2015 has been the most exciting year so far for those in the market for entry-level aerial photography drones as prices continue to tumble and trickle-down technology become more common in newly-released models. Ever since DJI released the Phantom 3 Standard, the sub-$700 segment has been the most hotly contested price range in the consumer AP drone market.
This year not only saw the release of the P3 Standard but also a few exciting models from newcomers such as XIRO and XK. These underdogs may be new names in the world of consumer drones and they may not have the same brand power and bling factor associated with more established companies such as DJI but their offerings are definitely giving the big boys a run for their money.
This is why we believe the XIRO Xplorer V wins the crown in our best sub-$700 aerial photography drone award. If there is one brand that can beat DJI in its own game, XIRO would be it. The XIRO Xplorer V may not enjoy the same big budget marketing blitz that some of its closest rivals do but that doesn’t mean it is a slacker in any way.
When we refer to “aerial photography drones”, we are referring to drones that can take photos and videos from the air with some kind of stabilizing technology. This could be a mechanized gimbal with brushless motors or in the case of the Parrot Bebop — built-in software for image stabilization. These drones are capable of taking aerial videos that meet or exceed the minimum standards for professional film making and are certainly not the type of toy-grade quadcopters with “cameras” that you can purchase for less than $100.
So without further ado, we present you our list of the best 5 entry-level AP drones that cost less than $700.
XIRO Xplorer V
Beauty with brains — these are words that best describe the XIRO Xplorer V. It is the most visually pleasing drone of the bunch with some impressive technology under the hood making it one of the easiest to set up and fly. The Xplorer V is also unique in the sense that it uses a modular approach in its design. This means all major components such as the camera gimbal system, flight controller and motor arms come in their own “modules” which can be easily removed or installed. Crash your Xplorer V and the only “repairs” you need to do are to replace the damaged modules.
The transmitter is very well-built and ergonomically designed, with its own built-in retractable phone holder that tucks neatly away when not in use. It is also a bit more intuitive to use and less complicated compared to the Phantom 3 transmitter. It can support up to a 6″ smartphone which can be used as an FPV and OSD (On Screen Display) screen via the XIRO app. The XIRO app itself is very beginner-friendly and less complicated to use than the DJI Go app.
The XIRO Xplorer V also comes in two other variants — the Xplorer (base model with no camera) and the Xplorer G (with GoPro compatibility).
PROS:
- Very stable and easy to fly
- Modular design and great looks
- Excellent transmitter design and ergonomics
- Up to 16 navigation waypoints, “follow me” mode, “hover around point”, auto take off/landing, “return to home”
- Beginner-friendly XIRO app
- GoPro version available
- Transmitter and drone can be charged via USB ports
- Optional range extender (sold separately) available for transmitter
CONS:
- Landing legs may not be reliable at times.
- The battery module has a weak design and may sometimes detach on its own when not installed properly
- Phone holder can only take up to 6″ phones
- Expensive “smart” batteries
DJI Phantom 3 Standard
The DJI Phantom 3 does not need any introduction here, having been synonymous with quadcopters since its first incarnation. The Phantom 3 Standard is the most affordable in the latest Phantom 3 line yet still retains some impressive features from its more expensive siblings.
Although the P3S was designed to be a beginner-friendly drone, it is a little bit more complicated to use compared to the other models in this list. This is mainly due to the higher level of control it gives the operator via the DJI app which makes the P3S more suited to experienced pilots and photographers.
The higher level of control requires a steeper learning curve and may appear like a hassle but is necessary to make the most out of the advanced features of the P3S.
PROS:
- Excellent quality and reliability
- Reasonably easy to set up and fly
- Advanced GPS features including waypoint navigation, “hover around point”, “follow me” mode, auto take off/landing, “return to home”
- Advanced camera and drone control via DJI Go app
- Class-leading 3-axis camera gimbal system capable of 2.7K video and 12MP stills
CONS:
- Proprietary design gives no room for third party upgrades/mods
- Mandatory software updates (will not fly without the latest updates)
- “No fly” zones
- Pricey
- No GoPro version
- Expensive “smart” batteries and replacement parts
XK Detect X380-C
The XK X380-C is one of the most affordable drones in this list and is also the most basic in terms of features. But don’t let that low price fool you because sometimes less is more. Despite its highly affordable price tag, the X380-C is nearly on par with its more established rivals such as the Phantom 3 in terms of flying stability and overall quality. Not only that, it is capable of producing aerial videos that are good enough for professional use.
Thanks to its simple features, it is also easy to learn and very beginner-friendly. For the technically-inclined, the X380-C is one model that can be easily upgraded and modified. It is compatible with generic batteries which are more affordable than “smart” proprietary batteries and you can also use your own camera gimbal system, as long as it fits the mounting holes and is small and light enough to fit the body.
For more details on the X380-C, click here to read our in-depth review of it.
Note: The FPV monitor seen in these photos is sold separately and does not come with the X380-C kit.
PROS:
- Very affordable
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Very stable and easy to fly
- Great GPS features at such a low price point
- Plenty of room for upgrades/mods/tinkering
- Very affordable batteries and replacement parts
- Camera gimbal system takes decent videos and photos
- Gimbal is GoPro compatible
CONS:
- Camera gimbal system has messy and exposed wiring
- 2-axis gimbal instead of 3-axis
- No power button
XK X500-A
The XK X500 is the largest drone of the bunch and also the latest. With a diagonal motor distance of 500mm, the X500 is much larger and more wind resistant in the air compared to its smaller sibling the X380.
In some ways, the X500 can be seen as an oversized workhorse version of the X380 intended more for professional use. In fact, it has the same GPS and flight features as the X380. It also comes with the same 2-axis brushless gimbal and transmitter as its smaller sibling.
While the X380 is more of a semi-pro/hobbyist drone, the X500 and its workhorse appeal makes it a more attractive choice for professional film makers and photographers.
PROS:
- Very wind-resistant
- 500mm diagonal size makes it a very stable flier
- Decent GPS features for the price (and size)
- Well-designed transmitter
- Camera gimbal system takes decent videos and photos
- Affordable batteries and parts
CONS:
- Camera gimbal system has messy and exposed wiring
- 2-axis gimbal instead of 3-axis
- Ugly canopy
Parrot Bebop
The Parrot Bebop is the smallest and also lightest model in this list. Due to its compressed foam construction which makes it very light for a drone, it can take a lot of beating and abuse before actually breaking apart. It is also packed with some impressive technology inside and is the only drone in this list that uses software to stabilize videos and photos taken with its camera.
Due to its smaller size and light weight, the Bebop is able to perform a number of preset aerial stunts, making it a drone that can be flown for both serious aerial photography as well as for the thrill of flying. Out of the box, the Bebop has a WiFi control range of only 250m which is not exactly impressive. However, that range can be extended when it is paired with the Parrot SkyController (pictured below) which can increase the Bebop’s control range to an impressive 2km.
PROS:
Lightweight, simple and portable design
- Compressed foam construction can take a lot of abuse and withstand crashes
- No complicated and heavy gimbal (uses software for stabilizing videos)
- Range can be extended up to 2km with Parrot SkyController
CONS:
- Flimsy and cheap construction
- Low capacity batteries
- Limited control range (250m)
- Optional SkyController is pricey
- Spotty WiFi connection can sometimes lead to loss of control
- Vulnerable and exposed camera lens