Looking to unleash your creativity and capture stunning aerial shots for your next short film? Look no further! In this article, you’ll discover a carefully curated list of the best low-cost drones that are perfect for short filmmaking. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced filmmaker on a budget, these drones will take your filmmaking to new heights without breaking the bank. Get ready to soar through the skies and bring your filmmaking dreams to life with these affordable and feature-packed drones!
DJI Spark
Features of DJI Spark
The DJI Spark is a compact and lightweight drone that offers a range of impressive features. It comes equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture stunning aerial shots at a resolution of 1080p. The drone also has intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack, which allows it to automatically follow and track a subject, and Gesture Control, which enables you to control the drone using simple hand gestures. Additionally, the DJI Spark has a maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes and a range of up to 1.2 miles, ensuring you have plenty of time and distance to capture the perfect shots.
Pros of DJI Spark
One of the major advantages of the DJI Spark is its compact size and lightweight design. This makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, making it ideal for filmmakers who need to travel frequently. The drone’s intelligent flight modes, particularly ActiveTrack and Gesture Control, are also highly beneficial for filmmakers, as they allow for creative and dynamic shots without the need for manual control. The DJI Spark’s camera quality is also commendable, producing sharp and vibrant footage that can rival higher-end drones.
Cons of DJI Spark
Despite its many great features, the DJI Spark does have a few limitations. One of the main downsides is its shorter flight time of 16 minutes, which may not be sufficient for longer filming sessions. Additionally, the drone’s camera resolution of 1080p is lower compared to some other models on the market, which may result in slightly less detailed footage. The range of 1.2 miles is also relatively limited, making the DJI Spark better suited for close-range shots rather than capturing footage from afar.
Holy Stone HS720
Features of Holy Stone HS720
The Holy Stone HS720 is another excellent low-cost drone option for short filmmaking. It features a 4K UHD camera that can shoot high-quality footage with impressive clarity. The drone is also equipped with GPS-assisted intelligent flight modes, including Follow Me and Custom Flight Path, which allow for precise and automated flight control. The Holy Stone HS720 has a flight time of up to 26 minutes and a range of up to 300 meters, giving you ample time and distance to capture your desired shots.
Pros of Holy Stone HS720
One of the standout advantages of the Holy Stone HS720 is its impressive camera quality. The 4K UHD camera ensures that your footage will be incredibly detailed and sharp, perfect for short filmmaking projects. The drone’s long flight time of 26 minutes is another major plus point, as it provides filmmakers with extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent battery changes. The GPS-assisted intelligent flight modes offered by the Holy Stone HS720 also make it a breeze to capture professional-looking shots effortlessly.
Cons of Holy Stone HS720
While the Holy Stone HS720 offers many great features, it does have a few drawbacks that need to be considered. One of the main disadvantages is its limited range of 300 meters, which may be restrictive for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage. The drone’s size and weight can also be a factor, as it is not as compact and lightweight as some other models. Additionally, the Holy Stone HS720 does not have obstacle avoidance features, which means extra care must be taken to avoid collisions and accidents during flights.
Potensic D85
Features of Potensic D85
The Potensic D85 is a budget-friendly drone that packs a punch in terms of features. It boasts a 2K camera that can capture high-definition footage with clarity and detail. The drone also comes equipped with GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes like Follow Me and Orbit Mode, allowing for precise and automated flight paths. With a flight time of up to 20 minutes and a range of up to 500 meters, the Potensic D85 offers filmmakers ample time and distance to capture their desired shots.
Pros of Potensic D85
One of the standout features of the Potensic D85 is its excellent camera quality. The 2K camera produces sharp and vibrant footage, elevating the overall quality of your short film projects. The drone’s GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes provide filmmakers with enhanced control and ease of use, making it a great option for beginners and experienced users alike. The Potensic D85’s flight time of 20 minutes is also commendable, giving you a decent amount of time to capture the shots you need.
Cons of Potensic D85
While the Potensic D85 offers many impressive features, it does have a few limitations. One of the main drawbacks is its limited range of 500 meters, which may not be sufficient for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage or want to capture shots from far distances. The drone’s size and weight are also bulkier compared to some other models, which may make it less portable and convenient for filmmakers who need to travel frequently. Lastly, the Potensic D85 does not have obstacle avoidance features, requiring extra caution during flights to prevent collisions.
Parrot Bebop 2
Features of Parrot Bebop 2
The Parrot Bebop 2 is a versatile and feature-packed drone that offers excellent value for its price. It is equipped with a 14-megapixel camera that can capture high-resolution photos and Full HD videos. The drone features a wide-angle lens, providing a broader field of view for capturing sweeping landscapes and immersive aerial shots. The Parrot Bebop 2 has a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a range of up to 300 meters, allowing filmmakers sufficient time and distance for their creative endeavors.
Pros of Parrot Bebop 2
One of the major advantages of the Parrot Bebop 2 is its superb camera quality. The 14-megapixel camera ensures that your photos and videos will be detailed and vibrant, offering excellent visual appeal to your short films. The wide-angle lens is also a notable feature, allowing you to capture more of the surroundings and create truly immersive shots. The Parrot Bebop 2 also offers a decent flight time of 25 minutes, giving filmmakers ample time to capture their desired footage.
Cons of Parrot Bebop 2
While the Parrot Bebop 2 offers many desirable features, it does have a few limitations. One of the main drawbacks is its limited range of 300 meters, which may be restrictive for filmmakers who require more expansive coverage. The drone’s size and weight can also affect its portability, making it slightly less convenient for filmmakers who need to travel with their equipment frequently. Additionally, the lack of obstacle avoidance features may require extra caution and focus during flights, especially in crowded or complex environments.
Altair Outlaw SE
Features of Altair Outlaw SE
The Altair Outlaw SE is a rugged and durable drone that excels in outdoor filming scenarios. It features a 1080p camera that can capture high-definition footage with clarity and detail. The drone also comes equipped with GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes such as Follow Me and Waypoint Mode, allowing for precise and automated flight control. With a flight time of up to 20 minutes and a range of up to 600 meters, the Altair Outlaw SE offers filmmakers sufficient time and distance to capture their desired shots.
Pros of Altair Outlaw SE
One of the standout features of the Altair Outlaw SE is its robust and durable construction. This makes it highly suitable for outdoor use, even in challenging weather conditions. The drone’s 1080p camera delivers sharp and detailed footage, ensuring that your short films have excellent visual quality. The Altair Outlaw SE’s GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes also enhance its usability and ease of control, making it a great option for filmmakers of all skill levels.
Cons of Altair Outlaw SE
While the Altair Outlaw SE offers many beneficial features, it does have a few drawbacks to consider. The drone’s limited range of 600 meters may not be sufficient for filmmakers who require extended coverage or want to capture shots from a significant distance. The Altair Outlaw SE’s flight time of 20 minutes is relatively average and may not be suitable for longer filming sessions without frequent battery changes. Additionally, the drone does not have obstacle avoidance features, requiring careful piloting to avoid collisions and accidents.
Hubsan H501S X4
Features of Hubsan H501S X4
The Hubsan H501S X4 is a feature-rich drone that offers impressive capabilities for its price range. It features a 1080p camera that can shoot high-definition footage with good detail and color accuracy. The drone also comes equipped with a built-in GPS module, enabling precise positioning and automated flight modes like Follow Me and Waypoint Mode. The Hubsan H501S X4 has a flight time of up to 20 minutes and a range of up to 300 meters, providing filmmakers with ample time and distance for their creative endeavors.
Pros of Hubsan H501S X4
One of the major advantages of the Hubsan H501S X4 is its good camera quality, which delivers clear and vibrant footage suitable for short films. The built-in GPS module enhances the drone’s usability and flight control, making it easy for filmmakers to capture professional-looking shots effortlessly. The Hubsan H501S X4’s flight time of 20 minutes is also commendable, providing sufficient time for capturing footage without the need for frequent battery changes.
Cons of Hubsan H501S X4
Despite its many great features, the Hubsan H501S X4 does have a few limitations to consider. One of the main drawbacks is its limited range of 300 meters, which may be restrictive for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage or want to capture shots from a further distance. The drone’s size and weight can also affect its portability, making it slightly less convenient for filmmakers who need to travel frequently. Additionally, the Hubsan H501S X4 does not have obstacle avoidance features, requiring extra care and attention during flights to prevent accidents.
Snaptain SP650
Features of Snaptain SP650
The Snaptain SP650 is an affordable and beginner-friendly drone that still offers impressive features for short filmmaking. It features a 1080p camera that can capture high-definition footage with good detail and color accuracy. The drone also comes equipped with intelligent flight modes such as Circle Fly and Gesture Control, allowing for creative and dynamic shots. The Snaptain SP650 has a flight time of up to 12 minutes and a range of up to 100 meters, providing filmmakers with a reasonable amount of time and distance for their projects.
Pros of Snaptain SP650
One of the major advantages of the Snaptain SP650 is its affordability, making it an excellent entry-level option for filmmakers on a budget. The 1080p camera delivers good-quality footage, ensuring that your short films have decent visual appeal. The intelligent flight modes, particularly Gesture Control, offer a fun and interactive way to control the drone and capture unique shots. The Snaptain SP650 is also lightweight and compact, making it highly portable and easy to carry around for filmmakers on the go.
Cons of Snaptain SP650
While the Snaptain SP650 offers many great features, it does have a few limitations to consider. The drone’s flight time of 12 minutes is relatively short, which may require frequent battery changes during longer filming sessions. The limited range of 100 meters may also be restrictive for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage or want to capture shots from a further distance. Additionally, the Snaptain SP650 does not have obstacle avoidance features, requiring careful piloting to avoid accidents and collisions.
Holy Stone HS200
Features of Holy Stone HS200
The Holy Stone HS200 is an affordable and user-friendly drone that offers basic but functional features for short filmmaking. It features a 720p camera that can capture decent-quality footage suitable for entry-level filmmaking projects. The drone also comes equipped with headless mode and altitude hold, making it easier for beginners to control and maintain stable flights. The Holy Stone HS200 has a flight time of up to 10 minutes and a range of up to 100 meters, providing filmmakers with a reasonable amount of time and distance for their creative endeavors.
Pros of Holy Stone HS200
One of the major advantages of the Holy Stone HS200 is its affordability, making it an excellent option for beginner filmmakers or those on a tight budget. The 720p camera delivers decent-quality footage that can still be used effectively in short films. The drone’s headless mode and altitude hold features make it easier to control and maintain stable flights, particularly for novice pilots. The Holy Stone HS200 is also lightweight and portable, allowing for easy transportation and use in various shooting locations.
Cons of Holy Stone HS200
While the Holy Stone HS200 offers affordability and user-friendliness, it does have a few limitations to consider. The drone’s flight time of 10 minutes may be shorter than desired, requiring frequent battery changes during longer filming sessions. The limited range of 100 meters may also be restrictive for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage or want to capture shots from a further distance. Additionally, the Holy Stone HS200’s camera resolution of 720p may not deliver the same level of detail and clarity as higher-resolution options.
Autel Robotics X-Star
Features of Autel Robotics X-Star
The Autel Robotics X-Star is a feature-rich drone that offers professional-grade capabilities at an affordable price. It features a 4K Ultra HD camera that can capture stunning footage with exceptional detail and color accuracy. The drone also comes equipped with a built-in 3-axis gimbal, providing stable and smooth video stabilization for professional-looking shots. The Autel Robotics X-Star has a flight time of up to 25 minutes and a range of up to 1.2 miles, giving filmmakers ample time and distance to capture their desired shots.
Pros of Autel Robotics X-Star
One of the standout features of the Autel Robotics X-Star is its professional-grade camera quality. The 4K Ultra HD camera ensures that your footage will be incredibly detailed and visually impressive, adding a high-quality aesthetic to your short films. The built-in 3-axis gimbal further enhances video stabilization, resulting in smooth and steady footage that is key for professional-looking shots. The Autel Robotics X-Star also offers a long flight time of 25 minutes and an impressive range of 1.2 miles, providing filmmakers with extended shooting sessions and expansive coverage.
Cons of Autel Robotics X-Star
While the Autel Robotics X-Star offers many desirable features, it does have a few limitations to consider. One of the main downsides is its bulkier size and weight, which may affect its portability and convenience, particularly for filmmakers who need to travel frequently. Additionally, the drone’s advanced features and professional-grade capabilities may be overwhelming for beginners or those with limited flying experience. The Autel Robotics X-Star is also relatively less affordable compared to some other low-cost drone options, potentially exceeding the budget of some filmmakers.
Ryze Tello
Features of Ryze Tello
The Ryze Tello is a small but powerful drone that offers excellent value for its price. It features a 720p camera that can capture decent-quality footage suitable for short filmmaking projects. The drone also comes equipped with intelligent flight modes such as Throw & Go and 8D Flips, allowing for creative and dynamic shots. The Ryze Tello has a flight time of up to 13 minutes and a range of up to 100 meters, providing filmmakers with a reasonable amount of time and distance for their creative endeavors.
Pros of Ryze Tello
One of the major advantages of the Ryze Tello is its affordability, making it an excellent entry-level option for filmmakers on a budget. The 720p camera delivers decent-quality footage that can still be used effectively in short films. The intelligent flight modes, particularly Throw & Go and 8D Flips, offer a fun and interactive way to control the drone and capture unique shots. The Ryze Tello’s small and lightweight design also makes it highly portable and easy to carry around, perfect for filmmakers who need to travel frequently.
Cons of Ryze Tello
While the Ryze Tello offers many great features, it does have a few limitations to consider. The drone’s flight time of 13 minutes is relatively short, which may require frequent battery changes during longer filming sessions. The limited range of 100 meters may also be restrictive for filmmakers who require more extensive coverage or want to capture shots from a further distance. Additionally, the Ryze Tello’s camera resolution of 720p may not deliver the same level of detail and clarity as higher-resolution options.