If you’re currently looking to pick up one of the best camera drones under 500 on the market today, then you have come to the right place. That’s because FirstQuadcopter.com has more than four years of experience in testing and reviewing drones. There are many value-priced quadcopters that include 4K cameras, intelligent flight modes and long battery life, plus a mechanical gimbal for smooth aerial videos.
Indeed, with a budget of 1000+, you have an easy task, you can go directly to DJI website an choose one of their popular drone (either from the Mavic or Phantom series). But, as their only drone under $500 is the almost two-year-old Spark, with only 500 bucks in my pocket, I would look for a camera drone from another reputable brand.
Those who are interested in aerial filming will definitely eye on a 4K camera drone with a 3-axis motorized. In terms of camera gears, the Xiaomi A3 has much less to offer than the Hubsan Zino. While the FiMI A3 has a Full HD camera with 2-axis gimbal, the Hubsan H117S has Ultra HD camera with 3-axis gimbal.
FIMI A3 vs Hubsan Zino vs FiMI X8 – Which one is the Best drone under 500?
As you can see in the comparison table below, these two camera drones are quite different. The Xiaomi FIMI A3 is not just smaller but also heavier than the Hubsan H117S Zino. Less weight means longer flight time. Even if the the Zino’s battery would have 50% more capacity than the FiMI A3, it would provide less fun time.
| Xiaomi FiMI A3 | Hubsan H117S Zino | FiMI X8 SE | |
| Foldable design | No | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | No | No |
| Extension DIY ports | Yes | No | No |
| Camera | 1080P | 4K | 4K |
| Max video resolution | 1920×1080@30fps | 3840X2160@30fps | 3840×2160@30fps |
| Gimbal | 2-axis | 3-axis | 3-axis |
| FPV | 5.8G | 720P WiFi | TDMA HD |
| FPV monitor | On transmitter | Mobile device | Mobile device |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Battery | 3s 2000mAh | 3s 3000mAh | 3s 4500mAh |
| Flight Time | 25mins | 23mins | 33mins |
| Flight range | 1KM | 1KM | 5KM |
| Weigh | 560 grams | 700 grams | 790 grams |
| Size | 28.5 x 22.9 x 6.9cm | 30.4 X 25.2 X 9cm | 20.4 x 10.6 x 7.3cm |
| Price | $279 (order from here) | $399 (order from here) | $499 (order from here) |
Both quadcopters feature smart flight modes and GPS positioning systems for easy use. While the FiMI A3’s transmitter comes with an integrated FPV screen, the Zino requires a mobile device to unleash its full potential. Furthermore, the Xiaomi A3 has a DIY port, which allows the control third-party devices like servos or LED lights.
Is Fimi X8 SE the Best drone under 500?
Two days ago (on December 10), FiMI announced a new drone that landed straight on top of the best drones under $500. The FiMI X8 SE, is better in almost all aspects than the A3 and Zino. While the A3 has full HD camera, the X8 SE has 4k camera. The Xiaomi FiMI X8 has far away the best flight time. It has up to 33 min vs 25 min of A3 vs 25 min of Zino.
As for the control range, the FiMI X8 drone also excels. According to the advertised specs, it has a 5km flight range, which is 5 times more than the Zino has.
Bottom line
Whatever you opt for the FiMI A3, FiMI X8 SE or H117S Zino you will make a great deal. As all are cheaper than 500$, you’ll make some savings for a drone backpack and a couple of spare batteries.
Last update on 12/12/2018
Which drone under 500 is enough for professional work??
Wants to know honest opinions from experts
I have a Spark that I’ve invested a good deal of money into. After the last upgrade it wouldn’t run at my home for my normal low altitude, short distance fun flights…engines won’t turn…all due to DJI su@ing up to the FAA. Be aware that if you’re in any no-fly zone, 5 miles from an airport, or a sports area…there are FAR more places you can’t fly than you can. I’d go with ANY drone other than DJI, who decided how I could use my property without giving me a choice.
there is any good drone under 500 with object tracking and collision avoidance systems?
I think they all have object tracking but no collision avoidance.
will beat zino pro the x8se black?
my winner is the fimi
How long does the charge on the remote for the Zino drone last?
My personal favorite is Fimi x8. It is the best value for money drone.
I’m about to buy a spark but these new (allegedly) 4k drones make me have second thoughts on whether the spark is still worth it or not
Yes, the Spark it is a quite old model for 2019! One side you DJI, which is one of the most reputable drone brand and other side you have the FiMI X8 which is Xiaomi’s, 3rd drone….
As terms of specs, the FiMI X8SE is much better than the little Spark without a question.
Yes the FiMI X8 SE drone has great specs, but unfortunately only the Hubsan H117S Zino can be ordered right now!
The Xiaomi drones are out of stock……
My winner is the FiMI X8 SE, it has far the best specs!
Yes, I also vote for the FiMI X8 SE
FiMI X8, Hubsan Zino or DJI Spark??
Surely the FimiX X8 SE. It has best range, flight time and camera!
surely, the FiMI X8 is the winner! I just order it :). BTW, I would like to submit my review here on your blog, it is possible?
BG told me 2 to 3 week delay on both, FIMI A3 and ZINO. So they will be probably the Best drones only in 2019 :(
Greetings from Canada!
I’m a totally newbie in the field. I need an expert advice regarding, which these two drones would be me more proper for me.
I like that the Zino has 4K camera, but also that the FIMI A3 features 5.8G FPV not WiFi FPV which has a lot of delay/latency.
Hi,
could you please make a similar comparison, but one between the Spark and Zino. I’m a completely newbie and i don’t know which would be better.
Thanks,
KK from Netherlands
While the DJI Spark have only 400 grams, the Hubson Zino 700g! This is important information for EU-Members!!!
It would matter if the drone was over 2kg, but everything under that is handled the same. At least I haven’t heard different.
I will vote for the FiMI A3, I like the DIY port and 5.8G FPV. If you truly want 4K you should look for the Mavic Air.
US$1000 vs 399 ??? 399 obvious!
If you can spend up to 500$ the bestbuy would be the Xiaomi A4