Top 5 Best Quadcopters With Camera | 2023 reviews

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Girl Under A Camera Drone

Many people have experienced the pleasure that occurs when you pilot quadcopters through the air. Often they begin in this hobby by purchasing a toy, and then work up to a professional type of drone that can be used for aerial quadcopter photography. This maximizes the enjoyment that people can get out of the hobby.

Photographs and video can be recorded of your outdoor adventures. Drones with cameras can take some amazing aerial footage of scenery and landscapes. These snapshots and videos can be downloaded to your computer, and can be edited with editing software such as iMovie and Photoshop, before being shared with friends through your favourite social media channels.

If you’re interested in finding the best photography quadcopter, there are some great models on the market today that already come with a camera. This makes it simple, eliminating long set up times. Simply remove from the box and you’re ready to go.

Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick

This as you would expect from us is an EPIC post so grab a coffee before you start  and see how we cut through every product and review it with precision. IF YOU ARE SHORT ON TIME and just need to know the results of our reviews , CHECK THE RESULTS TABLE BELOW!

PRODUCT NAME

Weight (Pounds)

Dimensions (Inches)

Suited For?

BUY NOW

8.82

5.1 x 6.5 x 3.7

Intermediate 

16.0

18 x 12 x 21

Intermediate

3.2 ounce

2.0 x 1.0 x 1.0

Beginners

Other Great Recommendations

8.3

18 x 13 x 8

Intemediate

7.2 ounces

12.9 x 2.4 x 15

Beginners & Intermediate Level

Why You Should Buy a Quadcopter with Camera

Often after a person has learned how to fly a drone, they may get a bit bored of it, since it doesn’t do much more than fly backwards or forwards. Or, they may delegate it to the child’s toy box.

Best Quad With Camera

Many people who enjoy flying drones may be content to purchase one that  is inexpensive, but that has no extra features. These types of drones are great to learn on, but once you’ve mastered the basics, and can keep your drone soaring through the air without crashing, you may wish to go the next level up and buy one of the best aerial photography quadcopters.

Buying an aerial photography quadcopter can be almost as exciting as flying it. There can be some great anticipation over finding the best quadcopter with camera, and then getting it out of the box and into the air. Many people are excited to fly their drone through the air, and then see all the great photos and footage that they have recorded. This is also a great hobby to have if you generally enjoy quadcopter photography. It can add an extra dimension to your photography hobby. It’s also perfect for people who enjoy editing photographs or videos—a drone can certainly provide plenty of material for that.

Where To Find the Best Quadcopter for Photography

You may be wondering where to find the best the tool for quadcopter photography. Often local shops only have inexpensive toy drones, and not the more professional drones that have cameras for quadcopter photography.

Stores that sell electronics may be a good start. They’ll often have a wide range of choices, from basic drones, to ones that have every feature possible.

It’s also a good plan to check online. You’ll be able to compare prices, and see the different brands of quadcopters.

It’s also possible to join drone clubs that have specific flight days. You can head out to the field to see how each brand performs. There may be local drone events that are organized by stores that you can attend. They may even teach you how to fly a drone with a demo model. If you like it, you can purchase your own.

You can also visit the drone manufacturer’s websites to get more information about them. Besides product specifications, they’ll have photographs and videos to watch. You can even buy drones directly from most manufacturer’s websites if you don’t mind extra waiting time for overseas shipping.

How to Choose The Best Tool  For Quadcopter Photography

Now that you’ve found the best places to purchase a quadcopter you’re going to need to find a way to narrow down all the choices. There are many brands of quadcopter, available in the market today. Some of the models are meant for play, and some are meant to be used for professional aerial photography. But learning how to choose the best quadcopter for aerial photography can ensure that you get the right one, as there is considerable investment involved.

For example, if you have your heart set on a model that can rotate the camera in 360 degrees, or that can hold a stable position, you’ll experience disappointment if you end up with one that doesn’t have the features that you expect. Be sure to read the box, product literature, or online descriptions to see the exact features. Not all drones are alike. Sure, they all soar through the air, but some have cameras, and some don’t. Some may do tricks and aerial maneuvers, which will look fantastic when recorded on to video.

After you have decided which features are important to you, you can get down to carefully examining the features of each of the most popular drones with camera.

In order to be able to find out which quadcopter you need to achieve amazing aerial photographs - here are a few aspects to consider before making a decision:

  • Size
  • Power/Speed
  • Flight time
  • Camera
  • Stabilization
  • Protectors
  • Accessories

Size

Since there are drones of all types and sizes, you will want to find a drone that can handle all your photography needs. If you require to record with your own camera, make sure that the drone can handle the camera in both size and additional weight that is going to be added.

Girl With Drone Near A Pool

Power/Speed

You might take still photos, but if you're doing slow-motion videos or regular videos, you'll want to pay attention to the power & the speed of the drone. However, sometimes faster isn't better - especially if you require stability for the particular shots you want to take.

Therefore, you have to think about this up-front, even before making a decision. And then, we highly recommend to combine it with the size of the drone as this will tell you exactly the type of drone you're looking for.

Flight Time

Flight time is sometimes tricky and you only get so little time due to the smaller batteries which are equipped on the drones.

While there are drones that can last up 10 minutes, a bit more high-end drones can last up to 30 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to record a video or photos on a couple of different locations. Every drone manufacturer will state their battery life on the packaging or description of the product.

Camera

Some drones come with a preinstalled camera (which isn't removable in most cases), and yet some provide a way to attach your own camera.

If you are a photographer who's relying on their own equipment to achieve the best quality, make sure to get a drone that includes an attachment for cameras.

In some cases, you will be able to find a drone that comes included with a camera and yet features an attachment for a secondary camera of your choice.

Stabilization

Stabilization is a must-have feature for photographers as you don't want to risk getting that winning shot because of the stability.

Most drones come with preinstalled stabilization systems such as Gimbal, but some drones give you the ability to attach your own stabilization system.

Protectors

If you are going to fly the drone in a few critical conditions to get the perfect shot, or you're simply just learning about quadcopter technology - you will want to find a drone that comes with propeller guards. These guards will ensure safety throughout the flight but they will also ensure a longer lifespan of the propellers.

Accessories

Most drones come with plenty of accessories, and our favorite accessory is the casing for the drone which also makes portability easier for the user and safer for the drone.

Some drones such as DJI come with plenty of pieces and accessories which sometimes comes across as annoying to some users. However, as long as you get everything you need to fly out the drone and get that perfect shot - you've made a great decision.

The Best Quadacopters With Camera In The Market For The Money

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

Phantom 4 is a very well known as one of the latest DJI drones, and yet the V2.0 version includes features that make it a bit more superior than the previous version. Of course, if you don't mind paying just a little bit more for far better quality.

When it comes down to design, DJI Phantom 4 V2.0 keeps the similar distinctive white shape and size. While there haven't been any major upgrades in the design, the main changes were made inside which improves flight time, flight stability, and other aspects of the drone.

Phantom4 Pro v2

However, the most important upgrade to design is the Airframe which is introduced by DJI to reduce the weight, which makes Phantom Pro V2.0 very similar in weight to Phantom 4.

One of the important upgrades worth mentioning is the 1-inch Megapixel sensor that can shoot 4K/60 FPS videos. Also, it provides a burst mode that operates at 14 FPS.

However, the biggest improvement is the Flight Autonomy system which adds dual rear vision sensors and infrared system to avoid collision and obstacles. It's far more upgraded with features which are considered "Smart Features" that help improve the longer lifespan of the drone itself but also help to smoothen the learning curve for beginner drone users.

The biggest change that will bring joy to DJI drone fans around the world is longer flight time. It's not a very drastic change, but it is a very decent improvement.

Pros

  • Improved learning curve
  • Longer flight time
  • Smarter features introduced
  • Improved collision avoidance system
  • Lighter AirFrame design

Cons

  • Collision avoidance is only available in Beginner and Tripod modes

Check DJI Phantom 4 Pro 2 Price On Amazon

DJI Inspire 2

Even though DJI Inspire 1 is still a perfect drone for quadcopter photography, the newer model Inspire 2 offers a lot for the price it costs.

Other than a big difference in colors, switching from sleek white to attractive gray color, however, the biggest difference in design is the propeller position which is now placed above the drone to ensure a more precise flight while increasing the safety throughout the flight. At the same time, the position of propellers will ensure an efficient workflow without the possibility of propeller disturbance to the camera.

DJI-INSP2-W-X5S-CMBO

The camera is still placed at the bottom of the quadcopter body, however, it has been sized down and now features triple camera which works together to bring a high-quality video and image. The biggest change is that the Gimbal has been installed separately so you can still attach your own camera to the quadcopter.

You can think of DJI Inspire 2 as a drone that took the best from the DJI Inspire 1 model and then improved it further to offer even a better yet quality. You might not notice it at first, but the difference between image quality is visible as a day and night transition. This 360-degree rotatable Gimbal records up to 5.2K resolution in cinema DNG raw format and more.

When it comes down to speed, we were able to see improvements as well. Inspire 2 can reach a speed of up to 50 mph in just 5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 58 mph.

Even though the flight time is a bit shorter when this quadcopter is compared to other DJI quadcopter models - there have been improvements in this aspect too. Inspire 2 now features a dual battery system that is able to prolong the flight time up to 27 minutes.

However, one of the biggest improvements is the self-healing technology that allows users to fly Inspire 2 in very low temperatures. We've seen plenty of improvements when it comes down to intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance technology - which just shows how great job DJI did by working on every possible aspect of this improved version of Inspire quadcopter.

One of the most important upgrades, especially for users who are still learning and exploring the drones, is a dual signal frequency which offers dual video streaming of FPV camera and main camera at the same time. This highly improves the collaboration between the pilot and the camera.

Pros

  • Improved flight time
  • Dual signal frequency
  • Intelligent flight modes
  • Smart return to the home
  • Efficient workflow

Cons

  • Requires 480GB SSD card due to the improved camera quality
  • Can't be used with previous Inspire 1 remote controller

Check DJI Inspire 2 Price On Amazon

Tenergy Discovery UDI U818-A1

With the upgraded model, it's clear that UDI works on providing very affordable quadcopters which focus on safety. U818-A1 quadcopter is very similar in design to its previous version - but it has plenty of useful upgrades that are very well worth the upgrade. One of the biggest design changes in the color which is now blue, instead of the black.

While it keeps the most main features the same such as 6 axis Gyro, 360-degree Eversion One Key roll, and an HD camera that records videos at 30 FPS - there have been upgrades to the remote controller.

Tenergy Discovery UDI U818-A1

The remote controller now uses Spread Spectrum Technology which allows a further remote distance and it even provides a better anti-interference ability. On top of that, it provides the least power consumption from the previous quadcopter versions.

We have also felt that it's easier to operate the UDI U818-A1 thanks to the improved remote controller. Even though both remote controllers were pretty similar in design - we believe UDI U818-A1 would be a bit better choice for a beginner.

Pros

  • Improved controller
  • Guarded propellers
  • Easy to fly
  • Longer fly distance
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Can't fly for longer than 10 minutes

Check Tenergy Discovery Price On Amazon

DJI Phantom 3 Professional

DJI Phantom 3 Professional is meant more for people in business than use as a toy. It has some additional features that make it better than the standard Phantom 3.

There is a premium 1080 p HD camera in this drone. It can take twelve megapixel photographs and record video at UHD 4 K with thirty frames per second. One great benefit of this professional drone is that it has an impressive five kilometer distance from controller to drone. This will truly enable for some amazing aerial footage to be captured before it needs to return for a new battery.

DJI Phantom 3 Professional

DJI Phantom 3 Professional utilizes Lightbridge video downlink app technology. This allows you to watch live streaming video the moment it happens. To work, you must connect your smart phone or table to the radio controller first. This drone use the latest GPS and GLONASS—Russia’s version of GPS— dual positioning technology. There is also a vision positioning module to enable you to keep it under better control.

The Professional also comes with a great radio controller. The more widely used features are within easy reach. DJI Phantom 3 Professional may lose a couple of minutes of flight time, but it’s still impressive at running for twenty-three minutes.

Pros

  • Convenient auto take-off feature
  • 4K UHD video recording
  • 3-axis Gimbal stabilization
  • Live HD 720P video streaming
  • DJI Pilot app

Cons

  • Has a few bugs and glitches with Gimbal adjustment
  • The lens cover isn't included

Check Price Of Phantom 3 Professional On Amazon

Parrot Bebop 2

Parrot Bebop 2 is a well-respected manufacturer of quadcopters, and they are also built with a forward-facing camera. This drone is lightweight, and compact, making it a suitable choice when hiking the mountains or forests where you wish to film your aerial footage.
To control the Parrot Bebop 2, you will need to download an app, which works with your tablet or your smart device. You can also use a radio controller, but it’s an additional purchase.

Parrot Bebop Renewed

The Parrot Bebop 2 is designed to be kept safe in the event of haphazard flying or crashes. Your investment won’t be ruined. It’s built with a flexible plastic composite material that bends and moves as needed. Even the arms are reinforced to minimize damage. While it’s best to keep on practicing your piloting skills before taking it out into the wilderness, sometimes the weather can be a factor in sending any drone off course. Extra safety features are nice to have, and not all manufacturers place a focus on this aspect of drone flying.

There are some other great features to consider on the Parrot Bebop 2. It has a long twenty-five minute flight time. This is great for sending your drone out over a canopy of trees, or across a lake. It will have plenty of battery life, so that it has plenty of time to return back to home before it runs low.

This drone can also be held in a holding pattern so you can capture some stunning footage. It can also climb above a certain point, providing some different camera angles for your video project. You’ll be able to fly your drone out to a distance of three hundred meters.

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Decent battery life
  • 300m signal range
  • Fish-eye bright lens
  • 180-degree rotatable camera

Cons

  • Doesn't feature propeller guards
  • Doesn't have enough internal memory for video

Check Price Of Parrot Bebop 2 On Amazon


Usual Suspects! ( Still Going Strong)

These are yesterday's years high flyers that can still be found in the market with a little bit of effort. They are still eye-candy so if you are into collectibles are want hold of something equally good but not the latest and the greatest, go for them without a blink

DJI Phantom 4

The DJI Phantom 4 is the latest in the Phantom line of 1 to 4. This is actually a great drone to buy, even though it’s $1400, however, you do get a premium-quality camera with it. This drone is suitable for the adult who is wishing to start their own aerial photography business.

The DJI Phantom 4 has the distinctive white shape and size of the other Phantoms in the DJI line. The blades have been built higher than in the other quads, to eliminate damage. They’ve also made this drone easier to fly, as when people are taking snapshots, or recording video, they may not wish to spend a lot of time with the intricacies of flying.

This quad comes with a great tap to fly feature, simple visual tracking, and a sports mode. This quad flies with the aid of an app that works on your smart phone or tablet. You can buy a radio controller, but keep in mind that your hands will be busy with flying and recording images, should you do so.

The sports mode is for experts who have mastered piloting. It will allow you to fly at much faster speeds than the other drones allow.

Check Price Of Phantom 4 On Amazon

QUDI U818A HD

UDI U818A HD makes a great line of quadcopters that focus on safety. They’re not as shiny and attractive as the other choices, but the UDI U818A HD still comes with an impressive high definition camera that should please most quad hobbyists. If you’re beginning in quad photography, this affordable quadcopter will give you a taste of what to expect, in case you’re interested in purchasing a more expensive DJI or Parrot drone.

UDI offers many different choices, but the UDI U818A HD has the best camera.

It records 2MP HD video, and has a six axis gyro to ensure film footage is smooth and free of shakes. It comes with a 4GB Micro SD card to allow for plenty of room to store video footage.

This quad can do some great tricks, such as 360 degree eversion, which is fun to watch on video. This drone also has headless mode, enabling for easier flying, particularly when you have to focus on capturing great video footage.

Quadcopter photography can be an exciting hobby to pursue. When you buy your first drone with camera you’ll soon find that you are hooked. You’ll want to save your money so you can always aim upwards in buying the best premium brands of professional quadcopters that have cameras.

Check Price Of UDI U818 On Amazon

Whilst we aim to provide you the best priced products in the market in 2018, there are always special occasions like Black Friday & Cyber Monday where, all products are available at an extremely discounted price on Amazon through deals.

DJI Inspire 1

 DJI Inspire 1 is another great drone that is perfect for quadcopter photography. This quad enables you to not only have fun flying your drone through the air, but also allows you to record great video of your outdoor adventures too. This Inspire 1 has an attractive white plastic body, with four black legs. The camera is positioned under the central body.

One unique feature on the DJI Inspire 1 that you often only see on quads that cost more than $4K is that once the 1 has had lift off, the four legs raise up above its body to provide a 360 degree filming angle. You can truly achieve some unique aerial footage when your drone with camera can spin around like this.

The camera will record video at 4K, 1080p, and twenty-four to thirty frames per second. It will take snapshots that are twelve megapixels. These are industry standards for when you wish to edit your images and resell them to clients. The lens of the camera has a special aspherical feature which avoids the curved landscape that cheaper drone cameras may record. The lens has nine elements in an aspherical element, 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor, 94 degree wide-angle FOV, and 3-axis, 360 degree rotating gimbal.

If you have an assistant to help with your aerial photography you’ll appreciate the dual operator flight control. This means that two different people can control the drone, each with their radio controller. One person can be in charge of piloting the drone, while the other can be in charge of ensuring that only the best images and film are recorded. There is also the option to have one person use the radio controller, and to have the second person use an app on their smart phone or tablet, which also functions as a radio controller.

Check Price Of DJI Inspire 1 On Amazon

Editor Notes:

Out of the five options available, the best pick is the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Quadcopters With Camera. It is the latest on the DJI series and hence comes with the latest features to record the best footage and capture remarkable photos.

The drone has a battery that lasts for thirty minutes, which will give you more extended footage capturing than the competitors on our list. Just like the DJI Phantom 3, you’ll have the 4K video quality. One uniqueness of this drone is that it can move at top speeds of 45mph and still give you stable footage.

 Another decent improvement is the dual rear vision sensors and infrared system on the drone. This prevents collision and keeps the drone away from obstacles.

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