Top 5 Best Drones Models Released in 2017
Are you looking for the best drone models on the market, but not sure how to single out the top 5 as the market got overloaded with various high-quality models in 2017? You are in luck! We have done all the research and filtered out the top 5 models that were released this year. Now it’s up to you to decide which model from our list you like the most. Keep reading to find out more.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
Coming as a younger brother of the iconic P4, the new P4 Pro features, although small, plenty of quite important new upgrades that put it on the top of the most wanted commercial drones list.
Naturally, many of the P4 ‘s design solutions, flight modes, and electronic parts have been carried over to the new Pro model. But, they have upgraded some important parts like the camera, and added a couple of new features that the standard P4 lacks.
As we mentioned, the new P4 Pro has a better camera. This time, DJI crafted a 1 inch sensor that pushes 20 MP through the lens, resulting in unbelievably detailed images and video footage. Also, the dynamic range is much better as are the low light characteristics of the camera.
Furthermore, unlike the P4 which only had front “avoiding eyes”, the Pro version comes with an improved obstacle avoidance system, using sensors on 5 sides of the drone (Front, back, both sides, and at the bottom). This allows the drone to constantly be aware of its surroundings from all sides (except from above) and autonomously avoid objects like buildings, trees, people, or anything that stands or moves in its path, making it pretty much crash proof.
DJI Mavic Pro
The upgraded version of the extremely popular drone, the Mavic, the newer DJI Mavic Pro model can be described in two words: Powerful and Portable.
As the original version, the new Mavic Pro can be packed down to a size of a water bottle, and is the ultimate choice for those who love to travel and document their adventures as it can be carried in a side pocket and be taken out and ready for flight in a matter of seconds.
When it comes to the most important specs, the Pro offers a range of up to 4.3 miles, thanks to its new OcuSync transmission system, while its top speed is 40 mph and it can stay in the air for 27 minutes. If you are worried that it is risky to take the drone so far away from you, you shouldn’t. The drone is monitored by satellite and GPS all the time for a precise location and control. And, it also includes an obstacle avoidance system that helps it “dodge the bullet” if it comes to that.
As for the camera, the Mavic pro comes with the ability to shoot videos up to 4K/30fps, or if you want a more fluid and smoother footage, then you can use 1080p/96fps, which will also allow you live streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and Periscope, but you have to downgrade the frame rate to 30 fps.
When it comes to stills, the 12 MP camera will capture high definition, crystal clear, vivid color images.
DJI Spark
Even though this model is really small and can fit the palm of a grown up person’s hand, it still comes with features that you can also find in DJI’s much bigger, and more expensive models.
Of course, the first noticeable thing about the Spark is its extremely portable design, but once you get “deeper into it”, you will discover numerous intelligent flying modes, such as Circle, Rocket (the name explains itself, the drone becomes fast as a rocket in this mode), Dronie, and Xelix. If these advanced modes weren’t enough, DJI decided to add the gesture recognition, which allow you to put the controller in your pocket control the drone and the camera with hand gestures!
Furthermore, the Spark also comes with an obstacle avoidance system. It’s not as advanced as the P4’s or the Mavic’s, but it will get the job done and prevent it from hitting objects and crashing.
When it comes to the camera, the little drone is equipped with a mechanical 2-axis gimbal for smooth videos and clear images, and the camera itself offers 12 MPs, and is capable of shooting in 1080p/30fps.
Xiro Xplorer V
When it’s flying, the Xiro Xplorer definitely looks unlike any other drone. That is due to the fact that it has a never seen before design and because the manufacturer of this model decided to put the looks in front of functionality. The design itself offers sharp edges, camo color scheme, and eye striking LEDs
However, this drone is definitely a serious model as it can reach the heights that other, significantly bigger drones can. Furthermore, the Xplorer V boasts advanced features such a headless home return mode where the drone (when you pull the pitch stick down) comes to the home point regardless of the direction the nose is pointing at. Also, it comes with Geofence feature, where the drone can’t go further than the operating range.
As for the other important characteristics, the V is pretty responsive and stable when flying, and can stay in the air for 25 minutes. Also, its 14MP, 2-axis gimbal-mounted camera is capable of shooting in 1080p @30fps. The camera itself might be the only downside as it’s limited only to Full HD and 30 frames per second, and delivers videos that are distorted in corners due to its fisheye camera lens.
Regardless of the fisheye lens, the Xplorer V is a great model that offers great features like much more expensive models, but comes with an affordable price tag.
DJI Inspire 2
When you mention the DJI Inspire 1, the first thing that comes to our mind is the most High-end drone model ever! But, that changed as DJI introduced the Inspire 2 this year. The new model comes with an improved magnesium alloy body (the Inspire 1’s body is made of plastic), more advanced obstacle avoiding system, and the capability of supporting the best drone camera such as the Zenmuse X5S that can shoot in 5K RAW.
Speaking of cameras, the Inspire 2 comes with a built-in pilot forward facing FPV camera that allows the pilot to focus only on flying, while the camera operator, using a second remote controller, can control the camera movements and lens focusing.
As for the flight time, with the double battery arrangement, this drone can stay in the air for 25 minutes, has a controlling range of 4.3 miles, and can reach the top speed of 58 mph, which is more than enough for pretty much any situation you want to film.
All in all, this is a professional aerial filming equipment that allows the videographers and photographers to choose camera lenses based on the needs, and create magic in post-production as the 5K RAW footage allows cropping without loosing the HD quality. Also, the Inspire 2’s dedicated remote controller or controllers, and the dedicated smartphone app make operating this model incredibly easy to handle, even though it is a completely serious piece of equipment for professional cinematographers.
Author Bio:
Jack is a true drone passionate and he focused his education on this amazing field. Thus, he graduated the Drone/UAV Pilot Training Certificate program and now he’s a member of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. His main purpose right now is to find and develop new features and help others discover the wonderful experience of flying a drone. For this, he is the main editor and content creator at MyDroneLab Blog where you can find everything you want to know about drones.
