This camera-equipped drone is so small it doesn’t require FAA registration

Drone maker Axis recently launched its new Vidius quadcopter that can fit in the palm of your hand. Billed as the world’s smallest first-person view (FPV) drone, this zippy little machine is capable of live-streaming vision from the aircraft to the pilot’s device. 

The Vidius drone in all its glory. Image source: Axis Drones.

Measuring just 1.7 inches and weighing less than .55 pounds, the Vidius is controlled by an included 2.4 gHz controller, or an Android or Apple device via the accompanying app. Aside from being light-weight and taking up almost no space at all, the major benefit of this quadcopter is that it doesn’t meet the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines that require a $5 registration.

With a low-res camera built into its nose, the Vidius can relay its vision (with a maximum distance of 100 feet) to the user via Wi-Fi, allowing a first-person perspective of all the action. It can snap stills and record video at 420p, and the captured images can be shared over social media and email from within the smartphone app. 

The Vidius is controlled by an included 2.4 gHz controller, or an Android or Apple device via the accompanying app. Image source: Axis Drones.

A full battery charge takes only 20 minutes and provides the drone with a flight-time of five to seven minutes. It’s kept level thanks to gyro stabilization, but because of its light-weight build, even a slight breeze will make it a bit tough to have full control over it.

Targeted at novice pilots, the Vidius ships with a set of pre-programmed flight maneuvers such as rolls and flips, and users can ease into control with three different flight speeds. Currently the Vidius is priced at $75. Axis is accepting orders on its website with a ship date of January 29^th at the latest.