FPV-quadcopters: description, specifications and reviews on the best models

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or quadrocopters, now use not only cinematographers and paparazzi. Base models became available to the average person because of strong competition and market congestion. Cheap quadrocopters can be bought for less than $ 100, and a gadget with a good camera and review can be found for about a couple of hundred, while really high-quality and more sophisticated models have passed for $ 1000.

Complex, and therefore, expensive design allows you to configure and reprogram almost all the basic functions for your needs, turning the drone into a truly autonomous device that is able to make independent decisions and follow a certain character of behavior in a given situation.

The majority of fans of this kind of gadget prefers models equipped with FPV (First Person View), that is, an opportunity to see everything that happens in the first person. And the signal receiver can be anything: FPV-glasses, smartphone, laptop or stationary computer - it all depends on the specific model of the drone.

Below there will be presented small reviews of quadrocopters, which differ before the general public and experts with quality, autonomous working time and functionality, and somewhere simplicity and balance of characteristics. The selection includes devices for performing different tasks and different budgets, so you can choose something for your needs without problems.

UDI U818A

One of the most popular (and not in vain) models of drones for beginners. Price list starts at $ 50, so the line can be classified as "cheap quadrocopter". The check can vary depending on the bells and whistles of the drones, but for the beginner the simplest model is suitable without extended functionality and unnecessary still sheds.

The first thing you should familiarize yourself with after buying a quadrocopter is the instruction. Once you learn the basic safety precautions, you can start learning how to drive a UAV. The only thing that is required at this stage from the beginner is to try not to admit the accidents that lie in wait for him literally at every step.

The model has a solid set of advantages for its low price: the four-pedestal frame protects the rotors from collisions, and the screws themselves are inexpensive (about $ 3 per set) and vary relatively easily and quickly.

To buy or not?

In a set with a drone you can see a standard camera for this kind of devices with a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels, but judging from the feedback of the owners, the quality of the video is very mediocre, because the device constantly vibrates in flight, which results in "jolting" videos. But even with all the shortcomings that the UDI-quadrupter (FPV, RTF) has, it is an optimal option for beginners both in terms of price and in terms of reliability of the design.

Blade Nano QX

After sampling the pen on inexpensive models, you can switch to more serious drones of the middle class. One such is the QX series, where the expanded functionality is designed for more experienced pilots.

The minimum amount to be paid for the basic set is $ 100. It has no protective frames, additional canopies for durability and video broadcasts. But if there is a desire, then it is possible to go broke for the maximum complete set with automatic flight controllers and FPV headset.

Quadrocopter Blade Nano is noticeably more maneuverable than its cheaper counterparts, if you seriously grab the rotors for the top of the tree or a similar obstacle, then replacement and even repair will cost you a considerable amount.

Despite the seeming fragility of screws and design, the device copes with small obstacles (but it's better to avoid them), so I got respect from many amateurs of drones, especially as feedback about the model is almost all in a positive way (especially about the most complete version).

Phantom 2 Vision +

This FPV quadrocopter is an excellent option for most experienced pilots. Drone easily takes pictures of good quality, removes excellent video without "jolting" and jamming, and also has an advanced and intuitive first-person control functionality.

For a thousand dollars, you get a fully ready for the flight apparatus. FPV-quad copter is equipped with a good camera with 14 megapixels, which is capable of processing video in high resolution up to 60 frames per second (1080 rubles).

Very often the owners in their reviews complain about insufficient reviews of quadrocopters (small angles of rotation of the camera), but the Phantom model lacks these drawbacks: the video eye is fixed under the drone and has an independent design, so you can easily change the viewing angle during the flight. Tracking a particular object has become much easier with this model, and this item is one of the most important for some drones owners.

Features of the model

In the kit you can see a convenient and multifunctional control panel that meets almost all the requirements for drones. The model has an enviable synergy with smartphones, tablets and laptops, allows you to take photos and shoot video over Wi-Fi protocols, so you can watch video on your device and at the same time record it.

If during the flight there was a communication breakdown, the device will automatically return to the last point where the connection was broken. In addition, the model has a relatively light and easily replaceable battery pack at 5200 mAh. According to the manufacturer, the drone can stay in the air for about half an hour, and this is slightly more than competing expensive models. If you are a lover of long flights, you can purchase an additional battery (about $ 100), then the autonomous resource will increase by about 70%.

Air Hogs RC Helix X4 Stunt

Someone to give a large quadrupter with all sorts of gadgets and autonomous flight for the whole day, and someone, on the contrary, is interested in small but nimble models that are able to fly inside buildings or in small yards. One of the distinguishing features of this kind of drones is the hull materials, which are made, as a rule, from rubber (for safety of the pilot and others).

Small spool, yes expensive ($ 90) - this is just about the Helix X series. The RC helicopter FPV Helix is equipped with ringed propellers and reliable protective gaskets made of soft and foamed rubber that can protect the device from falls and blades from damage. It should be immediately warned that the drones of this plan are very fast and have good maneuverability, so be careful not to overturn fragile objects during the flight.

The design of such a plan gives a significant advantage to novice pilots in view of the rubberized hull and the ability to fly in a confined space. Judging by the feedback of the owners of the model, many fans made their first flights with Helix.

3D Robotics Iris +

This FPV quadrupter is one of the best options for professional flights. If you like to improve the design of your drone for your specific needs, like weight reduction or reprogramming for your dog's walking, then this model is your option.

The device is easily synchronized with the computer to install additional software, and the programs used have open source, so you can re-do everything. You can create your own flight map with GPS, monitor and intervene at any stage of the UAV, add automatic balancing for the given wind parameters, time of day and much more.

Price of issue

Naturally, the price of such a miracle of technology can not be low. The base kit can be purchased for about $ 600, and the full set, which can be further expanded, starts at $ 2000. But for this money, "Iris +" offers its owner the best set of functions, in addition, enthusiasts will have full access to software codes for even more flexible customization.

Parrot MiniDrone Airborne Night

Many fans of unmanned gadgets have called this model, so to speak, light in the dark. The device ($ 130) with its semi-kilogram weight is capable of speeding up to 18 km / h and flying in maximum mode for nine minutes.

The Dron is equipped with a pair of LED lights that easily adjust for brightness, saturation and flicker, which automatically makes it suitable for night outings. A three-axis gyro with the same accelerometer and ultrasound sonar provides the model with a stable position in the air, and a multifunction camera attached to the body can easily be used for "air" selfies.

Many owners are extremely positive about the model, especially since the amount for the device is quite acceptable for the mid-price segment of such gadgets. Pleases also the strength and simplicity of the design, but to advise newcomers this model, alas, it is impossible - for management you need skill and solid experience.