Maximum flight time
Maximum flight time of a quadcopter on one full battery charge. This indicator is quite approximate, since it is most often indicated for ideal conditions - in real use, the flight time may be less than stated. However, by this indicator it is quite possible to evaluate the general capabilities of the copter and compare it with other models - a longer declared flight time in practice usually means higher autonomy.
Note that for modern copters, a flight time
of 20 minutes or more is considered a good indicator, and in the most “long-lasting” models it can exceed 40 minutes.
Number of megapixels
Resolution of the matrix in the standard camera of the quadrocopter.
Theoretically, the higher the resolution, the sharper, more detailed image the camera can produce. However, in practice, the quality of the "picture" is highly dependent on a number of other technical features - the size of the matrix, image processing algorithms, optical properties, etc. Moreover, when increasing the resolution without increasing the size of the matrix, the image quality may drop, because. significantly increases the likelihood of noise and extraneous artifacts. And for shooting video, a large number of megapixels is not required at all: for example, to shoot Full HD (1920x1080) video, which is considered a very solid format for quadrocopters, a sensor of only 2.07 megapixels is enough.
Note that high resolution is often a sign of an advanced camera with high image quality. However, this quality is not determined by the number of megapixels, but by the characteristics of the camera and the special technologies used in it. Therefore, when choosing a quadcopter with a camera, you should look not so much at the resolution as at the class and price category of the model as a whole.
Viewing angles
The viewing angle provided by the standard quadcopter camera; for optics with adjustable zoom, usually, the maximum value is taken into account.
The viewing angle is the angle between the lines connecting the centre of the lens to the two opposite extreme points of the visible image. Usually measured along the diagonal of the frame, but there may be exceptions. As for the specific values of this parameter, in modern copters they can range from 55 – 60 ° to 180 ° and even more. At the same time, a wider angle (ceteris paribus) allows you to simultaneously fit more space into the frame; and a narrower one covers a smaller space, however, the objects that are in the frame look larger, it is easier to see individual small details on them. So when choosing by this parameter, you should consider what is more important for you: wide coverage or an additional zoom effect.
Gesture control
The ability to control the copter with gestures.
The implementation of this function can be different. The simplest and most inexpensive option is smartphone control, when commands are given by turning and tilting the gadget. There are models where the accelerometer and gyroscope are built directly into the remote control, and you can control it with hand gestures with the remote control. Another, more expensive and original way is to recognize the position of the user's hands using the built-in camera. Such devices usually have a set of commands tied to rather specific movements. For example, by folding your fingers into a “frame”, you can turn on the burst photography mode, with a wave of your hand you can call to yourself, and the device will perceive the outstretched palm as a landing pad.
In general
, gesture control provides at least additional entertainment, and in some cases can be useful from a practical point of view.
Remote control power source
The number and type of batteries used in the quadcopter control panel.
— AA. Replaceable batteries, colloquially known as "AA batteries". They are available not only in the form of disposable batteries, but also in the form of rechargeable batteries, are produced under various brands that differ in price and quality (which provides freedom of choice), and finding such elements on the market is usually not a problem. The power and capacity of AA elements are relatively small, but in most cases they are quite enough for normal operation of the transmitter for quite a long time. Usually, modern consoles require several of these batteries; in the most high consumption this number can reach 8.
— AAA. Also known as "pinky". In fact, a smaller version of popular AA elements (see above); has the same key features, but differs in more compact dimensions and, as a result, somewhat reduced power. This option is typical for low-cost class models, with a small range of the remote control.
— 3s. This marking does not describe the size of the battery, but its operating voltage and technology. It denotes a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery (see "Battery type"), assembled from three cells with a standard voltage of 3.7 V each, and thereby delivering an operating voltage of 11.1 V. The advantages of such a power supply are high power and capacity, which allows you to use the remote control for a long time without recharging. At the same time, batteries of thi...s type can vary significantly in size and weight, and not every model marked 3s will be compatible with the remote control. In addition, finding a spare battery is more difficult than a set of cells of a standard size.
— Proprietary battery. Powered by an original battery that is not related to any of the options described above. Such batteries can be much more powerful than replacement cells, making them well suited even for remotes with high power consumption. Their main advantage is the difficulty with quick replacement: the design of the remote control is at best poorly suited for this, and at worst the battery is generally non-removable. Also, finding the right replacement battery can be a major hassle.
Foldable design
The ability to fold the device, making it more compact. This feature can be very useful for ease of storage and transportation — especially considering that quadcopters and multicopters (even relatively light ones) are rather bulky when unfolded due to protruding propeller shafts. Actually, it is the rods that are most often made
folding : they are mounted on swivel mounts and in the “transport” position are pressed against the body. In addition to this, it may be possible to remove the screws, providing an even greater compactness.
It should be noted that additional movable connections somewhat reduce the reliability of the entire apparatus. Therefore, in heavy professional equipment, a folding design is extremely rare — ease of storage / transportation for such copters is not as important as strength and “endurance”. However, there are exceptions.
Battery capacity
The capacity of the battery supplied with the quadcopter.
Theoretically, a larger battery can provide a longer charge time. However, keep in mind that this time also depends on the power consumption of the copter — and it is determined by the power of the engines, dimensions and weight, as well as a number of other features. In addition, the actual battery capacity is determined not only by ampere-hours, but also by its nominal voltage. Therefore, only quadcopters with the same battery voltage and similar operating characteristics can be compared by amp-hours; and it is best to evaluate battery life by directly claimed flight time (see below).
Material
The material from which the body of the quadcopter is made.
In most modern models, plastic is used as the main (and most often the only) material. Plastic is easy to process, easily takes complex shapes and can be painted in any colour; in addition, its weight is quite small. It is believed that this material is not very durable; however, this is true only for relatively inexpensive quadcopters. The fact is that today there are many varieties of plastic, and high-end varieties can be extremely durable. Therefore, the strength and reliability of such cases are usually directly related to the class and price category of the quadcopter.
Other material options may include expanded polypropylene, which is lightweight with good strength; carbon fiber, which is a premium material due to its combination of lightness and high reliability; as well as metal parts used to reinforce important places subjected to high loads.
Dimensions
General dimensions of the device. A fairly obvious parameter; we only note that for models with a folding structure (see above), in this paragraph, the dimensions in the working (unfolded) position are given, and the dimensions in the folded form are specified separately.