The task of measuring Consumer Camera Drone Sales on Amazon is getting more and more difficult, as these drones are often placed in the wrong categories – therefore the wrong sales rank! However, with a couple hours of work, we are able to get a good guess at what is selling – and what is not.
In general, our list only covers consumer camera drones with stabilized cameras – in the $400-$1800 price range. This covers the vast majority of current serious drone purchases (toys are another story).
The short story here is that DJI continues to dominate. In fact, things seem to have gotten worse for the two former competitors, Yuneec and Autel, neither of which will make this list. Please note that we add comments and opinion in this listing.
#1 – The DJI Mavic Pro still appears to be the largest selling Camera Drone on Amazon. This could change once a large supply of #2 becomes available.
#2. DJI Spark Fly More Package – this
is DJI’s new super-compact drone…however this package contains a number of extras which expand the capabilities. This unit is also available in multiple colors. Note: It remains to be seen if Spark has the “staying power” of Mavic Pro or of the Phantom lines once the initial early adopters buy theirs.
#3. Phantom 3 Standard – this is still less than $500 a appeals to the camera drone buyer who wants the best camera and capabilities available at that price point.
#4. Phantom 4 (plain – older model) – This is a tried and true drone that has often been our top suggestion. In fact, for many consumer drone buyers, we’d still suggest either the Phantom 4, Phantom 3 Pro or Mavic Pro.
#5. Phantom 3 Pro (older model) – These older models might be out of production but they sell well – both new and refurb. This is probably due to their great track record over the 2 years since introduction. This makes the P3P a conservative choice.
#6. Phantom 4 Pro – Available in various configurations (use your device or purchase it with built-in device), this is the new unit with a 1″ sensor and advanced technology. Prosumer photographers (the camera has focus, aperture and MANY other settings) are choosing these units for pro-level video and 20MP Stills.
#7. Parrot BeBop 2 FPV Kit – the low price of this combo has finally created a hot seller for Parrot. It is often available on Amazon for $499 complete with skycontroller and FPV headgear.
#8. LOTS OF LEFTOVERS and slow sellers – There are many discontinued or slow selling models which make up – all together – a reasonable number of Amazon sales. These include older models from Yuneec, DJI, Autel, Xiro, Parrot and even the 3DR Solo (Solo is definitely not suggested for anyone other than serious hackers who know what they are getting into). The reason I mention these other units is that they are largely already produced and sitting in warehouses…and are taking a small percentage of sales from the current models listed above. At some point these will likely be sold out or discontinued as few buyers are going to want 2-3 year old technology.
In summary, there is a lot of “odd” inventory out there at dealers as well as manufacturers – you can even buy brand new DJI models which are 3 generations or more behind. Logic dictates that this inventory will run down soon and even more customers will be buying the more current units.
In terms of percentages – it’s a stab in the dark, but my take is that DJI is making 80% of the unit sales on Amazon (and possibly elsewhere). At this point it’s safe to say that many of the former competitors simply haven’t been able to catch up…or to differentiate themselves enough to gain a niche in the marketplace.
Enjoy your Spring flying! Here is a shot of a partial rainbow I was able to get tonight (Mavic Pro).
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