9 Best Drones With Camera Under $300

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The concept of drones with a camera is evolving over the years. And while there are multiple applications for a camera drone, I typically use it for stunning aerial photography. I am a hard-core traveler, and I love vlogging my travels. And trust me when I say this, nothing looks as magical as the picture of a stunning view from up in the air.

I recently used a drone with a camera on my trip to the Maldives, and even though you might feel it is a slight inconvenience to pack a drone for a flight, the results are worth it. A drone makes it much easier to take pictures and selfies and reduces the extra effort of carrying a tripod. Plus, you can get views from such locations that are impossible to get from otherwise.

If you are here, you already know why you want to purchase a drone. However, how to pick the best drones with camera under 300 dollars? That’s what I am here to help you out with. After trying and testing several camera drones, I have a great list of recommendations for you, with some of the best options you will ever come across.

So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive right into it!

9 best drones with cameras under $300

1. Holy Stone HS110G GPS Drone

If you are looking for a beginner-friendly drone with a camera, the Holy Stone HS110G is one of the best ones you will come across. I have seen that most affordable drones are junk and hardly ever work. But that is not the case with this model. This brand is reliable, and they have been offering some of the best drones at competitive prices.

The device weighs approximately 176 grams and offers a three-speed setting. The presence of a GPS global navigation satellite system means you can pinpoint the location accurately. All the location and position-related data will be at your fingertips. Even if you are using the drone in hover mode, it can maintain its stability very well. There are preset movements for takeoff and landing to take the pressure off newbies.

An exciting feature that was very enjoyable to use was whenever I wanted to switch locations, all I had to do was draw the route on the smartphone app. The drone followed the path accordingly. It is like the brand has taken care of every little factor. If you turn on the ‘Return to Home’ function, the device will return to its take-off point when it is not getting a sufficient signal, or the battery is low.

The Holy Stone HS110G can fly for up to 13 minutes with the 1500 mAh battery, but it also depends on the usage. I am not quite disappointed with the time duration, as most other models can hardly offer a flight time of around 8 minutes. But the time required to charge the battery completely could have been better. It takes 3 hours, so I always keep spare batteries around.

I have no complaints regarding the performance, as you are getting excellent quality shots, and the device is easy to use. The controller works like butter, and the 1080p cameras are a solid bonus.

Pros

• The drone is beginner friendly.
• 1080p cameras offer excellent quality shots with 90-degree tilt and 110-degree wide-angle views.
• One-key take-off and landing.
• Custom flight path and return to home functions.
• Headless mode to control the device straightforwardly.
• Hover mode for stable selfies and videos.
• The intelligent battery offers 13 minutes of flight time.
• The price point falls in the affordable range.

Cons

• The setup process is a little complicated.
• It is difficult to fly the drone in windy conditions.
• The drone does not come with propeller guards.
• The battery takes 3 hours to charge completely.

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2. Ruko F11 Pro Drone

The Ruko F11 Pro is one of my absolute favorites in this list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars. And I am currently using it as well. The first and foremost thing which has been very beneficial for travelers like me is the 60 minutes of flight time after charging the 2500mAh batteries fully. This drone lets you capture videos in 2.9k resolution and pictures in 4K resolution.

It hardly took me any time to learn how to operate it, and the 5GHz Wi-fi connectivity is really smooth. The Ruko F11 Pro can travel up to 43.2 km/hr. There are also multiple flight modes to explore along with GPS Positioning.

Another thing I appreciate about this model is that it is foldable and easy to carry. At the same time, it is not overly tiny either. There is an orbit mode, return home mode, follow mode, one key takeoff and landing, and many other features to take advantage of.

The brushless motors used in this one are very powerful, and you get the required stability while capturing stunning shots. The motors are also durable due to the aluminum alloy casing. Like the Holy Stone HS110G, there is also the return home feature where the drone returns to its take-off location in case of signal loss or low power.

If there is a definition for ‘value for money,’ it would be this drone camera for me.  You are getting a set of incredible features at a very affordable price, and the brand supports you fully to give you reassurance about the product. There is a 90 days free warranty, and you can exchange or return the product within 30 days from the date of purchase.

Pros

• 2K video recording and 4K pictures.
• 5GHz Wi-Fi transmission.
• You can enjoy several GPS-assisted functions.
• Beginner mode for newbies.
• Return home function in case of low battery and loss of signal.
• The drone’s location appears on the app for tracking if you lose it.
• IT office outstanding flight power for 60 minutes.
• There are three different speed modes to try out.
• It maintains excellent stability in the air.

Cons

• The drone is a little loud during operation.
• There is a possibility of the drone crashing into objects while using the return to home feature.

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3. DJI Mini SE-Camera Drone

From the product’s name, you can figure out that this drone is lightweight and very compact. It weighs less than 250 grams and will give you the feeling of carrying a smartphone.

If you are from Canada or the United States, you do not have to register the drone with the local government to start using it. The highest speed this baby can go is around 47km/h, and the average battery life is approximately 30 minutes.

Regarding the camera’s performance, it has a 12MP sensor that is typically present in many smartphones today. You cannot use raw images, but I am not complaining because the JPEG image quality is more than satisfactory.

The video quality is pretty good as well. And even though you cannot control the shutter speed, you can adjust the exposure accordingly. The controller is smooth and lets the drone fly up to 4 km. You can also use the Cinesmooth mode to capture stunning, cinematic footage.

I also noticed that the drone is relatively stable during windy conditions, even though I was skeptical due to its compact size. The DJI Fly app access makes modifying the footage easier with a wide range of creator templates. Trust me; you do not need editing experience to use this application. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Overall, it is an excellent entry-level option, and I like it especially because it’s lightweight. The quality of photos and videos is decent too. But if you want more control or support for raw photos, I suggest looking for other options.

Pros

• It is very lightweight and portable.
• The quality of images and video is excellent.
• The drone has a great range.
• 30 minutes flight time.
• It stays stable during windy conditions.
• You do not need a license or registration to fly it.

Cons

• There are no collision sensors.
• It does not support raw photos.
• The range gets limited while using Wi-Fi.
• It does not support 4K video.

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4. Ruko Drone U11 with Camera for adults

We have another Ruko member on this list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars, and this one is equally amazing. The drone is equipped with a 90° adjustable 4K UHD camera, and you get a very good flight time of approximately 20 minutes. But another factor that surprised me is that the brand provided an extra battery, which allows you to extend the flying time to 40 minutes.

And, of course, you get the return-to-home feature which can be activated in case of signal loss, low battery, or when using the RTH button directly. The optical flow positioning was one feature that made it easy for me to fly the drone, even indoors. GPS positioning is, again, very important to me in drone cameras, and this one supports the feature.

It is an excellent option for travelers as you can fold the arms and propeller blades to pack it for taking on rides. You also get app access, where you can draw a route on the application’s map, and the drone will follow your preferred path. The drone will follow you for a particular distance using the follow-me mode. And even if you lose it, the GPS functionality shows you the last position.

This drone from Ruko did not disappoint me, and if I had to pick just one favorite feature of this product, it would be the extra battery, as you do not usually get it.

Pros

• The build quality is exceptionally solid.
• You get an extra battery which increases the flight time.
• It is very easy to capture shots with just a single button push.
• Follow-me mode and return-to-home feature.
• The remote is very responsive and easy to control.
• Good customer service.

Cons

• The image stabilization is not that impressive.
• The quality of pictures looks pixelated at times.

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5. Potensic T25 Drone with 2K Camera for Adults

Not everyone wants to spend a massive chunk of money purchasing a drone. A lot of the customers are looking for budget options as well. And this is why I have added the Potensic T25 to the list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars. But does a low price means you have to compromise on other factors? Not when it comes to this baby.

The reason why I enjoyed using this is that it is beginner friendly and comes oozing with features. The Potensic T25 is equipped with a high-quality 1080p HD camera, and its stability during windy conditions was surprising, to say the least.

It can check almost every box for you when it comes to performance. The drone gives you an approximate flight time of around 7 to 9 minutes. But since you are getting two batteries in the package, you can get an extended duration of around 14 to 18 minutes. As soon as the battery power turns low, the drone returns to its initial take-off point.

It will not be fair if I do not appreciate the design in the review. As soon as I held this baby in my hands, I immediately felt how sturdy the build quality was. Lights around the propellers help you locate the drone even in low light conditions. The controller allows one-key take-off and multiple other modes like altitude mode for stability and the headless mode.

Overall, it is a great pick, and even if you think the batteries are poor, you can still get an extra set without stretching your wallet, as you are getting the drone at a very budget price.

Pros

• Perfect for those under a tight budget.
• It can handle strong winds like a pro.
• The batteries charge pretty quickly.
• GPS functionality with ‘follow-me’ feature.
• You can monitor the battery life in real-time on the app.
• Solid build quality.

Cons

• The battery life could have been longer.
• The camera does not support 4K resolution.
• The instructions in the manual are not clear enough.

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6. SYMA X500Pro GPS Drone

It is pleasantly surprising how far entry-level drones have come. And even though SYMA X500Pro is a budget option, do not get fooled by the price as the features are equally attractive.

Two major factors of this drone make it a terrific option for me- 4K video support and 25 minutes flight time. Let me elevate the latter factor even more- you get two batteries which can increase the flight time to 50 minutes.

The drone is also GPS enabled, so you do not ever have to worry about losing it. It will return to its initial location whenever it loses signal, or the battery power is low. There is also a button on the controller that will bring it back to you.

One of my friends owns this, and we took it on a trek with us to capture the stunning views of lush, green forests. And even though the wind was pretty intense then, the SYMA X500Pro could maintain its stability to a significant extent.

There are many features to explore, from follow-me, point of interest, hand gesture shots, a custom fly path, and more. The image quality matters greatly when buying a drone with a camera. I will have to say that it is not all 4K here.

While you can capture images in 4K quality, the videos only support 1080p resolution. It might not be the absolute best camera drone you have ever seen, but it still performs excellently according to its price range, and you will not regret purchasing it.

Pros

• You do not require FAA registration to fly it.
• It supports 4K resolution while capturing images.
• The drone is compact, lightweight, and value for money.
• It includes an extra battery for extended flight time.
• Follow Me mode, customized flight path, point of interest, and other features.
• Built-in GPS functionality.

Cons

• The image quality could have been slightly better.
• The stabilization factor is not enough.
• The drone is unresponsive sometimes while using the radio controller and the app.

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7. Aovo drone with camera

This drone from Aovo is a device I got to try out via one of my distant cousins. And I feel it is quite worthy of joining the list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars. The 4k UHD camera at this price range is fascinating, but that is not all. The battery offers a flight time of 30 minutes.

But you get two batteries in the package, which extends the flight time to almost an hour! The brushless motors consume low power, and I did not face any irritating noise while flying the device. GPS positioning is always a bonus, and the stability was decent indoors and outdoors.

I like the Aovo drone because both beginners and pro users will enjoy using it. And since it is portable, it is extremely easy to pack and carry it around during your travels.

Pros

• 4k UHD support for pictures and 2.7k for videos.
• 60 minutes flight time with two batteries.
• Built-in GPS functionality.
• The stability is remarkable while hovering,
• Features like follow-me, customizable flight path, point of interest, etc.
• The flight range is decent.

Cons

• The spare parts are not easily accessible.
• The app crashes occasionally.

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8. Holy Stone HS720 Foldable GPS Drone

I like this brand for the quality of drones they offer and how portable they are. And after using it for a while, I feel the Holy Stone HS720 deserves a spot on the list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars.

The speed is impressive at 44 mph, and the number of intelligent flight modes comes in handy while using the device. It includes the usual headless mode, one-key return home, and ‘follow-me’ modes. The approximate flight time is 26 minutes, but I dislike that it takes a long time to charge the battery.

You will not have any complaints about the build quality, and I like the metallic grey finish, which gives it a unique look. The camera quality is decent, but it does not pack a punch. The 4K resolution could have been slightly better, but to give credit where it’s due, the image stabilization is very reliable. You can control the Drone with the Ophelia app, but it will take up significant space on your smartphone.

Overall, you will have a pleasant experience with this drone. But I suggest investing in extra batteries if you want to take the drone with you for a photography session or while traveling.

Pros

• Multiple handy flight modes.
• GPS assistance.
• You get two batteries on purchasing the drone.
• Good stability while hovering.
• App access to control the drone.
• Foldable design for easy portability.

Cons

• The battery takes a long time to charge.
• The Ophelia app takes up a lot of space.

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9. Altair AA108 Camera Drone

I have added this camera drone to the list of the best drones with camera under 300 dollars because it’s great for first-timers, and there is a variety of custom modes to try out. There is the standard headless mode, Follow-Me feature, altitude hold, and much more.

I like that there are three different flying speeds that you can switch according to your preference and expertise. The drone can travel up to 100 meters for a continuous 10 minutes. The construction is durable, and it can handle a few minor crashes here and there.

The camera department is where it could have been slightly elevated. The Altair AA108 is equipped with a 720p camera, and the quality of images is pretty good. However, I do wish it supported 1080p resolution at least, if not 4K. But overall, you are getting a great deal at this price range and an extra battery.

Pros

• This camera drone is very beginner friendly.
• The customer care team is exceptionally helpful.
• The build quality is sturdy and can handle a few minor collisions.
• There are 3-speed levels you can choose according to your expertise.

Cons

• The instructions in the manual are not easy to understand.
• Taking the SD card in and out is a little fiddly.

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Things to consider while buying a drone with a camera

Drones which cameras are becoming increasingly popular today, and they do the job of capturing stunning aerial shots. But it is easy to feel overwhelmed when so many options are available on the market.

I can attest to this because I went through the same emotions before I purchased my first drone with a camera. But how do you decide which one you should go for? And what are the factors that matter while making that decision? Let us have a look.

Know your level of expertise

Research a bit about the type of drones available on the market. While some of them are for beginners, some are for intermediate users, and some are for professional-level users. You can pick the one you need based on your level of expertise.

For example, if you are a beginner and choose a pro-level camera drone, it will be too complicated for you, and you will not be able to use it to its full potential. On the other hand, having enough experience and choosing a beginner-level device will be too plain and non-exciting.

Go over the regulations of your country

There are specific regulations your country may have put forward for flying drones. It is essential to check the laws and regulations related to it beforehand to be on the safe side.

Image quality is king

If you purchase a drone with a camera to capture stunning images, the quality of the camera matters a lot. The 1-inch sensor is popular today and is present in some of the most power-packed drone cameras. Before making the final purchase, I recommend testing the image quality in daylight and low-light conditions.

How important is a 4K video to you?

Yes, many drones with cameras offer 4K resolution in videos. If you are someone who enjoys shooting aerial shots and uploading them on your social media accounts, 1080p cameras should be sufficient.

But if you are a professional blogger, I recommend getting a camera drone that supports 4K videos. Because when you edit the videos, the sharpness and the overall resolution get a little affected. So it’s better to go for 4K, as you get some extra pixels.

Stability of the drone

The stability of the drone while hovering can impact the image quality. If it rises and falls continuously, you will get blurry images. Test that functionality beforehand to be sure about the stability.

Flight time is not that important

After using several drones with cameras, I have observed that most of them cannot fly longer than 30 minutes.

Some of them include an extra battery to extend the flight time, and that’s a bonus. But the primary trick is to make the best use of that few minutes you are getting and have some spare batteries too.

Look for a mounted gimbal

A gimbal can help keep the camera drone steady, and it is challenging to get that stability without it. You will find it missing in many cheap options, but try to go for ones that include a mounted gimbal. It can be a game changer.

Smart features

The drones for photography and not precisely cheap, but that is because they include tons of intelligent functions and features, like taking selfies with a gesture, follow-me feature, etc. Many features can come in handy to improve your experience of flying the drone.

Set a comfortable budget

The drone with a camera you will ultimately purchase depends on how much you are willing to spend. Choose a budget you are comfortable with, as it will help narrow down the options.

Check out the features according to the price range and find the drone that seems the most valuable to you according to its price point.

Verdict

I have shared my recommendations for the best drones with camera under 300 dollars in this article. But if I have to pick a winner for the title, it will be the Ruko F11 Pro Drone. The flight time of 60 minutes is excellent, and it supports 4K resolution images. The learning process is not very challenging, even if you use a drone for the first time.

I wish the 2.9k video resolution would be better, but the features compensate for it. There are several flight modes, and I like that it is foldable. The stability is also quite decent, and you can enjoy the innovative features.

I genuinely feel this is the best value-for-money drone camera you can get your hands on, and I would love to know about your experience after using it.