30 best quadcopters - from amateur to professional

A quadcopter is no longer an outlandish novelty that only very rich and enthusiastic people could purchase. Buying a drone is now available to almost everyone. Even schoolchildren, saving on lunch, prefer a copter to other entertainment. So what is this thing - a quadcopter - a toy or a serious professional tool that can even be used to earn money.

A quadcopter is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is controlled remotely using a remote control. The lift comes from four screw propellers. The engines are located on the frame opposite each other. Without an on-board computer (controller), it is impossible to make it move stably. But with proper control, the movement is very diverse: it can tilt, turn, slow down, accelerate and even hover in place.

It is quite difficult for a beginner to understand all the parameters and capabilities. There are dozens of manufacturers, hundreds of models, the differences in functionality, additional accessories and cost are very significant. Before purchasing such equipment, we strongly recommend that you study the characteristics a little and choose the optimal drone. We will try to tell you in as much detail as possible how to choose a quadcopter.

First, let’s clarify that quadcopters are not the only drones on the market. There may be 3 screws, 6 or even 8. For a beginner, we recommend buying a device with 4 screws. We still do not consider professional hexa- and octocopters as the first drone. They are difficult to control and have a number of functions unnecessary for novice pilots.

The Elektro-mall website offers a wide selection of quadcopters for any budget. We suggest considering the main features when choosing.

Scope of application of quadcopters

First, you need to understand why exactly you need a quadcopter. It is logical that the child does not need expensive professional equipment. The opposite is also true; high-quality shooting with a low-pixel camera on a low-power copter will not be possible, literally at all.

Our website presents unmanned vehicles:

• drone toys for children;
• amateur;
• professional;
• racing;
• with increased load capacity;

Any division is always quite conditional. We suggest focusing on this list when choosing a drone.

Dimensions

Quadcopters are divided into several classes based on overall dimensions and weight of the device.

• Small-sized
• Average
• Big and heavy

Quadcopter Syma X21
Miniature models are blown away by the wind, so we do not recommend purchasing a lightweight drone for constant use outdoors. For indoors and windless weather, the inexpensive Syma X21 ; it weighs only 50 grams and has a diameter of 13.5 cm. This is the most popular quadcopter for beginners.

Medium-sized bodies are ideal for fully experiencing real-life control of an unmanned vehicle. A medium-sized drone flies calmly outdoors even in light winds. To carry the S yma X5SW , you may need a backpack, dimensions about 32 cm x32 cm. This model has the ability to change the battery, a spare one is inexpensive and prolongs work in the field. A small 1 megapixel camera takes pictures quite decently at the amateur level.

Large drones are needed when shooting video from above is required. Professional means are also used to transport goods. At the same time, the cost is significant and for beginners it will be doubly disappointing to spend money and not feel the joy of control. Taking large devices with you is also quite difficult.

Also read: How to choose a backpack?

Types of multicopters

Drones are divided into:

• Toys;
• Racing;
• Filming.

Toy quadcopters

Toy drones are all those drones that cost up to 2 thousand, and more often less. They have brushed motors that wear out quickly and a small control range. But the upside is that it’s a great way to get into the hobby to see if you like it or not before spending thousands of rubles on normal drone equipment and components. Also, you will not need to buy additional control equipment, a video transmitter, receiver, and so on, these already have everything, albeit at a “toy” level. Such drones are slow and not dangerous, and are also suitable for children.

This type is moderately popular, many beginners go through it and, as a rule, by accident, so I wanted to play around and a person ordered such a drone, and then it got so long that he ends up on this site

Examples of such drones:

• AEOFUN S9HW
• Eachine E010 Mini
• Eachine E61
• Eachine H8
• TONQUU
• Teeggi M69
• JJRC H36

Cost: from 800 rubles to 2 thousand on average.

Racing quadcopters

A type of quadcopter that is gaining popularity every year. For several years in a row, large-scale competitions for racing quadcopter pilots have been held. The equipment and components are professional. As a rule, such quadcopters are assembled by beginners from KIT kits, and experienced ones select the components themselves. But now, more often than not, beginners also select their own components from scratch and sometimes make mistakes, but this is a matter of experience.

We assemble and configure a racing quadcopter on the iFlight XL5 V3 frame, assembly with photos and videos

This type of quadcopter is fast and dangerous thanks to brushless motors with neodymium magnets; some assemblies can accelerate to 200 km/h, but most amateurs assemble assemblies that “squeeze out” 80-120 km/h. Control is semi-automatic and manual; experienced pilots fly only in manual mode. Our website is about this type of quadcopter.

At the same time, there is also a racing subtype: microquadcopters. They also have high-quality and professional components, they have brushless motors, they are just small:

Link to this drone:

For such drones, you need to separately buy control equipment and a helmet or glasses for receiving video.

Racing quadcopters

• URUAV UR85 and UR85HD
• HGLRC Mefisto 5
• Eachine Tyro79
• DTS GT200

Cost: you can assemble a drone for 5 thousand (if you try), but on average prices start from 7 thousand. This does not include: control equipment, batteries, charger, helmet or glasses.

Filming quadcopters

The most popular type of quadcopter. Everyone knows about filming drones. Such drones are divided into professional ones, such as dji inspire, and amateur ones, such as dji phantom. They carry a high-quality body kit with a good camera. The kit always includes control equipment, and a phone or tablet is used as a video receiver, which is installed in a special remote control holder.

Xiaomi FiMI A3 review with photos and videos

These are large and slow (compared to racing) drones, usually speeding less than 70 km/h. But they don’t need speed, because they are designed for shooting, they have various intelligent modes and sensors. The control is semi-automatic and in order to crash such a drone you still have to try.

Cost: filming drones are expensive, on average from 50 thousand rubles, the main price is, of course, optics and camera gimbal, and another significant part is the brand.

That’s all for the types of drones, if you have any questions, ask in the comments.

Camera

Quadcopters with camera

Which quadcopter with a camera should I buy so that it flies perfectly and shoots acceptable video? This question can be answered by studying this section.

The issue of camera quality, according to statistics, is the most important when choosing a quadcopter. Of course, you can meet models without a camera, but we do not recommend depriving yourself of the pleasure of observing gorgeous city views and country landscapes. Almost all copters are synchronized with a mobile application, so you can see in real time through the “eyes” of the drone.

There are 2 possibilities for filming.

1. Built-in camera.

A convenient and practical option for most users. Carefully study the characteristics: number of pixels, matrix parameters, video quality.

Syma X15W model has built-in equipment for shooting with HD 720p resolution.

Let us explain the video image formats.

We have in stock a super model DJI RYZE TELLO with a 5 megapixel HD720P30 camera, but the drone is compatible with a virtual reality helmet. Indescribable impressions!

A built-in 20 megapixel camera is installed on the DJI MAVIC 2 PRO . Optical zoom and focusing lens allows you to get high quality images without additional accessories.

1. Quadcopter with the ability to install and replace the camera.

Option for self-installation of action equipment. Most often, users install GoPro. Carefully compare the weight of the camera and the carrying capacity of the device itself.

In our online store we have models with both amateur and professional video cameras with flexible settings. Our advice for beginners is to choose one with built-in shooting capabilities.

CXHOBBY CX-10W

• Dimensions: 62x62x20 mm
• Video resolution: not specified
• Flight time: up to 4 minutes.

It can hardly be called a full-fledged drone - rather, it is just a small indoor buzzer the size of half a palm and with a 0.3 MP camera. But as an option for a child it is quite suitable. The body is durable (unlike adult models), spare blades are included.

It flies for only 4 minutes (at home, of course), after which it will take an hour to recharge the batteries. There is a gyroscope, control via Wi-Fi via a smartphone. How much do you think this miracle costs? A little more than 1000 rubles!

Flight performance

Quadcopters SYMA Z1

The main parameters for flight are speed, maneuverability, range and battery life. Amateur drones of average power fly at a distance of up to 150 -200 meters. Engine power also directly affects flight performance.

The low-power SYMA Z1 with Wi-Fi i can stay in the air for about 7 minutes. By the way, this is not at all small, as it might seem at first. For beginners, this is enough to get a feel for the controls. Then you can simply change the battery and continue flying.

Large battery capacity increases battery life. DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM copter with 3950 mAh can operate for more than half an hour.

So, we focus approximately on the following ratios:

The data is given without taking into account installed additional equipment. For those starting to master unmanned vehicles, the parameters are quite accurate, since cargo transportation is not relevant.

Let us clarify one more point when choosing a copter. The device itself communicates with the control panel via radio frequencies and wi-fi. Interference from communications towers and other devices can cause inconvenience during operation. Therefore, we recommend taking into account the signal frequency. Amateur drones are controlled on a frequency wave of 2.4 or 5.8 GHz.

Introduction to drones

The term “drone” is very broad, and includes not only quadcopters but also, for example, models of helicopters and radio-controlled airplanes. In this article, we are interested in multicopters, that is, devices built according to a helicopter design, but equipped with at least three main rotors.

Although in the future we will talk about which quadcopter to choose, there are other aircraft made according to the same design, but equipped with a different number of propellers.

Tricopters

Probably the most unusual of the multicopter family is the tricopter. It has three supporting propellers, one of which is located on a movable platform. By changing the angle of rotation of the platform, you control the turns of the drone. This device cannot be called the best option for beginners; it is not as easy to control as a quadcopter. But he is very maneuverable and fast.

Quadcopters

Quadcopters are the most widespread. They are equipped with 4 propellers and 4 engines, are easy to operate, allow you to lift additional loads, and can be equipped with a variety of attachments.

When choosing your first drone, it is better to choose a quad. Most of the devices on the market are quadcopters. Successful design and good flight characteristics allow them to be used for a wide range of tasks.

Hexacopters

The difference between hexacopters and quads is the use of 6 propellers and 6 engines. There are not very many hexacopters among amateur drones. This is a good option for video and photography, because these aircraft maintain a stable position in the air, have an increased carrying capacity, are more reliable and resist wind better.

Octocopter

Octocopters, that is, drones with 8 rotors, are rare. As a rule, these are professional models. They are capable of lifting heavy loads, are very reliable, and can work in adverse weather conditions. However, for amateur-level copters, overly reliable systems are not needed. Buying an octocopter will be justified if you know exactly what you need it for.

Motors

If you take a closer look at the model range of quadcopters, you can sort the models by motor type.

Commutator motors are much lower in price, but have low power. It may overheat during operation. For prevention, simply touch the body. If it is very hot, then you should let it “rest” for a while. Gadgets for beginners feel quite comfortable with brushed motors and perform their function with full dedication.

Brushless motors are more expensive. At the same time, their service life is longer. Such engines are installed on large copters and are not yet interesting for beginners.

Just keep this in mind when your skill level reaches a high level and you want to buy an expensive professional quadcopter.

UAVs and modern legislation

Currently, there are certain restrictions at the legislative level in the context of the application and use of quadcopters. For example, each drone weighing 0.25 - 30 kg is subject to registration in the Russian Federation and requires the pilot to have a flight license.

In addition, you will have to obtain a flight permit, which will require a certificate of airworthiness, access to the operation of airspace and certification of the legality of piloting a UAV. If you plan to film in certain regions, you will also need appropriate permission.

Accessories

Among amateurs, probably the most frequently used term is suspension. Let's figure out what a suspension in our case.

Any flight of an artificial device in the air does not go smoothly; there will definitely be body vibrations, shaking, and vibrations. For high-quality drone photography, you need to stabilize the camera. The suspension allows you to avoid mechanical interference during the operation of the video camera. It is logical that such equipment adds weight. But all users take this step, since the benefits of the body kit are incomparably greater.

The gimbal stabilizes the platform for video shooting along 3 coordinate axes. That is why it is often called three-axis. Modern models of even inexpensive quadcopters are equipped with a gimbal. For beginners, the built-in gimbal from the manufacturer is 100% suitable. For future upgrades, you can add a body kit for better stabilization.

For novice users, another relevant accessory is blade protection. Manufacturers often equip devices with a special frame to avoid screw breakage during landing. Such protection will help increase the life of the quadcopter. In inexpensive models, these are durable rims that do not interfere with flight at all.

Case Features

In the description of quadcopters there are abbreviations: RTF , ARF , BNF . Let's look at what this means and which type a beginner should choose.

RTF (Ready To Fly) - ready to work. The design of such a quadcopter is fully assembled. The user just needs to attach the battery, read the operating instructions and launch the unmanned vehicle into the air. We strongly recommend that novice pilots choose this option.

ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) - almost ready to fly. For those who want to tinker a little and assemble the device themselves.

BNF (Bind-N-Fly) - build and fly, in this setting you can control the structure yourself and even write firmware for control.

The problem with lithium-ion batteries

There are two big problems with the type of quadcopters that use lithium-ion batteries. The first is a very short operating time. Pilots who use a quadcopter for entertainment may be satisfied with such a flight duration, but for those who will use them in agriculture or for delivering goods, this disadvantage can be critical. The second is the long charging time of these batteries, which can last 8 hours.

Functional

Quadcopters with Follow Me function

The beauty of quadcopters is that you don’t need any special skills to get started. But you still need to understand the functionality. Modern gadgets have ample capabilities for controlling the flight path. Let's look at the main additional elements of drones.

GPS sensors for precise location determination.

Gyroscope - for stable and smooth flight.

Follow me function – ” the controller or smartphone. A constant distance is maintained between the aircraft in the air and the user.

Return to home - drones can land at the starting point of the trajectory by pressing one button on the remote control. An ambiguous function for beginners, since in automatic flight you may not notice obstacles.

Hovering in place is a rather interesting feature; the body freezes in the air and hangs at one point at a certain height.

Flight by points - the quadcopter moves along a given trajectory automatically, allowing the user to fully concentrate on shooting;

Switching Speed ​​Modes - The pilot can change the flight mode for better speed or control.

Flight behind the target - the device follows the marked object, photographing it until the next command is received.

Headless Mode the body itself. When headless mode is turned on, it does not matter where the back and front of the device are.

Price

The range of prices for a quadcopter is difficult to compare with other products. Finding similar equipment with such a cost range is unrealistic. The price on our website is from 2150 rubles to 229500 rubles. The difference is 100 times! Even a Ferrari costs only 10 times more than a budget sedan.

For beginners in piloting, we do not recommend chasing a high price. Quite decent devices starting from 2500 rubles can be useful for honing control skills.

Comparison of popular budget models for beginners

conclusions

We looked at how to choose a quadcopter for beginners. As you can see, this process is quite exciting. It’s quite possible to independently choose the optimal drone for your purposes and within your budget. We understand that in order to finally make a choice and buy a quadcopter, it is better to consult with our specialists.

The site presents gadgets of a wide variety of parameters and prices. We will help you find the best and most reliable quadcopter for a beginner adult or child. We work with delivery and convenient payment methods.

Go to selection

Small class

Let's move on to the next quad - the older brother for our DHD D1 - Eachine H8 Mini ().

Yes, only one copy of such a quadric can fit in the palm of your hand. With its help you can already feel “at least some weight.” As you can see, this toy already has protective stops for the blades, which means that there is virtually no damage to be expected from such a quad (or rather, from its propellers). The range is only 30 meters, but this is quite enough for a home.

Well, I’ll finish my “small class” with the Syma x13 quadric ().

A little larger in size and more stable in flight. The size of this quad is about 170 mm and in my list it occupies the “last optimal” place for home copters.