Lately, stories about drones in the media tell us about attempts to commercialize their capabilities via home delivery, or about an attack (and subsequent fall) with a firearm. While governments try to establish the definitive legal status of drones, consumers dive into the web to explore all kinds of options, from the most basic and economical to those prepared to carry cameras and other elements. Today we present seven of them.
If you think it's time to buy a drone, you know that decision demands a lot of prior research. The drone market has exploded, and price differences can be so wide that it's hard to know where to start. One thing is certain: Flying a drone is not the same as controlling an RC car. The level of responsibility is much higher, and believe me when I say that the last thing you need is a conflict caused by a drone. Another thing to consider is budget, and this is not limited to the drone itself but also reaches the available accessories. Once the drone is in your home, you'll want batteries, higher-performance propellers, better cameras, and so on. The list we present today tries to cover the whole spectrum (from “casual” to “very demanding”) without sacrificing availability. That said, let's begin.
Syma X5C
One of the best-selling models, and that's no coincidence. Its balance between price and performance is suitable for any drone enthusiast looking to earn their first wings. The main battery gives an average flight time of six minutes, but that should be enough to get good footage with its 720p camera. The Syma X5C is a solid starting point, despite having older siblings in different colors. (€53)
Parrot AR.Drone 2.0
For many users, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 is a “synonym” for drone. Very easy to fly, a notable number of accessories, good official support, and three different camouflage designs are some of the reasons that justify its high price. We won't deny it: The Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 tends to be expensive, but those who decided to pay the premium have not regretted it. (€246-276)
DBPOWER Hawkeye FPV
One of the most important details for a drone is the ability to control it from a first-person perspective. That is one of the strong points of the DBPOWER Hawkeye. Its VGA-resolution camera won't win any photography contests, but it will help you see where you're directing it, with the help of its WiFi support and a smartphone. Eight minutes of flight, automatic return key, and two landing wheels round out the package. (€166)
Ninco Max Cam
If you're looking for a mid-range model with a stealthier look for the drone, but you're not willing to pay the nearly €300 for a Parrot, you might want to take a closer look at the Ninco Max Cam. Four radio control channels, three speeds that adapt the drone to the pilot's experience, integrated camera, a maximum distance of about 100 meters, and about 8-10 minutes of flight define the Ninco Max Cam. (€130)
Hubsan X4 H107
If we leave aside cameras, automatic return systems, and aspects like size, the truth is that a drone doesn't need to be very complex, nor expensive. These special parameters place us before the Hubsan X4 H107. I understand that some see it as a simple toy, but the opinion of its owners is excellent on the web, highlighting its (almost) ten minutes of flight, and its great usefulness as a training drone. (€40)
Cheerson CX-10
Now, really: Drones can take on many roles, and “toy” is no exception. All you need is a compact design, a simple controller, acceptable flight values, and of course, an unbeatable price. The Cheerson CX-10 has all that, and a few more things. Its twenty-meter range makes it ideal for landing in the strangest places in the living room… or breaking a couple of propellers in the process. For less than €25, what could go wrong? (€24)
DJI Phantom 2
To finish, let's blow the budget sky-high along with the drone. The folks at DJI already have superior models on their official page, but the reputation of the Phantom 2 cannot be taken lightly. GoPro camera mounts and special batteries set the pace for its accessories, and with a 25-minute flight, it's impossible to complain on that point. If you're willing to spend more than €500 on a drone, this might be what you're looking for. (€532)
That's all for now. As always, we hope that some model mentioned here deserves your attention, or at least serves as a reference to explore other brands and specifications. Do you have a drone to suggest? Comments, comments, comments. Good luck!
