Are Cheaper Drones Worth It?

[Oasis Curator]

I am really tempted by a drone.
I can see it's very limited use, which puts me off spending a lot of money but the range is far and wide. From £20 to £100 and beyond, but don't know which to get.

Something that I can record the video taken is what I'm looking for.

Can anyone give any thoughts about this?

 

[Eximo]

If you are new to flying drones, absolutely buy a cheaper one to see if you like it. And you will need to learn the basics of operating one.

Once you've done it a bit, you will know more about what you want in a more expensive unit.

I would also track down some dedicated drone forums that appeal to your use case.

 

[USAFRet]

Generally, the sub-$100 quads are kids toys.

I'm on my second one. Both HolyStone.

First was a HS110D. $170 when I bought it.
Like you, wasn't sure if I wanted to invest too much.

It seemed great.
Only because I did not know the difference between cheapish and really good.
But currently, this one is $65 at Amazon, so it may meet your needs.

It lasted about a month, then one of the motors died, and it went back to Amazon for a refund.

Then got a $300 HolyStone HS720E.
HUGE difference. Like night and day.
Both ease of flight and video quality.

The 720 being heavier, is much less susceptible to winds.
Much easier to fly.
Image stabilization makes the video rock solid.

I'll post some comparative videos later this eve.

 

[USAFRet]

Videos:

HS110D

https://imgur.com/tP26lGs

View: https://i.imgur.com/tP26lGs.mp4


HS720E

https://imgur.com/URudYOe

View: https://i.imgur.com/URudYOe.mp4





HS720E @325 feet

https://imgur.com/d6zUEX1

View: https://i.imgur.com/d6zUEX1.mp4


Based on initial flights, I would NEVER have taken the HS110D up to that altitude.