Drones

Every drone in this collection folds for travel and carries two or three cameras, and most stream a live view to your phone over WiFi. What separates them is the video you get, how steadily the drone holds itself in the air, how long it flies and how much help it gives you outdoors.

Start with the camera. The V14 films in 1080p from dual cameras, and the Mini Drone with Dual 480p Cameras records at 480p, which suits fun clips more than a big screen; the other listings do not state a resolution. The C10 puts three lenses in one block that you tilt from the remote: a 120-degree wide lens for landscapes, a vertical lens for phone-shaped video and a downward view for overhead shots. The S116 also tilts its camera from the remote. Digital zoom in a phone app crops the picture, so detail drops as you zoom, and none of these listings mention a stabilizing gimbal, so calm days give the smoothest video.

Next, decide where you will fly. Indoors and in a backyard, optical flow keeps a small drone in place: a downward sensor watches the ground so the drone holds its spot when you let go of the sticks. The S116, the C10 and the V14 use it, and the C10 and the Mini Drone with Two Batteries add altitude hold. If walls, trees or a fence are close by, obstacle sensing helps: the S116 has 360-degree infrared avoidance and the C10 senses in four directions. Over an open park or field, the S136 locks onto GPS satellites, holds position from them and flies itself back to where it took off, and it adds follow-me and waypoint modes. Our guide to how GPS return-to-home works explains what that return can and cannot do.

Then check flight time and batteries. Small drones fly for minutes, not hours. The C10 listing gives about 10 minutes on its 1800mAh battery, which slides out for a quick swap, and the Mini Drone with Two Batteries gets about 15 minutes from each of its two packs. The V14 comes with a choice of 2 or 3 batteries. Charge every battery before you head out and plan each flight around that time.

For a first flight, the Mini Drone with Two Batteries is the simplest start: one-key takeoff and landing, a controller with a phone mount, 4 prop guards and 4 spare blades all come in the box. For adults who want travel and outdoor video, the 1080p V14 or the GPS S136 is the step up. Looking for a camera that stays on the ground? Our action, kids and trail cameras have their own collection.