Best Selling Camera Drones on Amazon – Summer 2017

Best Selling Camera Drones on Amazon – Summer 2017

Presented below. Our rankings are based on various methods since Amazon often classifies camera drones into different categories, hence differing rankings. However, by cross referencing and checking other industry sources we develop the best possible guesses as to the overall market.

1. DJI Spark – (all models and kits) – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link
2. DJI Mavic Pro (all models and kits) – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link
(#1 and #2 could be reversed – in all probability, Spark has higher units, but Mavic higher $$)
3. Phantom 3 Standard – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link
4. Phantom 4 (original fixed focus model) – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link (refurb only)
5. Phantom 4 Professional (all models) – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link
6. Phantom 3 Professional (discontinued but stock still available from various sellers) – Amazon Link – DJI Store Link (refurb only)

Note – there is a large gap in-between the top 6 above and those below – however, we wanted to include other brands in order to give consumers the relative positioning of sales. The Parrot FPV model is doing OK, however the Yuneec and the Autel seem to be slipping further down in ranking from our earlier articles. Our opinion is that the consumer drone market is driven largely by new product introductions…and the DJI Spark and Mavic Pro represent that. The Phantom 3 Standard continues to sell only because it is the only full featured major brand which comes in below the $450 price point, making it affordable to a much larger target market.

7. Parrot BeBop 2 FPV Kit – Amazon Link
8. Autel X-Star Premium – Amazon Link
9. Yuneec Typhoon H (All Models) – – Amazon Link

Note – some of the models above are available refurbished – often direct from the manufacturer and/or with full warranty. Some of these are good deals – some less so. To check on DJI (direct) available Refurbs you can go to this page on their site.

Overall, the summer of 2017 seems to represent a bit of a lull in drone sales with the exception of the Spark, due to its recent introduction. It is also possible that some segments of the market are approaching saturation and/or clashing with the reality of drone rules and regulations. Some hobbyists are complaining that it is difficult to find places to fly due to airport siting, population density and other such reasons. At the same time, the new possibilities in commercial operation (Part 107) should result in some growth for certain companies and models. As in previous years, much of the tale will be told by sales in the November/December/January time period.

Although we don’t yet have firm predictions, our off-the-cuff guess is that the DJI Spark will dominate the holiday sales due to its positioning as a truly portable consumer drone. Future articles will explore the Fall/Winter sales projections in greater detail.