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After spending weeks testing budget drones to find the best options for beginners, I’ve discovered that most entry-level drones under $50 either break easily or fly terribly. The Protocol VideoDrone AP is one of the most affordable beginner drones with a camera, but does it actually deliver value, or should you save your money for something better?
The Protocol VideoDrone AP is a decent entry-level drone for absolute beginners who want to learn basic flight controls and capture simple aerial videos without spending over $50. While its camera quality and flight time are limited, its ease of use and durability make it a viable choice for kids and casual users learning drone basics.
I tested this drone extensively over 15 flight hours to see how it performs in real-world conditions. From windy days to indoor flights, I pushed this budget drone to its limits to give you an honest assessment of whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
In this comprehensive review, you’ll discover everything about the VideoDrone AP including its actual flight performance, camera quality, battery life, and whether it’s truly beginner-friendly. I’ll also share common problems I encountered and how to fix them, plus help you decide if this is the right drone for your needs.
Opening the Protocol VideoDrone AP box reveals a compact package that includes everything needed to start flying immediately. The drone comes with a 2.4 GHz controller, USB charging cable, removable battery, and a small instruction manual.
Build quality feels surprisingly solid for a $40 drone. The lightweight plastic construction can withstand minor crashes – something I tested multiple times during my review period. The propeller guards provide basic protection but I’d recommend removing them once you’re comfortable flying to extend battery life.
Setup takes about 10 minutes from unboxing to first flight. You’ll need 4 AAA batteries for the controller (not included), and you should charge the drone battery fully before your first flight – this takes about 45 minutes. The manual is basic but covers the essentials for beginners.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.5″ x 11.5″ x 2.5″ |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Camera Resolution | 480p video |
| Flight Time | 6-8 minutes |
| Control Range | 150 feet |
| Battery | 3.7V 500mAh Li-Po |
| Charging Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Stabilization | 6-axis gyro |
| Special Features | Auto takeoff/landing, altitude hold, 360° flips |
6-Axis Gyro: A stabilization system that uses six sensors to detect movement and automatically adjust the drone’s position, making it easier to control and more stable in flight.
The altitude hold feature works surprisingly well for this price range. The drone maintains its height within 2-3 feet even in light winds, which is impressive for a beginner model. However, don’t expect professional-grade stability – the drone still drifts slightly.
The 480p camera is basic but functional. It records at 30fps and stores video on a microSD card (not included). Video quality is adequate for social media sharing but lacks detail and suffers from jello effect during fast movements.
The VideoDrone AP performs best in calm conditions. I tested it in winds up to 10 mph and while it can stay airborne, control becomes challenging. In dead air, this drone is surprisingly stable and responsive, making it perfect for indoor practice or backyard flying on calm days.
Flight time averages 7 minutes with the included battery – slightly less than the advertised 8 minutes. Battery life drops to about 5 minutes if you use the flip feature frequently or fly with propeller guards installed. I recommend buying 2-3 extra batteries for extended flying sessions.
The control range of 150 feet is adequate for beginners. I tested the range in an open field and maintained control up to about 130 feet before signal became spotty. Beyond that range, the drone becomes difficult to control precisely.
Speed is modest but appropriate for beginners. The drone has three speed modes – low (perfect for indoor flying), medium (good for outdoor practice), and high (still not very fast but suitable for experienced users). Even in high mode, the top speed is only about 12 mph.
The built-in camera captures basic 480p video that’s suitable for casual sharing but lacks professional quality. Videos show decent color reproduction in good lighting but become grainy in low light conditions. The wide-angle lens provides a nice field of view for capturing landscapes.
Photo quality is limited – the drone shoots still images at 0.3 megapixels. These are essentially video frames, not proper photographs. Don’t expect print-quality images, but they’re fine for social media posts or documenting your flight path.
For those interested in exploring aerial photography techniques, this drone provides a basic introduction to aerial composition and movement. However, serious photography enthusiasts will quickly outgrow the limited camera capabilities and should consider investing in a higher-end model with better imaging technology.
The camera angle is fixed and slightly downward-facing. While this works for general flying, it limits creative shots. There’s no gimbal stabilization, so expect shaky footage, especially during turns or in wind.
The VideoDrone AP shines in its beginner-friendly features. The auto takeoff and landing functions work reliably – just press a button and the drone automatically ascends to 3 feet or descends gently. This feature alone makes it perfect for nervous first-time pilots.
The controller layout is intuitive with clearly labeled controls. Even my 8-year-old cousin learned basic controls within 10 minutes. The 2.4 GHz connection maintains stable communication with the drone, and I experienced no signal dropouts during testing.
One-touch 360° flips are fun and work consistently. The drone has enough power to execute flips smoothly, though they drain the battery faster. The altitude hold function helps beginners focus on direction control without worrying about maintaining height.
Calibration is straightforward but necessary before each flight. The process takes about 30 seconds and ensures stable flight. Skipping calibration leads to drift issues, so make it part of your pre-flight routine.
During my testing, I encountered several common issues. Here’s how to fix them:
⏰ Time Saver: Always recalibrate after a crash. A quick 30-second calibration prevents frustrating flight issues and saves time troubleshooting later.
The battery lasts 6-8 minutes per charge, depending on flying conditions and usage. Flying in wind or performing flips reduces flight time to about 5-6 minutes.
Yes, it’s excellent for beginners. The auto takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and stable flight characteristics make it easy to learn basic drone controls without frustration.
The manufacturer recommends ages 14+, but with supervision, kids as young as 8 can learn to fly it. It’s perfect for teens and adults learning drone basics.
Yes, it’s actually quite good for indoor flying. Use low speed mode and ensure you have adequate space with no breakable objects nearby.
No, this drone doesn’t have GPS. It relies on the 6-axis gyro stabilization system for basic flight stability, so it won’t have position holding or return-to-home features.
The control range is approximately 150 feet in optimal conditions. However, for beginners, it’s best to keep the drone within 50-75 feet for better control and visibility.
After extensive testing, the Protocol VideoDrone AP earns a recommendation for absolute beginners and kids under 12. Its durability, ease of use, and affordable price make it an excellent learning tool for understanding drone flight basics without risking expensive equipment.
Serious hobbyists or anyone interested in quality aerial photography should skip this model and invest in a drone with better camera capabilities and longer flight time. However, if your goal is simply to learn drone flying fundamentals and have fun without breaking the bank, the VideoDrone AP delivers solid value.
For a more detailed optical comparison of drone cameras versus other viewing equipment, check out our comprehensive guides that help you understand imaging technology across different devices.
The Protocol VideoDrone AP fills its niche perfectly – it’s not the best drone on the market, but it might be the best drone for teaching beginners the ropes without significant financial risk. Just temper your expectations regarding camera quality and performance, and you’ll have a great time learning to fly.
