The best quadcopter with a good camera in 2022 - DJI, Xiaomi or Hubsan?

If you expect to get a drone with a great camera, then be prepared for the fact that the device will have to be registered. And then, if you follow the letter of the law, you will need to obtain permission for each flight. Do not want to face such difficulties? In this case, you need to consider buying the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro. He didn't get that name for nothing. This model is really miniature! Its weight including the battery is only 249 g. This means that the product does not require registration. You don't even need permission to take off. At least if you are going to fly at low altitude.

As for the rest of the models, their weight should not be embarrassing. Except for the Fimi X8 SE 2020. The scale under this drone will show 765g. That's quite a lot. If you carry the quadcopter in a backpack, then it can tire you out. Do not forget that you need to add the weight of the batteries to this. And the remote!

As for the design of the drones, it is foldable in all four cases. In order for the quadcopter to be protected during transportation, a hard case is usually included in the kit. But not always. The buyer of the Xiaomi product will have to do without it.Of course, no one forbids purchasing a case separately in the well-known Chinese online store, but we have no right not to take this fact into account in our comparison. This time, DJI also managed without a case. But at least she supplies the kit with a bag where the drone and all accessories are placed. In the box with Hubsan, it is not found either.

We will not pay attention to the size of the drones. If you want to enjoy decent video quality, then get ready to get a fairly large quadcopter at your disposal. However, don't be scared. In a backpack, any of the devices will not take up as much space as it seems. It's just that these are not the drones that are ready to fit even in your pocket.

Unfortunately, the sale of quadrocopters using the 5.8 GHz frequency is not allowed in our country. Even if such a feature is present in the drone, it will be blocked. That is why DJI Mavic Air loses signal after 400-500 meters. At least if the launch is in the city. First, the picture from the camera disappears, and at an even greater distance, the main signal is lost, after which the quadcopter starts an automatic return to the take-off point.

Even worse is the situation with the drone from Xiaomi. With this quadcopter, the picture starts to disappear already at a distance of 300 meters. Hubsan shows a little better in this regard. The ideal result is to be expected from Parrot. It is sold unofficially in our country, so it fully supports the FCC standard. It should be noted that kilometer flights can also be achieved from the DJI Mavic Air 2, but for this you will have to be generous with the purchase of a hacked application.

As for the flight time, it was initially assumed that Hubsan could boast of a record. However, its manufacturer had to worsen the result, as prototype drones often ended their work with a fall. Now this does not happen, but the time spent in the air has been reduced to 32-34 minutes. A similar result is produced by the DJI product. The drone from Xiaomi can fly about the same amount. Parrot shows itself worse than the rest. Its creators had to reduce the size of the battery, as a result of which its capacity was only 2700 mAh.

The DJI quadcopter received roughly the same sensor system as the first Mavic Air. This means that it detects obstacles in front, behind and below. However, this model is slightly better bypasses obstacles. However, this function has not been brought to the ideal, so we recommend changing it in the settings to stop. And this drone is much better than its predecessor, hovering in place. This means that with its help, time-lapses are obtained much more often. We also note that with the recent update of the DJI Fly app, the drone has learned to provide information about exactly how far the obstacle is.

The Fimi X8 SE 2020 hangs a little worse in place, although it also knows how to use the lower optical sensor for this purpose. This feature is most useful when flying indoors, when GPS satellites are not so readily acquired. Unfortunately, this is where the list of sensors ends. That is why this quadrocopter is cheaper than its competitors. Alas, this model is not capable of recognizing obstacles around itself. What can not be said about the noticeably smaller Hubsan Zino Mini Pro. He can still identify obstacles, even if only those that are in front or behind. There are no side sensors here either.

Parrot Anafi has a unique design. She made the device compact and easy to store. But because of this, there was no place for a decent number of sensors. However, the owner of the drone will not have to worry. The fact is that the body of the quadrocopter is made of lightweight and durable materials. Even if a collision occurs, after it, with a high degree of probability, only the replacement of the propellers will be needed.

Any modern quadcopter with a good camera can fly on its own. This greatly simplifies the shooting of architectural objects or yourself. For example, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is able to follow a person, a car, a yacht, a motorcycle or a bicycle. To do this, just highlight it with a green frame. In the same way, you can use the flight around the object. If we are talking about a person who is near some beauties, then you can activate one or another fast video shooting mode. For example, a drone can fly over a person, move away from him or fly like a boomerang.Of course, the drone is able to return to the take-off point - competitors are also able to do this. He is not only able to fly point by point. DJI has reserved this function for its professional solutions, the cost of which is measured in hundreds of thousands or even millions of rubles. Here, a similar function is implemented only when shooting hyperlapse, but it also works only in the range of the remote control.

Parrot also provides many automatic modes. But remember that he does not know how to fly around obstacles. This is important when the drone is following you. In this regard, it is significantly superior to Hubsan. However, this drone will not notice any wires either. This quadcopter is also distinguished by the support of a mode in which the device flies independently in a pre-selected direction, while the operator is currently shooting, changing the direction of the camera at his discretion.

This mode was in the first DJI Mavic Air, but when switching to a new application, the manufacturer did not remember about it. Hubsan is also able to fly along pre-set waypoints on the map. The only thing missing here is the abundance of automatic shooting modes for a person, when the copter would take spectacular shots on its own. You can also launch Fimi X8 SE 2020 at given points. It also has Dronie and Rocket modes. A fly around the object is also implemented here - the operator only needs to select the radius and speed. A follow mode is also available.

The drones we have selected have the best value for money, so each one has a great camera. However, even a cursory comparison shows that there are still some differences. Take a look at least at the specifications of the cameras that we have combined into a table. It immediately catches the eye that Parrot received only two-axis stabilization. Yes, it is also supplemented with electronic stabilization - in the manner of the one used in action cameras. But this still does not allow you to count on the ideal result of video shooting.

DJI is also superior to its competitors in that this drone is capable of recording video in 4K resolution at 60 fps. The rest are limited to half the frequency. However, even Mavic Air 2 can force the user to lower this parameter - the fact is that not all automatic modes work at the highest. As for the video modes, hyperlapse stands out among them. If you leave the sticks alone, then it turns, as mentioned above, into a beautiful tail-up - all that remains is to additionally stabilize such a video at the editing stage.

The smallest quadcopter in our comparison (we are talking about Hubsan) is also capable of creating hyperlapse. By the way, the dimensions did not affect its stability. If you activate the sport mode, then the drone is able to withstand the wind at a speed of 12-15 m/s. However, competitors are not afraid of even stronger winds.Interestingly, the camera of this drone included a 1 / 1.3-inch matrix. Bigger than any competitor! That is why the picture is more detailed.

As for the other two drones, they are not able to surprise with their video shooting modes. Yes, and the matrix they use is similar, in both cases created by Sony. We only note the fact that Xiaomi regularly updates its application, in connection with which new functions appear in it from time to time.

As mentioned above, all the drones we reviewed received an excellent camera. Only Fimi can be a little disappointing, as it only takes 12-megapixel shots. However, even they look great on a 4K TV, not to mention a smartphone. The problem can arise only if you want to make a huge poster out of a photo.

It is also important what kind of pictures each quadrocopter is capable of taking. In this regard, DJI is traditionally ahead of the rest. Optimized footage can be created using the DJI Fly app. In fact, this is HDR familiar to us. Also, the user has access to different types of panoramas - from horizontal or vertical to the photosphere. And we recommend that you set up the saving of original photos, since they can be stitched on a computer into a much better and more detailed panorama.

As for the rest of the drones, if they have a smaller number of photography modes, then this will not be noticeable immediately. That is why they receive almost the same rating from us. Note that the camera of these quadcopters does not allow you to change the aperture.In this regard, in difficult lighting conditions, you will need to install a light filter. Finding it for DJI Mavic Air 2 is much easier than other models. Yes, and its installation is implemented better - you will spend literally 10-15 seconds on this process.

The creators of Hubsan Zino Mini Pro have taken the path of modern flagship smartphones. They deprived their quadcopter of a slot for a memory card! Instead, the product received built-in storage. Its volume is 64 or 128 GB, depending on the purchased version. We recommend looking towards the second option, since 4K video weighs a lot. Especially if you are also going to stock up on batteries.

The other three drones assume you are using a microSD card. Do not forget that the bitrate of the created video can be 100 or even 200 Mbps, so the memory card must be very fast. DJI understands that formatting may sometimes be forgotten by the user. In this regard, her quadrocopter received 8 GB of internal memory. However, it is bypassed by the Xiaomi product, which has 32 GB. And only Parrot is not able to boast of anything like that.

Having the best price-quality ratio, drones require not only a remote control, but also a smartphone to control them. With rare exceptions to the rule. It is Mavic Air 2. On sale you can find a version of this drone with a special remote control, which already has a huge screen. However, such a kit will cost too much. It's better to take a simple one. It will already require your smartphone. But you should not worry about this, since the connection is implemented very simply - it takes literally half a minute.

The most inconvenient, in our opinion, is the remote control supplied with the Fimi X8 SE 2020. The fact is that the smartphone is inserted into its center. This means that the sticks will be on its sides. Not so convenient, especially if your phone is large, and even dressed in a smartphone. But on the other hand, the creators placed an additional stick on the remote control, on which you can hang certain functions. This means that you will have to go into the application menu less often.

It is impossible not to mention the Hubsan remote control. It has its own display, which displays telemetry. Let's get back to the accessory from DJI. This remote is way too big and heavy. This is a serious shortcoming. But it is able to function longer than all competitors! This should appeal to anyone who is going to get not only a drone, but also a lot of batteries.

We have already talked about the duration of the flight.It's time to complain about the cost of batteries designed for such quadcopters. It turned out to be very high, since the batteries themselves are separate devices, which include a special processor. In a word, everything is done to ensure that the drone does not fall in the air when the battery charge is too low.

The cheapest quadcopter in our comparison is the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020. However, this does not mean that the batteries will also have a low cost. Alas, the purchase of each will cost you a decent amount, indicated in the table prepared by us. Interestingly, the batteries for Hubsan and Parrot will cost a little less. Well, the most expensive is the most technologically advanced product created by DJI. The company has worked on the bugs, resulting in batteries for the Mavic Air 2 that swell less often and have a stronger case. But now they charge more slowly. However, competitors in this regard also do not differ in any high speed - in any case, you will spend about one hour.

If we talk about the price-quality ratio, then Parrot will definitely be among the losers. The price tag of this device seems extremely high. Frankly, that's why we initially did not want to add it to this collection. However, it gradually became clear that there is still some sense in buying it.But if you are not going to make money by shooting video, then it’s easier to take the Xiaomi Fimi X8 SE 2020. But get ready for the fact that you won’t be able to fly far, and the built-in camera will one day cease to suit you.

It seems to us that the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro is the best choice right now. Yes, this drone cannot be called affordable. But it does not require registration. And even if the police come up to you, it’s enough for you to drop to a 150-meter height in time, after which there will definitely be no complaints against you. As for DJI, the company's quadcopter is designed for those for whom reliability is most important. Also, this particular drone has the most convenient application that even a beginner can easily master. Finally, this copter follows the object a little better than the others.

What kind of quadcopter is worth buying if you are going to shoot video with it? It is rather difficult to answer this question. It all depends on how the finished material will be used. If you plan to make money with a drone, then only the DJI Mavic Air 2 will suit you. And even its capabilities may not be enough for you, so it makes sense to think about paying extra for the DJI Air 2S, which is not included in this article. As for the other three drones, they are designed for home video shooting and creating material for YouTube.

Curiously, Hubsan scored the highest average rating.It is really difficult to make any claims to this drone. Only a mobile application that seems slightly unfinished can not suit someone. This drone is also able to follow the subject. It also has optical sensors. And it does not require registration! This is perhaps the most important! The only thing that can upset someone is the fact that when choosing a 4K resolution, it will not be possible to increase the frequency above 30 frames / s. And you will also be limited by the amount of internal memory, because there is no slot for an external drive. Another disadvantage is the modest size, which makes the drone not so briskly rises and falls, and it is also more difficult for it to withstand strong winds. Are you ready to deal with it? In this case, the copter will not disappoint you!