Are you in the market for a new drone but don’t want to break the bank? Look no further than the best $500 drone options available on the market today. These drones offer a perfect balance between price and performance, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced pilots alike.
One of the top contenders in this price range is the DJI Mavic Mini. This drone offers an impressive array of features despite its small size and lightweight design. With a maximum flight time of 30 minutes and a range of up to 4 kilometers, the Mavic Mini is perfect for capturing breathtaking aerial footage. Plus, it comes with a 12-megapixel camera capable of shooting 2.7K videos, ensuring high-quality visuals every time.
Another excellent option is the Autel Robotics EVO. With a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a 4K camera capable of shooting 60 fps videos, the EVO stands out in terms of performance. It also offers obstacle avoidance technology, making it ideal for those who want to fly in more challenging environments. The EVO can reach a maximum speed of 45 mph and has a range of up to 7 kilometers, giving you plenty of room to explore.
If you’re looking for a drone with professional-grade features, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is a great option. This hexacopter drone comes with a 4K camera and a 360-degree rotating gimbal, allowing you to capture stunning aerial shots from any angle. It also features advanced flight modes, such as follow me, orbit, and waypoint navigation, giving you more creative control over your footage. With a maximum flight time of 25 minutes and a range of up to 1.6 kilometers, the Typhoon H Pro is a reliable and versatile choice.
My Top Picks for $500 Drones in 2021 for Aerial Photography and Videography
When it comes to capturing stunning aerial photographs and videos, having the right equipment is essential. In the $500 price range, there are several excellent drones available that offer impressive features and capabilities. I have compiled a list of my top seven picks for the best $500 drones in 2021 that are perfect for aerial photography and videography enthusiasts.
DJI Mavic Mini 2
The DJI Mavic Mini 2 is a compact and lightweight drone that packs a punch in terms of performance. It features a 12-megapixel camera capable of capturing 4K videos. With its 3-axis gimbal stabilization, the Mavic Mini 2 ensures smooth and stable footage even in windy conditions. Its intelligent flight modes, such as QuickShots and ActiveTrack, make capturing dynamic shots effortless.
Autel Robotics EVO
The Autel Robotics EVO is a powerful drone that offers 4K resolution and 60 frames per second video recording. It boasts a 12-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens, allowing you to capture breathtaking vistas. The EVO’s advanced obstacle avoidance system helps prevent accidents during flight, while its foldable design makes it easy to transport on your adventures.
Holy Stone HS720E
The Holy Stone HS720E is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with a 4K camera and a stable 5G image transmission system, ensuring high-quality visuals in real-time. With its intelligent flight modes, including Follow Me and Waypoint, the HS720E allows you to capture professional-looking shots with ease.
Yuneec Typhoon H Pro
The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is a hexacopter drone that offers exceptional stability and control. Its 4K camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, delivering smooth footage even in challenging conditions. The Typhoon H Pro’s retractable landing gear and foldable arms make it easy to transport, while its obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes provide a seamless aerial photography experience.
Parrot Anafi
The Parrot Anafi is a compact drone that delivers impressive image quality with its 4K HDR camera. It features a 180-degree gimbal tilt, allowing you to capture unique angles and perspectives. The Anafi’s lightweight construction and foldable design make it highly portable, while its smart flight modes, such as Follow Me and Orbit, add creativity to your aerial shots.
Hubsan Zino Pro
The Hubsan Zino Pro is a feature-packed drone that offers 4K UHD video recording at 30 frames per second. Its stabilized 3-axis gimbal ensures smooth and steady footage, while its intelligent flight modes, such as Orbit and Waypoint, make capturing professional-looking shots effortless. The Zino Pro’s foldable design and compact size make it convenient to carry on your photography adventures.
DEERC D15 GPS Drone
The DEERC D15 GPS Drone is a beginner-friendly option that offers solid performance at an affordable price. It features a 1080p HD camera for capturing clear and detailed footage. The D15’s GPS positioning system provides precise flight control, while its intelligent flight modes, like Follow Me and TapFly, allow you to focus on capturing memorable moments in the air.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist looking to elevate your aerial photography and videography skills, these $500 drones offer a range of impressive features and capabilities. Consider your specific needs and preferences to find the perfect drone to capture stunning aerial imagery in 2021.
DJI Mavic Air 2 – The Ultimate 500 Dollar Drone for Professionals
As a professional in the field of aerial photography and videography, finding the right drone that combines performance, functionality, and affordability can be a challenging task. Therefore, I was thrilled when I discovered the DJI Mavic Air 2, the ultimate 500 dollar drone perfectly suited for professionals like myself.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a groundbreaking drone that offers an unrivaled combination of portability and power. Equipped with a 48-megapixel camera and a 3-axis gimbal, this drone allows me to capture incredibly detailed photos and stable, cinematic footage. Whether I’m shooting landscapes, events, or action scenes, the Mavic Air 2 delivers exceptional image quality and smooth, professional-looking videos.
The drone also boasts an impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes, thanks to its intelligent battery system. This extended flight time allows me to cover a larger area and capture more footage in a single flight, reducing the need for frequent battery changes and maximizing my productivity. Additionally, the Mavic Air 2 features advanced obstacle avoidance sensors, ensuring a safe flight even in complex environments.
Another remarkable feature of the DJI Mavic Air 2 is its intelligent tracking system. Using advanced algorithms and powerful sensors, the drone can autonomously track subjects and keep them in frame, allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about piloting the drone manually. This feature is particularly useful when filming fast-moving objects or capturing dynamic action sequences.
In conclusion, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is the perfect 500 dollar drone for professionals in the field of aerial photography and videography. Its exceptional camera capabilities, extended flight time, obstacle avoidance sensors, and intelligent tracking system make it an invaluable tool for capturing stunning visuals and video footage. If you’re a professional looking for a high-quality drone that won’t break the bank, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is definitely worth considering.
Autel Robotics EVO II – A $500 Drone with Superb Image Quality and Flight Time
As a drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best options that offer excellent image quality and long flight time. When I came across the Autel Robotics EVO II, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it not only met but exceeded my expectations.
One of the standout features of the Autel Robotics EVO II is its superb image quality. Equipped with a 48-megapixel camera sensor and a 4K video resolution, this drone captures stunningly sharp and detailed aerial footage. Whether I’m capturing landscapes or filming action-packed moments, the EVO II delivers rich colors and incredible clarity that rivals even more expensive drones.
The Autel Robotics EVO II also stands out with its impressive flight time. With a battery life of up to 40 minutes, I can explore the skies for longer periods without worrying about having to land and recharge. This extended flight time allows me to cover more ground and capture a wider variety of shots, enhancing the overall creative possibilities.
Another feature that I appreciate about the EVO II is its stability and maneuverability. Equipped with advanced sensors and intelligent flight modes, this drone offers a smooth and stable flying experience. Whether I’m flying in windy conditions or executing intricate flight paths, the Autel Robotics EVO II remains steady and responsive, allowing me to focus on capturing the perfect shot.
Overall, the Autel Robotics EVO II is a $500 drone that punches well above its weight when it comes to image quality and flight time. With its exceptional camera capabilities, extended battery life, and reliable flying performance, it is a top contender for any drone enthusiast looking for a high-quality yet affordable option.
Yuneec Typhoon H Pro – The $500 Drone with Advanced Obstacle Avoidance System
As an avid enthusiast of drone technology, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest drones on the market. One drone that has caught my attention is the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro, a $500 drone that comes with an advanced obstacle avoidance system.
The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is a game-changer in the world of drones. With its obstacle avoidance system, this drone is able to detect and avoid obstacles in its path, making it incredibly easy and safe to fly. Whether I’m flying in a crowded urban area or a dense forest, I can rest assured that the drone will maneuver around obstacles without any issues. This feature alone sets the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro apart from other drones in its price range.
Not only does this drone have advanced obstacle avoidance, but it also boasts impressive flight capabilities. The Yuneec Typhoon H Pro can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour and has a maximum flight time of 25 minutes. It also has a 4K camera with a 3-axis gimbal, allowing me to capture stunning aerial footage with ease.
Another noteworthy feature of the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is its compact size and portability. Despite its advanced technology, this drone is surprisingly lightweight and easy to transport. Whether I’m traveling to a remote location or simply going to a friend’s house to show off my drone skills, I can easily pack up the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro and take it with me wherever I go.
Overall, the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro is a $500 drone that offers incredible value for its price. With its advanced obstacle avoidance system, impressive flight capabilities, and compact size, this drone is perfect for both beginners and experienced drone pilots alike. If you’re in the market for a high-quality drone without breaking the bank, I highly recommend considering the Yuneec Typhoon H Pro.
My Experience with the Holy Stone HS720 – An Affordable $500 Drone with GPS and 4K Camera
As an avid drone enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect combination of affordability and high-quality features. That’s when I stumbled upon the Holy Stone HS720, a drone that offers GPS capabilities and a 4K camera at an incredibly affordable price point of $500.
The Holy Stone HS720 has exceeded my expectations in terms of its performance and features. With its GPS system, I can easily track my drone’s location and have peace of mind knowing that it won’t get lost during flights. The drone also has a return to home feature, which ensures that it safely returns to its takeoff point with just a press of a button.
- The 4K camera on the HS720 is another standout feature. It captures stunning aerial footage and allows me to capture high-resolution photos and videos from a bird’s eye view. The camera’s adjustable angle also gives me more flexibility in capturing different perspectives.
- The drone’s flight time is also impressive, with up to 26 minutes of continuous flight. This gives me ample time to explore and capture footage without having to worry about the battery life.
- In terms of stability and control, the HS720’s brushless motor ensures smooth and steady flights, even in windy conditions. The drone also has intelligent flight modes, such as follow me mode and orbit mode, which add a touch of creativity to my aerial photography.
The Holy Stone HS720 has truly been a game-changer in the world of affordable drones. It combines advanced GPS capabilities, a high-quality 4K camera, and impressive flight performance, all at a price that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a professional photographer looking to add drone shots to your portfolio or a hobbyist looking to explore the wonders of aerial photography, the Holy Stone HS720 is definitely a drone worth considering.
Potensic D85 – A $500 Drone with Dual GPS and Follow Me Mode
As an avid drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the best drones in the market. Recently, I came across the Potensic D85, a drone that caught my attention due to its impressive features and affordable price tag of $500.
One of the standout features of the Potensic D85 is its dual GPS system. This means that the drone is equipped with two separate GPS modules, providing more accurate positioning and stability during flight. With this dual GPS system, I can confidently fly the drone in various environments and trust that it will maintain its position, even in areas with poor GPS signal.
In addition to the dual GPS, the Potensic D85 also boasts a Follow Me mode. This mode allows the drone to track and follow a subject, whether it’s a person or an object, without requiring manual control. This feature is perfect for capturing dynamic footage and getting unique aerial shots. By activating the Follow Me mode, I can focus on my activity while the drone seamlessly follows my movements.
Moreover, the Potensic D85 has a flight time of up to 20 minutes, thanks to its powerful battery. This extended flight time allows me to explore and capture footage from different angles without worrying about the battery dying mid-flight. Additionally, the drone is equipped with a 2K camera that delivers high-quality images and videos, giving me the ability to document my adventures in stunning detail.
In conclusion, the Potensic D85 is a remarkable $500 drone that offers features usually found in more expensive models. The dual GPS system and Follow Me mode provide a level of precision and convenience that enhances my drone flying experience. With its impressive flight time and high-quality camera, the Potensic D85 is an excellent choice for both amateurs and professionals looking to capture breathtaking aerial footage.
Hubsan Zino Pro – The $500 Drone with 4K Camera and Long Flight Range
Being an avid drone enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest drones on the market. Recently, I came across the Hubsan Zino Pro and was instantly intrigued by its impressive features and affordable price tag. Priced at $500, this drone offers an incredible value for the money, especially when compared to other drones in its price range.
One of the standout features of the Hubsan Zino Pro is its 4K camera, which allows you to capture stunning aerial footage in crisp detail. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or simply someone who enjoys capturing their adventures from a unique perspective, this drone’s camera will not disappoint. The high-resolution footage is perfect for sharing on social media or even for creating professional-quality videos.
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In addition to its impressive camera, the Hubsan Zino Pro also boasts a long flight range of up to 4 miles (6.4 kilometers). This means that you can explore vast areas without having to worry about losing connection with the drone. This is particularly useful for photographers and videographers who need to cover large distances to capture the perfect shot.
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Another feature that sets the Hubsan Zino Pro apart from other drones in its price range is its stable flight performance. Equipped with advanced flight control technology and GPS, this drone is capable of maintaining a steady hover and following pre-set flight paths. This level of stability is crucial for capturing smooth and professional-looking footage.
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The Hubsan Zino Pro also offers a variety of intelligent flight modes, such as follow me, orbit mode, and waypoint navigation. These features make it easier than ever to capture creative and dynamic shots. Whether you’re chasing after a subject or want to create a cinematic fly-through, this drone has the capabilities to bring your vision to life.
Overall, the Hubsan Zino Pro is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a high-quality drone with advanced features. With its 4K camera, long flight range, stable flight performance, and intelligent flight modes, this drone offers everything you need to capture stunning aerial footage. At a price of $500, it is an incredible value for the money and a great investment for any drone enthusiast or aspiring filmmaker.
UPair Two Plus – A Budget-friendly $500 Drone with 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly drone with professional-grade features, then the UPair Two Plus is the perfect option for you. Priced at just $500, this drone offers exceptional value for money.
One of the standout features of the UPair Two Plus is its 3-axis gimbal stabilization system. This advanced technology ensures that the camera remains steady and produces smooth footage even in turbulent conditions. Whether you’re capturing aerial photography or shooting cinematic videos, the UPair Two Plus delivers outstanding image stability.
The drone itself is packed with impressive specifications. It boasts a flight time of up to 24 minutes, allowing you to capture a wide range of shots without worrying about battery life. The UPair Two Plus also has a maximum control range of 1,000 meters, giving you the freedom to explore and capture stunning footage from a distance.
With a 4K UHD camera, the UPair Two Plus delivers high-resolution imagery with incredible detail. You can also control the camera remotely using the dedicated app, allowing you to adjust settings and capture the perfect shot without any hassle.
Another notable feature of the UPair Two Plus is its intuitive flight modes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, this drone has a range of flight modes to suit your needs. From GPS-assisted flight to automatic takeoff and landing, the UPair Two Plus makes flying easy and enjoyable.
In addition to its impressive features, the UPair Two Plus also comes with a range of accessories including propeller guards, a remote controller, and a carrying case. This ensures that you have everything you need to get started right out of the box.
Overall, the UPair Two Plus is a fantastic drone for those on a budget. With its 3-axis gimbal stabilization system, 4K UHD camera, and intuitive flight modes, this drone offers professional-grade features at an affordable price. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, the UPair Two Plus is sure to impress.
Best 500 dollar drone
RC Viot GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K with Brushless Motors, Auto Return Home, Long Flight Time and Distance,5G WIFI Transmission, Smart FPV Drone RC Quadcopter for Beginners Kids (Under 250G)
1 used from $133.04
Features
| Part Number | EC120 |
| Color | Black |
| Release Date | 2023-09-29T07:00:00.000Z |
| Price history for RC Viot GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K with Brushless Motors, Auto Return Home, Long Flight Time and Distance,5G WIFI Transmission, Smart FPV Drone RC Quadcopter for Beginners Kids (Under 250G) | |
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Bwine F7 GPS Drones with Camera for Adults 4K Night Vision, 3-Aix Gimbal, 2Mile Long Range, 75Mins Flight Time Professional Drone with 3 Battery, Auto Return+Follow Me+Fly Around+Beginner Mode for Kid
Features
| Part Number | F7GB2 3B |
| Color | Black |
| Edition | F7GB2 3B |
| Price history for Bwine F7 GPS Drones with Camera for Adults 4K Night Vision, 3-Aix Gimbal, 2Mile Long Range, 75Mins Flight Time Professional Drone with 3 Battery, Auto Return+Follow Me+Fly Around+Beginner Mode for Kid | |
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Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner
$249.99
Features
| Part Number | ATOM SE |
| Color | Gray |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Size | ATOM SE Fly More Combo |
| Edition | Expansion Kit |
| Price history for Potensic ATOM SE GPS Drone with 4K EIS Camera, Under 249g, 62 Mins Flight, 4KM FPV Transmission, Brushless Motor, Max Speed 16m/s, Auto Return, Lightweight and Foldable Drone for Adults, Beginner | |
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Ruko F11PRO Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera 60 Mins Flight Time with GPS Auto Return Home Brushless Motor, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, Black (with Carrying Case)
$299.99
Features
| Part Number | Ru44771 |
| Model | F11 Pro |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product | |
| Release Date | 2019-07-01T00:00:01Z |
| Size | Folding dimension 6.9*4.1*3.15 IN |
| Edition | F11Pro |
| Price history for Ruko F11PRO Drones with Camera for Adults 4K UHD Camera 60 Mins Flight Time with GPS Auto Return Home Brushless Motor, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, Black (with Carrying Case) | |
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ScharkSpark GPS Drone with Camera for Adults 4K, Drone with Brushless Motor, Auto Return, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Follow me, 50+ Mins Long Flight for Beginner, Gifts for Adults/Kids with 2 Batteries
Features
| Part Number | JSD128 |
| Color | Gray |
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Ruko U11S Drones with Camera for Adults 4k, Compliance with FAA Remote ID, 40 Mins Flight Time, Foldable FPV GPS Drones for Beginners with Live Video, Follow Me, Auto Return Home, Encircling Flight
$229.99
Features
| Part Number | U11S |
| Color | Black |
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Holy Stone HS720E GPS Drone with 4K EIS UHD 130 FOV Camera for Adults Beginner, FPV Quadcopter with 2 Batteries 46 Min Flight Time, Brushless Motor, 5GHz Transmission, Smart Return Home, Follow Me
Features
| Part Number | US-HS720NEW |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product |
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Holy Stone GPS Drone with 4K Camera for Adults, HS175D RC Quadcopter with Auto Return, Follow Me, Brushless Motor, Circle Fly, Waypoint Fly, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, 46 Mins Long Flight
$169.99
Features
| Part Number | 001 |
| Color | Black |
| Is Adult Product |
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InfinityTech S8000 Drone with 90° electrically adjustable 4k Camera for Kids and Adults - FPV Live Video Quadcopter equipped with 2 Batteries for up to 40 minutes of flight time - Long range distance up to 300m - 360° flip - Follow me - Auto return - One key take off/landing - Altitude hold - Indoor & Outdoor Toy
Features
| Part Number | S8000 |
| Color | Black/Red |
| Price history for InfinityTech S8000 Drone with 90° electrically adjustable 4k Camera for Kids and Adults - FPV Live Video Quadcopter equipped with 2 Batteries for up to 40 minutes of flight time - Long range distance up to 300m - 360° flip - Follow me - Auto return - One key take off/landing - Altitude hold - Indoor & Outdoor Toy | |
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VTI FPV Duo Camera Racing Drone with Flight Immersive Goggles for Adults and Kids, Photo, Video, FPV drone, Easy to Use Controls, 28 Minute Flight Time
Features
| Part Number | DRCLS16 |
| Color | Black |
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Question and answers:
What is the best 500 dollar drone?
The DJI Mavic Mini is considered one of the best drones under $500. It offers a compact size, great flight performance, and reliable camera quality.
Can I expect good image quality from a $500 drone?
Yes, there are several drones in the $500 price range that offer good image quality. Drones like the DJI Mavic Mini and Autel EVO Lite have decent cameras that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
Are $500 drones suitable for beginners?
Yes, many $500 drones are suitable for beginners. They often come with easy-to-use flight modes, built-in safety features, and intuitive controls. Drones like the Holy Stone HS720 and Potensic D88 are great options for beginners.
