Taking your first step into the world of drones can be overwhelming. There are a considerable number of different options available at all price points.
But for beginners, the best idea is to start with an inexpensive model. You can learn the ropes and get a better idea of piloting a drone and taking aerial photos without breaking the bank.
We're taking a look at a number of cheap drones with a camera to help get you started.
The Holy Stone HS700D offers several great features usually reserved for higher-end models. The built-in camera can capture 2K videos and images using a lens with a 110-degree field of view. You can also rotate the camera a full 90 degrees so you can point down to the ground. And you can stay up for up to 22 minutes with the included battery.
Built-in GPS also makes it easier to fly. In an emergency, like a signal loss, the drone can automatically return to where it took off. You can also set a custom flight path using the companion smartphone app. And when you don't want to continually control the drone, the follow-me mode will automatically follow you and record video. You can select from a white or gray version of the drone.
- Can capture 2K videos and images
- Built-in GPS allows more advanced features like a custom flight path
- Controller with smartphone holder included
- Brand: Holy Stone
- Camera: 2K
- App: Yes
- Weight: 1.34 pounds
- Range: 3280 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 2800 mAH
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Single battery provides up to 22 minutes of flight time
- Will automatically return to home in case of an emergency
- No propeller guards included
DJI is easily the biggest name in drones today as the company's models have taken the consumer world by storm. And the DJI Tello brings some of the technology found in much more expensive drones to an entry-level price point.
The diminutive drone weighs 2.8 ounces and can be flown both indoors or a windless day outdoors. The rechargeable battery provides around 10 minutes of flight. Some of the great features include automatic takeoff/landing, a 720p camera, electronic image stabilization, collision detection, and more.
Flyers can also take advantage of six different flight modes like Throw & Go, where you can toss the drone up, and it will automatically take off and stabilize. You'll control the drone with a companion smartphone app.
- Just toss in the air to begin flying
- Use a smartphone app to fly and capture images and video
- Compatible with VR headsets
- Brand: DJI
- Camera: 2K
- App: Yes
- Speed: 17.9mph
- Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Range: 328 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 13 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Can be used to help kids learn and improve their programming skills
- Designed for beginners
- Only captures 720p video
A standout feature of the Eachine E58 is the 120-degree wide-angle lens along with a camera that can capture 720p video and images. While in the air, the camera can also rotate 90 degrees down to see what's happening on the ground. You'll control the drone during flight with the included controller and smartphone holder.
To help you capture a clear photo or video, an altitude hold mode keeps the drone in a specific location and height for stable hovering. While flying, you can take advantage of the headless mode and also do 360-degree flips with the push of a button. Flight time with the induced battery is around 12 minutes.
With an optional VR headset, you can use the app's special mode to view what the drone is seeing indoors or outside in real-time.
- 120-degree lens can help capture more of the scene in images and video
- Foldable design for easy travel
- One button takeoff and landing is great for beginners
- Brand: Eachine
- Camera: 720p
- App: Yes
- Weight: 0.212 pounds
- Range: 334 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 9 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Controller included
- Compatible with VR headsets
- Only captures 720p video
- Small size makes it prone to wind and other weather conditions
You can leave your smartphone at home when using the Force1 F100G. The drone comes with a detachable 1080p camera and can fly up to 1,640 feet away. Pilots can even swap the included camera out for their own action camera if they choose.
The drone's brushless motors should help you capture clear and smooth video or photos while in the air. With the included remote control, you can select from a high or low speed while flying. It's even possible to fly at night with the built-in LED headlamps.
The battery provides up to 15 minutes of flight time. As a nice perk, two batteries are included with the drone. Force1 also includes three different shells to customize the look of the drone.
- Two batteries included offer up to 30 minutes of flight time
- Camera included and mount is compatible with GoPro Hero 3 and 4
- LED headlights can allows for night flight
- Brand: Force1
- Camera: 1080p
- App: No
- Weight: 0.981 pounds
- Range: 1640 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 15 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): No
- No smartphone needed
- Three shells to customize your drone
- No view from the camera while flying makes it more difficult to pilot
If you're happy with 1080p videos and images, the SIMREX X11 has everything you need for some fun in the skies. The included battery can provide up to 22 minutes of flight time. The built-in camera sports a two-axis stabilization gimbal for the most stable video and pictures while flying.
As another nice touch, the camera's shooting angle is always maintained at a horizontal angle, no matter how the drone is flying. Built-in GPS allows the drone to return home during any emergency automatically. You can also use that feature to create a path for the drone to fly. You can pilot the drone with the provided controller, a smartphone, or combine to the two for the best experience.
- Battery provides up to 22 minutes of flight
- GPS enabled to provide additional features
- Can control the drone with the included controller, a smartphone, or both
- Brand: SIMREX
- Camera: 1080p
- App: Yes
- Weight: 2.78 pounds
- Range: 1640 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 22 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Will automatically return to home in an emergency
- SIMREX includes additional propellers and propeller protection frames
- Only 1080p video and images
The DEERC D50 is a perfect way to get your feet with drones. You can capture 2K video and images with a 120-degree field-of view-lens. And there are several great features tailored for beginners. A one-tap button allows the drone to take off automatically. While an altitude hold option also allows you to capture clearer images and videos.
You can use voice commands for tasks like take off, landing, and snapping a picture. And once you've got the hang of flying, there are more fun features like 360-degree flips and the ability to create a flying map for the drone. Two included batteries can provide up to 12 minutes of flight time each.
- Can capture 2K video and images using the 120-degree field-of-view lens
- Altitude lock feature makes the drone easier to use and capture better video and images
- Headless mode allows you to fly the drone no matter what direction it is facing
- Brand: DEERC
- Camera: 2K
- App: Yes
- Weight: 6.3 ounces
- Range: 333 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 12 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Four speed modes for more precise control
- Voice control features makes using the drone easier
- Small size can could easily be disrupted by wind and other conditions
Take to the skies and capture 4K videos and images with the aovo GPS Drone. The adjustable, 90-degree tilt gimbal allows you to capture what's happening with maximum clarity.
With built-in GPS, the drone can return home in the event of an emergency. And with the points of interest feature, you can have the drone fly around a preset point. You can also create a flight path before heading to the skies.
The included battery can provide up to 30 minutes of flight time. And when it's time to head home, you can fold the drone and all of the accessories in the included carrying case.
- Camera can capture 4K video and images
- Maximum control range of more than 3,200 feet
- GPS enabled for more advanced features like one-touch landing and landing
- Brand: aovo
- Camera: 4K
- App: Yes
- Weight: 18.4 ounces
- Range: 3280 feet
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi
- Battery: 30 minutes
- First-Person View (FPV): Yes
- Up to 30 minutes of flight time with included battery
- Drone can all accessories can be placed in included case
FAQ
Q: Are Drones Hard to Fly?
Don't expect to be a master pilot the first time you fly a drone. There is a learning curve to master the finer points of flying. Along with flying the drone smoothly, there are also other factors you'll have to consider, like wind speed and your location.
If you're a new pilot, practice makes perfect. Find a great open space outdoors on a clear and sunny day. Then practice flying at a low altitude and at a slow speed. With a few practice sessions, you'll be much closer to enjoying all that a drone has to offer.
Q: What Should I Look for When Buying a Drone?
Most importantly, before shopping, you need to decide how you want to use the drone. Drones are available in a wide variety of price ranges. If you're looking for a drone on a budget, make sure to find a model with the best possible camera.
One of the best features of a drone is to fly high and record videos and photos. Other features to look for include maximum flight time with the battery and other options like GPS and an included controller and smartphone-based flying via an app.
Q: Can I Fly a Drone in My City?
This is definitely one of the most significant downsides of flying a drone. There are a wide variety of different laws about piloting a drone, no matter where you are.
Depending on your location, you can fly a drone but only at a certain height. Other places are completely prohibited air space for drones, like near airports. In the United States, the best place to check is on the FAA's drone site. That provides rules and regulations for new pilots.
