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The best quadcopters with a camera and a long flight range. The best quadcopters with a long range and camera

The market for unmanned aerial vehicles includes: great amount models, the different levels and appointments. However, if you need truly high-quality photo and video material, we recommend that you pay attention to quadcopters with large radius action and camera.

Introductory

Quadcopters with a large range and a camera are, as a rule, professional devices, represented in the segment quite expensive models. Such models are subject to higher requirements since ensuring a stable radio signal for long distance requires more equipment High Quality. Besides, visual control drone becomes impossible at a distance of about 150-200 meters. Therefore, it is possible to control the copter at a long distance only using the camera, hence the high demands on the quality of video signal transmission.

The video signal must be:

  • stable
  • don't be late in time

Flight control is carried out according to telemetry data, which is displayed on the monitor screen or on the pilot’s flight glasses. It is these data that show what the remaining battery charge is, how far the device has flown from the starting point, the level of the radio signal, speed, altitude and direction of flight. All this information is extremely necessary for the pilot.

We have prepared for you a selection of 8 models of quadcopters that can be controlled at a distance of over 1 km. Each of the presented copters is a high-quality device ready to fly out of the box. In fact, all you need to do is charge the battery and, after reading the instructions, carry out all the necessary pre-flight calibrations and settings.

For each copter we present some of the most important characteristics, such as: camera, video resolution, maximum time flight, maximum speed, maximum range, cost of the device.

DJI Mavic Pro

One of the flagship products of DJI Innovations has already become a hit - . This is a compact drone (when folded, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand) equipped with visual and ultrasonic sensors that allow it to avoid obstacles and maintain flight stability even indoors.

The drone can stay in the air for a whopping 27 minutes on a single charge, weighs around 750 grams, has a claimed range of up to 7 km, and a speed of up to 70 km/h (in sport mode). The camera is capable of recording video in 4K format at 30 fps, FHD (1080p) at up to 96 fps and HD (720p) at up to 120 fps. The camera viewing angle is 78 degrees. DJI OcuSync technology is capable of transmitting a 1080p video stream to the remote control or DJI Goggles over a distance of up to 7 km.

MavicPro users report that images lack sharpness, colors look washed out, narrow dynamic range cameras. Additionally, the camera is non-removable, meaning you'll have to make do with stock camera specs.

DJI Inspire this is already a device high level with the ability to replace the camera, which gives it the potential for modernization.

The choice of camera is determined by the ZENMUSE line. You can choose a 12 MP 4K camera ZENMUSE X3 or a 16 MP camera ZENMUSE X5 with removable lenses capable of recording video in 4K in RAW format. The line also includes the Z3 model with 7x optical zoom, as well as the ZENMUSE XT thermal camera.
The drone itself is built on a carbon fiber frame whose beams rise and fall automatically during takeoff and landing, thus allowing the camera to rotate 360 ​​degrees and tilt 125 degrees. The drone is equipped with visual positioning sensors and ultrasonic sensors that transmit information about the terrain and current altitude to flight controller. Thanks to this system, the drone can maintain altitude even without a GPS signal.

The disadvantages include the short operating time on one battery - about 15 minutes. And also the lack of sensors for avoiding obstacles in the drone’s path.

DJI Inspire 2

2 is a logical continuation of the Inspire 1. In fact, the DJI Inspire 2 is the best video camera to date.

Improved flight time – Thanks to the presence of two self-heating batteries, flight time is increased to 27 minutes, even in cold weather. Speed ​​characteristics have been improved - the drone can reach speeds of up to 94 km/h. The new drone was equipped with a directional FPV camera, obstacle avoidance sensors, and a sensor in the upper part of the drone to protect against collisions with obstacles during takeoff. New technology image processing - CineCore 2.0 allows you to shoot video in 5.2K in RAW format and record to the built-in storage. Added smart modes flight systems such as Spotlight Pro, TapFly and ActiveTrack.

The only downside is perhaps the price.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro

This is perhaps the best amateur device on the market. It embodies all the latest achievements of DJI.

The presence of cameras in front and behind, as well as infrared sensors on the sides, provide the drone with a 360-degree view, virtually eliminating the possibility of an accident. At the bottom of the copter there are visual and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the surface under the drone.

The camera has a 20MP CMOS sensor, a mechanical shutter, and a new wide-angle lens with a focal length of 24 mm. Changed and technical capabilities cameras, it is capable of shooting 4K at 60 fps. Among the interesting features, a mode appeared burst shooting Burst Mode.

The new model's remote control is equipped with a 5.5-inch screen for transmitting images from the camera. As for the flight modes, they are the same as the Inspire 2. Like all DJI drones, the Phantom 4 is extremely stable even in windy conditions.

Of the minuses: it is not possible to rotate the camera 360 degrees. Enough high price for an amateur drone.

Yuneec Typhoon N

Yuneec Typhoon N is a high-tech device from Yuneec International, which specializes in electric models aviation technology. Yuneec Typhoon H is a hexacopter, i.e. contains 6 motors.

The Typhoon H camera has a 360-degree view due to its folding landing gear, which allows for panoramic shooting. Thanks to the folding arms, the Typhoon is easy to transport.

In addition, typhoon camera flights do not require a tablet; the ST16 personal ground control station already contains a built-in 7 inch screen which displays video from the camera. You can also connect a second remote remote control Thus, one person controls the flight and the other controls the camera.

Just like the Phantom, the Typhoon can fly around obstacles. In the case of Yuneec Typhoon H, the size and geometry of the obstacle does not matter, proprietary Intel technology RealSense is capable of generating a 3D model of the surrounding world. Based on this data, the drone can lay optimal route following. Thanks to the availability ultrasonic sensors the system can operate at any time of the day. One more interesting feature is the memorization of a previously formed model. All the necessary intelligent flight modes are available, such as selfie mode, follow me, waypoint flight, return home, etc. The 12MP camera is capable of recording video in 4K format at 30 fps.

The disadvantages include the dimensions of the drone. And also the presence of sensors only in the front part of the drone.

3DR Solo

Development of the company 3D Robotics which features many original innovative ideas. This device is equipped with two processors (one in the remote control, the other in the drone) that are controlled by OS Linux. As you know OS Linux is open platform, so you have the opportunity to change source adapting the system to suit you. Of course, this should only be attempted by experienced users.

3DR SOLO is an extremely fast device, capable of reaching speeds of up to 90 km/h. The stated operating time on one battery is about 20 minutes. The drone's flight range is about 1 km.

The features of this device also include a unique suspension, developed jointly with GoPro engineers. With this gimbal you can control all the features of your GoPro camera.

Unfortunately, the 3DR SOLO cannot avoid obstacles, and its adaptation to GoPro may make this drone a question mark if you are not a GoPro camera user.

GoPro Karma

Another representative of drones for the GoPro camera - this time own development Australian manufacturer of famous action cameras. Often compared to the DJI Mavic Pro, since both drones belong to the compact class.

The key feature of this drone is that it can only be used with GoPro cameras. Karma is compatible with Hero4 Silver, Hero4 Black, Hero5 Black, and compatibility with Hero5 Session is announced soon. These cameras offer best-in-class image quality. In addition, the GoPro Karma kit includes a Karma Grip monopod. You don't just get a drone - you get universal system videos of your adventures. The Karma controller has a built-in 5-inch touch screen, the brightness of which is enough to read information even in sunny weather.

Since a GoPro camera is not included, this drone is not an obvious choice for users of other cameras. In addition, GoPro is new to the production of quadcopters, which affects the reliability of the drone (we all remember problems with the battery, due to which the device simply turned off in flight and fell like a stone).

Xiro Xplorer

Quite an interesting copter with unusual design, which was awarded the Design Award 2016.

The drone comes in three configurations, the most interesting of which are G with a gimbal for GoPro cameras, Xplorer V with a 14MP camera on a 3-axis gimbal capable of shooting at 1080p resolution and Xplorer 4K equipped with a 4K camera at 24 frames/sec. Data from the camera is transmitted to mobile phone via Wi-Fi channel. To strengthen the signal, the kit includes a special WiFi extender that is attached to the remote control.

It's worth noting that you'll have to fly slowly if you're trying to shoot anything on the horizon, because high speed propellers will enter the frame. The 4K camera is equipped with an 84 degree lens low level frame distortion. The price for the Xiro Xplorer package with a 4K camera is around 50 thousand. rubles

Such a characteristic as the range of a quadcopter often remains untaken into account when choosing a device. However, it is one of the most important in the operation of the device. It can also be found under the name coverage area of ​​the equipment, although some users confuse it with the flight range of the quadcopter. To clarify this concept, let's look at it in more detail.

What determines the range of a quadcopter?

Unlike the flight range, which depends primarily on the power of the model’s battery, the range of the quadcopter depends longer on the communication technology that is used to connect with the control device. Since quadcopters are controlled remotely by wireless channels, their list is very small. The models can be controlled using a radio signal familiar to radio-controlled models at a frequency of 2.4 Hz. The capabilities of equipment with this data transmission technology are quite large, which is why they still remain popular.

Another - more modern way signal transmission – bluetooth channel. It is more limited in range than a radio channel, but its advantage is different. Its use allows you to abandon the usual equipment in favor of smartphones and other mobile technology, which the user always has literally at hand. Devices that use it most often include mini and nano models, which even at maximum power cannot fly far. Another modern channel control, giving a more noticeable operating radius - this is everyone’s favorite wi-fi channel. Transmitter in in this case can be used not only to transmit control commands, but also to broadcast video or record photos.

However, in this case the range is significantly reduced, which can cause some difficulties. Some companies are developing more advanced their own signal transmission technologies, which significantly increases the range of the quadcopter. If we take, for example, the DJI company, then it already has a similar development called Lightbridge. It is many times more efficient than popular wi-fi, which is why it is appreciated by users.

Range of drones of different models

Let's give an example of the operating range of various quadcopters. Most elementary example– a mini quadcopter called Cheerson CX-10W. Its range will be only 30 meters. The same Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 and Syma X5S fly further. Their radius is 50 meters. The JJRC JJ-850 has twice the radius. However, there are models with very impressive characteristics. For example, Blade Chrome Camera Drone. This parameter for the quadcopter is 600 meters. The same folding 3DR IRIS boasts a radius of 1000 meters.

As for the record holders among fairly expensive models. Here the leadership is occupied by the above-mentioned DJI company. Its new Phantom 4 will not get lost within a 5 km radius, which is more than double that of its previous generation.

How to increase the range of a quadcopter

You can increase the range of the quadcopter different ways. The simplest of them is changing the hardware settings. It is not available for all quadcopter models, but only for those that have regional standards for calibrating flight range and altitude. This is partly due to legislation, and partly due to congestion in the range of data transmission frequencies used. To implement this method you will need good skills in using computer equipment, as well as studying the instructions and manuals related to the specific selected model that requires an upgrade.

It may be necessary to change the data in the firmware only on the quadcopter board, or additionally on the equipment. In cases where the signal range settings are set to maximum, and the control equipment is literally working with all its might, you can use other methods, not software, but hardware. To do this you will have to buy additional accessories for a drone, namely signal amplifiers. The more powerful the amplifier, the greater the range of the quadcopter you can get. The only problem is that the amplifier will require additional food. It can be either external, independent, or common with the remote control, in the case when the amplifier is connected to the port of the control equipment.

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Video on how to increase the range of a quadcopter

Optimal range of a quadcopter

If for you the characteristics of a quadcopter are only a matter of the future, you should pay attention to what it will be used for, and from these purposes, determine the required range in the future. If the model is planned to be launched indoors, then a radius of more than 50 meters will be redundant, since it will not be possible to use it effectively, due to physical limitations premises.

For flights outside the premises, for example, in the yard, you will need a model capable of maintaining a signal at a distance of 100 meters or more. Otherwise, when the device disappears from sight, it may lose the signal and, as they say, fly to China. For professional photo and video shooting, models with largest radius actions. In this case, not only the range of the equipment is important, but also the quality of the communication signal, which is a much higher priority.

Choosing a quadcopter is made up of criteria that seem important to you. this moment. If this is your first quad, then you shouldn’t chase an expensive and sophisticated model. It is better to choose an inexpensive and durable model in order to master piloting skills. If you are going to fly in an apartment or office, then you should consider a device with a protective bumper. The size of the model is also important. You can fly a small one in an apartment, but you should go outside with a medium-sized drone. Availability of GPS, various sensors, automatic take-off, landing, and return-to-home functions will appeal to any pilot. Having mastered piloting, you should seriously think about aerial photography and choose a model either with a high-quality complete camera or with a gimbal, for example, for the famous GoPro action camera. Remember that stabilization of the camera gimbal is also important for high-quality shooting, otherwise you cannot avoid the “jelly” effect.

The variety of models is freedom and a problem of choice. The choice is always yours.

Hello again, our dear readers. Having played enough with budget drones, many are switching to more serious models. As a rule, a quadcopter with long range flight with a camera, with a capacious battery, good speed performance, and a high-quality gimbal. In other words, the inexpensive drone is being replaced by a more or less functional aircraft. In this article we want to talk about the distance that a drone can fly and the factors that influence the controlled flight range.

There are differences between the flight range and range of a quadcopter. In the first case, we are usually talking about the distance that the drone is, in principle, capable of flying. Range in to a large extent depends on the battery capacity, as well as on the strength of the head, tail or side wind.

The drone can leave the control zone, but still continue to move. Professional models are often used for long autonomous flights outside the range of control equipment.

We are interested in the control range of the quadcopter. Amateur-level models are rarely sent on autonomous travel. Usually, when they leave the signal range, they automatically return back. Of course, there is always a risk that the copter, instead of returning to the take-off point, will continue to move in an uncontrolled mode, however, owners of the latest models of drones extremely rarely encounter such malfunctions.

Let's try to figure out what the communication distance with the copter depends on.

The range directly depends on the communication technology used, as well as on the transmitter power and receiver sensitivity. Considered the least long-range Bluetooth connection. It may disappear when moving 25-50 meters from the remote control. Wi-Fi signal can be very strong, but this requires that the control equipment be equipped with powerful antennas. The most commonly used radio frequency is 2.4 GHz. It allows you to achieve a controlled flight range of the quadcopter up to 5-10 kilometers, if we're talking about about amateur level models.

How more powerful transmitter, those stronger signal. Budget copters are equipped with the simplest transmitters capable of broadcasting control commands within a radius of 50-200 meters. A distance of 500-1500 meters is considered sufficient for most amateur quadcopters. However, some models are capable of controlled flight at a distance of 5-10 kilometers from the equipment. Flight time reaches 30 minutes.

Another factor that affects range is interference. In a modern city, the distance of a controlled flight is noticeably reduced. Present on all popular frequencies extraneous noise, negatively affecting the strength of the control signal. The flight distance may decrease by 2 or more times. Buildings, power lines, and trees also contribute. You can achieve maximum performance away from the city, where there is no interference or the amount of interference is minimal.

Even the longest-range copters have limitations on their flight altitude. Not every drone is capable of gaining a height of 1000 m.

Drone range

Draw conclusions about maximum range controlled flight is possible even based on the cost of the copter. We won't bring specific examples, let's just say that quadcopters costing up to $100 rarely have the ability to fly 200-250 meters. Usually we are talking about 50-100 meters. As mentioned above, everything depends on the communication technology and transmitter power. Low-power transmitters are installed in inexpensive remote controls, so hopes for a long flight are unlikely to come true.


Copters costing up to $200-300 can remain controllable at a distance of 200-500 meters from the remote control. However, the choice in this category is getting better every year, so it is possible that latest models Inexpensive drones can fly under control even to 1000 meters.

More expensive aircrafts can have very different controlled flight ranges. For example, Phantom 4 remains controllable at a distance of up to 5 kilometers (if there are no artificial restrictions), and the GoPro Karma, which is comparable in cost, has a radius of 3 kilometers. Quadcopters with long range and quality camera are noticeably more expensive. The maximum performance is achieved by professional models capable of detecting signals at a distance of 20 kilometers or more. However, such functionality is not always really necessary.

Typically, information about how far the copter can fly and still maintain controllability is indicated in the specification.

How to increase the range of a quadcopter

You can increase the range of a quadcopter different ways. Famous manufacturers drones such as DJI may artificially reduce the controlled flight distance to ensure their products meet regional standards. For example, the same Phantom 4 in the version for Asian markets has a range of up to 5 kilometers. For other regions the maximum limit is only 3 kilometers. By delving into the settings, you can remove regional restrictions.


Another way to achieve long distances consists of replacing control equipment. Futaba remote controls have proven themselves well, having not only a variety of settings, but also equipped with high-quality transmitters. The communication range can be further increased by installing powerful antennas. True, they will require separate power, but this problem can be solved by using batteries.

If we talk about budget-level drones, then for them replacing standard 4-channel equipment with professional equipment makes no sense. The cost of high-quality remote controls is high. It also happens that an inexpensive copter is not able to move away from the remote control even 30-40 meters for the reason that the antenna in the remote control is simply not connected to the board. If the specification states that the transmitter provides communication up to 200 meters, but in practice it turns out to achieve no more than 20-30 meters, then the problem is most likely hidden inside the remote control.

Video on how to increase the range of a quadcopter

We have selected several videos devoted to how you can increase the controlled flight range of drones.

Optimal range of a quadcopter

Some people need long-distance flights up to 10 kilometers, while for others a few circles around the area in front of the house are enough. The optimal radius can be considered the one that is convenient for you. The same can be said about maximum height quadcopter flight. Not every pilot wants to fly a drone above the clouds.


It is believed that a range of up to 500-1000 meters is insufficient. The point is not so much that a flight at a distance of 500 meters is less interesting compared to a flight at a distance of 2 kilometers from the remote control. There is almost always interference. When flying a copter in a city, you will probably encounter a twofold drop in range. The reduction in radius may be more significant. As a result, copters with, for example, a 1 km range may end up having much less range than you expected.

Quadcopters with a range of 1000 meters

We have compiled small selections copters depending on the communication range. All devices are equipped with cameras, gimbals and sufficient capacious batteries. Most drones support FPV mode, providing full HD broadcast to a remote control or smartphone.


The type of motors used is brushless. For drones capable of flying a distance of 500 meters or more, there is no point in using brushed motors due to their low overall reliability. We did not provide detailed technical characteristics for each copter, paying attention only to the communication range.

  • Ehang Ghostdrone 2.0

Quadcopters with a range of 1500 meters

The best results are from Bebop Drone 2, DJI Spark and Xiaomi mi 4k Drone. IN ideal conditions they are able to maintain controllability at a distance of up to 2 kilometers from the remote control. However, in real operation you should rather count on 1.5 kilometers.


  • Autel Robotics X-Star

Quadcopters with a range of 2000+ meters

This category includes the longest-range quadcopters available on the market. In brackets we indicated the maximum range of action in meters, but you need to understand that in practice it will be less. This included both drones flying at a distance of up to 5 km, and more powerful devices.


  • (3000)
  • (5000)
  • (7000)
  • (7000)
  • (7000)
  • DS-650T FPV (10000)

TOP 10 best


If we evaluate copters based on their communication range with control equipment, then the list of the 10 best drones will look like this:

  • DJI Spark (up to 2000)
  • Parrot Bebop Drone 2 (pre-2000)
  • Drone Xiaomi mi 4k (up to 2000)
  • GoPro Karma (3000)
  • TBS Discovery Pro Long Set (4000)
  • Phantom 4 (5000)
  • DJI Mavic Pro (7000)
  • Phantom 4 Pro (7000)
  • DJI Inspire 2 (7000)
  • DS-650T FPV (10000)

All quadcopters from the TOP 10 support the return function as a standard. The record holder for range is the DS-650T FPV.

From many technical characteristics drones, these are the main ones, because from the beautiful appearance It's of little use if you can't take full advantage of the amazing features that quadcopters offer. Let's look at everything in detail, point by point.

Quadcopter flight time

For toy models it is usually 5-7 minutes, for models entry level– 10-12 and more. Even professional drone models operate on a single battery charge for no more than 20-30 minutes. The solution is to have a spare battery on hand so you can quickly change it if you need more long time flight. So far, this is one of the weaknesses drones.

Range of flight

Here the situation is already much better - models for beginners have controllability of 50-70 meters, and middle-class models such as - 150 meters and even more. When using a special amplified transmitter, the control range can reach 2-3 kilometers or even more.

Maximum speed

Depending on the class of the quadcopter, this indicator may also differ significantly. At the moment, this figure ranges from zero (freezing in place) to 100-120 km/h.

Load capacity

Small models do not have this characteristic at all, since very small ones can weigh 20-50 grams. Larger models can lift a weight of 0.5-1 kg into the air, and are often used for photography and videography using attached GoPro-type cameras. Only some large drones can lift a weight of 5-6 kilograms into the air.

As you can see, the main limitation for quadcopters so far is the battery life. Their limited autonomy makes them short-range devices for use within line of sight. But, given the pace of technology development, it is safe to say that eliminating this shortcoming is a matter of the near future.