The best drones under $ 500 – Rolling Stone



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Those crazy shots of Wakanda that you saw in Black Panther while T'Challa flew over his beloved country? The majority of them were all hit by a drone, swapping the panoramic views of the Golden Gate Highlands in South Africa against the fictional sub-Saharan nation of the Marvel Universe.

Since their arrival on the scene a little over ten years ago, drone cameras have become an integral part of filmmaking. They capture all the well-filled pursuit scenes (think of the opening sequence of the bike in 2012). Sky Fall) to great aerial images of a city, a beach or an island (think of any reality TV montage).

Drones can still meet the four (or five) characters, but are some brands making well-reviewed drones offering similar performance for a fraction of the price. These cameras allow you to get images that ordinary handheld cameras can not, whether they are hanging over a treetop or following your car as you walk on a race track. It's the bird's eye view you've always dreamed of, all controlled with the fingertips.

Simply charge the camera's battery, pair the drone with your phone or tablet (so you can "drive" it from your device), then find a clear place to let it run. Are you ready to start capturing these spectacular images? Here are four of the best rated UAV cameras under $ 500.

1. Altair 818 Hornet

altair drone review

With permission from Amazon

If you're new to a drone camera and only need it for casual use (capturing a family trip or filming a movie for your social networking accounts, for example), you will not find a better drone for beginners as the Altair 818 Hornet.

Very easy to install, the drone is equipped with a 720p wide angle HD camera and offers you 15 minutes of flight. Add the second battery included and you will get a total flight time of 30 minutes. Pair it with your phone to get a first-person view (FPV) of what your camera sees. The durable construction of the drone makes it strong enough to ensure a stable flight, but light enough to carry it without weighing you down.

What we like: There is only one button to take off and land, which makes it easier to understand the commands. Three controller skill settings let you improve your game and try new tricks once you get used to the camera and its capabilities. Buy: 168.80 USD on Amazon.com.

2. Holy Stone GPS RC Drone

drone stone drone camera review

With permission from Amazon

This high-definition drone incorporates an advanced GPS system that detects and tracks the subject you want to photograph, ensuring the camera is centered and centered at all times. Holy Stone calls this the "follow me" feature, and it's one of the best parts of these new drones. You no longer need to manually set a focus point or struggle to zoom in or out on your subject.

The drone is a step forward from the previous model in the list, taking pictures in 1080p HD with a wide-angle lens of 120 °. The battery charges in just three hours and up to 15 minutes of flight.

What we like: the camera weighs only 700 grams (including battery), and this set comes with eight propeller blades, propeller guards, a USB cable and a fireproof storage bag. Purchase: $ 229.99 on Amazon.com.

3. DJI: Spark Camera

dji spark drone camera review

With permission from Amazon

DJI is one of the leading manufacturers of drone cameras and this mini-drone features extremely intelligent flight controls, a mechanical gimbal and a camera that provides incredible image quality while maintaining stability in the tunes for pictures without trembling.

DJI's "FaceAware" technology zooms in on the subject you want to capture in seconds and maintains focus throughout the flight. Most people will get a drone for video footage, but drone cameras are also ideal for expansive stills. The Spark takes 12MP photos (for example from you to the top of a mountain) and 1080p Full HD video.

What we like: the drone's 3D obstacle detection system allows it to avoid buildings, poles, birds and other physical deterrents on its flight path, and the DJI GO 4 app that you accompagne allows you to edit and filter your photos and videos wherever you are. Connect your drone to WiFi and instantly share your shots on social networks. Purchase: $ 399.99 on Amazon.com.

4. Yuneec Mantis Q

yuneec mantis review

With permission from Amazon

Do not let the small size fool you, this Yuneec drone is one of the best values ​​at under $ 500, offering movie-quality video (up to 4k) in a durable, portable package. It is one of the most complete drones in its class, with 33 minutes of flight and a speed of over 44 km / hour. Control the drone via your phone or with its voice control technology.

What we like: Facial detection and control of Yuneec gestures. Just turn on the camera and smile at the lens. The Mantis Q will remember your face when taking a picture, even ten meters away. Meanwhile, the gesture control mode allows the camera to zoom in – or your subject – with a simple wave of the hand.

The Mantis Q has foldable arms that facilitate packaging and weighs less than a pound. Available in five colors. Purchase: $ 429.99 on Amazon.com.

Editorial products are selected independently. If you buy something on our links, PMC can earn a commission.

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