Lightweight & Tough Beginner Quadcopter: WLtoys V262
Quadcopter drone model V262 from WLtoys is a great entry-level drone. The lightweight unit is designed with extra protection for the blades and motors, making your inevitble beginner's crashes just little bumps in the road.
This unit is completley ready to fly (RTF) -- meaning you have almost everything you need to fly your drone right in the kit box. Provide your own set of 6 AA batteries and you'll be ready to go.
The kit comes with the lightweight quad copter itself, the remote controller transmitter, a battery for the quad, and a charger for the quad battery. The V262 battery provides 8-10 minutes of flying time per full charge.
Another advantage this drone has over other units is its size. At just over 21 inches wide and deep, this is larger than many other entry-level mini drones. The unit is easier to see in flight and controlling it in light winds isn't much of an issue when compared to the popular smaller units.
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Affordable Starter HD Camera Quad: Syma X5C-1
Are you looking for an affordable entry-level remote-controlled camera drone helicopter to give the hobby of drone-flying a try? This small quad from industry leader Syma is a perfect affordable first quad.
With this bundle kit, you'll get everything you need to fly your first camera drone. The box comes with the quadcopter and transmitter RC controller. You'll also get a 2G memory card, 3 batteries with a flying time of 5-8 minutes each, a USB battery charger, and a set of 4 extra propeller blades.
Parrot Bebop Flies in Congress
A drone flew in Congress last week. During a hearing of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee on January 21st, an executive from 3D Robotics flew a small quadcopter during his testimony.
During part of the demonstration, the drone, a Parrot Bebop, was piloted using an iPhone with live video feed. During this phase of the demostration, the pilot crashed the drone on take-off. The device was unharmed during this small mishap and flew again before the lawmakers.
The Parrot Bebob has a 14 megapixel HD fisheye camera and advanced stabilization for amazing video capability. The device also has an embedded GPS with "Return Home" technology.