Introduction
In the life of every UAV user, there comes a moment when the experience gained from flying allows him to turn his attention to drones from a more expensive segment. As a rule, the amateur fleet is divided into drones for filming and high-speed FPV flights. When choosing racing drones, first of all, they pay attention to the size of the frame, the flight controller used, the power of the motors, and such a criterion as the range is practically not taken into account, since flights are carried out mainly at short distances.
The same cannot be said about drones whose main purpose is high-quality photo and video shooting. Here, in addition to the quality of performance, size, autonomous functions and quality of shooting, flight range is an important criterion. In this top, we have selected the best drones with a long range and a camera.
Peculiarities of the distribution of models
This time we approached the selection and distribution of models for the rating more subtly. In this connection, we want to give some explanations on how this result came about. Let's start with the fact that for all serially manufactured UAVs, transmission / reception of control signals and a video stream is implemented through two frequency ranges, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz. The flight range in general determines the power of the transmitter used, which is legally limited in each state, as well as the use of the above ranges. For example, in European countries, the power potential of transmitters is noticeably limited, and the private use of the 5.8 GHz band is limited or prohibited at all. The same cannot be said about America, where power limits are minimal and there are no restrictions on the use of both bands.
To ensure legal compliance with their products, the developers using software have taught the drone system to automatically switch between bands / power based on the received GPS positioning coordinates (except for the FIMI and Hubsan models; by default they operate exclusively in the 5.8GHz band) and thus comply with the applicable radio approval standards for each country: FCC (USA) / CE (Europe) / SRRC (China) / MIC (Japan). As a result, the maximum potential of drones in range is revealed in the so-called FCC mode, especially in the 5.8 GHz frequency range (not active in the RF) and noticeably limited in the CE mode (active in the RF; Available range: 2.4 GHz).
In this connection, in order to make the rating as objective as possible, using the available video content on various video hosting sites, we analyzed the user experience gained in both modes (FCC / CE) for each model, where not a single case of flying on the maximum distance, and the one that most pilots managed to achieve, thereby highlighting the average maximum flight range result obtained in practice. This approach allowed the future user to see real numbers, which in most cases can be counted on when buying a drone. Let's start with the last one - 11th place.
 DJI Mini 2 | ||||||
 DJI Inspire 2 | ||||||
 Autel Robotics EVO | ||||||
 FIMI X8 SE 2020 | ||||||
 Hubsan Zino 2 | ||||||
 DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) | ||||||
 DJI Mavic Air 2 | ||||||
 DJI AIR 2S | ||||||
 DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 | ||||||
 DJI Mavic 2 | ||||||
 Autel EVO II |
11. DJI Mini 2
The second version of the only lightweight yet ultra-compact solution that easily rivals the best of the best in the drone hobby. Now the potential of Mini 2 can be appreciated not only by beginners / amateurs, but also by advanced users who are professionally involved in photo / video shooting. The developer has not forgotten about those who are just starting to get acquainted with the hobby, and has done a lot of work to improve the interface of the DJI Fly mobile app, which has become even more intuitive, simple and functional.
Stated max. FPV removal distance (FCC / CE): 10/6 km. Average Maximum Range Performance in Practice (FCC / CE): 4.6 / 3.5 km. Max. flight time: 31 min. Release date: November 2020. Price depending on configuration (standard / extended) - 449/599 $. The most detailed information about Mini 2 can be found in our review.
Pros
- Flight weight 249 g
- Workmanship and performance
- More durable than its predecessor
- Foldable design
- More powerful yet quieter propulsion system
- Indicative wind resistance
- 4K camera with zoom / JPG / RAW / AEB / Panoramas
- New more convenient remote control / OcuSync technology / Max. flight range 10 km / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- Direct upload and instant photo / video editing functions
Cons
- Does not fly around obstacles
- The charging hub cannot charge the batteries and the remote control at the same time
- Propeller guards not included in the Combo package
Video
Range Test (CE Mode)
Range Test (FCC Mode)
10. DJI Inspire 2
Best available solution to compete with professional unmanned cinema systems. The drone's arsenal has everything you need to deliver high-quality content up to 6K resolution. Depending on the goals set, the user can retrofit the drone with one of three high-performance cameras. Despite such a powerful potential, the drone is extremely easy to operate and will be indispensable in the professional field of the photo / video industry. Video transmission system: LightBridge. Slave. frequency range: 2.4 / 5.8GHz (CE / FCC). The stated max. interference-free distance (FCC / CE): 7 / 4.9 km. Average maximum flight range in practice: 5/4 km (FCC / CE). Max. flight time: 27 min. Model release date: November 2016 As much as possible about the available professional in our review.
Pros
- Quality
- Design
- Reliable (complex of redundant sensors 2 batteries)
- Flight Performance (Controllability / Dynamic)
- Professional Cinematic Potential
- Supported Cameras
- Separate Control Capability (Drone / Shooting)
- Automatic Flight Modes and shooting
- Flight time
- Price
Cons
- Dimensions
- Noisy
Video
Range test (CE mode)
9.Autel Robotics Evo
Top creation from Autel Roboticsreview.
Pros
- Foldable design
- Compact and convenient control panel with wide information OLED display
- Mobile application (convenient and informative interface)
- Flight performance holding position (confidently holding position even in strong wind)
- Positioning accuracy
- 4K at 60 fps (overall quality of shooting)
- Front and rear obstacle detection sensors
- Distance up to 7 km
- Autonomous flight modes
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- In tracking mode, prone to object loss
- Rear sensors are extremely demanding on the structure of the recognized surface
Video
Range Test (FCC Mode)
Range Test (CE Mode)
8. FIMI X8 SE 2020
One of the few high-quality full-size solutions sold in the $ 400 price range, the flight, as well as photo / video potential of which is able to compete with the drones of top brands. Since the release of the standard version, the model has firmly entrenched itself in the UAV niche, and with the arrival of key improvements, it has received universal consumer acceptance, which is confirmed by a steadily growing audience of users. Recommended as an alternative option in cases where the purchase of drones from the premium segment is not considered. Video transmission system: TDMA HD 2.0. Slave. frequency range: 5.8GHz. The stated max. FPV removal distance in a clutter-free area: 8 km. Average maximum flight range result in practice: 5 km. Max. flight time: 35 min. Release date of the revised version: April 2020. Price in the developer's online store, including delivery: $ 419. More details about the FIMI X8SE 2020 in our review.
Pros
- Workmanship
- Portable (folding arms and props) / Quick release props
- Powerful low-noise propulsion system
- Controllability and positioning accuracy
- Shooting quality of the modified camera / Added HDR mode for photo / video; Added night mode
- Added codec H.265
- Auto flight and shooting modes
- FPV flight up to 8 km
- Sliding design of the remote control with removable sticks (for smartphone / tablet)
- Price
Cons
- Does not fly around obstacles
- No 4K at 60 fps / with
- Bulky remote control
Video
Range test
7 Hubsan Zino 2
Top solution from one of the best developersreview.
Pros
- Workmanship
- Foldable frame and propellers
- Easy to operate
- Flight performance
- 4K @ 60 fps
- FPV removal distance 8 km
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Flight time 33 minutes
- Price
Cons
- Does not detect obstacles
- No props included
Video
Range Test
6. DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum)
A revolutionary solution and the most coveted product in the unmanned hobby. At the time of release, the model incorporates all the most advanced innovations from DJI. It is by far the best portable flying camera. It possesses all known autonomous qualities, up to obstacle avoidance, as well as excellent flight characteristics. Video transmission system: OcuSync. Slave. frequency range: 2.4GHz / 5.8GHz (CE / FCC). The stated max. FPV distance in interference-free area: 7/4 km (FCC / CE). Average maximum flight range in practice: 6/4 km (FCC / CE). Flight time: up to 27/30 minutes (Pro / Pro Platinum version). Average price per drone: $ 1,000. Read more about the standard version of the Mavic Pro here. Details of the Platinum version revision can be found here
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Pros
- Compact folded
- Handheld remote control console
- OcuSync
- Flight range
- Camera / Gimbal (image quality)
- Autonomous qualities
- Gesture control
- Object tracking mode
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- photo glare appears
- Narrow camera angle
- No mechanism or warning system about not removed gimbal
- Obstacle detection system is not perfect. Caution is required when piloting.
Video
Range Test (FCC Mode)
Range Test (CE Mode))
5. DJI Mavic Air 2
The second generation of the legendary Mavic Air, the potential of which called into question the need to buy most of the top models and at the same time set a new standard for manufacturability for all future drone hobby products. The portable dimensions, the foldable design, without exaggeration, the demonstrative cinematic capabilities for the drone in the occupied niche, made Air 2 pay attention not only to fans of a popular hobby, but also to advanced users in photo / video shooting.
In the key arsenal of MA2: 48MP 4K camera built on 1/2-inch Sony IMX586 CMOS sensor with 0.8 μm pixel size and built-in Bayer color filter array, max. video quality 4K at 60 fps with bitrate up to 120Mbps, video compression formats H.264 / H.265, as well as intelligent flight and shooting modes. Video transmission system: OcuSync 2.0. Working range Frequencies: 2.4GHz / 5.8GHz (CE / FCC). The stated max. FPV distance in interference-free area: 10/6 km (FCC / CE). Average maximum flight range in practice: 8/5 km (FCC / CE). Max. flight time: 34 min. Model release date: April 2020. The price, depending on the configuration, starts at $ 799. For more details on the Mavic Air 2, see our review.
Pros
- Portable Design / Foldable Design
- Front / Back & Bottom Imaging System
- Digital OcuSync 2.0 video transmission technology (Max. FPV distance 10 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 34 min
- 48MP 4K camera (the best shooting quality among competitors) / 4K @ 60 fps
- The best potential in photo / video shooting (thanks to various modes and functions that improve the quality of the filmed material)
- D-Cinelike Color Profile (more freedom in post-processing)
- FocusTrack Intelligent Follow Modes
- APAS 3.0 (Safe Control)
- Price
Cons
- Not detected
Video
Range Test (FCC Mode)
Range Test (CE Mode)
4. DJI AIR 2S
A revolutionary addition to the legendary mid-budget AIR series, the powerful potential of which even made some users think about selling the professional Mavic 2 Pro, which in general predetermines a very early upgrade of the latter. To the surprise of many, the developer has incorporated not only top-end, but also innovative technologies into the key package of improvements of the novelty, which ultimately allowed the car from the middle niche to show the possibilities of premium solutions at the output only at a more advanced level.
The key arsenal of the drone included: top-end digital video transmission technology OcuSync 3.0, 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 microns, a powerful 4-sided imaging system of the surrounding world, a top-end and more advanced set of intelligent FocusTrack tracking modes, the groundbreaking intelligent MasterShots function, automatic QuickShots modes, the latest generation advanced pilot assistance system APAS 4.0, and support for the DJI Smart Controller. The stated max. FPV distance in interference-free area: 12/8 km (FCC / CE). Average maximum flight range in practice: 8/6 km (FCC / CE). Max. flight time: 31 min. Release date: April 2021 Price: from $ 999. Read more about the best all-round drone in our review.
Pros
- Portable design / Foldable design
- 4- third party imaging system
- OcuSync 3.0 digital video transmission technology (Max. FPV distance 12 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 μm
- 10-bit Dlog-M / RAW color profile with a dynamic range of up to 12.6 stops
- ActiveTrack 4.0
- DJI AirSense / APAS 4.0 Security Systems
- MasterShots Pioneering Intelligent Flight and Capture Function
- Price
Cons
- 8 GB internal memory
- There is no scroll for EV control on the remote control
- Editing with the application is limited to 1080p
- Working HDR HLG process for professionals only
- Raw images are not automatically transferred to smartphones and tablets
Videos
Range Test (FCC Mode)
Range Test (CE Mode)
3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Advanced version of the Phantom 4 Pro quadcopter. As a result of improvements, the P4Pro V2.0 received the OcuSync video transmission system, new sinusoidal speed controllers (FOC ESC), as well as low-noise rotors. In the arsenal of the top version: 20MP 4K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS matrix, mechanical shutter, max. video quality 4K at 60 fps with bitrate up to 100 Mbps, video compression formats H.264 / H.265, control equipment with a built-in super-bright 5.5-inch FullHD display, intelligent flight and shooting modes. Working range frequencies: 2.4 / 5.8GHz (CE / FCC). Declared maximum FPV distance in an interference-free area: 10/6 km (FCC / CE). Average maximum flight range in practice: 8 km / 4 km (FCC / CE). Max. flight time: 30 minutes. Price: from $ 1599. For more information on the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, see our review.
Pros
- Quality
- Design
- Modified low-noise power setting
- Flight characteristics
- Standalone qualities
- Video transmission system OcuSync
- Camera / Mech. shutter / Gimbal (the best shooting quality in the niche)
- Distance up to 7 km
- Price
Cons
- Side obstacle sensors are not active for all flight modes
- Bulky baggage during transportation
Video
Range Test
2. DJI Mavic 2
The top continuation of the legendary Mavic series, incorporating all the best and realized at once in two portable drones... In addition to excellent flight and autonomous qualities, high-quality photo and video shooting, DJI developers have endowed drones with the second generation of digital video transmission technology OcuSync, thanks to which it was possible to increase the FPV distance declared in the specification in an interference-free zone to 10/6 km (FCC / CE) and reduce delay time up to 120ms. Working range frequencies: 2.4 / 5.8GHz (CE / FCC). Average maximum flight range in practice: 9/6 km (FCC / CE). The price of the Mavic 2 Zoom Starter Kit is $ 1349. The price of the Mavic 2 Pro Starter Kit is $ 1599. We recommend our detailed review.
Pros
- Portable
- Sturdy
- Zoom / Pro Cameras (Capabilities and Quality)
- Dynamic [1217
- APAS
Cons
- Does not shoot 4K @ 60fps
- No water resistant and dust
- The ability to change cameras only through the service center
- Unlike its predecessor, it does not have a Wi-Fi connection (it is impossible to launch a drone from a smartphone, which, for example, is very important during a bike ride, when the aircraft is operating in the automatic tracking mode of the ActiveTrack object). As a result, you have to constantly bother with fixing the tandem (smartphone remote control) on the steering wheel.
Video
Range test (FCC mode)
Range test (CE mode))
1. Autel EVO 2
The second, completely revised generation of the popular EVO from Autel Roboticsreview.
Pros
- Portable (Folded size)
- 3 camera options with quick change options
- Shooting quality 6K camera
- 10-bit A-LOG Color mode (more freedom in post-processing)
- 10-bit 4K HDR video mode
- Dynamic (up to 72 km / h)
- Operated
- Comprehensive Obstacle Avoidance and Avoidance Operation / Dynamic Track 2.0 Operation
- Max. flight time 40 min
- Max. FPV removal distance
Cons
- Not supplied officially in RF / No service support in RF
- No protection against water and dust
- Doubtful shooting quality 8K camera (possibly corrected with the next firmware updates)
Range test (FCC mode)
Range Test (CE Mode)
Conclusion
At the moment, this is the best that household drone manufacturers can offer for a reasonable price tag. For those who are looking for something more long-range, it is necessary to materially prepare for this, since drones with high flight range differ significantly in price, for example, such as:
 AEE F100 |
