Have you ever dreamed of piloting your drone but worried it wouldn’t fit your budget? If your answer is ‘yes’, then, this guide is for you. We’ve searched high and low to find the top 10 affordable drones with impressive cameras that won’t break the bank.
This guide is for aspiring photographers and even new professionals who need a reliable drone without putting a hole in their pocket. We’ve researched and compared a variety of drones, all the way from big established drone makers to exciting new US brands, and found some incredible options.
Let’s take off!
Best Affordable Drones with Cameras
Here are the top 10 affordable drones:
1. Potensic Atom SE
Ultra-portable and powerful, the ATOM SE folds up small to fit in a jacket pocket and weighs less than 250 grams (about the weight of a soda can). Yet, it packs a punch with 4K video recording at 30fps, captures stunning 12MP photos, and stays aloft for up to 31 minutes on a single charge. This makes it the perfect travel companion for capturing stunning aerial footage.
Cost of Poetnsic Atome SE: $280
Features of Potensic Atom SE
| Feature | Potensic Atom SE |
| Weight | Less than 249 grams |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 88x143x58 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 31 minutes |
| Sensor | CMOS 1/3″ |
| Camera Resolution | 4K at 30fps |
| Image Format | JPG/JPG+RAW(DNG) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C ~ 40 °C |
| GPS | Yes |
2. Holy Stone HS110G
The HS110G is a lightweight, outdoor drone perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike. Its intelligent features and stable flight make capturing breathtaking aerial shots a breeze.
One-button operation lets you launch and land the HS110G with ease, eliminating the need for complex control maneuvers. With built-in GPS, the HS110G automatically returns to its takeoff point if the battery runs low, the signal is lost, or you initiate the return function. This ensures a stress-free flying experience.
Cost of Holy Stone HS110G: $160
Features of HS110G
| Feature | Holy Stone HS110G |
| Weight | 176 grams |
| Dimensions | 306x193x91 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 13 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 1920×1080 px |
| Operating Temperature | 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) |
| Flight Distance | 300 m |
| GPS | Yes |
3. Autel Robotics EVO Nano+
Hailing from the USA, the Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ is a standout option in the affordable drone market. This compact drone packs a punch with its 48MP camera, capable of capturing stunning aerial photography and 4K video at 30fps. Its advanced flight features, including object tracking and obstacle avoidance, make it an excellent choice for both experienced and novice pilots.
Cost of Autel Robotics EVO Nano+: $679
Features of EVO Nano+
| Feature | Autel Robotics EVO Nano+ |
| Weight | 249 grams |
| Max Flight Time | 28 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 4K; 50 MP |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 3-axis |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Yes |
| Control Range | 10 kilometers |
| GPS | Yes |
4. Ruko F11 GIM2
If you’re seeking a drone that combines affordability with impressive performance, the Ruko F11 GIM2 could be your go-to drone. It boasts a 4K camera, advanced GPS capabilities, and a flight time of up to 28 minutes.
Its sleek, foldable design and intuitive controls make it a great option for both indoor and outdoor use, catering to a wide range of drone pilot needs and skill levels. The Ruko F11 GIM2 comes with a built-in FAA Remote ID Module, making it an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade from entry-level models.
Cost of Ruko F11 GIM2: $580
Features of Ruko F11 HIM2
| Feature | Ruko F11 GIM2 |
| Weight | 560 grams |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 7.48 x 4.13 x 3.15 inches |
| Max Flight Time | 28 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 4K at 30 fps |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 2-axis |
| Obstacle Avoidance | No |
| Operating Temperature | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
| GPS | Yes |
5. Holy Stone HS120D
The HS120D drone comes with a specially designed backpack, making it incredibly convenient for travel and outdoor use. The backpack allows you to carry the drone and all its accessories with ease, enabling you to take the drone anywhere.
The HS120D captures high-definition footage at 2048 x 1152p resolution and allows you to save the footage directly to your smartphone. Additionally, the drone features Gesture Control, enabling you to pose in front of the camera to automatically generate photos and videos, which you can then instantly share with friends on social media.
The drone is equipped with GPS-assisted flight, allowing it to perform an automatic return-to-home function when the drone loses signal, goes out of range, or runs low on power.
Cost of Holy Stone HS120D: $100 (Used)
Features of HS120D
| Feature | Holy Stone HS120D |
| Weight | 221 grams |
| Dimensions | 270x270x120 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 18 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 2048×1152 px |
| Flight Range | 300 m |
| GPS | Yes |
6. Snaptain SP510
The SP510 drone features a 110° field of view (FOV) camera that can capture 2.7K video with exceptional clarity. The camera is also adjustable up to 90°, allowing you to capture stunning aerial footage from nearly 1000 feet away. With 5G Wi-Fi transmission, the video and photos are transmitted to your device with vivid detail.
This drone is equipped with a built-in GPS that automatically returns the drone to its takeoff point when the battery is low, the signal is lost, or you press the one-key return button. Both the drone and the controller are foldable and rechargeable, making the entire unit highly portable.
The SP510 is designed with beginner pilots in mind, offering features like one-key takeoff/landing, auto hover, headless mode, and 3-speed settings. These functions make it easy for new users to get acquainted with drone flying.
Cost of Snaptain SP510: $100
Features of Snaptain SP510
| Feature | Snaptain SP510 |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 13.8 x 12.4 x 2.4 inches |
| Max Flight Time | 16 minutes |
| Photo Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (for mobile device) |
| Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080@25fps |
| Streaming | 5G WiFi FPV Streaming |
| GPS | Yes |
7. DJI Mini 3
The Mini 3 is a fantastic choice for anyone starting with drones. Weighing in at under 250 grams, it falls under simplified regulations in many areas.
The Mini 3 boasts exceptional image quality, capturing videos in crisp 4K resolution.
Whether you want to create travel vlogs or showcase your neighborhood from a new perspective, the Mini 3 will help you produce high-quality content.
With an impressive flight time of up to 38 minutes, the Mini 3 lets you explore further and capture more. This extended flight time allows you to find the perfect shot and experiment with different aerial angles.
Cost of DJI Mini 3: $469 (With RC-N1)
Features of Mini 3
| Feature | DJI Mini 3 |
| Weight | 248 grams |
| Max Flight Time | 38 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 4K at 30 fps |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 3-axis |
| Max Flight Distance | 18 kilometers |
| Operating Temperature | -10° to 40° C (14° to 104° F) |
| GPS | Yes |
8. Potensic Dreamer Pro
The DREAMER Pro is equipped with an advanced flight control system, a 3-axis gimbal, and a professional-grade 4K camera, it delivers a safe, stable flying experience to capture stunning aerial imagery.
The DREAMER Pro’s camera features a Sony CMOS sensor and an optimized wide-angle lens, enabling it to capture breathtaking 4K photos and UHD videos. Its anti-shock ball design reduces vibration, ensuring smooth, clear footage.
Cost of Potensic Dreamer Pro: $400
Features of Dreamer Pro
| Feature | Potensic Dreamer Pro |
| Weight | Approx. 820 grams |
| Dimensions | 350 x 320 x 195mm |
| Max Flight Time | 28 minutes |
| Camera Sensor | 1 / 3-inch Sony CMOS; 16MP |
| Operating Temperature Range | 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) |
| Image Resolution | 4K |
| Video Resolution | 2.7K (UHD) |
| GPS | Yes |
9. PowerVision PowerEgg X
The PowerEgg X is a high-performance drone suitable for dynamic aerial photography, thanks to its 4K/60fps camera and triaxial mechanical gimbal. Users can control real-time 1080P image transmission within a distance of 3.7 miles (FCC). It has a maximum wind speed resistance of 29-38 kph, allowing it to fly stably in coastal or windy conditions. The PowerEgg X has a flight time of 30 minutes.
The PowerEgg X is equipped with PowerVision’s SyncVoice technology, which can capture high-fidelity sound using the user’s mobile phone microphone or wireless headphones, and automatically synchronize the audio with the captured images.
The PowerEgg X’s camera can capture a field of view up to 170°, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios, from indoor selfies to outdoor sports scenes.
The PowerEgg X boasts impressive face recognition capabilities. Its face recognition accuracy is continually improved through deep learning training, allowing it to seamlessly track the subject when taking photos or recording videos.
Cost of PowerVision PowerEgg X: $400
Features of PowerEgg X
| Feature | PowerVision PowerEgg X |
| Weight | 861 grams |
| Max Flight Time | 30 minutes |
| Camera Resolution | 4K at 60fps |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 3-axis |
| Obstacle Detection | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 32~104F |
| GPS | Yes |
10. DJI Mini 2 SE
The DJI Mini 2 SE stands out as an affordable drone for several reasons. First and foremost, it is significantly cheaper than other DJI drones.
Another key factor contributing to its affordability is its weight. Because the Mini 2 SE weighs less than 249 grams, it falls under a weight classification that exempts it from registration with certain aviation authorities in some countries.
The DJI Mini 2 SE also achieves affordability by focusing on core functionalities rather than packing in every possible feature. It prioritizes what many beginner and hobbyist drone pilots need most: a stable 3-axis gimbal for smooth footage, the ability to record in UHD quality, and a decent transmission range of 10km. This focus allows them to keep the production cost down and ultimately offer the drone at a more accessible price point.
Cost of DJI Mini 2 SE: $279
Features of DJI Mini 2 SE
| Feature | DJI Mini 2 SE |
| Weight | 246 grams |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 138×81×58 mm |
| Max Flight Time | 31 minutes |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS, Effective Pixels: 12 MP |
| Video Resolution | 2.7K at 30 fps |
| Gimbal Stabilization | 3-axis |
| Max Flight Distance | 15.7 km |
| GPS | Yes |
Conclusion
We reviewed some of the best affordable drones in 2024, ranging from the tiny but mighty Snaptain SP510 to the high-tech Evo Nano+ with its autonomous flight features.
For most beginners, the DJI Mini 3 is a great choice. It’s easy to use, takes fantastic pictures and videos, and has a good amount of features – all at a reasonable price.
On a tighter budget? The DJI Mini 2 SE and Potensic Atom SE are attractive options.
The best drone for you depends on your needs and budget. Think about how important image quality, flight time, and how easy it is to carry around, and how easy it is to fly are to you before you make your final decision.
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