Parrot AR Drone 2.0 vs Yuneec Typhoon H

The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 is very popular with modders and hackers and has large communities with events such as NodeCopter.js, a full days event where developers team up in groups of 3 to hack.

The team at NodeCopter team have assembled a list of modules that can be installed on the AR Drone 2.0 such as face recognition or controlling it via your web browser. There is also SkyJack, a program for using your AR Drone 2.0 to hunt down and take control of other Parrot Drones. It uses a Raspberry Pi with an Alfa AWUS036H wireless adapter in order to interact with the WiFi networks of other drones around yours.

As an optional purchase of about 127 USD, the Flight Recorder GPS can be added to the AR Drone via the USB port which adds a multitude of capabilities such as geolocation, selecting destination via a map, recording with a 4GB flash memory, returning to take-off point as well as stability improvements.

For the amount of features you get with the AR Drone 2.0, the price is excellent compared to the other drones. For about 300 USD(or 420 USD with the GPS addon) you receive all the basic and some advanced features of most drones for about half the price.

The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 is incredibly easy to use as it is flown just by using your iPhone or Android device. There are no complicated controls and it is easy to connect, just join the Drones network, launch the app and fly.

The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal which not only makes taking very steady captures easy, but also allows the camera to swivel 360 degrees. In addition, the landing gear retracts, so it doesn’t get in the way of your panning shots. The camera itself is on par with those found on other drones in this price range.

You can buy a second, smaller controller (with no screen) and have a second person controlling certain drone functions. For example, you can use it while doing certain activities in Follow Me mode. Alternatively, you can use it as a separate flying controller, while the other person controls the camera, essentially dividing the tasks of flying and filming/shooting.

While many drones come with a remote that requires a smartphone or tablet to monitor flying data and view live images, the Typhoon H doesn't need this: it comes with a remote with a built-in display. It’s an HD touchscreen display that allows you to change settings and see what you are filming in real time.

This drone has a sonar-based obstacle avoidance system, meaning it works well even in poor light conditions.

While the majority of drones have four rotors, the Typhoon H uses six rotors. This design makes the drone quieter and ensures the drone is able to land safely in case one of the rotors malfunctions.