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Trevor Raab
1
An Immersive Experience
DJI Avata Explorer Combo
This combo includes one of DJI’s popular mid-tier drones with a pair of goggles for fully immersive flights. The live feed has low latency and can transmit video from up to 10 kilometers away.
The palm-sized drone has 18 minutes of flight time and is flown using a motion controller, similar to a joystick, making it fun and simple. The combo also comes with a slew of accessories including a battery charger, gimbal protector, and extra propellers.
2
A Combo for Seasoned Pilots
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2
The RC 2 has a powerful dual camera for clear shots and can transmit video from up to 20 kilometers away. Different camera settings also let you take 360-degree vertical shots for cinematic footage, or quick snap shots in 48 megapixels.
It has an omnidirectional obstacle sensor for safe and easy flying and the extended battery life lets you go for 46 minutes on s single charge. This combo comes with three batteries and a charger so you can take to the skies for well over an hour.
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3
A Beginner-Friendly Affordable Drone
Potensic Atom SE Drone
The Atom SE is loaded with extras that don’t compromise its beginner-friendly status. It comes with an additional battery, which gives this drone a total flight time of one hour—they’ll need to be swapped out after 30 minutes. It also comes with a carrying case.
It uses camera stabilization tech to ensure the 12-MP photos and 4K, 30-fps footage come out clear. Those just starting can set the control system to “Beginner Mode” for easy flying while seasoned pilots can use advanced modes—including video, normal, and sport. A GPS-assisted return home button sets the drone to fly back to you in case of emergencies.
4
For Intuitive Controls
Ruko F11GIM2 4K Drone
This Ruko model has excellent video transmission for a clear picture with almost zero lag. It included two batteries that last 32 minutes for a grand total of 64 minutes of flight time.
The level 6 wind resistance keeps the camera stable in gusty conditions. Plus camera stabilization and a 2-axis gimbal will keep it focused on whatever you want to capture.
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5
For Great Photo Quality
Potensic Atom 3-Axis Gimbal 4K GPS Drone
Crisara originally recommended the Potensic Atom SE for its value, but the Atom three-axis gimbal drone improves on the already impressive features.
New tracking features and a controllable front camera add to the lineup of user-friendly functions of the Atom SE. The remote control is customizable and even more responsive than the first iteration and the battery life lasts longer. The camera is also better quality and has an improved image transmission distance.
6
A Step Up In Performance
Holy Stone HS600 2-Axis Drone
We’ve known Holy Stone to make great beginner models that are affordable and easy to fly, and the brand’s HS600 is the next step up for pilots with more experience under their wings.
The simple remote has direct-access controls to move the drone, camera, and gimbals. The gimbal tilts smoothly for dynamic shooting and onboard camera stabilization tech allows for clear footage and pictures. It’s also considerably lightweight and boasts a range of 10,000 feet.
Overall, the HS600 is a great mid-range drone for those on a budget or beginners looking to take flying to the next level.
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7
For Simple Camera Controls
Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K UHD Camera
Holy Stone’s two-axis gimbal drone offers premium features and user-friendly performance. It’s a great drone for hobbyists past the beginner level but don’t want to spend big on professional models.
Responsive controls give you precise flying and the camera stabilization feature lets you capture the pics and vids you want. Video feed works seamlessly on iPhones with virtually no lag. The auto land feature is a nice safety net that prevents crash landings. Plus, it weighs less than 250g, so no FAA permit is required.
8
For the Kids
Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone
Kids will get a kick out of the gesture controls on this drone, not to mention it’s easy to fly. Acting out “paper” records video and “scissors” snaps photos. They can also map out flight paths for the drone to automatically fly.
It also has an impressive camera that adults would appreciate. A 1080P HD camera and FPV live video transmission have a range of 196 feet. The drone also has voice control—a feature more commonly found in drones for adults only.
There are tons of extras, including spare propeller blades, landing feet, and motor gears. You can expect about 20 minutes of flight time after a 120-minute charge and the kit comes with two rechargeable batteries and a USB cable.
Danny Perez is a Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics with a focus on men’s style, gear, and home goods. Recently, he was coordinator of partnership content at another product journalism outlet. Prior to that, he was a buyer for an independent men’s shop in Houston, Texas, where he learned all about what makes great products great. He enjoys thrifting for 90s Broadway tees and vintage pajama sets. His spare time is occupied by watching movies and running to impress strangers on Strava.
Matt Crisara is a native Austinite who has an unbridled passion for cars and motorsports, both foreign and domestic. He was previously a contributing writer for Motor1 following internships at Circuit Of The Americas F1 Track and Speed City, an Austin radio broadcaster focused on the world of motor racing. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona School of Journalism, where he raced mountain bikes with the University Club Team. When he isn’t working, he enjoys sim-racing, FPV drones, and the great outdoors.