Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have made significant strides in the photography and entertainment industry. Widely used in movies, sports, documentaries, and ad films, drones allow photographers and filmmakers to capture shots that were previously impossible or too costly to achieve.
With camera drones, professional photographers can shoot wide shots of remote or hard-to-reach landscapes, follow-along close-up views of sports or other action with impressive fly-throughs, fly-bys, and fly-overs, providing a level of camera motion freedom that was so far available only in animation.
By replacing spider cams, camera dollies, cranes, and helicopters, drones have drastically reduced production costs. Their versatility, adaptability, and ability to access narrow spaces and fly close to humans and buildings with fewer legal and safety restrictions compared to helicopters make them the perfect device to capture high-quality stunning aerial images from different altitudes.
Drones are generally classified based on their purpose, size, design, and area of application. Picking up the best drone depends on its purpose – logistics, surveillance, infotainment, recreational racing, indoor, and outdoor activities. If you want to buy a drone, there are plenty of varieties available in the market. The image quality, gimbal calibration, and ability to shoot in low light are some of the most important factors when buying camera drones. In this article, we look at some of the best camera drones for photographers and indoor/outdoor purposes.
1. DJI Air 3
Weight: 720g | Dimensions (folded): 180×97×74mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 183×253×77mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/120fps, 1080p/240fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 46 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph
The DJI Air 3 offers cutting-edge features and incredible performance for both amateur and professional photographers. Equipped with a dual-camera system that includes a wide-angle and a telephoto lens, it captures stunning 48MP photos and can shoot 4K videos at up to 120fps. This drone is perfect for those who need versatility and high-quality imaging in one compact package.
Pros:
- High image quality with dual cameras
- Extended flight time
- Advanced obstacle avoidance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Requires some experience to handle effectively
2. DJI Mini 3 Pro
Weight: 249g | Dimensions (folded): 145×90×62mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 171×245×62mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 34 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 57kph / 35mph
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, portable, and powerful drone. With its 4K video capability and 48MP camera, it offers remarkable image quality. Its compact size makes it highly portable, and it’s also packed with advanced features like obstacle sensing in three directions and intelligent flight modes.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- High-quality imaging
- Advanced safety features
Cons:
- No zoom capabilities
- Limited in high winds
3. DJI Mavic 3
Weight: 895g | Dimensions (folded): 221×96.3×90.3mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 347.5×283×107.7mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps | Camera resolution: 20MP (Wide) & 12MP (Tele) | Battery life: 46 minutes | Max Range: 15km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph
The DJI Mavic 3 is a top-tier drone for those looking for the best in aerial photography and videography. Featuring a dual-camera setup with a Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor for the wide camera and a telephoto camera, it delivers exceptional image quality and dynamic range. Its long flight time and range make it ideal for extensive shooting sessions.
Pros:
- Exceptional image quality
- Long flight time and range
- Advanced safety and obstacle avoidance
Cons:
- High cost
- Complexity for beginners
4. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Weight: 835g | Dimensions (folded): 210×123×95mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 429×425×95mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 6K/30fps, 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 50MP | Battery life: 40 minutes | Max Range: 12km | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph
The Autel EVO Lite+ is a strong contender in the camera drone market, offering a 6K video resolution and a 50MP camera. Its low-light capabilities are particularly impressive, making it a great choice for photographers who often shoot during dawn or dusk. The drone’s robust build and long battery life further add to its appeal.
Pros:
- Excellent low-light performance
- High-resolution video and photos
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than competitors
- High price point
5. Skydio 2+
Weight: 775g | Dimensions (unfolded): 280×330×110mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/60fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 27 minutes | Max Range: 6km | Max Speed: 58kph / 36mph
The Skydio 2+ stands out with its autonomous flying capabilities, making it perfect for those who need to focus on capturing the perfect shot without worrying about piloting the drone. Its advanced AI-driven obstacle avoidance and subject tracking systems ensure smooth and safe flights even in complex environments.
Pros:
- Advanced autonomous flying
- Excellent obstacle avoidance
- High-quality imaging
Cons:
- Shorter flight time compared to some competitors
- Limited manual controls for experienced pilots
6. Parrot Anafi
Weight: 320g | Dimensions (folded): 244×67×65mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 175×240×65mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K HDR/30fps | Camera resolution: 21MP | Battery life: 25 minutes | Max Range: 4km | Max Speed: 55kph / 34mph
The Parrot Anafi is a versatile and portable drone that excels in capturing high-quality photos and videos. Its 4K HDR camera with a 21MP sensor delivers stunning image quality, and the unique 180-degree tilt gimbal allows for creative shooting angles. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great travel companion.
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Unique tilt gimbal
- Portable and lightweight
Cons:
- Limited obstacle avoidance
- Shorter battery life
7. Holy Stone HS720E
Weight: 495g | Dimensions (folded): 173×104×57mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 337×240×57mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/30fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 23 minutes | Max Range: 1km | Max Speed: 50kph / 31mph
The Holy Stone HS720E is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on essential features. With a 4K camera and electronic image stabilization, it offers good video and photo quality. It’s user-friendly and suitable for beginners, featuring GPS-assisted flight and a long control range.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Good image stabilization
- User-friendly features
Cons:
- Limited range
- Average battery life
8. Potensic Dreamer Pro
Weight: 765g | Dimensions: 350×320×75mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K/30fps | Camera resolution: 16MP | Battery life: 31 minutes | Max Range: 2km | Max Speed: 40kph / 25mph
The Potensic Dreamer Pro offers a good balance between cost and performance. Its 4K camera with a 16MP sensor ensures decent image quality, and the long battery life allows for extended flight sessions. The drone also features intelligent flight modes like follow me, orbit, and waypoints, enhancing the shooting experience.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Good value for money
- Intelligent flight modes
Cons:
- Limited image resolution
- Bulky design
These drones provide a variety of features catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start with aerial photography or a professional seeking high-quality footage, there’s a drone on this list for you.
