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17 Low Cost Drones for Rookies

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Drones for Rookies

Let’s take you through some of the most reasonably priced drones designed specifically with the novices in mind. These devices certainly do not come loaded with all the embellishments that can be associated with the advanced drones of the modern era. But you will be amazed to see some of the outstanding features that these machines boast.

There has been a massive evolution in the way drone technology has shaped up ever since its inception. This implies that the manufacturers have been able to invoke incredible functionalities into smaller and seemingly cost effective frames.

These are some of the most realistically priced devices to have hit the shelves in the recent days and are certainly the ones that you, as a beginner, should be looking to purchase as soon as possible.

This list contains quadcopters as well as hexacopters and is a comprehensive guide for the pilots of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Eachine H8 Mini

Costing just around $13.99, the Eachine H8 Mini is being touted as the world’s least expensive drone out there. Despite boasting a low price, this superb machine packs a power punch in terms of its inbuilt features.

The One Key Return to Home feature is the most noteworthy of all its functionalities. You just have to press the button once and the drone will come soaring back to you. The Headless flight mode has made life further easier for the pilots since they do not have to be perturbed about their machine’s orientation during flight. In addition, the omnidirectional rolling feature is another one that you should be excited about.

This might not be the most high-tech drone out there but when it comes to the price versus features aspect, this is where you will certainly be attracted to get your hands on this machine.

FQ777-124 Pocket Drone

As is quite evident from the nomenclature, this machine is seamlessly portable. It can be had for no more than $20. Its transmitter serves the dual purpose of a carrying case as well that can be stuffed easily into your trousers’ pockets.

It also comes along with prop guards and landing skids which generally do not come along with most of the machines in this price bracket. Moreover, the LED lights make it tremendously easier for dronies to fly this device in murky low-light conditions.

Cheerson CX-10 Mini

The Cheerson CX-10 Mini is the second highest selling RC quadcopter on Amazon and can be purchased for $18.99. This device is a great one for the beginners and the experienced pilots alike. Because of the features it sports, dronies of all levels of skills and capabilities will enjoy to fly this magnificent device.

It boasts a compact size and is quite reliable. Even if you do end up losing some of its propellers owing to an ominous crash, you should easily get spare parts that are not at all expensive. A 6-axis flight control board has been fitted into this extremely small unit that lets you perform some seriously mind-boggling aerial stunts and tricks.

UDI U839

The UDI U839 is almost a similar package as the Proto X. It boasts a 7mm coreless motor that renders it the most powerful mini drone to have hit the shelves to date.  The pilots are greatly assisted by its sublime rubber feet that make landing all the more easier. The high speed racing mode of flight helps you participate in drone races and enables the device to counter the air thrust as well.  The battery can be replaced easily which is one of the key features. You can easily switch between batteries when one of them runs out of juice and continue with your flying adventure.

Yi Zhan X4

This device comes with an exquisite design. The Yi Zhan boasts propeller guards and offers similar features to the legendary Hubsan X4. This is a compact sized device and is an ideal machine for indoor flights. Having said that, you can also enjoy a number of exciting outdoor flights with it owing to its high speed. It is an exceptionally good purchase for both novices as well as intermediate drone enthusiasts.

Estes 4606 Proto X Nano

The Estes 4606 Proto X Nano is one of the smallest quadcopters available in the market and is comparable to the size a quarter. Despite such a small size, this stupendous machine includes 3 gyroscope sensors and 3 accelerometers. This is actually not a device that is meant for the veteran drone pilots but if you are newbie you can get it to whiz through the sky with minimum possible fuss. It will go a long way in helping you get a hang of the controls and is a perfect foil for those looking to make a move to the more advanced drones.

Hubsan X4 (H107L)

The Hubsan X4 is one of the most popular devices available on the market. It provides a splendid blend of features that cater to the requirements of newbies as well as lets the experienced pilots test the mettle out when the heat is on. The device offers two types of flight modes: beginner mode and the expert mode. The beginner mode renders the controls a lot more responsive which means that if you are beginner and you happened to push one of the joysticks too hard, the Hubsan X4 will manage it for you.

When it comes to the expert flight mode, the control sensitivity is enhanced. This mode is more preferable to those who have got accustomed to its controls. In this mode, the pilots can perform the front, rear and sideways flips.

This is a quadcopter of your dreams if you are looking for a reliable machine; one that can be used to strengthen your skills as a pilot and trying out some complex aerial manoeuvres.

DM007

Available for $40.29, the DM007 is a camera drone meant for the aerial photographers and cinematographers. It includes propeller guards and standard landing paraphernalia. There have been mixed reviews regarding its blades. Some pilots complain that they tend to get detached which I believe can be easily fixed using some decent quality glue.

Syma X5C

The Syma X5C is another of the more popular drones available out there. It contains a whole bag of exquisite features that let pilots perform some scintillating aerial stunts and tricks. The device also incorporates a 2 megapixel camera that is also capable of recording videos. We have received good as well as bad reviews with regard to its camera quality. Some of the enthusiasts have been quite impressed with its quality while others have voted against it. Ultimately, you are going to get both the flight as well as camera features in a low cost machine that once could only be attained in the more advanced beasts.

This is a good choice for a newbie dronie and an aerial photographer and cinematographer.

Hubsan X4 (H107C)

The Hubsan X4 (H107C) is an advanced model of the aforementioned Hubsan X4 (H107L). The major difference between the two is that the Hubsan X4 (H107C) includes an integrated 2 MP camera, durable battery and more powerful motors that can support its greater weight and power of the camera. Having said that, it comes in a very small sized frame which makes it an ideal device for indoor flight excursions.

It is also one of those micro-drones that are well-equipped to manage moderate to slightly heavy winds in the sky.

JJRC H8C

The JJRC H8C is in direct competition with the X5C. It offers four different speed levels namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% and is a great friend for the beginners, intermediate pilots and the experts. In its original packaging, it comes with propeller guards and standard landing paraphernalia. The transmitter also includes an integrated LCD monitor that displays important flight parameters such as the speed, throttle, LED light, battery power and signal conditions.

The JJRC H8C also incorporates a 2MP camera in addition to dual mode transmitter that is meant for both the newbies as well as the veterans.

Eachine X6 Hexacopter

Available for $60.99, the Eachine X6 hexacopter includes 6 blades and boasts a design that is fundamentally different from all the other devices mentioned in our list. Similar to the Syma X5C and the JJRC H8C, it includes a 2MP camera alongside a micro SD card slot. The most exciting feature of this device is its powerful battery that requires a charging time of about 40 minutes and will provide a maximum flight duration of 10 to 12 minutes. Currently they are discontinued.

Jurassic UFO

With a price of $72. 99, the Jurassic UFO is one of the most popular and reliable drones to have hit the shelves in a long long time. The propeller guards are formidable and provide ample protection to the propellers. This feature renders this device a must have for the rookies but it is an equally good machine for the more experienced pilots. It boasts a solid omnidirectional eversion capability in addition to a couple of flight modes. The first mode is suitable if you are interested in capturing aerial photographs and videos; while the second mode is useful if you are looking to enjoy some flying in moderately windy conditions. Currently its unavailable.

UDI U818A-1 Discovery

The UDI U818A-1 Discovery is an advanced version of the UDI U818A. Fitted with a memory card micro SD slot, it can capture video footages at 720p pixels resolution and at a framerate of 30fps. It includes a LCD monitor in its transmitter that displays a wide array of important flight parameters for the perusal of the pilots. As is the case with the Jurassic UFO, it boasts a formidable frame that renders it a reliable choice for the newbies.

Parrot MiniDrone Rolling Spider

This amazing drone,  can let you scale walls with seamless ease. This drone features removable wheels at both ends that let you either fly your drone conventionally or get the wheels attached and start rolling across the floor and even start scaling the walls. With the help of FreeFlight 3 app, you can also control this gizmo with the help of your handheld mobile device.

Blade Nano QX RTF Quadcopter

It includes the Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope technology that lets you land your drone safely without crashing into the ground. You can even get a respite if you desire and leave the joysticks while the device will hover over a certain spot all by itself.

As you get more and more skillful, you can trigger the agility mode of flight and perform stunning aerial stunts and reach its optimum speed. This is a great device that serves as a bridge for moving onto the more advanced drones designed for professional pilots.

Heli-Max 1SQ V-Cam

The Heli-Max is a great device that offers a perfectly reasonably priced solution for folks who are interested in aerial photography. It features an integrated camera that is capable of recording video footage at 1280 x 720 pixels and a framerate of 30 frames per second. It can also capture still images at 1MP. The recording can also be controlled manually via the transmitter.

The flip is exceptionally easy to perform: all you have to do is to press the key and move the stick in the desired direction and the device will perform the flip. Somersaults can also be performed with the help of this drone from front to back, back to front and side to side. It is a reliable choice for the beginners but includes features that will even the charm the most veteran of pilots out there.