Unmanned technologies are one of the main signs of our time. If relatively recently only the military could use the services of UAVs, today many consumer-class machines are also produced. The emergence of modern materials and high-density microelectronic products has allowed manufacturers to significantly reduce the size and cost of household aircraft. This is where the category of mini quadcopters came into being.
And one more important point - such drones do not provide any reason for registration.
Dimensions
Before talking about cost, let's look at the classification of small UAVs. The class of a drone is determined by the diagonal distance between the motors, expressed in millimeters.
- The smallest aircraft is called nano. It has dimensions of 80-100 mm. A striking example is the Syma X12S Nano.
- Micro has slightly larger dimensions - 120-160 mm. JJRC H36 and Everyine E010 belong to this category.
- The mini (distance between motors 170-280 mm) includes the magnificent DJI Spark .
NeoCube GHD178398
Photo: https://beru.ru
A tiny quadcopter that fits in the owner's palm. Such a device is more tuned to entertainment and demonstration of tricks than to any productive activity. There are LEDs on the wings of this baby, so that, despite its modest dimensions, you will always know where your drone is flying at a given second. Unlike most modern quads, the NeoCybe GHD178398 uses regular batteries as a power source, which is a big plus. For example, you are going to conduct a long flight session, but for this, in the traditional case, you will either need a whole bunch of very expensive spare batteries, or a constant source of energy in order to charge these batteries.
Quadcopter NeoCube GHD178398
Advantages:
- good flight time
- three control modes
- powered by AA batteries
Flaws:
- unpleasant smell from plastic
- short-lived
Control options
The budget price allows users to use a small radio-controlled quadcopter to acquire initial flight skills. At the same time, all types of interaction with the machine are allowed - using a remote control, phone or tablet.
Remote controller
Working with a four-channel remote control happens most often. To change altitude and direction, the pilot uses two sticks - the left one is responsible for throttle and yaw (turns of the drone about the vertical axis), and the right one for pitch and roll (respectively, for tilts around the transverse and longitudinal axes). The remote control also contains adjustment controls (trimmers), as well as functional buttons - automatic take-off/landing, Headless, auto-return, photo, video, etc. The remote control can be equipped with a smartphone with a mobile application. This configuration allows for effective airspace control when flying in FPV mode .
Smartphone control
Some models do not come with a control panel. In this case, the pilot works with his own smartphone (tablet). A Wi-Fi channel is used for communication. The application displays the air situation, virtual sticks and several control mnemograms.
Some models (for example Xiaomi Mitu or Syma X22W) support G-sensor mode, in which the pocket quadcopter is controlled by tilting and rotating the smartphone. A separate article has been written on how to fly a drone .
Cheerson CX-10W
This tiny drone (32 mm wide, 22 mm high) is controlled using a mobile app. It is available for Android and iOS users. Cheerson has made it easier to find the right app by printing a QR code on the box of the drone. Just scan it and your phone will redirect you to the App store/Google play app.
Although a reference distance of “only” 25 meters may seem modest, it is actually not. The drone is very small, so at such a distance it is not visible at all, so even 25 meters is a lot. Approximately 10-15 meters is the maximum comfortable flight distance, otherwise you will lose sight of it even in clear weather.
Top miniature copters without camera
Mioshi 3D Mini Drone-11
This model is small in size (180x170x90 mm), and its take-off weight does not exceed 280 g. A well-tuned drone should not create any problems for its pilot. If they occur, the operator can always use the calibration controls of the control panel.
The functionality is represented by three speed modes (20, 50 and 100%), air flips, Headless Mode and return to the starting point. The instructions warn that after starting the last mode the pilot should not leave the starting position.
The on-board battery is discharged in just 5 minutes. The charge is replenished by connecting it to any USB port. The procedure takes three quarters of an hour.
The operator interacts with the machine through a small proprietary remote control operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The control range does not exceed 50 m. The synchronization process (between the drone and the remote control) is quite simple, but mandatory. It is well laid out in the flight instructions.
As for the price, this device is very cheap in the Mvideo store - only 1,690 rubles (with a discount). The kit includes the quadcopter itself, remote control, USB cable, a set of spare propellers, a screwdriver and brief instructions.
Mobicaro Mosquito
The Mosquito radio-controlled drone from Mobicaro is a compact and fairly fast model designed for home flights. The usual age limit for operators is 14 years or older.
The robust body of this machine and the plastic screw protection successfully withstand falls and impacts. The functional set of Mobicaro Mosquito is standard - return to the starting point, headless mode and acrobatics.
Commutator electric motors and small propellers are quite capable of handling the take-off weight of the machine. Stability is maintained by a six-axis gyroscope, which fully performs its tasks in normal weather conditions or indoors. The drone can stay in the air for up to 5 minutes. Any USB port can charge a flight battery in 40-45 minutes.
The pilot gives commands through a four-channel control panel operating in the infrared range. The device is a little small for an adult, but it is quite suitable for a teenager. The remote control is powered by 4 AA batteries, which are not included in the package. You can buy Mobicaro Mosquito in the Children's World store. It costs 1499 Russian rubles.
Holy Stone HS170 Predator
This model offers amazing performance and great value for money. The body of the machine is quite resistant to shocks and falls, so the HS170 can be recommended for novice pilots and even children.
The safety of the propellers is ensured by plastic guards. However, the set also includes spare blades. The beams have small legs that protect the engines well during a hard landing.
The dimensions of the HS170 are small - 130x130x25 mm. It weighs 31.3 g. The on-board battery (350 mAh) is discharged in 6-8 minutes. It takes up to an hour to restore the battery. The pilot can purchase an additional battery, but if he does not want to overheat the engines, the break between flights must last at least 10 minutes.
The quadcopter has three speed modes, the lowest of which is used by beginners or indoors. Medium to high expense levels make flying the HS170 a lot of fun. The copter is responsive, it stays in the air well, and its gyroscope works flawlessly.
The HS170's symmetrical structure can confuse and confuse the novice pilot. For this category of users, the presence of Headless.Mode in the drone’s functionality is important. This mode is complemented by the ideal hovering of the aircraft at one point and automatic return to home.
The machine is equipped with a remote control operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The control range is up to 50 m. The transmitter is a little bulky, but it has an auto-return button, supports headless mode and is capable of performing aerial acrobatics (flips). The HS170 costs only US$39.99.
Syma X26
This radio-controlled quadcopter has an original appearance - a powerful grille is attached to the small body, which well protects the electric motors and three-bladed propellers from damage. The engine compartments act as landing legs. The dimensions of the drone are small - 131x131x 44.5 mm. The body is made of ABS plastic, which is highly durable and wear-resistant.
Flight functionality is represented by auto takeoff and autolanding, hovering, Headless Mode, acrobatics and altitude hold. This list is supplemented by two types of expenses. The space is controlled by four on-board sensors, which, however, only work in low speed mode.
To interact with the UAV, the pilot uses an intuitive, compact transmitter that communicates at 2.4 GHz. The permissible distance of the X26 from the remote control is about 30 meters. The modular battery (850 mAh) guarantees 6 minutes of stay in the air. It takes an hour and a half to restore it. Today Syma X26 costs US $33.
HUBSAN X4 H107P
This copter was created for beginners. It has a very strong body and excellent balance. Its engines sound a little louder than other models for beginners, but this feature is almost the only drawback.
With a total weight of 40 grams, the dimensions of the H107P are 89x89x28 mm. Such parameters allow us to call this machine one of the smallest quadcopters of our time. The drone is equipped with a LiPo battery with a capacity of 530 mAh. It lasts for 8-11 minutes of continuous flight. It will take about 40 minutes to restore the battery. The control range is 90 m (in calm weather).
The copter actively responds to all operator actions. Note that time lag is the main problem when working with other available drones.
HUBSAN X4 H107P has two sets of costs. If the senior mode is fast enough and allows you to perform 3D acrobatics, then low-speed flights are accessible even to beginners. To counteract errors common to novice pilots, the on-board controller uses readings from a six-axis gyroscope.
The standard control panel has 4 channels and operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. According to the description, the maximum command transmission range under ideal conditions reaches 100 m. The remote control has a monocrystalline screen, which is used when setting the aircraft parameters. The quadcopter is sold in the Aliexpress brand store for US $17.99.
Blade Nano QX
This is one of the world's smallest drones and is a truly quality product. Its body is made of lightweight plastic. It is quite durable and can withstand most accidents.
The Nano QX weighs just 18 grams and has overall dimensions of 183x160x63mm. The diameter of the propellers is 50 mm. It is clear that such a light and small copter will only fly in the absence of wind or indoors.
A special feature of this machine is the exclusive SAFE technology. It gives the nano drone behavior exceptional stability and maneuverability.
The QX functionality offers two flight modes – Stability and Agility. The first of them includes two sets of costs and is intended for beginners and intermediate pilots. The quadcopter is very easy to control. If the operator drops the controls, SAFE technology will cause the Nano QX to automatically hover in one spot. This feature allows a confused beginner to come to his senses. In Agility mode, all safety nets are removed and control is transferred to an experienced pilot.
The drone is connected to a 1S battery with a capacity of 150 mAh. A full charge of the on-board battery provides approximately 8 minutes of flight time. The USB port is used to replenish the battery. The procedure lasts about half an hour.
Nano QX comes with a four-channel transmitter. The device is quite convenient and is powered by AA batteries (included in delivery). If you press the left joystick, you can select one of two flight modes. Expenses are set with the right stick. The range of the controller is about 12 meters. This is quite acceptable for an aircraft that spends most of its time indoors. On the Horizon Hobby website (the developer of the Blade Nano QX), the price of this product is US $59.99.
Eachine H8 Mini
This device tops our rating. It has proven itself to be a reliable, fast and stable drone for beginners. The H8 Mini body is made of ABS plastic. It is quite durable and can withstand strong impacts. The build quality is very good.
Small dimensions (135x135x28 mm) and weight (20 grams) indicate that it is better to run it indoors. The working radius of the copter does not exceed 30 m. The built-in six-axis gyroscope makes the flight of this machine very stable and predictable.
The quadcopter can fly in Headless mode, perform aerial acrobatics and has an automatic return to home function. This set is complemented by double expenses (40 and 100%).
The capacity of the 1S on-board battery is small - only 150 mAh. The battery lasts for 5-7 minutes of intense flight. It will take 45 minutes to restore the battery.
To interact with the aircraft, a four-channel transmitter operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range is used. All controls are simple and responsive, but some pilots have certain problems working with the remote control - the size of the device is too small.
Unfortunately, Eachine H8 Mini only comes with a couple of extra propellers, it would have been nice to have a full set. However, spare parts for this machine are quite available on the Internet. Eachine H8 Mini is considered one of the cheapest products. It costs US$11.99 on Banggood.
Syma X23W
Photo: https://beru.ru
The X23W mini quadcopter model is capable of flying for 7 minutes on a single charge. The quadcopter has a lot of advantages: it can fly from point to point, perform auto-landing, and stop if the propeller is damaged or overloaded. Thanks to the barometer, the drone can maintain altitude while staying at one point. You can control it using the remote control within a radius of 70 meters, as well as from any gadget. Syma X23W has a camera and has the ability to shoot in first person. The robust body is made of plastic and metal. And the engine is protected from overheating and from being fully charged. If you are still thinking about which quadcopter is best for children, take a closer look at this model.
Syma X23W
Advantages:
- convenient control
- low price
- compact
- easy
- presence of a camera
Flaws:
- poor shooting quality
- brushed motors
Rating of mini drones with camera
HOLY STONE X300C
In the box you will receive the quadcopter itself, safety glasses, a transmitter with a holder for a smartphone, and two batteries with a capacity of 750 mAh. Note that each of them comes with its own USB charger. It takes up to 2 hours to replenish the standard battery, and the flight duration does not exceed 10 minutes. So the second battery will not be superfluous. This baby needs ten minutes between starts to cool down.
The special capabilities of the described mini drone with a camera are quite expected and are represented by 3D acrobatics, Headless mode and the return of the machine to the starting point at the initiative of the operator. A WiFi channel is used to control and broadcast the image. The transmitter range does not exceed 100 m.
The X300C is considered to be an accurate and agile quadcopter. But it has difficulty resisting moderate winds, but given its size, this feature should not be surprising. Holy Stone claims that the design of this quadcopter allows for very quick and easy replacement of failed parts. This is true.
The drone is equipped with a 720P front camera. The device has an autofocus function and allows both simple shooting of images and their broadcast in FPV mode. Photos and video materials can be saved on the on-board memory card or sent for storage to a smartphone. For control, a full-fledged remote control and the pilot’s telephone are used. The cost of the car is clearly overpriced and amounts to US $139.
Xiaomi Mitu
With a take-off weight of 88 g, the dimensions of this mini drone are small (91x91x38 mm), but its body is difficult to destroy. The flight radius of Xiaomi Mitu does not exceed 50 m. With a proprietary 920 mAh battery, the machine can fly continuously for about 9-10 minutes.
This camera quadcopter comes with decent features - Headless, automatic takeoff and landing, hovering, flips and altitude retention. The machine is easy to start with a simple toss, and is also capable of conducting aerial battles.
The copter flies in FPV mode. For this purpose, a built-in HD video camera is used. The image is transmitted via Wi-Fi. The image can also be recorded in the machine’s internal memory of 4 GB. The drone is not equipped with a remote control; it is replaced by the pilot’s smartphone. Today Xiaomi Mitu costs about 65 US dollars.
Syma X22W
The manufacturer positions Syma X22W as a small flying camera that broadcasts images via Wi-Fi. The machine belongs to the class of mini drones. Its dimensions are 14.4x14.2x3.1 cm. The internal electronics are protected by a reliable plastic shell. Buyers like the excellent quality of the plastics from which the aircraft body is molded. Thanks to this, the age limit for pilots has been reduced from 14 to 8 years.
Due to its very low weight, the Syma X22W can only be launched in isolated areas or in calm conditions. Dual flow rates and brushed motors (with a KV rating of 1100) accelerate this copter to 10 km/h.
The energy source is a single-cell battery with a capacity of 400 mAh. This value is sufficient for a flight lasting 7 minutes. The battery takes one and a half hours to charge.
Indoors and in calm weather, the quadcopter can easily handle 3D acrobatics. This feature is complemented by automatic takeoff and landing, altitude hold and headless mode. It is also possible to fly along the chosen route. However, the car does not have satellite navigation, and the reliable performance of this operation raises questions.
The built-in camera shoots in HD format. In live video mode, the image is transmitted via Wi-Fi. The broadcast range does not exceed 25 m. The X22W comes with a four-channel remote control operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. The remote control successfully controls the quadcopter at a distance of up to 70 m. A special application allows the pilot to replace the remote control with his own smartphone. In the company's online store, Syma X22W is sold for $34.
Hubsan X4 H107C
The Hubsan X4 H107C is a well-built and well-functioning drone. Its horizontal dimensions fit into a square with sides 70x70 mm. With screw protection, this parameter increases to 130 mm. The lightweight airframe of this machine has decent stability and does not require frequent replacement of parts. The build quality is one of the best in its price range.
The model is designed for indoor flights. Of course, it can be used outdoors, but the weather should be calm. It is worth remembering that the H107C is very sensitive to the pilot’s actions, so neophytes should not fly without propeller protection.
The drone has two versions - with a 480P and 720P camera. It is advisable to use both models only for mastering the main techniques of aerial photography. Those interested can record photos and videos to a microSD card.
Both options use a four-channel RC transmitter. The device is lightweight, fits well in the pilot's hands and comes with all settings. The remote control has an information LCD screen, which displays the status of the on-board battery and other data. The drone remains controllable at a distance of up to 100 m. A full charge of the 380 mAh battery is enough for 7 minutes of continuous flight. Hubsan X4 H107C with 480P (0.3 Mpix) camera sells for US$49. Installing 720P (2 Mpix) class camera equipment increases this price to US $69.
Potensic A20 Nano
With its simple features, the Potensic A20 Nano is ideal for beginners. This drone is considered one of the best in the mini category. Its dimensions are small (89x78.5 mm), and its take-off weight does not exceed 100 g. These parameters make the A20 Nano an ideal machine for flying in small spaces. The drone is well structured and resists damage well.
The A20 Nano arrives fully assembled to consumers, so the user can begin flying immediately after unpacking the product. The quadcopter is equipped with a battery, the capacity of which is enough for a quarter of an hour of intensive use. The battery is charged via a built-in USB connector. It will take 40 minutes to fully recharge.
This drone has automatic takeoff and landing, altitude hold, three speed modes and Headless Mode. The safety system will sound an alarm if the battery is low or the drone is about to fly outside the permissible flight zone. The A20 does not have an auto-return function, so its safety is not 100% guaranteed when used outdoors. The FPV version of this machine can be purchased for US$49.99.
The package includes a transmitter, four additional propellers, a USB charging cable and a user manual. This is quite enough.
Jin Xing Da JXD-523 Tracker
Photo: https://beru.ru
An excellent entry-level selfie drone that can be trusted to be operated by children aged 8 years and older. The model is distinguished by the absence of a head, that is, you will not have a common problem with budget devices of this class, when the device loses its orientation and begins to behave inappropriately. Using the Wi-Fi module and using the FPV system, owners of such a quadcopter have the opportunity to take photos and videos of the area, and the available barometer will help the device follow at a given altitude. In general, it’s a pretty nice model with which you can start your acquaintance with the world of these amazing devices.
Jin Xing Da JXD-523 Tracker
Advantages:
- good flight time
- powerful battery
- six-axis gyroscope
Flaws:
- short-lived
Equipment
Fly More Combo Kit
The copter is sold in two configurations - basic and extended Fly More Combo.
- The Fly More Combo includes:
- the drone itself;
- remote control;
- excellent hard case;
- 3 batteries and a docking station for them;
- cable set;
- 3 sets of propellers;
- suspension protection;
- screwdriver.
Propeller protection is not included.
The basic kit includes only one battery, no case, and two sets of propellers instead of three.
Types and types of quadcopters and their differences
Buyers are offered products of complete and partial assembly.
Ready
These quadcopters are ready to fly straight from the store. The device is configured, the battery is installed, the camera is mobilized for shooting. The video is transmitted to the pilot’s mobile device and stored in a memory card.
Assembly kits with and without radio control
Assembly kit (ARF) codenamed “partially ready for takeoff.” Incomplete assembly of the model, you need to purchase the missing radio equipment, receiver or mount propellers, supports, camera suspension.
Kit for assembly (KIT) - consists of basic parts: frame, engines, motor speed controllers, propellers. This option is sold without an FPV system, which requires complex installation.
Shooting video with a quadcopter: tips and useful information
One of the main conditions for working with a quadcopter is compliance with flight rules. It is prohibited to launch UAVs over prohibited areas: airfields, places with crowds of people. If there is a lack of experience, they must master the control of a drone in open areas without ponds or forests.
Before leaving for the shoot, they check the availability of all necessary spare parts, charging and supply of batteries. The first flight requires mandatory compass calibration. Control the camera and gimbal settings.
They check the quality of satellite communications on the ground and select points for shooting. Beginners first master simple techniques, then move on to more complex maneuvers. The shooting is carried out in good, calm weather.
