Hey there, aspiring aerial videographer! Ever dreamt of capturing breathtaking footage from the sky without emptying your wallet? You’re in luck! The world of drones has evolved so much that finding the best cheap drone for footage isn’t just a pipe dream anymore. Gone are the days when high-quality aerial photography was reserved for professionals with massive budgets. Today, you can snag an affordable drone that delivers surprisingly good video quality, perfect for vlogging, social media, or just personal memories.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? That’s where we come in! We’ve scoured the market to bring you our top picks for the best cheap drone for footage, focusing on features that truly matter for visual content creators. We’re talking stable flight, decent cameras, and user-friendly controls, all without breaking the bank. Let’s dive in and find your next flying camera!
Vivitar – 360 Skyview GPS Video Drone
The Vivitar 360 Skyview is a fantastic entry point if you’re looking for an affordable drone with some genuinely unique features. What really makes this drone stand out from the crowd is its built-in 360-degree camera, allowing you to capture immersive panoramic footage that many higher-priced drones don’t offer. Plus, with GPS stabilization, it’s easier to keep the drone steady for those smooth, cinematic shots, even for beginner pilots. Its vibrant orange and black design also ensures you won’t lose sight of it in the sky!
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Key Features:
- Integrated 360-degree camera for panoramic video and photos
- GPS stabilization for steady hover and precise navigation
- High-definition video and image recording
- User-friendly controls suitable for all skill levels
- Distinctive orange and black design for enhanced visibility
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Pros:
- 360-degree camera is a unique feature at this price point
- GPS helps maintain stable flight, crucial for good footage
- Easy to operate, making it great for beginners
- Good visibility during flight
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Cons:
- 360-degree footage might require specific editing software
- Battery life is typical for budget drones
- Image quality may not be as sharp as more expensive 4K options
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User Impressions: Many users are impressed by the 360-degree camera’s fun factor and the GPS stability, noting that it makes learning to fly much less daunting. Some mention that while the video quality is HD, it’s best for casual use rather than professional productions.
See it on Amazon here
Drone with Camera, 1080P HD FPV Foldable RC Quadcopter
This foldable 1080P HD FPV drone is a prime example of portability meeting performance on a budget. Its compact design means you can easily toss it into a backpack and take it on all your adventures, making it a truly versatile best cheap drone for footage option. The 1080P wide-angle camera delivers decent high-definition pictures and video, perfect for sharing your experiences. Features like altitude hold and trajectory flight make it super easy to get smooth shots and experiment with unique flight paths.
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Key Features:
- Foldable arms for ultimate portability
- 1080P wide-angle HD camera for good quality footage
- Altitude hold function for stable flight
- WiFi FPV for real-time video transmission to your phone
- Headless mode and trajectory flight for easy control and creative flight paths
- Three-level flight speed adjustment
- Durable high-strength engineering plastic fuselage
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Pros:
- Extremely portable and easy to carry
- Good 1080P video quality for its price
- Stable flight due to altitude hold
- Beginner-friendly features like headless mode
- Real-time FPV viewing adds to the flying experience
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Cons:
- No GPS, relying on optical flow or manual control for stability
- Battery life could be limiting for longer shoots
- Wind can affect stability more than GPS-equipped drones
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User Impressions: Customers love how easy it is to carry around and fly, especially for beginners. The 1080P camera is generally well-received for capturing casual footage, though some advanced users might crave more detail. The foldable design is a major hit for travel.
See it on Amazon here
Drones with Camera for Adults 4k HD FPV, Foldable Remote
Stepping up the game slightly, this foldable 4K HD FPV drone is designed for adults who want higher resolution footage without a hefty price tag. The inclusion of a 4K wide-angle camera means your aerial videos will have a significantly crisper and more detailed look. What’s more, it often comes with a dual-camera switch, allowing for versatile shooting angles. Like its 1080P counterpart, it boasts altitude hold, headless mode, and trajectory flight, making it both powerful and accessible for those looking to upgrade their aerial game.
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Key Features:
- Foldable arms for easy transport
- Dual camera switch (often includes a bottom optical flow camera)
- 4K wide-angle HD camera for high-definition pictures and video
- Altitude hold mode for stable flight
- WiFi FPV for real-time transmission to a smartphone app
- Trajectory flight and headless mode for simplified control
- Three-level flight speed
- Durable engineering plastic fuselage
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Pros:
- Offers 4K video resolution for much clearer footage
- Dual camera option provides more flexibility
- Stable and easy to control with altitude hold and 6-axis gyro
- Great portability due to foldable design
- Anti-interference 2.4GHz technology for reliable connection
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Cons:
- Still lacks GPS, which affects stability in windier conditions
- 4K footage might strain older smartphones or computers during editing
- Flight time is standard for this category
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User Impressions: Reviewers are frequently impressed by the jump to 4K resolution at this price point, praising the clarity of the videos. The ease of use, even with advanced features, makes it a popular choice for adults new to drone photography who want better quality.
See it on Amazon here
Drones with Camera for Adults 4k, Brushless Motor Take
If you’re serious about getting the best cheap drone for footage and want something that feels a bit more robust and professional, this 4K drone with a brushless motor is a fantastic choice. Brushless motors offer significantly better durability, efficiency, and wind resistance compared to brushed motors, leading to smoother and more stable flight – which is paramount for high-quality footage. Its 4K camera with a 110° wide-angle and 90° rotatable lens ensures you capture stunning shots with great flexibility. Plus, being under 250g, it often saves you from FAA registration hassles!
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Key Features:
- 4K camera with 110° wide-angle and 90° rotatable lens
- Brushless motors for increased durability, efficiency, and wind resistance
- Altitude hold and OpticalFlow Positioning for stable flight
- Intelligent functions: Follow Me, Custom Flight Route, Point of Interest
- Under 250g, potentially exempting it from FAA registration
- Foldable design with carrying case for portability
- User-friendly for beginners with one-key take-off/landing, headless mode, speed adjust
- Gesture control for photos/videos
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Pros:
- Brushless motors provide superior flight stability and longevity
- High-quality 4K camera with adjustable angle for versatile shooting
- OpticalFlow Positioning enhances stability, especially indoors or low wind
- Intelligent flight modes add professional touch to footage
- Portable with included carrying case and under 250g weight
- Excellent value for money with advanced features
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Cons:
- Might have a slightly higher price point than other “cheap” options on this list
- OpticalFlow is good but not a full GPS replacement for outdoor stability in strong winds
- Learning the intelligent features takes a bit of practice
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User Impressions: Users rave about the smooth flight performance thanks to the brushless motors and optical flow. The 4K camera quality is highly praised for capturing crisp, detailed footage. The intelligent flight modes are a big hit, allowing for more creative shots, and the sub-250g weight is a definite bonus for many.
See it on Amazon here
TravisMathew Drone Footage White One Size
It seems there might be a slight misunderstanding here, as the “TravisMathew Drone Footage White One Size” product description and features provided don’t relate to an actual drone that captures footage. TravisMathew is typically known for its apparel and accessories. This item appears to be a clothing or accessory piece (like a hat or t-shirt) that features “drone footage” in its design or name, rather than a flying device itself. Therefore, it cannot be reviewed as a drone for capturing footage.
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Key Features:
- N/A – This product appears to be an apparel or accessory item, not a drone. No drone-specific features can be listed.
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Pros:
- Likely comfortable and stylish (if apparel)
- Allows the wearer to express interest in drone photography (if apparel)
- Good brand quality expected from TravisMathew (if apparel)
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Cons:
- Is not a drone and cannot capture any footage
- Does not fly or have any aerial capabilities
- Irrelevant to the search for the best cheap drone for footage
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User Impressions: While customers generally appreciate TravisMathew for its quality and style in apparel, feedback regarding this specific item would focus on its comfort, design, and branding as a piece of clothing or an accessory, not its performance as a drone. It would not receive impressions related to flight stability, camera quality, or battery life.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Finding the best cheap drone for footage can lead to a lot of questions. Here are some common ones to help you make an informed decision:
Q1: How much should I expect to pay for a “cheap” drone for footage?
A1: A “cheap” drone for footage typically ranges from $50 to $200. In this price bracket, you can find models with decent HD (1080P) or even basic 4K cameras, altitude hold, and user-friendly features. Anything above $200 might offer more advanced features like GPS or brushless motors, but you can still find great value below that mark.
Q2: What camera resolution is best for a budget drone?
A2: For a budget drone, 1080P HD is a great starting point, offering clear enough footage for social media and personal use. If your budget allows, a basic 4K camera will provide noticeably sharper and more detailed video, giving your footage a more professional look. Keep in mind that “cheap 4K” might not be as high-quality as 4K from premium drones.
Q3: Is GPS important for a beginner drone that captures footage?
A3: Yes, GPS stabilization is incredibly helpful, especially for beginners. It allows the drone to hold its position accurately in the air, making it much easier to control and get smooth, stable footage. Drones without GPS might rely on optical flow (for indoor stability) or require more manual control, which can be challenging in windy conditions.
Q4: How long do cheap drones usually fly on one charge?
A4: Most cheap drones typically have a flight time of 8-15 minutes per battery. If you plan longer shooting sessions, it’s highly recommended to purchase extra batteries. Swapping batteries is usually quick and easy, allowing you to extend your flying and filming time.
Q5: Can I fly these budget drones indoors?
A5: Many smaller, cheaper drones are suitable for indoor flight, especially those with features like altitude hold and propeller guards. However, always exercise caution and ensure you have enough space. Drones with optical flow positioning are particularly good for maintaining stability indoors.
Q6: What’s the difference between brushed and brushless motors in drones?
A6: Brushless motors are more efficient, more powerful, quieter, and significantly more durable than brushed motors. They also offer better wind resistance and generally lead to smoother, more stable flight – which is excellent for capturing high-quality footage. Brushed motor drones are cheaper but are less robust and have a shorter lifespan.
Q7: Do I need to register these cheap drones with aviation authorities?
A7: In many regions (including the US with the FAA), drones weighing under 250 grams (0.55 pounds) do not require registration for recreational use. Always check your local regulations, but many of the best cheap drone for footage options on this list are designed to fall into this lightweight category, saving you a step.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best cheap drone for footage doesn’t mean compromising on fun or decent quality. As you can see, there are some truly excellent options available that offer impressive features for their price point. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking for an easy-to-fly option or someone seeking higher resolution with a brushless motor, there’s a budget drone out there to help you capture stunning aerial perspectives. Just remember to prioritize stability, camera quality, and ease of use for the best experience. Happy flying and happy filming!
