Table of Contents
Introduction
Remote controlled helicopters and drones have revolutionized the way we view the world around us. These gadgets have evolved from toys to sophisticated equipment, though the element of fun is still there. Just a couple of years back, shooting a professional video, especially with a panoramic view, required a dedicated crew. But not anymore, because with the advent of these helicopters and drones, you now have an eye in the sky to look out for everything.
These gadgets are easy to use, versatile and durable; they will take care of all of your videotaping needs. In an ever-sophisticated world, such gadgets make your work easier and also provide you with much-needed fun. Whether you’re flying your helicopter or drone casually, or if you’re taping a video from a bird’s eye view, these models will help you out.
Uses of Remote Control Helicopters with Video Cameras
Why do people keep on buying these things and why would you need one? Remote control helicopters are more than just flying cameras, they serve a host of functions that make them desirable. Here is a brief rundown of some things that you can do via your remote control helicopter:
Flying Made Easy & Accessible
Man has always wanted to fly, something about being above the ground makes the experience much desirable. While a drone will not carry you up, but it will let you see the world as if you were actually flying. They let you soar through the skies, glide on as if you were lighter than air. Never has flying been so accessible and easy in the past.
Ideal For Having Fun
Sometimes you just want to have a good time. Imagine this: it has just rained, the air smells alive, the sky is full of greyish hues, and you can see a rainbow from a distance. Who wouldn’t want to step out and witness such beauty? You can take out your RC helicopter and explore the alluring charm of nature as you fly through the scene.
Drone Patrolling
On a more serious note, these gadgets serve very important functions. Suppose you’ve got a big area to monitor, i.e. a concert arena, either for security purposes or to make sure everyone is getting their work done well. Instead of running through an intricate maze all day, you can simply sit and fly your drone to monitor everything. This not only saves effort, but allows you to keep a close eye out, it is even more effective than conventional methods.
Capturing Aerial Videos & Photos
This is an obvious one. Drones come equipped with excellent high-resolution cameras, ideal for capturing pictures and videos from the air. This means that you can say goodbye to traditional methods that require intense labor and practice. With a drone, you can photograph like a pro, even if you aren’t one. These cameras are ideal for capturing frames from a distance and have excellent picture quality, even when taken from afar.
Our Top 5 Picks
After much flying and testing, we’ve narrowed down our choices to these five models:
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
DJI is a reputable brand in the RC helicopters and drones business. They have reinvented, retweaked, and revamped the drone experience, making it more versatile than ever. You can easily fold their models and carry them with ease.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom continues to excel and stand out like its predecessors and boasts a plethora of potent features that others are often lacking. Fly it around for a decent 31 minutes air time with an eight-kilometer range. This model comes packed with two optical zoom lenses having a 24-48 mm effective focal length and crystal clear picture quality. The craft can be used very creatively for lens compression and can take pictures in a versatile manner. Its signature feature, the Dolly Zoom quick shot, lest you emulate the classic Hitchcock camera movements to create a dramatic effect.
The drone is a bit pricy but is worth every cent. It can shoot a 4k video at 30 frames per second, giving you a realistic, and cinema-like result. You can also integrate the machine into an exclusive DJI’s application to further boost the model’s functionality. The only disappointment is the absence of 60 fps at 4k resolution and the insensitivity of the side sensors.
Pros
- Can be folded and carried around with ease
- Includes the exclusive Dolly Zoom quick shot feature
- Integrates with an exclusive app to unlock further functionality
- High-resolution camera
Cons
- It is a bit pricy when compared to other models but worth the investment
- 4k resolution only shoots at 30fps, not 60 fps.
Verdict
The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom model is an excellent and versatile option for aerial photography, it is a bit pricy but worth the investment.
PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard
PowerVision has earned the prestige and fame it has gathered over the years. The company has created underwater drones alongside flying crafts, so a water-proof flying model was bound to come out. This model is more adaptable and versatile than any other on the list. It can be used as a drone craft for aerial photography, hand-held camcorder, or be mounted on a tripod for a photography session. The model exceeds all expectations with a 30 minutes flight on dry mode within a 6 km radius.
The craft makes excellent use of gimbal for stability and its super-intelligent A.I. is ideal for subject tracking. If weren’t made for people, it could be one of those Skynet bots from the Terminator, but don’t worry, this one’s on your side. When equipped with the exclusive “wizard” kit, the drone can take it to the skies amidst downpour or you may land it on water during your visits to the beach.
It is highly adaptable, its arms can be removed with ease and the reassembly requires little effort. The A.I. mode for the camera is a decent option, but would have done better with a conventional record button instead of having to use the app for this purpose. The app allows you to expand the functionality of the craft.
Overall the model is a perfect combination for all users. Photographers might fret over the sensor of the 4k camera but it can provide an excellent 60 fps shot in decent lighting, that should cover up for the sensor concern. The model has been exquisitely crafted and is ideal for use in rain or near water.
Pros
- It can be equipped with waterproof mode gear which also allows it land on water
- The A.I. is smart and ideal for tracking
- The model boasts a powerful 4k camera which can do 60 fps in decent lighting
- Can be used as a craft, handheld camera or tripod-mounted lens
Cons
- You need to use the app to use the A.I. camcorder option
- The image sensor is sub-par when compared to DJI
Verdict:
The PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard is a highly versatile and practical mode, ideal for use in the rain or for landing on water.
DJI Mavic Mini
This DJI model is light enough to be carried anywhere but comes packed with a strong camera. The legal complications with manufacturing products beyond a certain weight level, forced DJI to compress and revamp their existing models. Hence, came forth DJI Mavic Mini, a lightweight drone, with the specifications paralleling those from the high-end products. Such as a 30 minutes flight time with a maximum range of 4km.
The Mavic Mini can capture videos at 2.7k, which is inferior to high-end products but still quite decent and well worth the price it is being offered at. The drone comes equipped with a 3-axis camera stabilization mechanism, making the videos and pictures ultra-smooth and clear. The model has also been designed to be ideal for Instagram and vlog user-friendly, being easy to use, and offering excellent results.
The manufacturers yearn for you to call it your “FlyCam”, and with all that it offers, their desires may come true. The unique “QuickShots” features allow you to take excellent selfies, ideal for sharing online, although not professional grade. However, its portability makes it ideal as a travel companion and what’s better is that the pictures captured have awesome angles.
Although the camera quality may be a bit sub-par, and the model does not have the collision sensing systems like those of other DJI models, it is still a decent option. These sacrifices were required for a lightweight frame and to take off some load from the motherboard components. This miniaturization and simplification have made the model affordable, easy to use, and portable.
Pros
- Its small size makes it easily transportable
- It is ideal for beginners and does not involve a steep learning curve
- The model comes with simple manual controls
- A decent model for a low price tag
Cons
- Lacks a 4k camera
- Does not have collision sensors
Verdict
An affordable and practical option for beginners. The DJI Mavic Mini has a decent set of options, considering the price range.
DJI Mavic Air 2
This is another affordable option from DJI, a low priced flying camera suited for most people. The frame is fitted with several collision sensors in all directions. These sensors not only warn you about an obstacle in the way but also plot a course to circumvent it.
You also get an impressive 34 minutes flying time, more than most models and an unparalleled 18.5 km range too. It is also mounted with a 4k camera which video recording capabilities at 60 fps. The controller has the option to set your phone on top, allowing for a more immersive experience. You also purchase an optional “fly more” pack for keeping it to the air for a while longer. Overall, a balanced choice.
Pros
- It has a portable design
- Its 4k camera can shoot at 60 fps
- Highly effective sensors allow you to fly safely
- 34 minutes flight time
Cons
- Sensors are absent on top and bottom
- The application is a bit sub-par when compared to other models
Verdict
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is the best foldable drone, at an economic price.
Ryze Tello
This is a microdrone that packs a strong and heavy punch. It is packed with impressive software features and highly perceptive positioning sensors. Impressive camera quality and direct save to phone options make the drone the ideal companion for social media celebrities.
The model lacks a GPS but has rechargeable batteries (via USB). It is excellent for indoor use with a 13 minutes flight time and a 100m range. The camera quality is decent and the videos look quite stunning with 720p quality, suitable for most YouTubers. The drone is lightly built and portable, most of all affordable.
Ryze Tello offers much more than good looks, it is highly versatile. Take off from your palm or throw it in the air to start the flight. You can attach your phone with the controller and record 360o videos with ease. You can also program the video-making features to your liking.
Pros
- Best price tag
- Ideal for indoor usage
- You can code and program its software features
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- The range does not exceed 100 m
- The camera cannot be tilted
Verdict
The Ryze Tello is a simplistic and affordable option for Instagram and YouTube users.
What to Look for When Choosing Remote Control Helicopters with Video Cameras?
There are so many factors to consider while buying a new RC helicopter. Most models come cheap but do not offer any impressive features like good camera quality or a decent range. Unless you want to end up buying a toy model instead of a gadget, take some time to consider the following parameters while buying.
Operation Range
While no threshold range separates decent models from sub-par ones, generally, the former tends to have the edge. A smaller range means that your movements will be restricted and your experience soiled. Even if you’re using a drone for fun, it is a huge disappointment to see the distance warning when you’ve barely flown it. Decent models cover a broader range, to get the optimum option, check out the area you’re going to use the drone in. Buy the model that easily covers that area from a corner.
Simple Controls
Drones and RC helicopters are supposed to making flying simpler and more accessible. This means that you should be able to use them flawlessly even if you’re a newbie. No need to go for intricate controls unless you’re a pro and you know what you’re getting into. Most models have simplified consoles to allow pros and beginners to use the drones alike.
Good Camera Quality
The whole point behind RC helicopters with “cameras”, is to have an eye in the sky. Be it a photography session for your Instagram status updates or a video-taping session for YouTube, you’d want the best results. Always make a point to check out the camera quality before purchasing the model. Several models offer 4k resolution, ideal for photographing from a distance, with crystal clear results. Make sure that the video resolution is also decent, sometimes there is a discrepancy between the camera and video quality.
Durable Design
You want to make a onetime investment for something that lasts. You may hesitate to kick in a few bucks for the first time but if it gets you a durable and long-lasting product, why hesitate? If a product is meant for the long haul, the manufacturer will proudly boast it on the cover. Even if there is no clear indication, you can judge by the manufacturer’s warranty or users’ reviews. Remember, a warranty is a parameter for judging the company’s confidence in its product.
Affordability
Any product is only as good for us as our pockets are deep. Money is a serious issue, and there is no need to feel ashamed about it. Odds are you might want to get the top-rated product but can’t because of the price. You can always come back for the best thing in the future, in the meantime, a mid-range product will do the job just fine. Consider your needs, how much do you want from a drone? The myriads of attractive features may be alluring but odds are you won’t be needing all of these. Consider your specific needs and you will narrow down your choice to something within your price range.
Our Recommendation
We recommend the DJI Mavic Mini because of its unique features and its simplistic controls. The model is both affordable and ideal for beginners and pros alike. It may lack some advanced features but what it does have, it offers earnestly and delivers what it promises.
Final Words
RC helicopters and drones have become more than just a hobby, they are gadgets now. These models have versatile functions and will help you make more impressive pictures and videos with ease. If you want to patrol an area or just fly for fun, unabated by the distances, you need one of these models. With such a diverse range of features to choose from, we hope that you would’ve found the product you were looking for.
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