keep it in frame.
  • High Performance Camera: The extraordinary features of the camera include HD video recording in 4K at 30 FPS resolution, 1080p at 120FPS fort slow motion videos and the inbuilt gimbal gives you the smoothest shots possible.
  • DJI GO: App compatible will all DJI drones.
  • DJI SKD: Software connectivity for hardware upgrades

In addition to the above features, intelligent flight positioning, maintaining automatic flight logs and a customizable remote controller are the features that make Phantom 4 coolest of all!

18. DBPOWER FPV Version U818A Drone

U818A Drone is the best drone for kids and beginners as it is very sensitive to the controls, is easy to fly as comes Ready to Fly at your doorstep and can be flown with headless mode on, so, there is no need to worry about where its head is.

It is made up of ABS plastic which is durable and its blade guards protect it against damage from collision or falling. The drone can fly for 6-9 minutes and can be operated via a 2.4 GHz remote control, which has a control range of 50-80 metres.

The Pilot can get the First-Person View of what drone is recording from 30 metres range and anyone above 14 years can fly it without FAA registration. Following are some more features of U818A Drone:

  • 6-Axis Gyro
  • 3D Lock
  • 360 Degree Eversion
  • 2 MP HD Video Camera
  • First-Person View
  • 4GB Micro SD Card for Storage

19. Autel Robotics X-Star Premium Drone

Autel Robotics is a leader in creating devices for aerial photography and X-Star Premium Drone is one such creation by them. It is a professional quality drone with superior camera specs:

  • 4K Ultra HD Video Recording
  • 12 MP Camera
  • 3 Axis Gimble Stabiliser

The camera would be of little use if not for the intuitive remote control which can control the drone from as far as 1.2 miles. The drone gives you joyous 25 minutes flights after charging it for 1 hour, which is lesser than other drones.

X-Star Premium Drone is a professional quality drone which is easy to handle for beginners as well. The auto hands free hover makes the Drone in the same place unless moved and low battery indicator makes sure that it returns to you safe when the battery decreases.

The Starlink App for Android and iOS enables you to stream the live action on the drone on your smartphone.

20. YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter

Yuneec is a brand which has manufactured many recreational gadgets which are a hit in the industry, and YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter is one such creation of the brand.

The camera of YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter is something to boast about as it offers 4K video recording with the framerate of 30 FPS for normal videos and 120 FPS for slow motion. The 12 MP camera helps you photograph the world from an all new angle with unapparelled realism. And the CGO3-axis Gimbal keeps your images stablised so that you don’t miss out on any detail.

ST10+ is the 10-channel, 2.4 GHz remote control which has a video downlink capacity of 5.8 GHz with which you can see where your drone is headed, from the ground. Various other smart features of Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter are:

  • Return to Home
  • Distortion-Free Lens
  • 25 Minutes Flight Time
  • 3 Flight Modes:
    • Smart Mode: Can be used to follow one particular object or person
    • Angle Mode
    • Home Mode

The specs of Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter are a dream come true for a photography enthusiast.

21. Foldable Rabing Mini RC Quadcopter

To end the list, we have a drone which you can carry in your pocket at all times as Rabing Mini RC Quadcopter is foldable and light. It’s an affordable mini drone which is great for kids who are above 14 years.

The Rabing RC Quadcopter is small as compared to others but doesn’t lack a bit in terms of features as it is a Wi-Fi enabled drone equipped with 0.3 MP HD Camera for capturing images and videos. The Read Time Transmission lets you view all the action live on your smartphone via app for Android and iOS. You can also connect your phone in the VR Headset for better experience.

Rabing RC Quadcopter can fly for 7-10 minutes in a single charge which takes less than 30 minutes for as far as 100 meters without any risk of losing it.