Best Drones with cameras from 2015 to 2016

So far this year we have seen the arrival to the market of many quality models with generous features, and we have chosen a few drones from all the new models released this year and even some of late 2015. These particulars models have caught our attention for their quality, features, price, and of course, the properties of the camera.

For such reason, we have made a list featuring the best non-professional drones on the market until now, and we want to share it with all the drones enthusiasts out there, and newcomers as well, since we’ll be featuring also some models ideal for all kind of skills that include beginner mode.

It’s important to point out that there will not be a particular order since we think that any single device is unique in its own way and that a specific drone could suit your requirements or budget better than others.

X5SW RC quadcopter by Syma Drones:

The Syma X5SW FPV drone is an affordable quad-copter that features a 2.0 MP built-in HD camera capable of real-time transmission for photos and videos. The transmission system is Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and incorporates anti-interference features, allowing up to 20 drones to fly nearby without any kind of interference whatsoever. It is also worth mentioning the addition of an electric compass.

When it comes to flight performance, this drone features a 6-axis gyroscope that provides a great flight stability with a strong wind resistance and is capable of performing a wide variety of flights movements. It can easily move up/down, left/right (sideward flight), forward/backward, turn right or left, it can perform 360° movements. If that isn’t enough for you, this drone can also perform continuous rolling. This drone works perfectly both in indoors and outdoors.

The flight distance is quite generous for this price range since the maximum controlling distance reaches up to 100 meters.

The flight time is up to six or seven minutes and is powered by a 3.7V 500mAh lithium polymer battery that takes 120 minutes to be fully charged, which is one of the few downsides for this drone. However, the package contains two additional batteries, so that you can swap the batteries whenever you depleted one of them.

The body is quite complete, the built has the standard design for quad-copters and has the following size dimensions: 42,6 x 34 x 9,8 CM, and is lightweight (798 Gr). The propellers can be found on four different arms protected by a security frame, although this doesn’t mean it can’t hurt anyone. On each arm, a vent for heat dissipation is found alongside four colored lights on the inferior section. And finally beneath the body, you can find the camera attached to the drone and a reliable security landing gear.

The SYMA X5SW FPV RC drone has a remote controller (it requires 4 AA batteries) that comes with a button for each function and features a mobile phone holder to make the real time transmission easier. Also, there is an app developed for this drone, which is available to download for both Android and iOS smartphones.

X5SW-1 RC quadcopter by Syma:

As you can expect  from the name, this model is almost the same than the previously featured drone but with some downgrades, the only major differences are the size dimensions (31 * 31 * 10.5cm), the weight (0.97 Kg), the control distance (50 meters), the price (considerably lower), and the color options. All the others features remain intact and for such, there is no reason for further explanations.

JZK® Syma X5SW RTF:

This is another model of the X5SW by Syma, but this version has some remarkable differences and downgrades. Firstly, the camera is only of 0.3MP this time. Secondly, the control distance is the same than the previous version (50 meters). Everything else besides the price is exactly the same.

MJX X600C HEXACOPTER:

The MJX X600C is a particular case within this list since we are a talking about a hexacopter, which means that the drone has 6 propellers, one on each arm. This drone works through Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and has a 0.3 MP camera for recording and transmitting videos and pictures. The MJX X600C comes with a wide variety of features that make this model an outstanding drone, for such reason we have broken down all the unique features. These features will also serve as a reference for the other drones in this list.

JXD 509G drone:

The 509G is a high-end model among quad-copter toys, it features useful functions such as 5.8G for Real-time photos transmission, and has a 2.0MP HD camera and 5.8G FPV (first person view). The fact that this version uses 5.8 GHz instead of 2.4GHZ like the 509W version is a great deal, this eliminates the image latency that affects all Wi-Fi cameras while the FPV mode is active. Of course, the working frequency is 2.4 GHz.

Features

• Headless mode: the JXD 509G drone uses an upgraded headless mode that will automatically lock into the take-off direction no matter where it is.

• Automatic Air pressure detection: in order to keep a consistent altitude a barometer has been embedded into the drone, which allows the UAV to stay steady in the air. This feature is perfect for getting the best pictures and videos possible.

• One Key return: as we mentioned earlier, this feature allows the drone to its original position or user’s position. However, the JXD 509G drone doesn’t have a built-in GPS, for such reason, it will fly back directly in the direction where the drone took off.

The JXD 509G drone features a 6 axis gyroscope for easier control and better maneuverability. It can also perform 360-degree eversion. In fact, before performing a flip the drone will rise an additional 1 or 2 feet into the air and then will flip.

The body’s design is pretty much the standard for a quadcopter, similar to the Syma X5SW but with some slight differences, for instance, the LED lights are directly beneath the engines instead of the arms like most drones. The body has the following size dimensions: 15.35 x 8.66 x 5.51 inches and a weight of 0.996Kg. The built is made out of ABS material, which is resistant and commonly used in aircraft and drones like this.

The JXD 509G is powered by a 3.7V 600mAh Li-Po battery that takes around 60 minutes to be fully charged and can provide up to 10 minutes of flying time. It’s also worth mentioning that this drone has a maximum flying distance of 150 meters, which is one the best distances that you will find on this list and price range.

And last but not least, the controller, which is meant for intermediate users and has a key for every single action. What makes this control different for the rest is the fact that it features an LCD display that can be attached, however, it doesn’t allow the use of a smartphone. Therefore, all the video and images will be saved on a separate SD card that can be found near the camera.

Air Raiders – Spy Drone 4:

The Spy Drone is quadcopter falls into the category of toy because is mainly focused on the younger users and the features are rather straightforward and simple. This 2.4 GHz drone features a 2MP HD digital camera for videos and pictures.

The features are rather simple, but the flight experience is quite pleasing, the Spy drone can perform loops and 360 degrees turns or maneuvers. The flight distance is a huge surprise, it can reach from 200 up to 400 meters on open spaces depending on the battery charge of course, which can last for about 9 minutes. The drone is powered by a 3,7V 500mAh battery that can be easily extracted and swapped for another.

The body is rather unique and just by seeing for the first time you will realize that is meant to be a toy since the propellers are completely protected by a plastic frame. The size dimensions are the following: 54,6 x 37,4 x 9,4 cm and the whole set has a weight of  1,1 Kg.

The remote controller is rather simple, however, each function is clearly depicted, and it even features a key for performing loops.  Nevertheless, these are all its features, you won’t find an LCD display or the option of receiving real-time images with your smartphone, all the pictures or videos will be saved in an SD-card.

GPTOYS F2C Aviax:

This particular drone really stands out for its high-performance camera that is capable of recording video at 1080p and 720p and shooting photos at 14 megapixels. This drone has the usual features of drones and a slightly plus, and we could surely recommend this model to beginners since the price is affordable and the quality and features are great for the basic price range in which it can be found.

As usual, the F2C Aviax by GPTOYS has 4-channels and the standard two modes (Left Hand Throttle). It features the standard 6-axis gyroscope that provides a wide variety of flights movements and great flight stability. It is perfectly capable of performing 3D flips and moving towards any direction. Another cool feature that the F2C Aviax drone has is the headless system, which adds great value into the mix.

If you take a look at the images you can easily tell that the design of this quadcopter is nothing out of this world, just the standard, but is mostly made out of plastic, which could be a problem when facing strong winds or while taking falls and hits. As we mentioned earlier, the body is usual, and it has the following size dimensions: 15.72 x 12.58 x 4.32 inches, is kind of heavy for being an intermediate drone (1.033 Kg), but still nothing out of the rule.

This drone has the standard 4 propellers and LED lights of several colors on each arm, and when all the LEDs are lighted you can almost see through the body. The camera can be found beneath the body and is possible to remove it, this cam supports SD cards for recording videos or taking aerial pictures and the package includes a 4GB for a quick start.

The F2C Aviax is powered by a 3.7V 650mAh Li-Po battery that provides about 8 or 10 minutes of flight time and needs to be recharged for about an hour. The remote distance is about 100 meters, like most drones at this price and the maximum flying height is about 50 meters.

The 2.4G remote control has the typical options and buttons for performing almost any action imaginable, an LCD interface can be found as well, and here the drone’s data is displayed. However, this drone does not feature any kind of FPV or function for real-time transmission like some drones on this list.

DJI Phantom 3 Standard:

The DJI phantom 3 is perhaps the best drone featured on the list, as many drones fans might know, this drone has several models, but today we’ll be taking a look at the standard version and leaving the professional version for another occasion since we are mainly focusing on intermediate level drones. However, is necessary to point out how remarkable this drone is, even in its most basic version.

The DJI phantom 3 is a high-end drone that features a built-in 12 Megapixels camera capable of filming at 2.7K and 1080p /30 frames per second. The camera has a wide field of view of 94° and the settings can be changed via App (Go by DJI) in Android or iOS. As you can see this model is able of transmitting real-time image and footage via 5.8 GHz Wi-Fi directly into your smartphone.  The DJI phantom features a 3-axis gimbal to provide the most stable pictures possible.

When it comes to flight performance you can expect a smooth and rich experience since the DJI phantom 3 features flight assistance.

Features

• Hovering mode: which means that the drone will keep its position while waiting for new orders.

• Flight safe: which allows you to set high and distance limits that we’ll keep the drone within the safe area designated by you.
• GPS localization: This drone sends its location directly to your smartphone’s by using the embedded GPS, which allows you to know the exact location of the DJI phantom 3 at any time given. It also features the One key return function that enables the drone to return to you by itself, and this function will be automatically triggered if the drone is about to leave the control distance, which by the way has a maximum of 500 meters and a maximum altitude of 120 meters.

The body of the DJI phantom 3 drone has the standard of every quad-copter but is slightly bigger since the camera has a greater size than average cameras for drones, therefore, the landing gear is taller than any other model featured on this list. The size dimensions are the following: 29 x 29 x 18 cm and has a weight of 1,2Kg.

Is also worth mentioning that the camera can’t be removed or replaced, which represents a significant disadvantage.

The DJI phantom 3 is power by a Lithium Polymer battery that can provide around 25 minutes of continuous flight, which is a great lifespan when you consider that we are talking about a non-professional drone. The recharge time is approximately of 96 minutes.  Another feature important to point out is the smart flight function that allows the drone to determine how much flying time you have left and warn you whenever is time to return.

And last but not least, it counts with a precise remote controller that can reach 1000 meters in open field and about 500 meters in standard situations. Alongside the remote control, you can find a mobile holder to place your smartphone and enjoy a rich flight experience.