Hummingbird helicopters, also known as drone helicopters or quadcopters, have become increasingly popular in recent years for both personal and commercial use. These small, lightweight helicopters are known for their agility, ease of flight, and ability to hover, making them ideal for aerial photography, surveying, inspection, and more. But with advanced capabilities comes higher costs – purchasing a hummingbird helicopter is a significant investment. In this article, we will provide an overview of the different types of hummingbird helicopters, their key features, and typical pricing to help you understand the factors that impact the cost of these amazing flying machines.
What is a Hummingbird Helicopter?
A hummingbird helicopter, as the name suggests, is a miniaturized helicopter designed to mimic the flight capabilities of a hummingbird. Like hummingbirds, these small helicopters can hover in midair, fly in all directions, and rapidly accelerate and decelerate. The key components that enable this agile flight are:
- Four rotors – hummingbird helicopters have 4 sets of rotating blades that allow them to control lift and thrust.
- Onboard flight controller – an onboard computer precisely coordinates the speed of the 4 rotors to control the helicopter’s movements.
- Remote controller – the pilot controls the hummingbird remotely using a handheld controller.
Modern hummingbird helicopters leverage sophisticated flight stabilization technology and sensors to self-balance and maintain controlled flight. While early versions were difficult to fly, newer hummingbird helicopters are much easier to maneuver for consumers and do not require pilot training.
Types of Hummingbird Helicopters
There are two main types of hummingbird helicopters – ready-to-fly (RTF) and bind-and-fly (BNF).
Ready-to-Fly (RTF)
Ready-to-fly hummingbird helicopters come fully assembled and are ready to take flight right out of the box. RTF models will include the quadcopter unit, remote controller, batteries, battery charger and all required components. For many beginner hobbyists and casual users, RTF models provide the quickest and easiest way to get started flying a hummingbird helicopter.
Bind-and-Fly (BNF)
Bind-and-fly models come partially assembled, requiring the user to pair or “bind” their own compatible transmitter to the quadcopter unit. BNF hummingbird helicopters do not include a remote controller. BNF models usually also require the user to supply their own LiPo batteries and charger. For intermediate and advanced hobbyists who already own transmitters and batteries, BNF provides a more flexible and potentially lower cost option. However, users must pair components correctly for successful flight.
Key Features
When evaluating the cost of a hummingbird helicopter, it is important to consider the key features and capabilities of the model. Higher priced options typically include more advanced features.
Size and Weight
Hummingbird helicopters can range dramatically in size, with rotor spans from just a couple inches up to 12 inches or more and unit weights from less than an ounce to over 2 pounds. Smaller and lighter models are more agile and ideal for indoor flying, while larger models can handle stronger winds and may accommodate larger payloads like an action camera.
Camera and Video
Many hummingbird helicopters include integrated HD video cameras to enable recording of aerial footage and photos. Image quality and camera resolution (720p vs 1080p vs 4K) varies substantially between models. Some also incorporate stabilization gimbals to smooth out video footage. High-end camera drones are significantly more expensive than models without video capability.
Intelligent Flight Modes
Higher end hummingbird helicopters incorporate advanced intelligent flight modes such as subject tracking, pre-programmed flight maneuvers, follow-me modes, collision avoidance and more. Models with smart flight capabilities provide more autonomous flying options.
Range
Most mini helicopters today have a remote control range of 50 to 100 meters, with more expensive models reaching up to 500 meters or more. Extended range allows you to fly the quadcopter farther without losing the connection.
Flight Time
Flight time for smaller hummingbird helicopters is typically 5 to 15 minutes, limited by the capacity of the included LiPo batteries. Larger models may extend up to 20-30 minutes of air time. Extra batteries can be purchased to extend flying, but increase the total cost.
Payload Capacity
Hummingbird helicopters have very limited payload capacities, but higher priced models can lift slightly heavier camera, sensor or cargo loads – typically just an ounce or two above the unit’s own weight.
Typical Pricing
With the key features and capabilities in mind, here is an overview of typical pricing tiers for ready-to-fly hummingbird helicopter models aimed at consumers. There are certainly exceptions at the very low and high end.
| Entry-Level | $50 – $200 |
| Hobbyist | $200 – $500 |
| Intermediate | $500 – $1,000 |
| Advanced | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Entry-Level – $50 to $200
At the low end of the market, you can find very affordable mini helicopters intended mostly as toys or for education. These typically have rotor spans under 6 inches, may lack a gimbaled camera, and will offer shorter flight times and less range. Great for indoor practice flights.
Hobbyist – $200 to $500
Stepping up to the hobbyist tier provides access to more stabilized quadcopters in the 6 to 8 inch rotor span range with integrated 720p or 1080p cameras and smart flight modes. These offer a good balance of performance and approachable pricing.
Intermediate – $500 to $1,000
Intermediate quadcopters start to offer premium features like extended range over 500 meters, 4K video recording with 3-axis camera stabilization gimbals, and advanced flight intelligence for amateur aerial photography and videography.
Advanced – $1,000 to $2,000
At the high end, hummingbird helicopters include professional-grade camera and video functionality with large image sensors, long flight times of 30 minutes or more, and incredibly stable flight even in windy conditions. Most buyers in this price tier will be professional photographers, videographers and industrial users.
Conclusion
In summary, the cost of a hummingbird helicopter can range from around $50 up to $2,000 or more. Key factors that impact price include size, weight, camera quality, smart flight modes, range and flight time. Overall, you can expect to spend $200 to $500 for a good quality hummingbird quadcopter as a hobbyist. Professional aerial photography drones will cost $1,000 and up. We hope this overview helps provide a better understanding of what goes into the pricing for these amazing flying machines!
