The radio controller has four different channels, to avoid interference with other drones on the field. While this drone does come with a camera, costs are kept cheap, so you’ll need to purchase your own SD cards. It’s also not possible to adjust the camera while in flight, as it points straight ahead. The camera is limited, but it does shoot full-colour video. You’ll need to grab screenshots from the video after, as there is no option to do so while in flight.

The Hubsan X4 H107C is a mini-drone that measures in at 3.25 inches x 3.25 inches x 1.25 inches. It’s extremely lightweight at around one pound. It’s powered by a lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. The Hubsan is recommended for ages 14-15 years and up.

The Hubsan X4 H107C has super stable flight, particularly in beginner mode. If you’ve found it hard to learn how to fly drones with other quads, you may be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to fly a Hubsan.

Check Price of Hubsan X4 H107C On Amazon

Hubsan X4 H107D

The Hubsan X4 H107D is one step up from the Hubsan X4 H107C. You can spend more money and get more features with this drone. This drone is priced at around $160. Instead of being a compact drone, this is more of a full sized quadcopter. It is made with a white plastic casing, with red blades. This quad also has a full-colour video camera. It’ll take still photos or video.

The Hubsan X4 H107D has an expert flight mode that should interest most flying pros. It allows you to perform acrobatics and manoeuvres which would not be possible on the C. You can use the D indoors or out, but it’s recommended that you utilize the expert mode outdoors, particularly to see what this model is fully capable of.

The radio controller has a built-in video screen for FPV—First Person View. This will enable you to watch a live streaming video, even while in flight. There’s no need to return home to download your video before seeing it, as now you can see it as its being filmed.

The Hubsan X4 H107D is also able to adjust to windy conditions, so you won’t need to pack up.

Check Price Of Hubsan X4 H107D On Amazon

Galaxy Visitor 2

The Galaxy Visitor 2 has a white upper finish and black undercarriage with black and orange propellers. It’s priced under $140. The Visitor 2 is another compact drone on the market. Notable features include the ability to return to home with the press of a button.

This feature is handy for two reasons. One is that many times during flight you may lose sight of your drone. While you could just kill the power, this may not lead you to find where your drone has gone. With the automatic return, you’ll never have to worry about losing your drone again.

This is also a great feature to have when you’re starting to get weary at the end of the day and just want to go home. It eliminates any pilot error when you get tired. There are three modes of flight on the Galaxy Visitor 2, making it one of the best drones to buy today, as it’s perfect for beginner or expert.

Check Price Of Galaxy Visitor 2 On Amazon

Galaxy Visitor 3

The Galaxy Visitor 3 quadcopter is an update from the Visitor 2. Drone pilots favour the update. This quad is compact and is made with a white plastic casing, with traditional black coloured blades.

This is another great drone for the beginner. This quad is priced at around $150, about $50 more than the Visitor 2. Not only is it priced right, but it’s also a dream to fly. A beginner’s function will allow it to remain within 6 to 10 feet of the radio controller. There will be no worries that it goes out of sight.

There’s a return to home function on this quad, making it easier for a beginner to learn how to pilot. The beginner controls make it easy to learn to fly. The altitude hold is also a great feature to have.

The UDI818A also has a built-in video camera. This is where the altitude hold will come in handy, particularly when filming over a waterfall, or lake.

Check Price Of Galaxy Visitor 3 On Amazon

Syma X1 4 Channel 2.4G

If you’re looking for the perfect quadcopter for your kids, the Syma X1 4 is the perfect flying drone for them. When you’re searching for the best drones under $200, you want to ensure you buy a durable flying drone for the kids to knock around.

There’s still plenty to please the adult user too. This quadcopter comes in a yellow bumblebee design with white and black rotating blades. Its body is 26 cm in diameter and is made of durable metal arms. The yellow colour will enable young and old alike to keep an eye on it, as it flies through the air.

Its lightweight design makes it easy for kids to pick up. It possesses strong flight controls so if you’re flying it during windy conditions, it’s able to keep itself under control. At under $40, it has some remarkable flips and special effects that aren’t normally present at this price point. Your model will intuitively respond to your controls, and it’ll never feel like you’re going to lose control of your flying drone.

Check Price Of Syma X1 On Amazon

PREVIEW

BEST CHOICE

TITLE

Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Explorers Quad Copter w/ Camera

UDI U818A HD 2.4GHz 4CH 6 Axis Gyro Headless Mode RC Quadcopter Drone w/ HD 2MP Camera, Extra Battery and Return Home Function Black

COLOR

White

Black

FEATURES

• Best anti-interference ability
• Least power consumption

• Headless/IOC function.
• latest 6-axis flight control systems

CAMERA

N/A

2MP

HD VIDEO

N/A

720p

PRIME

-

-

DETAILS

Buy on Amazon

Buy on Amazon

BEST CHOICE

PREVIEW

TITLE

Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Explorers Quad Copter w/ Camera

COLOR

White

FEATURES

• Best anti-interference ability
• Least power consumption

CAMERA

N/A

HD VIDEO

N/A

PRIME

-

DETAILS

Buy on Amazon

PREVIEW

TITLE

UDI U818A HD 2.4GHz 4CH 6 Axis Gyro Headless Mode RC Quadcopter Drone w/ HD 2MP Camera, Extra Battery and Return Home Function Black

COLOR

Black

FEATURES

• Headless/IOC function.
• latest 6-axis flight control systems

CAMERA

2MP

HD VIDEO

720p

PRIME

-

DETAILS

Buy on Amazon

Syma X5C

The Syma X5C quadcopter is an attractive full-sized drone with a built-in camera. The camera seems to be of better quality than the other drones reviewed. It’s comparable to the higher-end line of Parrot drones and definitely worth checking out for its $60 price tag alone. It also looks like you spent more money on it than you really did. It may be right for the professional who is selling video drone services to other businesses.

There are more professional features available on the Syma X5C quadcopter. It runs at a 2.4 gigahertz frequency, so you have effective control of your drone while in flight. The drone has a 500mAh rechargeable battery.

The radio controller and drone interface allow for split-second precision control. It’s built with a six-axis stabilization system and a 360-degree version. These features allow the photographer to shoot a continuous roll of footage, without having to nab screenshots off the computer. Or, you can film in video mode too. The camera films at two megapixels resolution. There is enough storage for two gigabytes of images and video.

Check Price Of Syma X5C On Amazon

UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis Gyro

The UDI U818A features a uniquely designed shape that’s a bit different than the other quadcopter shapes. This one has four rings connected together, with the blades under the unit. It’s a black colour and is designed to withstand bumps and dings. It’s priced at just under $60, making it an affordable price for beginners.

The UDI U818A has a built-in six-axis gyro to help to maintain positioning. It comes with a built-in video camera, making it attractive for business professionals. Charging time is 120 minutes, and flying time is about seven to nine minutes. You’ll want to purchase additional batteries and pre-charge them up, so you have additional flying time on the field. Its modular design makes it easy to repair. If you’re a bit rough with your flying, this may be the better design for you or your kids.

Check Price On UDI U818A On Amazon

UDI U841 6-Axis Gyro

The UDI U841 is a more traditional looking flying drone, in the helicopter shape with the black and white finish. The UDI comes in three different flying modes: flying mode, running mode, and climbing mode.

A six-axis gyro system provides stable flight, particularly for those who aren’t all that familiar with flying techniques. It offers more stability and is more accurate to control. If you wish to fly this drone at night, it has a cool flashing light enabling you to see where it’s going.

Like other drones in its class, it also comes with a video camera. The price of the UDI U841 runs at just under $60, making it affordable.

Check Price Of UDI U841 On Amazon

Our Recommendation

It can be difficult finding the best quadcopter under $200 when you can only choose just one. Out of all the flying drones for under $200, we preferred the Syma X5C. It was not only at a great price point of $60, but it has some great features as well and is easy to control.

We really loved the split-second reaction time that the other drones lacked. Nothing is worse than using your controller, then having to wait a second or two for your drone to respond. Split second timing can be important when your flying drone is heading towards a tree or a river. It can mean the difference between losing or saving your $60 investment. It’s not a ton of cash, but still, losing a drone can be a downer.

We also loved the photographer’s controls on the Syma X5C, making it a great choice for business professionals to purchase. We captured some great images with its camera, and great video too. It’s definitely comparable to other more high-end models of quadcopters such as the Parrot drone cameras. We also found the Syma attractive.

It wasn’t compact, but that is more of an aesthetic than anything. Overall, we felt that the Syma has more professional quality functions similar to more expensive flying drone models, and more in comparison with the Parrot drones. The Syma X1 4 was great, but if you’re a business professional, it may be embarrassing flying around a bumblebee drone in the Syma X1 4 Channel 2.4G.

Any of the above five quadcopters from Hubsan, UDI, Galaxy, or Syma, that we have reviewed here will be perfect for the drone enthusiast who is looking to try in-air video filming. However, the Syma X5C stands out and may be a better fit when you’re a business professional who is looking to add video to their website for marketing purposes.

Once you choose your quadcopter, bring it home and start taking it out on flights, you’ll get a better feel for what options and features you may be seeking on your next purchase. You can purchase one that costs a bit more money. Be sure you purchase a name brand quadcopter and not one of the made in China rip-offs.

These quadcopters are often made to look exactly like the name brand manufacturer’s models, but they often lack the internal controls to accurately fly them. In the end, it’s not worth saving a few bucks when your cheap knock-off goes missing in the night because you didn’t want to spend full price.

No matter which quadcopter you end up choosing, you’re sure to enjoy embarking on your new flying drone hobby. Flying drones can bring together your entire family for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Whilst we aim to provide you with 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.

If you are a hardcore drone enthusiast and want the cutting edge drones in 2018, check our article here

The French version of this article  can be found here

There’s been some concern that criminals or gangs may eventually start using flying drones in their activities. Like cyber crime, it’s eventually going to be an entirely new specialty for police and military to focus on.

Quadcopters and flying drones are equipped with sensors and controls, as well as cameras, and they can be extremely delicate equipment to use. It’s important to learn how to fly a quadcopter properly. So many situations can go wrong.

The quadcopter may crash into trees or buildings, or the ground. It can run out of power over a lake, and fall in. It can be lost in the air, flying out of range of the controller unit. Some flying drones can be repaired, but if you drown your toy, most likely you’ll end up with an expensive display model that you can’t fly.

You’ll want to ensure that you’re protecting your investment in your flying drone hobby.

It’s important that a newcomer to the flying drone hobby learns the basics of aerodynamics, and learn how to fly a quadcopter properly. The more you learn, the less chance that a bad accident is going to happen to your expensive toy.

You may wish to start out buying a model under $100, then as you go pro, you can purchase one of the more expensive $500 models that includes a high definition video camera.

Are There Laws Governing Flying Drones in Canada or US?

Flying drone technology has moved faster than the laws governing these toys, whether used for fun, or for commercial purposes. Both the Canada and the USA are considering drafting up laws, as more problems are occurring with them.

Right now flying drones are not allowed to be flown in commercial or military air space. In Canada, flying drones are not allowed to be flown in national parks, much to the surprise of many vacationing families. At the moment, most violators are simply issued a warning, while people adapt to new laws.

If you read the newspapers, many are concerned about privacy, and flying drones. Since flying drones can take photographs, and record video, flying them past homes and windows can present certain issues. It may not be someone’s intention to spy on homeowners or businesses.

A real estate developer may merely be recording photos and video to place property for sale on their website, or whatever supposedly valid reason they may have.

Quadcopters may be fitted with infrared cameras that can record in the dark, which makes it even more of a concern as to when and where they are used. Copyright, and trademark laws may also affect the usage of a quadcopter or camera drone. The risk of injury or damage to property may be other issues to consider.

Within the next year or so it’s expected that there are going to be stricter laws on where you can fly a quadcopter. The police and military will likely be granted reasonable use access.

For the rest of us who merely fly our quadcopters for fun, the local park or flatland is still going to be the legal and easiest place to fly our machines. If in doubt, ask someone in a flying drone club, as they’ll know the best spots for flying.

Flying a quadcopter – Quick Tips

If you’re new to the flying drone hobby, be sure to carefully un-package your flying drone and read all the instructions first. Some assembly may be required. Learn about each part of your quadcopter and how the master controller works. If you’ve never flown before it’s best to head outdoors with someone who has.

This is pertinent to whether you’re using your flying drone for a commercial business, or just for fun. They can help teach you the ropes. There are even flying drone clubs where you can get together in a group and practice together.

Never hand a controller to a child who has never flow before. Be sure that you understand the intricacies of flying, before teaching younger children.

Control Nuances of Five Quadcopter Models:

How to Fly the Syma X1 4 Channel 2.4G RC Quad Copter – Spacecraft

The Syma X1 2.5G is an affordable quadcopter, and is perfect for learning, as it’s quite durable if you accidentally crash it. This quadcopter does not work well in wind, so it’s best to ground it if the wind picks up.

It has a 3 way precision controller that allows you to move the drone up or down, left, and right, and backward and forward. There are two modes, one for indoor, one for outdoor. It allows you to flip it for a 360 degree eversion.

The Syma has a three axis flight control system and with adjustable gyro sensitivity that permits stable flight, even when you are just learning to fly. This stability allows you to execute flips, rolls, and other skills. The controller is 2.4GHz.

Check Price Of Syma X1 On Amazon

This newer technology allows for quicker response between the controller and your drone. You can control your drone for longer flying distances up to forty meters, with less interference from other electronics. Lower power consumption will enable a longer flying time.

The battery is easily switched out for another one, so you can fly for a longer length of time. Just remember to charge up all batteries before leaving home. Flying time on each battery is five to six minutes.

How to Fly the Galaxy Visitor 3

The Galaxy Visitor 3 is a quadcopter with white plastic finish and black highlights, and is priced around $150, but is still great for the beginner. One of the best features of this quadcopter is the auto-return.

If you’re losing sight of your drone you can simply press the button, and it’ll return to you. This is also handy when you tire of flying your drone, and need to go home. No need to manually steer it back to you.

Check Price Of Galaxy Visitor 3 On Amazon

Control distance of this quadcopter is from 100 to 200 meters, so you can get some serious flying in. This quadcopter allows you to choose from conventional control mode or intelligent control mode. There are also three throttle channels: entry level, normal, and altitude hold.

The Galaxy has a nine axis gyro sensor. Flying time is 15 to 20 minutes, but you’ll want to ensure that you have enough power before taking your quadcopter out for the full distance. If you’re just beginning to learn, the headless flying under the intelligent control mode will make it easier to learn how to fly a quadcopter. The accelerometer can be switched on and off.

If you’re flying at night, colorful LED lights will enable you to see where your quadcopter is flying off.

How to Fly the Hubsan X4

You can learn to fly Hubsan X4 without spending a lot of cash. It may not be for the person who’s an experienced flyer, but it’s great for taking dents and dings as you fly it around. It’s around $40, with black finish, and white and black blades.

Check Price Of Hubsan X4 On Amazon

You can pop it out of its box and it’ll be ready to fly. You can level up one step and buy with a camera. This quadcopter comes in a one piece unit. It has a six axis precision gyro, which can be adjusted. You may wish to buy the optional crash pack, which includes additional parts in case you bang up the propellers on this one too much.

The Hubsan X4 has a four channel 2.4Ghz controller. There is no lag time between the controller and the Hubsan X4, which cuts back on frustration. The unit includes a LiPo battery, which is charged via an included USB charger. Be sure to buy additional batteries and charge them up in advance. You’ll want to have plenty of them on hand, as you learn how to fly your Hubsan X4.

How to Fly the Syma X5C

The Syma X5C is a higher end model than the Syma X1 4, but still affordable. Learning to fly the Syma X5C is a fun and rewarding experience. The modular design promises easier assembly, and maintenance.

It has an included camera, so you not only get to learn how to fly a drone, but also how to take great pictures and video. With the Syma you can execute a continuous 360 degree roll, great for filming. The six access gyroscope will allow for precision hovering in the sky. This quadcopter promises extremely fast reaction time from controller to quadcopter.

Check Price Of Syma X5C On Amazon

Various control options allow you to steer your drone up and down, backward and forward, left and right. Its controller is protected against interference, so that it’ll respond when you want it to, preventing the loss of your flying drone.

If you live in a windy zone, this quadcopter will work well outdoors in windy climates. Its internal gyro stabilization system will ensure it stays in the air. You can control flying distances for up to thirty meters. This drone can be charged by an included USB cable in the box, which will also allow you to connect it to the computer for uploading of photographs and video.

How to Fly the Parrot Bebop Drone with Camera

Photo by Ted Eytan / CC BY-SA 2.0

Parrot manufactures some of the higher end models of camera drones, but you won’t be disappointed by the camera quality of this unit when you decide to learn how to fly Bebop drone. These drones are used by filmmakers and commercial photographers. Parrot Bebop drones are also available in red, blue, and yellow.

There are indoor hulls so you can fly your drone indoors as well. This drone actually has the camera built-in, so you don’t need to attach it underneath the frame. It’s runs at about $500 and up. It’s made with a durable but featherweight design, making it easier to fly. It will record photos and video with a 180 degree field.

Check Price Of Parrot Bebop On Amazon

The built-in GPS will allow for automatic return to home with the flick of a switch. High altitude flight control will let you fly your drone until it’s just a speck in the sky.

The Parrot Bebop drone can be controlled via a smart phone app for the Android, iPhone, and tablets running Windows 8.1. From your app you’ll be able to control all the basic functionalities of flying. You’ll also be able to control clicking photographs and whether to turn your video on or off.

So… How to fly a quadcopter? Each flying drone model or brand may be different to fly. Don’t expect to take a new quadcopter out of the box and be able to fly it immediately. There’s going to be a learning curve even if you’re an experienced drone flyer. Read all the instructions first, and have an experienced drone pilot give you a hand if you have any questions.

Flying a quadcopter – Quick Tips

If you’re new to the flying drone hobby, be sure to carefully un-package your flying drone and read all the instructions first. Some assembly may be required. Learn about each part of your quadcopter and how the master controller works. If you’ve never flown before it’s best to head outdoors with someone who has.

This is pertinent to whether you’re using your flying drone for a commercial business, or just for fun. They can help teach you the ropes. There are even flying drone clubs where you can get together in a group and practice together.

Never hand a controller to a child who has never flow before. Be sure that you understand the intricacies of flying, before teaching younger children.

Control Nuances of Five Quadcopter Models:

How to Fly the Syma X1 4 Channel 2.4G RC Quad Copter – Spacecraft

The Syma X1 2.5G is an affordable quadcopter, and is perfect for learning, as it’s quite durable if you accidentally crash it. This quadcopter does not work well in wind, so it’s best to ground it if the wind picks up.

It has a 3 way precision controller that allows you to move the drone up or down, left, and right, and backward and forward. There are two modes, one for indoor, one for outdoor. It allows you to flip it for a 360 degree eversion.

The Syma has a three axis flight control system and with adjustable gyro sensitivity that permits stable flight, even when you are just learning to fly. This stability allows you to execute flips, rolls, and other skills. The controller is 2.4GHz.

Check Price Of Syma X1 On Amazon

This newer technology allows for quicker response between the controller and your drone. You can control your drone for longer flying distances up to forty meters, with less interference from other electronics. Lower power consumption will enable a longer flying time.

The battery is easily switched out for another one, so you can fly for a longer length of time. Just remember to charge up all batteries before leaving home. Flying time on each battery is five to six minutes.

How to Fly the Galaxy Visitor 3

The Galaxy Visitor 3 is a quadcopter with white plastic finish and black highlights, and is priced around $150, but is still great for the beginner. One of the best features of this quadcopter is the auto-return.

If you’re losing sight of your drone you can simply press the button, and it’ll return to you. This is also handy when you tire of flying your drone, and need to go home. No need to manually steer it back to you.

Check Price Of Galaxy Visitor 3 On Amazon

Control distance of this quadcopter is from 100 to 200 meters, so you can get some serious flying in. This quadcopter allows you to choose from conventional control mode or intelligent control mode. There are also three throttle channels: entry level, normal, and altitude hold.

The Galaxy has a nine axis gyro sensor. Flying time is 15 to 20 minutes, but you’ll want to ensure that you have enough power before taking your quadcopter out for the full distance. If you’re just beginning to learn, the headless flying under the intelligent control mode will make it easier to learn how to fly a quadcopter. The accelerometer can be switched on and off.

If you’re flying at night, colorful LED lights will enable you to see where your quadcopter is flying off.

How to Fly the Hubsan X4

You can learn to fly Hubsan X4 without spending a lot of cash. It may not be for the person who’s an experienced flyer, but it’s great for taking dents and dings as you fly it around. It’s around $40, with black finish, and white and black blades.

Check Price Of Hubsan X4 On Amazon

You can pop it out of its box and it’ll be ready to fly. You can level up one step and buy with a camera. This quadcopter comes in a one piece unit. It has a six axis precision gyro, which can be adjusted. You may wish to buy the optional crash pack, which includes additional parts in case you bang up the propellers on this one too much.

The Hubsan X4 has a four channel 2.4Ghz controller. There is no lag time between the controller and the Hubsan X4, which cuts back on frustration. The unit includes a LiPo battery, which is charged via an included USB charger. Be sure to buy additional batteries and charge them up in advance. You’ll want to have plenty of them on hand, as you learn how to fly your Hubsan X4.

How to Fly the Syma X5C

The Syma X5C is a higher end model than the Syma X1 4, but still affordable. Learning to fly the Syma X5C is a fun and rewarding experience. The modular design promises easier assembly, and maintenance.

It has an included camera, so you not only get to learn how to fly a drone, but also how to take great pictures and video. With the Syma you can execute a continuous 360 degree roll, great for filming. The six access gyroscope will allow for precision hovering in the sky. This quadcopter promises extremely fast reaction time from controller to quadcopter.

Check Price Of Syma X5C On Amazon

Various control options allow you to steer your drone up and down, backward and forward, left and right. Its controller is protected against interference, so that it’ll respond when you want it to, preventing the loss of your flying drone.

If you live in a windy zone, this quadcopter will work well outdoors in windy climates. Its internal gyro stabilization system will ensure it stays in the air. You can control flying distances for up to thirty meters. This drone can be charged by an included USB cable in the box, which will also allow you to connect it to the computer for uploading of photographs and video.

How to Fly the Parrot Bebop Drone with Camera

Photo by Ted Eytan / CC BY-SA 2.0

Parrot manufactures some of the higher end models of camera drones, but you won’t be disappointed by the camera quality of this unit when you decide to learn how to fly Bebop drone. These drones are used by filmmakers and commercial photographers. Parrot Bebop drones are also available in red, blue, and yellow.

There are indoor hulls so you can fly your drone indoors as well. This drone actually has the camera built-in, so you don’t need to attach it underneath the frame. It’s runs at about $500 and up. It’s made with a durable but featherweight design, making it easier to fly. It will record photos and video with a 180 degree field.

Check Price Of Parrot Bebop On Amazon

The built-in GPS will allow for automatic return to home with the flick of a switch. High altitude flight control will let you fly your drone until it’s just a speck in the sky.

The Parrot Bebop drone can be controlled via a smart phone app for the Android, iPhone, and tablets running Windows 8.1. From your app you’ll be able to control all the basic functionalities of flying. You’ll also be able to control clicking photographs and whether to turn your video on or off.

So… How to fly a quadcopter? Each flying drone model or brand may be different to fly. Don’t expect to take a new quadcopter out of the box and be able to fly it immediately. There’s going to be a learning curve even if you’re an experienced drone flyer. Read all the instructions first, and have an experienced drone pilot give you a hand if you have any questions.