The 450 Naza quadcopter type is probably the most common DIY drone build ever. It is perfect for beginners because it is also suitable for when your skill has advanced. It can easily lift a smaller camera such as a GoPro and fly for 15-25 minutes. And it will cost $470-$670, depending on if you already have a transmitter or which battery you are going to use. The 450 size is basically the best bang for buck DIY quadcopter type for those who want to learn aerial photography.
- Frame: Q450 V3 Glass Fiber – $11.50 From Hobbyking
- Flight Controller: DJI Naza-M V2 – $260 From Amazon.com
- Motors, ESC & Propellers: DJI E310 Set – $159 From Amazon.com
- Battery: Turnigy 3000mAh 3S 30C LiPo – $18.78 From Hobbyking
- Flight Transmitter w/ Receiver: FrSky TARANIS X9D and X8R – $219.99 From Hobbyking
Total with Transmitter: $669.27
Total without Transmitter: $449.28
There are a couple of items you could change: the DJI 310 motor, esc & prop set and the battery. The reason why I chose the DJI E310 set is because the DJI ESCs function perfectly with the motors and flight controller because they are made for eachother. The DJI E310 set ESCs also come with LEDs for direction.
If you have looked around then you have probably also noticed the DJI Naza-M Lite flight controller. The reason why I chose the more expensive V2 is because I have found the Lite to be too unstable. At least mine drifts a lot. It is also a really common issue if you google it. The Naza-M V2 will last you for ages and is perfect for also advanced flyers.
Here is a video of the 450 build with the DJI E310 set:
You can also use Sunnysky X2212 KV980 motors, Afro 20A ESC and Gemfan propellers. In that case the build will look like this:
- Frame: Q450 V3 Glass Fiber – $11.50 From Hobbyking
- Flight Controller: DJI Naza-M V2 – $260 From Amazon.com
- Motors: Sunnysky X2212 KV980 4pcs – $79.80 From BuddyRC
- ESC: Afro ESC 30A OPTO 4pcs – $55.20 From Hobbyking
- Propellers: Gemfan 9047 4pcs CW ($2.75) & 4pcs CCW ($4.62) – $7.37 From Hobbyking
- Battery: Turnigy 3000mAh 3S 30C LiPo – $18.78 From Hobbyking
- Flight Transmitter w/ Receiver: FrSky TARANIS X9D and X8R – $219.99 From Hobbyking
Total with Transmitter: $652.64
Total without Transmitter: $432.65
I have not included accessories such as connectors, extra wires, soldering supplies etc. You are also going to need a battery charger if you don’t already have it.
PS! With the 3000mAh 3S LiPos you will get around 10-12 minutes of flight time without any added weight. So I would recommend purchasing 2 of them. I have found that to be great for learning how to fly.
Once you get more advanced you should look for a 5000mAh LiPo that will increase the flight time to around 22 minutes. Once you start adding weight, such as cameras etc, the flight time will start to drop. But when you reach that level then I would recommend switching the propellers to bigger ones as well. This build can support up to 11×4.7 propellers. Also for adding a camera you are going to need landing gear. You can purchase them off aliexpress or amazon for around $7.
