Affordable Drones, Quadcopters, Multicopters: Great Initial Investment for Beginners and KidsContinuing a trend from the past few years, prices for drones, quadcopters, multirotors, including frame kits and spare parts are dropping. These inexpensive drones can be used indoors and outdoors, and are a great way to learn the basics of flight. These drones are all relatively easy to fly, and some even have cameras, so you can record your flights, too.

Many features that were available only in high-end drones are now common in more affordable models. Before taking drones out on the weekend, here are some things you should look into like UK drone regulations, EU drone regulations, and EU drone regulations.  Most of all here's our guide to flying multirotors along with our previous drone deals.

Walkera QR Y100 (Ready to Fly) WiFi FPV Mini Hexacopter iOS and Android Compatible (Mode 1)

  • Walkera QR Y100 (Ready to Fly) WiFi FPV Mini Hexacopter iOS and Android Compatible (Mode 1)

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The QR Y100 is Walkera's FPV mini hexacopter and has an onboard camera capable of sending back a live HD video feed via 2.4GHz WiFi to your iOS or Android device. It can even be flown from your mobile device meaning that you can fly it without a transmitter.

The QR Y100 flight control system utilizes a high precision 6-axis gyro offering extremely stable flight or FPV. This makes it easy for beginners and for very precise control that experienced users enjoy. It also includes "one key take-off", "one key land", "one key go home" and "follow me" mode, all of which can be controlled easily from your Android/iOS device! Additionally, it features a high precision altitude sensor allowing the QR Y100 to maintain its altitude.


WLToys V666 (Ready to Fly) FPV Quadcopter w/ 5.8Ghz Monitor, 720P HD Camera and Altitude Hold

  • WLToys V666 (Ready to Fly) FPV Quadcopter w/ 5.8Ghz Monitor, 720P HD Camera and Altitude Hold

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The V666 is the ideal platform for budget-minded pilots. Once you open the box, not only do you get a ready-to-fly multirotor with a 2.4GHz transmitter but the package also includes a 4.3 inch 5.8GHz FPV monitor with a built-in receiver that mounts directly to the transmitter.

The V666 also features a molded lightweight EPP durable foam body making it extremely crash-resistant. The onboard 6-axis gyro with adjustable control sensitivity makes it super easy to fly as it keeps the model stable, even when there is a steady breeze! It has an altitude sensor and when activated in flight, holds its current altitude allowing you to concentrate on obtaining the perfect shots! Other flight features include automatic takeoff and one key landing.

W609-8 Pathfinder 2 Hexcopter Mode 2 / US Plug (RTF)

  • W609-8 Pathfinder 2 Hexcopter Mode 2 / US Plug (RTF)

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The Pathfinder 2 Hexcopter is packed with features you would normally expect to find in a big brand, turnkey solution including a 6-axis gyro, 1 key return to home function, heading lock flight mode, altitude hold, and an HD camera.

The Pathfinder 2 is supplied complete with a 2.4Ghz transmitter for interference-free flying. The built-in 6-axis gyro makes this hexcopter super stable and easy to fly making it perfect for the novice through to the expert pilot. Like many of the smaller turnkey solutions, the Pathfinder 2 has the 3D flip function, and watching a hexcopter of this size flip will still impress the locals!


Syma X8C Venture with HD Camera

  • Syma X8C Venture with HD Camera

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One of the biggest quadcopter camera platforms you can buy in this price range, the Syma X8C Venture is the perfect model to develop and improve your aerial flying and camera skills and as a 350 size camera platform, the Syma X8C Venture is definitely the smart choice to help you get accustomed to flying larger multicopters.

You will find that the stability of the Venture is excellent! The 6-Axis gyroscopic flight board delivers strong aerial stability and fantastic wind resistance with flight further assisted with headless intelligent orientation control (IOC) mode.


JJRC H11D FPV Quadcopter Drone (RTF)

  • JJRC H11D FPV Quadcopter Drone (RTF)

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This great value model comes with everything you need, all you have to do is simply charge up the batteries and you will be airborne in no time and what a great model to fly! The amazing H11D quadcopter almost flies itself. With in-built 6 axis stabilization, it performs 360 degree flips easily and with auto-return mode and headless mode, it is easy to fly and is a rock-steady platform for the included 2.0-megapixel FPV camera.

With the ability to take both still photographs and video footage, the camera also provides the live video feed to your FPV monitor and it's then that the fun can really begin!


WLtoys Q212K (Ready to Fly) Spaceship FPV Quadcopter w/ WiFi & HD Camera (Mode 2)

  • WLtoys Q212K (Ready to Fly) Spaceship FPV Quadcopter w/ WiFi & HD Camera (Mode 2)

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With its ready-to-go 2.4GHz RC and WiFi FPV systems, the Q212K is already a winner before you consider the 6-axis stability, 1 key takeoff/return-to-home features, 360-degree flip functions, barometer controlled automatic hovering capability, and the superb headless mode for stress-free flying.

For RC novices, the much-talked-about headless mode (available at the press of a button) allows you to forget about all of the usual orientation worries. Advanced algorithms in the flight controller ensure that any directional change is compensated so that a right turn command will still turn the model right relevant to the pilot, even when flying towards you.


S3 (Ready to Fly) Quadcopter w/ HD Camera (Mode 2)

  • S3 (Ready to Fly) Quadcopter w/ HD Camera (Mode 2)

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The S3 Quadcopter w/ HD Camera (Mode 2) is a fantastic quadcopter that is able to fly indoors and outdoors with ease and able to do 3D flips and other maneuvers.

The quadcopter comes with an HD camera for taking stills or videos. Just download at the end of your flight, edit, and share it with your friends or family.


UDI-RC RU818A Quadcopter with HD Camera

  • UDI-RC RU818A Quadcopter with HD Camera

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Equipped with a high-definition forward-facing camera, it takes HD video and HD photos with great color and white balance. Movie resolution has been upgraded to 1280 × 720 at 30 frames per second while a removable Micro-SD (TF) card stores enough for several flights. With a data port and USB data cable, you can upload your new AVI and JPEG files to social media or your computer for editing to make your own movies.

The U818A airframe comes completely assembled and features a tough and lightweight design. Its blade guards help reduce damage to the props if you bump against the walls or furniture and the fuselage is equipped with super bright LED navigation lights.

 

Other Things to Keep in Mind When Flying Drones

Never fly your drone above 400ft. This is an easy way to cause accidents with manned aircraft or objects flying at high altitudes, leading to fines or worse.

Avoid flying over property or people. Be sure to be at least 150 yards (450 feet) away for a safe distance or above if you happen to fly over them.

Make sure to have your drone in your line of sight. It's easy to lose sight of drones when flying and it's even easier to lose sight of them if they're smaller drones.

Always carry spare parts and batteries. You never know when you'll need to replace parts that are worn out or damaged from smashing into random objects. Having spares and replacement parts can help your drone last much longer than expected.

Stay away from airports or government buildings. Flying near airports or government buildings is just asking for trouble from the government. Be sure to be at least 1-2 miles away or just use common sense when piloting your drone.

Additional drones, parts, kits, frames, and other drone accessories are available here. Here's another take on how to have fun with drones at home or with friends and family!

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