Remote Control Helicopter with Live Camera

by | Spy Gear

Last Updated on November 3, 2022

Remote control helicopters have emerged as a popular demand among children and adults alike of late. Who wouldn’t fancy owning a device that can soar to great heights and capture exquisite aerial videos? Count us in! Thankfully, you can now own an RC helicopter with a live camera at a reasonable price. However, picking the perfect remote-controlled helicopter can be extremely overwhelming. But fret not! We took it upon ourselves to test the best models of RC helicopters out there. Our research took us to the three best RC helicopters, and our best pick surfaced to be the Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter due to its vast traveling range, excellent camera, and construction.

In this article, we have covered;

  • A quick glance at 3 of the best remote control helicopters with live camera
  • In-depth reviews of each helicopter,
  • Factors to consider before buying a remote control helicopter with a live camera

Quick Summary: 3 Remote Control Helicopter with Live Camera

Our editors go through and research, test and qualify our recommended products. We receive commissions on purchases from certain links.

  1. Best Overall 1. Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter   
    Naturally, the U12S of Cheerwing became our top pick.
  2. Best Indoor: 2. SYMA RC Helicopter S39 Aircraft 
    SYMA S39 becomes our top choice for indoor flying!
  3. Best Outdoor: 3. SYMA RC Helicopter 
    With features like adjustable speed and easy controls, makes it top-notch.

Material: PP
Range: 30 meters
Flight Time: 5-6 minutes
Dimensions: 10.63 x 1.77 x 4.72 inches

Weight: 16 ounces

Our Pick

WiFI camera, and one-button take-off and landing, Gyro technology, and sheer durability, you name it, and this model has it!

Highlights

Whether you want to have a great viewing experience at the park with your kid or do some viewing of your own, this mini remote control helicopter is a perfect pal for you. Equipped with features such as WiFI real-time transmission, image and video recording, and one-key take-off and landing, this device is all set to be controlled by anyone, be it an experienced drone flyer or a complete rookie.

This FPV helicopter comes with a comprehensive WiFi camera that allows you to view the live video right on your mobile phone. As long as you have the app, you can swim into the sky with the drone and make videos of the same to share with friends. The best part about this helicopter is that it has one key for both take-off and the landing. Once you press the key, the helicopter will take-off from the ground and hover in the air until further commands are given. To make the copter land, you will have to press the same key again, and Voila! In case you want to make an emergency landing in a pressing situation, you can press the emergency stop button and keep the device out of harm’s way.

The one question that most newbie drone fliers have is that “what if I lose the drone.” Indeed, that is a major concern among drone fliers. However, with this device, you will be informed if the drone is crossing the range of operation. Thus, you will never lose your copter in the wilderness when you’re out and about. Moreover, with the construction of the metal frame and durable blades, this helicopter can sustain numerous crashes from great heights. Not that we’re suggesting that you should crash it, it’s a mere assurance that you don’t have to panic if the helicopter crashes. It’s built with some solid material!

Having mentioned all this, the Cheerwing U12S is indeed the best RC helicopter that we have had the fortune of operating!

WHAT WE LIKED

  • WiFi FPV control
  • Effective altitude hold mode
  • Out of range alarm
  • One button for take-off and landing

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Requires frequent charging

Material: Alloy
Range: 10 meters
Flight Time: 5-8 minutes
Dimensions: 14.57 x 2.56 x 5.91 inches

Weight: 13.4 ounces

Best Indoor

With its big size, adjustable speed, sturdy construction, excellent control, and much stability.

Highlights

As far as drones go, the foremost thing that likely buyers consider is construction, control, and stability. S39 checks all three criteria! The sturdy alloy build of the drone, combined with supreme control and stable hovering, makes this helicopter an ideal choice for experienced and novices alike! The remote comes with a Gyro stabilizer that stabilizes the movement of the helicopter as you push it forwards, backward, up, and down or just make it hover at a certain height in the air. The unique feature of this copter is the adjustable speed of the device. You can adjust the speed of the helicopter between higher and lower, depending upon where you’re flying it. However, since the range of the device is just 10 meters, it is mostly meant for indoor flying. At best, you can take it to your garden, but not further than that. But on the bright side, you will receive HD images and video quality. The live camera captures high-resolution images that won’t pixelate even if you share the images via the internet.

The S39 does not require a cell battery as it can be charged using the USB port via your laptop or computer – once the low-battery warning pops up, plugin for a few hours. The alloy construction makes it strong against collision; hence, you don’t have to fret if you accidentally smash the copter against a wall or the ground.

To summarize, with durable built, low voltage, reverse connect protection, combined with excellent control over the movements, this helicopter becomes a top choice when it comes to indoor flying. You would have to invest some level of attention towards the maintenance, but other than that, it is as good as it can get!

WHAT WE LIKED

  • The durable quality of construction
  • Built-in gyro for stability
  • Lower voltage
  • Infrared control

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Not at all suitable for outdoor flying

Material: Plastic
Range:  20 meters
Flight Time: 5-7 minutes
Dimensions: 10.75 x 7.83 x 5.12 inches

Weight: 22.56 ounces

Best Outdoor

If you want an attractive-looking, yet efficient helicopter, look no further! The unique drone-shaped design of this copter.

Highlights

This production of SYMA offers the best of drones, as it comes with the unique helicopter design with the shape of a drone. This allows the helicopter to fly aerobically. Once the copter takes off from the ground, it can rotate in a circular motion. As soon as you move the joystick left or right, the copter will follow up, making the circular maneuver seamless! This movement is unique to the SYMA RC helicopter because of its design.

Furthermore, with the built-in gyro, you could hover and control the copter while keeping it abundantly stable during the flight. This feature can come in handy for people who have not had much experience with flying remote control helicopters. The altitude hold feature of this copter will allow you to lock the position of the copter at a certain height. Once the device is locked, you can leave the controller, and the copter will still retain the position where it was locked. Thus, even if a mere child is operating the copter, he will experience sheer stability while flying the device. This helicopter is suitable for both indoor and outdoor flying; thus, you could expect some level of versatility from it.

The RC helicopter also comes with a landing pat, which will enable you to safely land the helicopter once you’re done flying. If not anything, this pat can be used as an excellent prop. Apart from the conventional features of a copter, this model comes with an emergency stop button and LED light. You would need 4 AA batteries for the transmitter of the copter to keep the device running. These will have to be bought separately.

To summarize, the SYMA is known for manufacturing some of the best remote control helicopters, and this model offers the best of SYMA. With excellent construction, long flight time, and great control distance, this production is nothing short of excellent if you want to buy a value for money RC helicopter.

WHAT WE LIKED

  • Unique drone-shaped design
  • Built-in gyro for stable control
  • Wide range
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

  • Short battery life

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Remote Control Helicopter with Live Camera

Before you go ahead and buy a remote control helicopter with a live camera, you need to consider the following things;

1) Type

Remote control Helicopters can be divided into two types; Ready to Fly (RTF) and Almost Ready to Fly (ARF). RTF helicopters are operational right from the box. In this type, all the components of the helicopter are pre-assembled, and all you have to do is insert the batteries and reap the enjoyment. However, ARF helicopters are only 90% assembled. It requires further construction, which needs to be done on your part. Thus, while buying an RC helicopter, consider if you want a ready to fly the helicopter, one that can be operated right after unboxing, or almost ready to fly, one that requires further building and purchase of additional parts, if need be.

2) Source of Power 

While most RC helicopters today are electric, you will also have an option of a gas-powered helicopter. Electrically powered RC helicopters have the upper hand, though. They’re less expensive and much simpler to use when compared with gas-powered helicopters. Electric helicopters can further be powered by either batteries or charging adapter. If your copter is solely powered by batteries, you may have an added expense of replacing the batteries again and again at depletion. However, if it can be charged via an adapter or a simple USB cable, you can replenish the power through your computer or laptop. This is a more cost-effective option. It all boils down to your budget and how much you are willing to invest in the device.

3) Size 

Helicopters can come in various shapes and sizes. Typically, small-to-medium-sized drones are preferred due to the compactness of the instrument. They can be flown either indoors or outdoors. However, large-sized drones can be flown only outdoors and that too, in a conveniently open area lest it crashes into something. If the RC helicopter is meant to be a gift for a child, you can go for a small-sized helicopter; however, if it is meant for an experienced flyer, by all means, purchase a large-sized helicopter.

4) Budget

The RC helicopters for beginners can begin from $50 and go to $70. If you want a more advanced model that is equipped with all the latest technology such as altitude hold, WiFI FPV, built-in gyro, wide range, and excellent flying time, be ready to invest well over $100. (1, 2)

5) Durability

Helicopters crash, let’s admit that. But what counts is if your copter can sustain a few crashes and collisions without malfunctioning. The durability of the RC helicopter is determined centrally by the construction. Naturally, metal units are more durable than plastic ones, but the former is also more expensive. It eventually narrows down to your budget. Even if you do wish to go for a plastic helicopter, make sure it’s ABS plastic, which is much more durable than your regular plastic. Carbon Fiber helicopter, on the other hand, is the best and most expensive material you can find in the market. However, you could find plenty of budget RC helicopters that are durable as well if you do your research right. (3)

Conclusion

Remote control drones are the new vogue. Naturally, the demand for such a comprehensive and futuristic instrument is soaring to excellent heights. However, due to the availability of an assortment of quality drones, picking one instrument can be troublesome. There is a pool of things to consider and then another pool of drones to choose from. To make your task easier, in this article, we listed 3 of the best RC helicopters you can find in the market and chief things to consider before buying it. As mentioned before, our best pick has been Cheerwing U12S Mini RC Helicopter due to the sheer innovation and durable built!

You may also check other drone guides and reviews such as Best Mini Drone with Camera and Panther Spy Drone Review. And for learning articles, you may click here.

References

(1) WiFi FPV – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15v2I93sMQs
(2) gyro – https://www.britannica.com/technology/gyroscope
(3) Carbon Fiber – https://www.thoughtco.com/how-is-carbon-fiber-made-820391

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About Gadgets Spy

Hi, I’m Michael, a security and surveillance expert. I co-founded and write for GadetsSpy and help teach people about new tech and Gadgets.