Parrot Anafi

From £630/$559

www.parrot.com WEIGHT: 310g DIMENSIONS: 3244x 67x65mm (folded), 240x175x65mm (unfolded) CONTROLLER: Yes

VIDEO RESOLUTION: 4K HDR 30fps CAMERA RESOLUTION: 21Mp BATTERY LIFE: 25 minutes (2700mah) MAX RANGE: 4km/2.5mi MAX SPEED: 55kph/35mph

PARROT WASN’T really a contender in the high-end aerial video market until the Anafi arrived, but it was worth the wait. Rather than push up the Anafi’s price and weight with sensors, Parrot leaves the business of avoiding obstacles to the pilot. In exchange, it’s managed to keep the price and portability manageable.

The carbon-fibre elements of the body feel a bit cheap, but this is still one of the best-built frames on the market, and it’s easy to operate thanks to automatic take-off and landing, and a Gps-based return-to-home feature. The well-built controller is easier to operate than some recent alternatives from DJI.

However, Parrot charges extra for in-app features like follow-me modes, which DJI includes as standard. The gimbal is only powered on two axes, relying on software to handle sharp turns. Still, it can rotate 180 degrees upward for an unobstructed angle most drones can’t manage.

VERDICT

PROS: 4K at 100Mbps with HDR; folds small; it can zoom

CONS: Only two-axis gimbal control; in-app purchases

WE SAY: A well thought out and valued contender