Whether they’re delivering everything from medication to insoles, whether they’re mapping for construction, capturing video for filmmakers, or just letting a pilot get their thrill on, drones are filling our skies. As of January, there were nearly 1.8 million drone crafts registered with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. And while plenty are on-the-job vehicles, more than two thirds are simple recreational drones, helping enthusiasts and wannabe enthusiasts scratch that itch for flight. For those just looking for a fun little stealth flyer to zip around the house or take to the park, the Ninja Dragon Vortex 9 RC Quadcopter Drone ($79.99, 46 percent off, from TNW Deals) should be right in their wheelhouse, packing in enough portability, ease of use, and a genuinely attention-grabbing camera complement to make most casual drone pilots happy. While small in size, the Vortex 9 doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic craft that’ll break down or be buffeted by the elements. At less than five inches long with a foldable wing design that makes it especially easy to launch and transport, the Vortex 9 practically fits in your hand. Plus, it’s headless, so most flyers won’t have the usual orientation problems trying to make sure the craft is always pointed in the right direction. Its construction likely plays a role in its ultra-smooth flight abilities, including a 6-axis gyroscope that allows for a full range of aerobatic maneuvers while remaining very stable in the air. Speaking of stable, the Vortex 9 also features an altitude hold mode, which allows for the drone to basically hang in the air in one place while you plot out your next move. It also comes with some nice flight features, including a routing option to run this drone through the precise course you laid out, as well as a one key automatic return that sends it right back to its starting point with the press of just one button. Despite its flight prowess, the real selling point for the Vortex 9 is its rock-solid 4K HD camera abilities, featuring a dual camera effect to get both front and rear facing views. With 4K, images are four times as crisp as full HD 1080p resolution, and all your footage is viewable in real time when the craft is synced through the accompanying WiFi-enabled app. Finally, the Vortex 9 can log up to 15 minutes of flight time on a single charge so pilots can film all kinds of great aerial footage with longer capabilities than other similar drone models. The Ninja Dragon Vortex 9 RC Quadcopter Drone usually retails for $149, but with the current deal, it’s on sale at almost half off, just $79.99 while this offer lasts. Prices are subject to change.
