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  7. The best drone cameras in the test - with purchase recommendation

The best drone cameras in the test - with purchase recommendation

Comparative winner of the editors Wipkviey T26 Drone, Quadcopter with 1080P Camera RC Foldable FPV Drone with 2 Batteries, 26-30 Min Flight, 3D Flip, Gravity Control, One-Button Takeoff/Landing, Christmas Gifts for Kids

The best drone cameras in the test - with purchase recommendation

Drones are super cool and no one will doubt that statement for a while. The fascinating opportunities they offer to experience new adventures and explore beauties is overwhelming.

Today we are going to introduce you to the best drone cameras to buy in 2019.

While you may not necessarily have a valid reason to buy one, you would love to own a drone too, right?

Best selling drones

Drones are not only super cool, they can also quickly become very expensive. Most models are for enthusiasts or people who work in the field of videography. Almost all high-end drones are equipped with very good cameras.

Our list today will introduce you to both the more expensive and cheaper model options. So everyone can use the exciting functions of drones.

Our product recommendations:

The best drone cameras

drone test

Before we begin our consideration, there are a few things you need to know about it. The drone market is divided into two main areas. On the one hand there is the professione

ll drones like the DJI Phantom 4, or the DJI T600 Inspire 1 and on the other hand there are cheaper options.

The drones in the lower price category, or often regarded as "toys" by many, cost much less than you are used to from other drones like the DJI Phantom 4.

Nevertheless, you can have a lot of fun using them. Both price categories are considered in this overview in order to satisfy the needs not only of professionals, but also of amateur filmmakers.

Before we start looking at drones, it should be known that drones can also be found under the name of quadcopters, due to their appearance and 4 rotors.

There are mainly two different types of drones / quadcopters. The first type does not have a built-in camera but has a camera mount where you can attach a camera. The others have a built-in high-quality camera capable of recording video in up to an impressive 4K.

If you need a drone just to have fun with it and impress your friends, then the cheaper models will suit you better. If you are a graphics student or a filmmaker, be prepared to spend a lot of money on the device of choice.

1. DJI Phantom 4 – The perfect drone for professionals

Although the DJI Phantom 4 has a somewhat bulky design that can make it difficult to transport, it is arguably one of the most well-known and professional drones on the market.

Famous film director and youtuber Casey Neistat uses these premium drones to create stunning footage. In total he owns 7 of these drones.

But this should remain the only reason for you to buy this expensive drone. For all those who are looking for a model that is especially suitable for them, we certainly have the right device in our list. We got our hands on the Phantom 4 and our test confirmed that it is indeed one of the best drones out there. In case you're wondering what makes this drone so good, check out the entire review below.

DJI Phantom 4
DJI Phantom 4

The DJI Phantom 4 can not only take off on its own, but also return to its base on its own. The drone can do this thanks to built-in GPS technology. In addition, the Phantom 4 is very easy to use and offers users the possibility to easily control the drone via an app and monitor the camera. All in all, the Phantom 4's camera is extremely well constructed and allows you to capture 4K video at 30 FPS record. In addition to this, the camera supports the maximum when taking photos Resolution of 12 megapixels.

The camera has an impressive f/2.8 lens which, thanks to its wide angle, offers a larger field of view for people who want to take particularly detailed and clear pictures. The drone also has a technology called Gimbel Stabilization Technology. This technology is good enough to give you a hover function when you use it, along with the ability to take brilliant shots in the air and therefore also during movement.

You can edit your recordings to your liking with the DJI Director software that comes with the drone. The editor allows you to add text, music and a few other options to your videos.

Despite being a beautiful device, the Phantom 4 is only available in white, which may put some buyers off. The battery life leaves a lot to be desired and the drone is quite expensive.

In fact, it's one of the best drones I've used in a long time. It lives up to the legacy of the previous model and even surpasses it. But are there some shortcomings that need to be addressed? Of course, this is a very subjective opinion, but the accessories are very expensive and the chunky design isn't very pretty either.

2. Halo Drone Pro - Professional and not too expensive

One of the best drones in our list is the Halo Drone Pro because it packs the best features of the drone market into a single, very high quality, portable device.

Halo Board, as the company behind the Halo Drone Pro, has been in the high-end electronics market for years. After their recently released electronic skateboards and hoverboards, the company is now venturing into the drone market. They do this with a drone that is mobile, supports 4K and is equipped with many features.

Although they have only been on the market for a short time, we were able to do a first hands-on with the Halo Drone Pro. There are a few points that could have been improved.

However, we are not sure if you can get a drone with such a wide range of functions for the same price. Some of these features include a variety of modes, a second wrist control for fast-paced flights, and a Adapter, which makes it possible to connect a GoPro, for example.

However, we would like to note that the integrated camera is good enough not to swap it for another. This is only necessary if you want to make special recordings.

The Halo Drone Pro impresses with its ease of use. So even beginners can get started with the flight right after unpacking.

But even more advanced users will find an infinite number of functions for a professional application result. Both the Halo Drone Pro and the small version Halo Drone can perform precise GPS tracking, take off and land automatically, and also return to base.

There is also a follow mode that allows you to use GPS to track the Halo Drone Pro using 7 different modes.

The built-in camera can also take great pictures in 4K and 30fps while the Halo Drone App is packed with features to plan your flight path.

You can set waypoints on a map, adjust the flight speed and altitude and also set the direction in which the drone takes pictures.

Furthermore, the Halo Drone Pro is a good and stable flyer, even when the wind is a bit stronger.

With its 10" propellers, the Halo Drone can fly at speeds of up to 72 km/h. And the best part is that these features have been packed into a very portable and foldable drone.

So if you're looking for a drone with lots of features and extras without spending too much money, then the Halo Drone Pro is for you.

Now to round off the overall impression, the drone comes with a fantastic backpack. This enables the device to be transported safely and conveniently.

While we were very impressed with Halo Board's first drone model, we could also find some downsides. The battery life is very limited at 20-22 minutes and there is no downward position sensor at all.

3. DJI Inspire 1 - Professional and expensive

The next drone in our list is again a DJI one and is called DJI T600 INspire 1. This drone offers the possibility to control it with 2 controllers.

There is also an option where the first controller is already included. It all depends on your wishes.

In case you didn't know, the drone is equipped with a 4K video camera, which works very well

DJI Inspire 1
DJI Inspire 1

suitable for recording. The camera is perfect for people who want to experiment with video making. These users can record high-quality videos with lots of detail, high color variety and sharpness. Now if you compare this model with the DJI Phantom 4, you will notice that there is a different design and that it is more aggressive than the DJI Phantom 4.

This drone is one of the best drones currently available on the market. Now, without waiting any longer, let's take a look at the advantages of the DJI T600 Inspire 1.

The DJI T600 Inspire 1 is really a very impressive drone. It is truly one of the more expensive models and can be even more expensive if you want to have 2 controllers.

Putting that aside, there's no doubt that this is an impressive drone. Believe it or not, it even rivals the Phantom 4.

Now if you're wondering if we found any downsides, the answer is yes. Nevertheless, in my opinion, these are not decisive for the purchase.

The T600 Inspire 1 has a flight system that you can start flying with immediately. Everything you need to take off is included in the package.

To get a live image of the drone in HD during the flight, all you need is your smartphone. The arms of the DJI T600 Insire 1 are made of very strong fibers.

The arms do not hinder you when recording videos and are not visible in the later recording either. The camera on the DJI T600 Inspire 1 can record videos in 4K with a crystal clear image.

The photos are also razor sharp thanks to the use of a 12 MP camera. All these points make the Inspire 1 one of the best drones for photographers and videographers in our list.

You can easily remove the existing hinge for cameras from the T600 Inspire 1. This allows you to continue using the latest cameras in the future, or to transport the drone safely from one location to another.

The drone can be easily connected to the smartphone via an app and enables you to make a real-time transmission from the drone in 720p.

This feature is interesting for all those who want to check their recordings during the flight. While pros already love the drone the way it is, beginners will appreciate that not only is it easy to set up, but it's also easy to fly.

Sadly, the DJI T600 Inspire 1's battery life isn't great, with the drone only lasting around 18 minutes. Additional accessories, such as an additional controller or battery, can drastically increase the price of the drone.

4. GoPro Karma – Another legendary drone from GoPro

The next drone in our review may come as a bit of a surprise to some of you. However, the reason for this is pretty simple.

GoPro is a fundamentally good company that has been actively making cameras for years. Their small cameras are powerful enough to capture native 4K video. GoPros can be taken almost anywhere.

Of course, GoPro dominates the action camera market. The company has left the rest of the competition by leaps and bounds. For a long time there hasn't been a camera that comes close to the amazing GoPros.

GoPro Karma
GoPro Karma

Considering GoPro's expertise in the action market, it's no surprise that they've now entered the drone market as well. This is what they did with the introduction of the GoPro Karma. As a result, many people became skeptical until filmmaker Casey Neistat convinced them otherwise. He did a test with the drone and you could see how impressive and fast the GoPro Karma really is.

It is important to know that this test only refers to the earlier version, i.e. a prototype. With this information in mind, there is little room for doubt about the GoPro Karma.

In our opinion there is only one drone that can compete with the best drones on the market and that is the GoPro Karma.

The GoPro Karma is very easy to transport. The wings fold into the drone itself for easier portability.

The Karma is very easy to use, both for beginners. as well as by professionals. This is made possible by the easy-to-understand operating patterns and the clear intuitive UI.

The drone also has an app called GoPro Passenger. It offers you the possibility to control the drone flight and also the GoPro in the way you want.

Besides the built-in camera, the GoPro Karma supports a lot of different GoPro cameras. For example, the Hero 4, Hero 5 Black and the Hero Session are supported. The drone comes with a handle to enable the best possible video quality.

Some points of criticism of the device are the short battery life of only 18-20 minutes and a missing underbody sensor.

5. Yuneec Q500 4K – Smooth and stable plane that lacks GPS navigation

Now let's step away from DJI and look at other options. The next device we got our hands on is the Yuneeq Q500 4K, also known as the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon.

This drone was designed as a direct competitor to the other drones in our list and it can actually be said to be a very good device.

The drone comes with a stylish case that seems a bit too big. For anyone who wasn't happy with the white finish of the DJI Phantom series, this drone comes in black.

Despite the dark color, it only loses a little of its esprit and is still one of the most beautiful drones in our test. Sadly, we can't base our decision on looks now. That's why we decided to put the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon through some tests to see if it's really that good.

Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K
Yuneec Typhoon Q500 4K

Just like in the previous reviews, we'll focus on the good aspects first, and then look at the not-so-good features. So without wasting any more time, let's take a look at the good points of the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon.

The Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon can record beautiful and completely stable 4K videos that are not only sharp and colorful but also show a lot of details.

The 12 MP camera does a good job when it comes to taking fantastic pictures with the distortion-free lens. It is possible to mount the camera separately on a handle to take even more great shots.

Unlike other controllers, the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon is based on an all-in-one concept. There is a small display on the controller that gives you a first-person perspective during the flight. In addition, all functions of the camera can be adjusted from there.

The drone is not only supplied with a large transport case, but also with 2 extra batteries. However, keep in mind that it is also possible to buy the drone without the two additional batteries at a lower price.

You can not only control the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon with the built-in remote control, but also with the super compact Wizard remote control. The drone is reasonably priced, but still cheaper than comparable models.

From looks alone, the Yunnec Q500 4K Typhoon seems better than the competition and the price seems good too. However, there are also some unpleasant disadvantages with this device.

While the drone itself looks very compact, there is hardly any other way to transport it than in the huge case. This makes traveling with the drone very difficult. Unfortunately, the drone also does not support GPS waypoint navigation.

Now we have given you a rough overview of this drone. Whether you buy them or not is entirely up to you. Still, we've found that it offers some useful features and is cheaper than its competitors, which is of course a positive.

6. Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 – A fun toy RC drone

The next drone in our test offers a contrast to all other models. It is not as big as comparable drones on the market. That's why it's also one of the smallest drones we've seen with rotors attached.

But that's not all. While other providers speak a very aggressive design language, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is completely different.

Instead of an overly elaborate design, the drone is rather simplistic in a black tone and resembles a UFO. We cannot say exactly whether this affects the flight dynamics.

Now, if you're wondering how much the drone costs, we're happy to say it's cheap.

This is of course understandable, since the drone is not designed for the professional sector, i.e. for filmmakers and photographers. However, that doesn't mean the drone isn't good enough.

Before we start taking a closer look at the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0, we would like to address some confusions. Unlike other drones on this list that are designed for professional use, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is just a toy.

You can book a camera option when you buy it, but it doesn't record in 4K and is definitely not suitable for professionals. However, one should still note that while it is not a full-featured drone, it is still a very good drone for the price.

The drone will give you many hours of fun. Another thing to note before purchasing is that this drone comes without a physical remote controller. To physically control the drone, an Nvidia Shield would be required. Fortunately, you can also control the drone via an app on your smartphone.

Parrot AR Drone 2.0
Parrot AR Drone 2.0

“The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 offers a good middle ground between toy hobby equipment. It is not a remote-controlled helicopter for hobby pilots and does not have a camera mount for professionals. Still, the device is more than just a toy drone.” – Will Greenwald, PCMag

Now let's move away from first impressions and take a closer look at the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 for its pros and cons.

Incredibly simple control patterns make flying a bliss. You can do some cool stunts with your drone.

While you don't have a high-end camera, the two onboard cameras give you plenty of features to explore and try out. While you need an Nvidia Shield to use the physical controls, it's very easy to use the drone with the app.

All the recordings you take with the two cameras are saved directly on the phone, which I find very convenient. The drone is also available in different colors.

Unfortunately, the battery life leaves a lot to be desired, just like all the other drones in our test.

7. Cheerson Hobby CX-20 Professional - Reasonable price and good performance

You will have noticed that towards the end of our list we have focused more on cheaper models that are not necessarily suitable for professionals.

These cheaper models are the best in their class and therefore deserve a listing and a mention.

Without wasting any more time, let's look at the final drone in our review, the Cheerson Hobby CX-20 Professional. The name alone makes it clear that these drones are more suitable for people who use the device as a hobby.

You should know that although no camera is included, there is a mount for a GoPro, for example. You can equip the drone with a suitable camera and record 4K videos and photos.

Cheerson CX-20
Cheerson CX-20

Before we go into more detail, you should know that the Cheerson Hobby CX-20 Professional bears a strong resemblance to the DJI Phanton series. Despite the visual similarity, you can tell them apart thanks to some red accents on the device. You may think that such a cheap model is definitely a toy drone, but that's not entirely true. In reality, the drone is powerful and packed with features. A positioning system is also installed. In contrast to the AR.Drone 2.0, it has a remote control that is easy to use for control.

In addition to advanced functions such as vision positioning and a wayfinder, there is a function that allows the drone to fly back to base. The camera mount makes it easy to connect a GoPro to take good pictures.

The device is reasonably priced without neglecting the quality. Also, the design is pretty with its red accents. The controls are easy to learn and fun to fly.

The only thing that deceives the experience is the short battery life and a very long charging time. As this is a very new product, there is not much information about accessories yet.

It has just come onto the market DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. A suitable introduction together with the technical data of this Super Zoom Drone you find here.

8. Our conclusion

It was very difficult for us to get an overview of the range of drones on the market as it is literally overflowing with new devices. Both professional and hobby drones line up.

It's no secret that the drone market is quite saturated with hundreds of different models. That is why it is a very difficult task to buy a drone that meets all your requirements.

However, some of these drones are not yet fully developed. In general, there are even legal requirements for drone owners not to accidentally cause an accident or similar.

The problem with most drones on the market right now is poor battery life. The best drone lasts about 30 minutes. Hopefully a solution to this problem will be found soon.

The drone market is still in its early stages of development. Companies are now increasingly focusing on reducing size and increasing portability.

As a result, for example, the GoPro Karma was created. It offers enthusiasts a good device. The next big point of change could be battery life.

There is no doubt that the future of drones looks bright. They could already prove to be very helpful for photographers and all those who take amazing shots.

Thanks to the possibility of connecting a camera to the drone, you can make super good videos. So you can make your private and professional projects look pretty.

In conclusion, I would like to note that it was not easy to test the wide range of drones. It took a lot of daring attempts and hard work to configure the devices and start a personal learning curve.

We did our best in the test to really illuminate every single aspect of the drone and make a purchase recommendation.

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