Cheap drone launches with zoom camera, 4K video and load dropping

A $290 drone from AliExpress comes equipped with a feature that might raise eyebrows: the ability to drop loads mid-flight. The AE60 Ultra's payload-dropping capability could prove useful for reaching remote locations, though many countries require special permits for such operations.

This dual-camera drone packs impressive specs for its price point. Its gimbal houses both a main camera capturing 4K video with a 110-degree field of view and a secondary lens offering 5x optical zoom. The system can tilt, rotate, and roll across three axes while transmitting footage up to 12 kilometers away.

The included controller features a 7.2-inch touchscreen running Android, complete with app installation capabilities. GPS navigation ensures the drone returns home automatically when its 29-minute battery runs low, while obstacle avoidance helps prevent crashes.

However, potential buyers should note the drone's 727-gram weight exceeds the 250-gram recreational flying limit in many countries, meaning operators may need special licensing. The AE60 Ultra highlights how advanced drone technology continues becoming more accessible, even as regulations struggle to keep pace.