Written by: João Santos
Drones have come to stay and even though they cause some trouble when used irresponsibly, even producing some hiss in the NFL, instigating Super Bowl favorites Pittsburgh Steelers to come forward and make a statement against them, they can be very useful for work, leisure and even for security. There has never been a better time to buy a drone.
Incorporated with super-steady video stabilization, you can take it to whatever next adventure you’d like. Plus, you don’t have to be an expert to get started with a high-quality camera and control.
2019 drones are becoming more affordable, as cheap drones now shoot 4K resolution video with steady image stabilization. From beginners to experts, you can buy whatever it pleases you the most and start using it with ease. On the following list, we’ll pick some of the best price/ quality ratio drones available on the current market.
- DJI Mavic Air
Weight: 430g | Controller: Yes | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery size: 2450mAh | Range: 6,2 miles
With an incredible portability, 4K video at up to 100Mbps and near-perfect obstacle avoidance, it’s the best drone you can start with or improve to. As the foldable drone fit into a backpack with ease, it can last up to around 20 minutes of airtime/ battery life. It’s small, fast and can do any skill trick, track moving targets, boomerang around a programmed path and even the notorious spherical video as if it’s crashing down to earth to capture your ultimate drone selfie.
At about 750€, we do recommend you spend a bit more on the Fly More Pack as it increases battery usage and consequently, amusement time.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Weight: 907g | Controller: Yes | Camera resolution: 20MP | Battery size: 3850mAh | Range: 3,1 miles
With the same foldable clean design and aesthetic, new photo and video modes and a way superior camera, this drone version upgraded every aspect but decreased range and won’t shoot 4k at 60FPS. DJI has made improvements on the software side too, with new modes for capturing photos and videos – including hyper lapse, for stunning aerial videos. At around 1300€, the device offers much more, for double the price. Staying for that reason, on the second place, right after his predecessor.
- DJI Spark
Weight: 300g | Controller: Yes | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery size: 1480 mAh | Range: 1,2 miles
For half the Air price, the controller-free gesture controls are easy to adapt, incorporates automatic Quickshot modes at a much short flight time. The most affordable option, it’s the best beginner’s drone, easily controlled with a smartphone without any other external controller. Incredibly light, very small and is in fact very easy to transport. On the other hand, wind may affect you flight experience.
- DJI Phantom 4
Weight: 1380 g | Controller: Yes | Camera resolution: 12,4MP | Battery size: 5350mAh | Range: 3,1 miles
Starting at the same price range as the number one option, this drone is nice and stable at 4K footage, presents a new fisheye lens and has an interactive smartphone app you can use. Unfortunately, it’s not easily upgradable, which is a bummer with those type of devices. A nice budget option rivaling the DJI Mavic versions.
- Parrot Bebop 2
Weight: 500g | Controller: Optional | Camera resolution: 14MP | Battery size: 2700mAh | Range: 0,19 miles
The Bebop 2 is a mid-range offering which won’t break the bank yet offers a surprising number of features for the price. The camera is also a fisheye lens, and combined with the intelligent construction of the chassis, which uses rubber dampeners to reduce vibration in-flight results on simple yet professional shots.
You might want to take it to the next level and buy the FPV headset for an amazing POV experience flight. On the downside, some interesting features such as the “follow me” functionality are paid as an extra, meaning the cost with be more than the standard 500€. The battery is also a disadvantage, with flight time ranging between 13 to 15minutes long.