Camera Drones Under $200

If you’re looking to explore the drone world (or introduce someone to it) without breaking the bank, we’ve included a list of our favorite budget friendly drones.

DJI Tello

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If you’re searching for the perfect introductory drone, look no further than the Tello by DJI. This new quadcopter is making leaning to fly easier than ever before. Just pull out your smartphone, open the Tello app, and launch—that’s it!

Utilizing auto-take-off and landing as well as a state-of-the-art downward vision positioning for ultra-stable hovering, the Tello behaves more like an advanced DJI drone than anything else in the introductory drone category.

Powered by Intel and featuring 13-minutes of flight time with a 100-meter transmission distance, the Tello shoots 5 megapixel stills and ultra-smooth 720p high definition video utilizing advanced electronic image stabilization. It’s also smartphone VR headset-compatible allowing crisp first-person view navigation.

With advanced aerial video maneuvers previously unavailable for introductory drones, you can now utilize Tello’s EZ Shots for effortless “circle,” “360,” and “up-and-away” shot styles. If that’s not enough, then you can wow friends and family by launching from your hand, bouncing up and down, and performing advanced aerial stunts all with the slide of a finger!

Weighing in at just under 3 ounces and equipped with prop-guards for indoor flying, there’s no safer and easier way to learn to fly than with the Tello.

Features:

5 Megapixel Camera
720p Video
Smart Launch and Land
Vision Positioning System for Precise Hovering
300 ft. Transmission Range
13 Minute Flight Time
Smartphone VR Headset Compatible
Failsafe Landing with connection loss or low battery

Holy Stone HS170 Predator

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Currently one of the hottest introductory level drones on the market, the Holy Stone HS170 Predator is an excellent choice in the under $50 category. In fact, this is one of our favorite training quadcopters to provide to students in our programs.

Featuring optional headless flight mode for beginners, 3 different speed levels, flip and roll capabilities, and strong overall durability, the Holy Stone HS170 is an excellent drone for beginners and advanced users alike. The quality of this drone is very good, and with easily replaceable parts we’ve found it to have impressive longevity. Last but not least, two of our favorite features of the HS170 Predator are the rubberized feet that allow it to touch down safely (or even gently bounce on a less than perfect landing) and the sturdy and easy-to-calibrate remote controller included.

Features:

Headless Mode
2.4 Ghz Controller
Flips and Rolls
6-Axis Gyro
Rubberized Landing Equipment
Up to 9 Minutes Flight Time
Durable, designed with easily interchangeable parts.

Tip:

If you want to increase your flight time, supplemental batteries allow you to fly while you’ve got more batteries charging. No matter what drone you choose, we always suggest having at least 3 batteries so you can keep the fun in the air longer. We recommend the Holy Stone 2 pack (pictured).

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Holy Stone F181W

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The Holy Stone F181W is a Wifi FPV Drone that is perfect for beginners. With the included 720P wide-angle HD camera and live feed, you see what the drone sees on your screen in real-time. And with altitude hold, you can fly with increased confidence knowing that if you let up on the controls, the F181W won’t take a dive, but will instead hover in place. If the stunt person in your life is looking to perform some aerial acrobatics, the 3D flip feature will provide hours of entertainment.

With a range of up to 100 meters, one key return to home feature, and 6-axis gyro, the Holy Stone F181W is much more than just an indoor practice drone. This drone is a great introductory choice for kids and adults alike.

Features:

720p HD Aerial Camera
120m Max Flight Distance
120m Max Flight Height
Up to 9 Minutes Flight Time
50m Max Wifi Distance

Syma X5C

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The Syma X5C is another one of the training drones we provide to our students that attend our in-person training courses. The drone features all of the basics you’d want in a trainer, and at a price point under $50 it’s tough to beat. The X5C comes equipped with a 2.0 MP camera, 6-axis gyro, high and low speed modes, one button 3D flips, and stable flight system, it is a great practice drone that can be flow indoors and out.

Features:

720p HD Camera
6-Axis Gyro
One Button Flips
Up to 8 Minutes Flight Time
Easily Replaceable Parts

Drocon X708W

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The Drocon X708W is an FPV training drone with an excellent quality, built-in 720p HD Camera. The FPV HD camera means that you’ll see what the drone sees in vivid clarity. It’s precise, powerful enough to be flown outside, and has a number of user-friendly features that make it a great selection for training and intermediate users. When you download the app ‘Drocon’ onto your smartphone the interface is so easy it’s reminiscent of much more expensive platforms.

In the built-in Easy Operation Mode, the drone operates in “headless mode” for easy orientation, and the one key return function helps ensure an easy landing. The Drocon X780W also features high and low speed levels you can earn your wings at one speed, and practice your tricks and advanced maneuvers at high speed.

Features:

720p HD Camera
One Key Return Mode: Never Lose Your Drone Again
Up to 8.5 Minutes Flight Time

Holy Stone HS150 Bolt Bee Racing Drone

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Okay, the HS150 isn’t actually a camera drone, but we had to make an exception for this one. The Holy Stone HS150 might take the cake as the quickest drone at the lowest price point of anything we’ve flown. It’s probably not the best option for the true beginner, but if you’re looking for some speed to grow into at a price that won’t break the bank if you bank into a tree, this is the drone you’ve been looking for.

Features:

Really, Really Fast: This drone accelerates in no time. And with top speeds up to 50km/h in high speed mode, it’ll satisfy your need for speed.
Budget-friendly racing drone.
Extra Batteries Up the Fly Time: Includes 2 Modular Li-Po Batteries,
Aerial Acrobatics: Capable of performing a variety in-flight tricks, including the impressive “continuous roll” if you’ve high end manueverability
Headless Mode: For beginners, you can fly with the drone oriented to the pilot. Some people find this setting makes the drone easier to control.
2.4GHz 6 Axis Stability: Provides excellent stability for confident flight performance. The HS150 also includes built in frequency protection meaning you can have multiple drones in the air without frequency overlap.