11 Need to Pick a Drone?
If you’re not sure what drone to get and you don’t want to spend a huge amount of money on a drone, here are some potential options. Check the New Users Guide for more suggestions:
In addition to purchasing drones directly from the manufacturer, we recommend checking B&H Photo since it’s widely available as a preferred vendor within the UC System with a substantial price discount.
NEW for 2024 - FEDERAL FUNDING may not be used for DJI/Autel Drones See NDAA Compliant Drones for recommendations.
Unfortunately, due to tarifs and other political regulations, there is a lack of effective options. DJI still makes outstanding products, but there is a chance that DJI becomes banned from the US. Of the US manufacturers, there aren’t many affordable options, with some of the best in the $20k to $40k range.
11.1 Cheap Drones
Looking to get started with drones and don’t want to spend a lot of money? Try these lower cost, easy to use options:
Mini 4 Pro - The DJI Mini series are great, affordable and high-quality small drones. At only 249g, they pack a lot a capability into a tiny platform. It’s great as a flight trainer and good enough for some media use. The current model is the Mini 4 Pro, and the older Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro models. For the ultimate portability, we recommend the versions with the controllers with the built-in screen (DJI RC/DJI RC 2)
Aeroo Pro - The Aeroo Pro is an interesting option out of Australia. Though not NDAA848 compliant, at only $1,099, it’s a decent drone. The camera is OK enough, and it flies well enough, but it’s best functionality is it’s 45 minute flight time, 2.2 lbs payload capacity and it’s ability to drop an item with a button push. Originally designed as a fishing drone, we’ve seen a couple of researchers pick it up for micro deliveries of sensor packages. Unfortunately, it lacks mapping functionality.
Potensic Atom 2 - The Potensic Atom 2 is a DJI Mini 2 clone, but not nearly as good and about 5 years later. It’ll work ok enough, but its main selling point is that it’s not DJI (but is still made in China) and cheap at $359. Not NDAA-compliant, but if DJI gets banned in the US, this will hold you over for a bit.
11.2 Drones for Multimedia
If you are looking for a drone to take great pictures and videos, you don’t need to worry about software compatibility and instead can just focus on what has the best camera and which one is the easiest to fly.
- Mavic 3 Pro - The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a great drone. It boasts a 45 minute flight time, a great camera, zoom up to 28x and almost all the features you could want from a drone - except its not compatible with mapping software. If you’re just doing cinematography, its a good, albeit pricey option at $3,889.
The DJI Mavic 4 is supposed to be even better, but it’s not really available in the US, so we’re stuck with this.
11.3 Drones for Mapping
If you want to use a drone for making high resolution maps and elevation models, you need a drone that is compatible with automated mapping software. These days, this functionality is exclusive to the more expensive drones.
Matrice 4E - The new Matrice 4E is part of DJI’s new branding of enterprise level Mavic-sized drones. Boasting a Mavic 3-like performance with higher quality camera systems and new improved autonomy, it’s likely to be a top performer albeit at a $5,300 price tag.
Autel Robotics EVO II - Autel has been in the drone business almost as long as DJI, but only its recent models have begun to get mainstream attention. At only $2,500, the newer Evo II Pro is a worthy Mavic competitor and unlike the DJI drones, has mapping software functionality built-in.
11.4 The Best Drones
If money is no issue, and you want the gold-standard in data collection for your research projects, focus first on the sensor package you want to carry.
– RedEdge-P - The RedEdge-P is one of the most commonly used multispectral imagers available. High Resolution RGB and multispectral imagery with bands at Blue, Greed, Red, Red-Edge, Near-IR and panchromatic. $8k.
– Altum-PT - If you need or want thermal imagery, take a look at the Altum-PT. It’s a complete solution with sychronized thermal, multispectral and RGB imagery in one package - $16k.
Next, what platform should you pick to carry it.
– DJI Matrice 300/350 - The DJI Matrice 300 and 350 are the new industry standards for the mid-lift drone category. It’s robust and capable enough to carry two cameras at once with a respectable flight time. There’s no other platform with a more robust ecosystem. The 350 is an updated version with an enhanced controller and battery system, but not a significant upgrade in flight performance. Packages range from $12k to $18k depending on configuration.
11.5 NDAA Compliant Drones
In late 2023, the NDAA of 2024 introduced new regulations that prohibit the use of Federal Funds for any drone manufactured in China. Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of good options right now, but there are a couple worthy of investment for larger grants and contracts.
Skydio X10 - The Enterprise Skydio X10 is an acceptable multi-rotor platform. It’s camera is good and it’s zoom is nice. It flies ok, but costs about $20k. For many users, it’s only advantage is that it is NDAA compliant and approved for use in federally funded projects. It is capable of RGB-only mapping, but only when supplemented with their mapping subscription package for an additional annual fee.
WingtraOne Gen II - The Wingtra is a unique tail-sitter VTOL, capable of up to an hour of flight time and can cover some serious ground despite its small size. Consider this drone if you need something that can take off in a tight space, but still need to cover a lot of ground. NDAA848 compliant versions available.
eBee X - The eBee series are small foam delta-wing drones that has been around for some time. In addition to being NDAA 848 compliant, they are also Class 3 compliant for operations over people. If you’re operating in big areas with plenty of room, these are a good option. Unfortunately, the eBee basic packages start at $11,000 without a payload, which may run an additional $4,000 to $10,000 depending on your needs.
Freefly Astro Max (NDAA/Blue Version) - The Freefly Astro Max ($40k) is a decent M300/350/400 replacement. It’s a medium-lift drone that’s configurable for just about any payload. It natively supports a couple of payloads including a Sony LR1 61 MP RGB camera, a Sentera Multispectral or a Sentera 6X Thermal Pro. Good quality build and a capable flyer, but unfortunately the NDAA-compliant version does not have RTK support.
11.6 Full Table of Drones
New - For more options, here is our master list of drones: Drone Table
Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information, no guarantee is given nor responsibility taken for errors or omissions in the database.
- MTOW - Maximum Takeoff Weight. An approximation to the relative size of the drone
- BLUE - BlueSUAS. Drone cleared by the Department of Defense for use.
- 848 - Section 848. Drone is compliant with Section 848 of the NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020
Know of a Drone not on the table? Email us at UASsafety@ucmerced.edu so we can add it to the list.