Aviation loves love the wild blue yonder, but there’s another frontier that also beckons to be explored. If you’re a fan of aerial drones, consider the possibilities of an underwater drone.
The best underwater drone for you is one that will easily allow you to capture what you need while underwater. The greatest part is that you don’t even have to be under the water to do so. Uses for underwater drones continues to grow and they’re no longer an unobtainable product for people simply looking for another hobby. There is a long list of underwater drones available and we dug into the details on a few of the best ones to help you make a good investment. Keep your underwater adventures fun and effortless with the best underwater drone today.
Chasing Dory Underwater Drone
This palm-sized drone features a 1080p Full HD camera for real-time viewing and is controlled via a smartphone app available for iOS and Android. It connects using a WiFi buoy with a 49-foot tether. The drone includes lights and requires calibration for its internal sensors in different water environments.
Its small size is ideal for travel and fishing. Users find it easy to use, with effective controls. For its price, the 1080p video quality is considered a good bargain.
Price: $499
V-EVO/FIFISH V6 4K60FPS Underwater Drone Kit (QYSEA)
This drone offers 4K resolution at 60FPS, 360-degree omnidirectional movement, posture and depth hold, and AI Vision Lock. It supports VR control and comes with a removable SD card and an optional robotic arm. The kit is described as having a high-quality feel and is built to be tough for serious use.
Reviewers praise its incredible video and image quality and excellent maneuverability, which allows for precise control over footage.
Price: $1,399
Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Camcorder
This drone features a 4K camera with EIS anti-shake technology, patented technology to prevent motor jams, and can dive to 660 feet. It is operated via a remote control and a companion app.
The Gladius MINI S supports the attachment of grabber claw and motion cameras, so users can easily pick up objects in the water or shoot videos with higher pixel requirements.
Price: $1,399
IIPOSAQQ Professional Underwater Drone with 8 Vectored Thrusters
Don’t let the sticker price shock you. This model is equipped with eight vectored thrusters, allowing for omni-directional movement up to 3 knots. It has a 4K camera with EIS, an anti-stuck motor, and can dive to 330 feet with a 660-foot radius.
It records depth and temperature, supports live broadcasting, and allows for time-lapse photography and taking photos while recording video. The footage can be streamed to a smart device and saved on a removable SD card. It has a 2-4 hour run time and an aluminum alloy body designed for quick deployment.
Price: $41,199.52
What Is an Underwater Drone?
There are many types of drones out there and they continue to advance. While many people think of flying drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) when drones are being referenced, underwater drones or ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) are an option as well. Underwater drones are essentially waterproof submarine-type vehicles that can explore the ocean or other waters for you or with you. Several of the best underwater drones come equipped with cameras of varying quality to allow you to capture images and videos of your underwater adventures. There are also underwater drones that allow you to mount your own camera or light as well. Underwater drones are advancing year after year, so be sure to find the best underwater drone for your next underwater adventure.
Underwater Drone vs. Regular Drone
Regular drones are also called unmanned aerial vehicles and depending on the size, require registration with the FAA. While you will always need to check rules and restrictions in the water space you’re looking to explore, you won’t have to worry about registration with your underwater drone. Regular drones and underwater drones both often come equipped with cameras allowing you to capture your adventures. While you won’t have to learn to fly your underwater drone, it is recommended to learn the controls before you take it out for exploring. The controls are often similar between regular drones and underwater drones making the crossover easy for those looking to have a hobby in both. It’s amazing what drones can do these days, no matter what you’re looking to do with a drone, the right one is out there when you know what your requirements are.
What to Consider With an Underwater Drone
With major price differences among the best underwater drones, it’s highly recommended to do some research before you buy.
Underwater Drone Price
Price will always be a major factor to consider when purchasing an underwater drone. They can be a significant investment, but when you do a little research to ensure you get the one best suited for you, you’ll be pleased with your fun and rewarding investment. Lower price options are available at $399, but that is an option that comes without a camera and instead of a camera mount. Other options are available in the $1,000 to $2,000 range and the camera features continue to impress.
Tether Cable
While not all underwater drones have a tether cable, many do and the length is a very important piece to consider. The shorter the tether cable, the more restricted you are in your underwater exploration. If you are looking at a tethered underwater drone, make sure it has a cable long enough to allow for the exploring you’re wanting to do. Wireless options are available, but they do have limited ranges as well.
Underwater Camera Capabilities
Unfortunately, being underwater can drastically affect the quality of your images or video. Sometimes, not even the best camera can assist when the water is dark or murky. Thankfully, there are underwater drones that come with not only outstanding camera options, but they have high quality lights as well. Underwater drones have lights with varying lumens so you can be sure your subject can be lit up properly.
Battery Life for Underwater Drones
The battery life of the underwater drone must be considered because it’s likely you don’t want to interrupt your exploration just to change or charge a battery. Several of the best underwater drones have long-lasting batteries that you can typically rely on for 3-4 hours. If the underwater drone has varying speeds, the higher speeds will often reduce your underwater drone’s battery life.
Licensing and Permits for Underwater Drones
This is where regular drones and underwater drones still differ greatly. As of right now, you do not have to register your underwater drone. While this may change in the future, you currently just need to ensure you are allowed to be in the water space you are in while following any rules or regulations for that water space.
Explore the Waters with an Underwater Drone
Underwater drones can be used for many things and they can help you explore the water on your own terms. Not only are underwater drones great for exploring, but they’ve helped make it safer to do so. Waters can hold the unknown and while that’s intriguing for many, it can also be a dangerous place to be. Don’t let yourself wonder any longer, find out which of the best underwater drones will work for you and get your adventure started in no time. FLYING is always exploring the latest and greatest drones and can help you get the information you need, subscribe today!
FAQ
What is an underwater drone? An underwater drone, also known as a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), is a device that allows you to explore underwater environments without having to physically enter the water yourself.
Do I need to register my underwater drone with the FAA? No, unlike flying drones, underwater drones do not require FAA registration. However, it’s always a good idea to check local water space regulations before operating your drone.
What are some popular uses for underwater drones? Underwater drones are used for a variety of purposes, including personal hobbies like underwater exploration, photography, and videography, as well as professional applications such as inspecting underwater structures, marine research, and even fishing.
What factors should I consider when buying an underwater drone? When purchasing an underwater drone, key factors to consider include:
- Price: Drones can range from around $400 to over $5,000.
- Tether Cable Length/Wireless Range: This determines how far your drone can go from the controller.
- Camera Capabilities: Look for good light quality and resolution for photography and videography.
- Battery Life: This dictates how long you can operate the drone on a single charge.
What are some of the top underwater drone options available? The article highlights several top options, each suited for different needs:
- Gladius Mini: Best for thorough exploration.
- Nemo: Ideal for long exploration sessions.
- Fifish V6: Excellent for high-quality photography and videography.
- Geneinno S2: A great choice for GoPro users.
- Chasing Dory: Recommended for new users due to its ease of use.
- PowerVision PowerRay Wizard: A versatile option for all-around exploration.
How do underwater drones differ from flying drones? The primary difference is their operating environment and associated regulations. Underwater drones operate in water and do not require FAA registration, while flying drones operate in the air and are subject to FAA rules.
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