The Parrot Bebop 2 is a popular mid-range drone that has been well-received for its balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use. It’s a suitable choice for beginners and hobbyists looking to get into aerial photography and FPV racing without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
The Bebop 2 is lightweight and compact, weighing just 500 grams. Its small size makes it highly portable and easy to carry, while its durable build can withstand minor bumps and crashes, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The flexible propellers and robust frame contribute to its resilience, enhancing its durability during flight (DroneDJ) (GearLab).
Camera Performance
The drone is equipped with a 14MP camera that captures full HD 1080p video. It features electronic image stabilization, which helps in producing smoother footage, although it’s not as effective as a mechanical gimbal. The camera’s wide-angle lens offers a broad field of view, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. While the image quality is good for its price range, it’s worth noting that it may not match higher-end drones in terms of clarity and detail (DroneDJ) (UAV Adviser).
Flight Performance
One of the standout features of the Bebop 2 is its impressive flight time. With a 2700mAh battery, the drone can fly for up to 25 minutes on a single charge. This is quite generous for a drone in this price category. The Bebop 2 can reach speeds of up to 37 mph, making it agile and responsive. It handles well in moderate wind conditions but may struggle in stronger winds (DroneDJ) (UAV Adviser).
Control and Connectivity
The Bebop 2 can be controlled via the FreeFlight Pro app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. The app interface is intuitive and offers various control options, including flight planning and waypoint navigation. The Skycontroller adds to the control experience, extending the range up to 2 kilometers and providing physical joysticks for more precise maneuvering. The FPV headset included in the FPV package offers an immersive flying experience (DroneDJ) (UAV Adviser).
Safety Features
Safety is well-addressed with the Bebop 2. It includes GPS for accurate navigation and return-to-home functionality, which automatically brings the drone back to its takeoff point if the connection is lost or the battery is low. The drone also has emergency cut-out features that stop the propellers in case of a collision (UAV Adviser).
Price Range of the Parrot Bebop 2
The Parrot Bebop 2 generally falls in the price range of $250 to $350, depending on the retailer and any additional accessories included, such as the Skycontroller or FPV package. This price range positions it as a mid-tier drone, offering a balance between affordability and feature-rich performance.
Comparison to Other Drones in the Same Price Range
DJI Spark
- Price: Around $400 (often found on sale for $300-$350).
- Camera: 12MP camera with 1080p video at 30fps.
- Flight Time: Approximately 16 minutes.
- Features: Two-axis mechanical gimbal for stabilization, intelligent flight modes like QuickShots, and robust obstacle avoidance sensors.
Comparison: The DJI Spark is slightly more expensive but offers a mechanical gimbal for better video stabilization and a comprehensive set of intelligent flight features. However, it has a shorter flight time compared to the Bebop 2.
- Price: Around $300.
- Camera: 2K FHD camera with electronic image stabilization.
- Flight Time: Approximately 26 minutes.
- Features: GPS-assisted flight, return-to-home, follow-me mode, and brushless motors for quieter operation.
Comparison: The Holy Stone HS720 is priced similarly and offers slightly longer flight time and comparable camera quality with electronic stabilization. It lacks some of the advanced intelligent flight modes found in the Bebop 2.
Potensic D85
- Price: Around $250.
- Camera: 2K camera with adjustable angle.
- Flight Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Features: GPS positioning, return-to-home, follow-me mode, and brushless motors.
Comparison: The Potensic D85 is a more budget-friendly option with decent camera quality and essential GPS features. It offers a shorter flight time and less advanced camera stabilization compared to the Bebop 2.
Pros and Cons of the Parrot Bebop 2
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Good flight time of up to 25 minutes
- Intuitive control app with advanced features
- Effective digital stabilization for smoother video
- Return-to-home and other safety features
Cons:
- Image quality is decent but not exceptional
- Performance can be affected by strong winds
- Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors
Conclusion
The Parrot Bebop 2 is a versatile and reliable drone that offers a great mix of features for its price range. It is particularly well-suited for beginners and hobbyists who want a durable, easy-to-fly drone with decent camera capabilities. While it may not compete with high-end drones in terms of image quality, its long flight time, user-friendly controls, and robust design make it a worthy contender in the mid-range drone market. If you’re looking for an affordable yet capable drone, the Parrot Bebop 2 is definitely worth considering (DroneDJ) (GearLab) (UAV Adviser).
Check out this great Jerad Hill Tech Parrot Bebop 2 review for more insights!
