Best Cameras For Drones and Quadcopters

One of the biggest payoffs of flying a drone is the images you capture during flight that give you a perspective you can’t get elsewhere. Often times a quadcopter will come with a camera built-in, but for those that want a higher-quality image or the ability to fly without the added weight, it makes sense to purchase a drone without a camera and stick on their own when they wish.

So I’ve compiled a list of options for those who want to purchase their own drone camera to save you time searching so you can spend more time flying!

drone camera shot

 Drone Camera Round Up!

GoPro HERO Series

GoPro HERO (No Wi-Fi)
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The GoPro Series of cameras is the gold standard of action cameras (and drone cameras for that matter), so it only makes sense they’d be the best for drone footage as well. You’d be wise to look over this comparison chart they offer, as the technical specs can be confusing. GoPro’s are frequently paired with a high quality quadcopter, like the DJI Phantom 2, to maximize the air time and maneuverability. We’ve got a complete guide to the Phantom 2 if you need help choosing a drone as well!

My recommendation is to go with GoPro Hero (linked above) if you’re new to drone flying and are happy with 1080p video (which is probably all your monitor and TV can handle now, anyways). It does’t make sense to spend more on a camera when you’re going to be sending it hundreds of feet into the air and risk a fierce crash, or worse, losing your drone in a field or on top of a building.

If you are an experienced quadcopter pilot and have the money to spend, I’d recommend going for the top-of-the-line Hero4. It has all the tech specs you could ask for from an action camera, including 4k video recording at 30FPS, so it won’t become obsolete for at least another 5 years.

Mobius Action Camera

Mobius Action Camera 1080P HD Mini Sports Cam - Wide Angle Edition - C2 Lens
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If you’re looking for a cheaper and more lightweight drone camera, or maybe one that could double as a dashcam, this camera is for you! It has an impressive 80 minute battery life despite weighing only 1.4 ounces, and shoots 1080p at 30 FPS! You would also have an easier time attaching this to a smaller drone, whereas something like a GoPro would weigh you down too much. Here’s some great beginner quadcopters you could strap the Mobius onto. Check out the video below to see some impressive drone footage from such a small camera!

DBPOWER Action Camera

DBPOWER® SJ4000 Waterproof Action Camera 12MP 1080P HD with 2 Batteries and Free Accessories Ki
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This camera (clearly a GoPro knock-off) is an amazing deal at the price. It offers many of the same features as a GoPro Hero for a much smaller price. This would be a great drone camera for someone starting out who wants to use many of the same mounts that a GoPro has, but doesn’t want to risk losing such an expensive camera. Judging by the Amazon reviews, this thing is a steal, so be sure to consider it.

The video below does a good job comparing the two cameras if you need further help.

5 Reasons You Need To Purchase A Drone Camera

What if a single purchase could give you greater perspective than you’ve ever had before?

A quadcopter with camera lets you take better photos than you ever have with a regular camera. Such a purchase is guaranteed to transform how you shoot photos and video.

Keep reading to discover more reasons why you need to make this your very next purchase!

Why a Quadcopter With a Camera?

This purchase is one your entire family can enjoy at home or while on vacation. It is a special treat for any friends that you entertain at your home.

The quadcopter camera allows children to discover the world from entirely new angles. It allows parents to take family photos like they never have before. This device even represents unique opportunities that entrepreneurs can take advantage of.

Keep reading to discover just a few of what these benefits are and how they can change your life!

1. Stunning Photography

The main reason that most people buy a quadcopter with camera is to take photos. And you will be able to take better photos with this device.

For instance, you can take unique cityscape photos next time you are on vacation. Seeing a metropolitan area like Atlanta or Chicago from a birds-eye perspective will let you take home amazing photographic memories.

Family photographs take on new life when you use a quadcopter. You will be able to squeeze more family members into the picture than you can with conventional photos. You can also use the perspective to show off things like new homes in an unconventional way.

Wherever there is natural beauty, the quadcopter can help you capture it. You can obtain amazing photos of the beach and of the ocean. You can even discover great shots of country fields and of snow-topped mountains!

2. Smooth Video

As with photos, the quadcopter with camera provides a unique way to record video footage. These videos are smooth and sure to excite anyone who watches them.

These videos can be used to offer your viewers a first-person tour of many exotic locations. They are also perfect for recording experiences such as outdoor concerts, festivals, or conventions. Such videos are also a perfect way to bring your vacations back to life after you get home.

Quadcopters have become very popular for “vloggers” as well. Those who create content for websites such as Youtube will be able to record much more dynamic videos than their competition, increasing their views and subscribers.

At their core, these devices let you make unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a family vacation or even just a business trip, quadcopter video lets you remember everything with perfect clarity.

3. Low Cost

One of the reasons some people have hesitated to buy a quadcopter is because of the cost. However, these devices have become more affordable than ever before.

There are now quadcopters available at a variety of price points. Many of the most affordable models are actually ideal for beginners to start using.

The exploding popularity of quadcopters also helps to keep prices low. There is a constant stream of new models and new manufacturers. All of this competition means that you benefit as a consumer.

With the right research, you can find the quadcopter with camera that is best for your needs as well as for your wallet. It’s even possible for this purchase to pay for itself if you embrace the different financial opportunities that they offer.

4.Financial Opportunities

One unexpected reason to buy a quadcopter with camera is to make money. In fact, there are many financial opportunities that you can take advantage of.

An example of this is special event photography. You can use the quadcopter to take one-of-a-kind photos of events such as weddings. You can also be hired by local schools in order to take photographs of their graduation ceremonies.

The video capabilities of the camera mean that you can get hired by moviemakers as well. Many aspiring filmmakers would love to use your quadcopter for things like establishing shots and aerial shots in their movies.

Local realtors may be happy to hire you as well. Taking compelling images of a home is one of the most important parts of making a sale. Even better, you can help aspiring homeowners see an aerial view of their prospective new neighborhood.

With a little creativity, this is a purchase that will pay for itself!

5. Social Media Sensation

Social media remains one of the easiest and best ways to stay in touch with friends and families. Your popularity on social media is determined by the kinds of content that you create and share.

A quadcopter with camera will let you create unique content your friends and family cannot find anywhere else. For instance, you can livestream the new places you are exploring with the quadcopter. This lets viewers feel like they are exploring the area with you.

You can organize and take video of special events such as flashmobs with your helicopter. You can also create time-lapsed videos of things like local sunsets from a variety of exciting angles.

All of this helps establish your account as a source of awesome content. Whether you are building a brand on Instagram or Facebook or simply entertaining your friends, a quadcopter will take your social media game to a whole new level.

The Bottom Line

Getting a quadcopter with camera is going to be one of the most exciting purchases that you make. However, it can be difficult figuring out how to get started.

There are many different brands of quadcopters and many different kinds of cameras. You don’t want to end up spending your hard-earned money on something that’s not suited to your unique needs.

At Drone and Quadcopter, we are the only authority you will need for these amazing devices. We can help you find, set up, and fly your very first quadcopter in no time at all!

To see how we can help you start this exciting hobby, come check out our Drone Reviews today!

That wraps up our drone camera purchasing guide for 2018! Now get out there and get flying those quadcopters!

9 thoughts on “Best Cameras For Drones and Quadcopters”

    • Yes.
      FAA requires all drones over a certain weight be registered.
      If you’re a recreational/hobby user it’s $5 (USD) for 3 years (As many drones as you want are covered by the same registration number).
      If you’re a Professional/Commercial or Municipal/Governmental flyer, it’s $5 (USD) per drone. (Must also have FAA Remote Pilot Certification (sUAS)
      Registration number AND contact info must be somewhere on the drone. I got a set of 4, printed stickers for about $8 USD.

      Reply

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