These top camera drones won’t break the bank
DRONES AND AERIAL CAMERA SYSTEMS are an extremely popular combo. With the ever-increasing quality of airborne video cameras and real-time video links as well as the amazing developments in flight controller and stabilization systems, getting those awesome birds-eye-view images is easier than ever. This guide highlights five of our top-rated picks, focusing on drones with price points that won’t break the bank. The “At a Glance” spec information lets you quickly see how they stack up against each other to help you make your purchasing decision. From basic setup to complete packages, you’re sure to find your next camera drone here.
Parrot Anafi
At first glance, the Anafi looks like a budget option for adventurous vacationers who don’t want to spring for a DJI Mavic to “wow” their friends on Facebook. Look a little closer, however, and Parrot’s latest appears to be quietly revolutionary.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Anafi arrives with everything you need to start flying, except for a tablet or smartphone, which will serve as your video display and interface for adjusting camera and aircraft settings. The drone works with the new FreeFlight 6 app, available for both Android and iOS. It is clean, clear, and easy to use. The smart device connects to the new SkyController 3 via an included USB cable. It’s a minimalist design but exceptionally well executed. It feels sturdy in the hand, and in spite of being made out of plastic, the joystick gimbals are comfortable and easy to use.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Windracers Mail Delivery
With its partner Windracers Ltd., Royal Mail has become the first UK parcel carrier to deliver mail to a UK island in a 70-mile, beyond-line-of-sight, autonomous flight to the Scilly Isles. Tasked to better connect the islands’ remote communities, a consortium including Royal Mail, Windracers Ltd., DronePrep, University of Southampton, Excalibur Healthcare Services, and Consortiq Limited is funded by UK Research and Innovation.
Counting Penguins
Counting penguins is harder than it sounds. With freezing rain, snow, and chilling winds that limit the flight windows for the surveys, it takes scientists using three full days to map the location of 300,000 nesting pairs of Adélie penguins on Antarctica’s Cape Crozier.
A Drone Double Play
Beach cleanup and a historic bridge
Understanding Aviation Sectional Charts
Signs and symbols every remote pilot needs to know
10 TOP JOBS
Fields where drones are taking off!
AUTONOMOUS RESUPPLY IN A CONGESTED BATTLESPACE
Can autonomous drones deliver supplies to troops in an active firefight? DroneUp recently partnered with a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allied Command Transformation (ACT) Joint Force Development (JFD) exercise to find out.
IMPROVE YOUR DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY
10 must-know Lightroom tips
UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT The Key to the Future of Drones
In 2012, Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act, which established a deadline for the agency: achieve full integration of drones into the airspace by 2015. As the calendar rolls over into 2021, this begs an obvious question: “Are we there yet?”
FLYING FOR A LIVING
A professional UAS operator on what it takes to be successful
ON THE WING
This bird-like drone is incredibly agile and efficient
