Go Fly A Copter

Even if you have no good reason to justify buying one, you have to admit that drones are cool. There are some models out there that are glorified tech toys, but the models we highlight here are fit for use in imaging and cinematic applications small and large. If you think you can use a flying camera in your next project, there's some good news—the tech has come a long way in a very short time. There are models on the market now that put earlier copters to shame in terms of video quality and stabilization. And now the bad news. You get what you pay for, and if you want an aerial video platform that can capture stunning footage, you need to be prepared to spend some cash. Because drones are such a pricey proposition, it pays to do your research before buying one. We've tested many of the ready-to-fly models on the market to determine what's important to look for, and the best models available. Price Matters There are low-cost drones on the market, but you're still looking at spending around $500 to get a solid model that's stable in flight with an excellent integrated camera. The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is our favorite budget model, and while it doesn't support 4K capture, its 2.7K video capability is better than 1080p and leaves some room to crop footage for HD projects. You'll be hard pressed to find a quadcopter that delivers the video quality of the Phantom 3 Standard for less money. The drones we review are ready-to-fly models, so you can use them right out of the box. In most cases you'll need to bring your own Android or iOS device to view the camera feed in real-time, but we've reviewed a few models that have an Android tablet built into the remote control. We haven't delved into covering true pro models, which require you to get out a soldering iron and install flight control systems and custom gimbals that can accommodate an SLR or mirrorless camera. Safety and Regulations All of the models featured here have some safety features. Even the Bebop 2, which isn't built for long-distance flight, includes a GPS and automatic Return-to-Home functionality. If your control signal is interrupted, or if the battery gets down too low (most drones can only fly for about 20 minutes on a single battery charge), you drone will start to head back to its takeoff point and land. Flyaways still happen, and there are horror stories on various Internet discussion forums. Of course, negative experiences are amplified in this context, simply because uneventful flights that don't result in a crash or missing drone aren't hot topics for discussion. If you're flying within the United States, you need to take heed of FAA guidelines—or be prepared to face potential fines or jail time. There are no-fly zones set by the FAA, so don't take off if you're near an airport without notifying the control tower first. And, even if you're out in the middle of nowhere, don't take your drone above 400 feet. Most drones are set to obey these regulations out of the box, but controlling a quadcopter is just like driving a car—even if you missed seeing that speed limit sign, you're still liable to pay the ticket. Be sure to read up on the current FAA guidelines before buying. If your new drone weighs more than half a pound, you'll need to register with the FAA. Racing and Toy Drones There are a number of products on the market that are sold as drones, but don't quite fit the bill. Remote-controlled aircraft have been around for ages. (Check out this clip from Magnum, P.I. if you don't believe me, or just want to see Tom Selleck in a bathrobe.) But with the recent popularity of drones, quadcopters that would simply be sold as RC products are now being tagged as drones. These products don't include GPS stabilization, return-to-home functionality, and other automated flight modes that make a drone a drone. We've reviewed a handful of these products and placed them in our Toy reviews category. If you're interested in something you can use on the International Drone Racing Association, keep your eyes tuned there for reviews.