It’s been our childhood dream to see the world from up above. Our dream came true when we finally flew on an airplane, but the truer experience comes from the eyes of these drones with best cameras. We no longer need a helicopter to shoot aerial videos while we have the entire crew in our hands. Live the true experience as you travel around the world with one of these 13 best drones for photography!
How To Choose Best Drones for Photography
There are two main factors when it comes to choosing camera drones: the drone and the camera itself. Best camera drones are more than just good cameras. They should extend to user-friendliness and budget. Here are some of the key features you should consider before buying:
Image Quality
First of all, think about why you need a drone camera in the first place. Are you a professional who takes lots of aerial shots? Or are you just a hobbyist who likes to try on new things? If you’re one of the latter, then image quality should not be your issue. In fact, we would recommend you drones for beginners instead. However, professionals should consider this factor as the low-quality camera will not do any justice, especially when you’re taking a photo from hundreds of feet above the ground.
Steadiness
No matter how sophisticated your high-resolution camera is, it will not work to mount on a drone without a shake-free feature. Imagine how hard it is to take still images with your camera, let alone on a drone. Without this feature, your images will be blurry. A good camera drone has to be able to shoot steady videos and capture crisp pictures.
Automation Features
Find a drone that has automation features like Follow Me and Return to Home at the very least. With these features, drones are more user-friendly. Avoid drones that need a steep learning curve unless you are an avid hobbyist or professional. Those are made with more complicated controls that will make the experience less enjoyable. Because believe us, it will take a lot of effort and time to master the art of droning without crashing it. You might end up buying some of these best drones for photography in bulk!
Weight
Since you will most likely want to use your drone camera to take photos of your travels, consider the weight, not just the drone itself, but all the accessories that come with it. Some drones are designed to be super steady with heavier weight as a trade-off. This may not be a wise option if you’re traveling light, especially if you don’t plan on bringing extra luggage set with you.
PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard
13
We start our list of best drones for photography with a product from PowerVision. This unorthodox-shaped drone just blew our mind out of the field with its rich feature and versatility. Created by PowerVision, PowerEgg X Wizard is a powerful UAV with a 4K camera embedded in its body. The 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) camera is equipped with AI to enhance image production. Its 12MP camera captures videos and images in a 4:3 ratio, stored into a micro-SD. This smart drone has a plethora of AI-powered features including the multi-angle face recognition and subject lock-on to track a moving object without a hitch. Shoot smoothly with its 3-axis gimbal camera stabilizer.
Enough about numbers, the reason why you should get your hands on this drone, besides its easy handling, is its ability to shoot in most weather. The waterproof housing included in the purchase is more than enough to protect the main body from rainwater and water splash. You can even land on and take off from water using its water-landing floats. Another perk from this drone is that you can operate it in 3 ways: as a flying drone, a handheld camera, and a personal camera with an included mini tripod. Looking for a better tripod? Check out our 13 Best Travel Tripods.
What We Love
All-weather filming: rain and dust won’t stop you from flying this drone!
Pros:
- 4K camera with a wide-angle view (170 degrees)
- Generous accessories included in the purchase
- Real-time audio syncing and recording as in drone mode
Cons:
It’s pricey but it comes with all accessories you need.
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Parrot Anafi FPV
12
Quite the contrary from the previous UAV, Parrot Anafi FPV is designed for newbie drone operators who want to take pictures and videos like a pro. This drone will simply do it for you! Clever features like ‘follow me’, ‘return home’, and real-time 360 degrees “little planet” are more than enough to shoot 4K HDR videos you can brag to your friends. Each video you take is shake-free, thanks to the camera’s 3-axis gimbal. This drone is super light and compact, perfect to bring on your next vacation. Put everything you need with it into a smart backpack included in the purchase.
“FPV” stands for First Person View. This feature is made to ensure immersion while flying the drone. The additional Race mode is also included along with other modes like Arcade and Cinematic in case you want to have a taste of drone racing, though we don’t recommend it for such purpose. This little dragonfly camera uses the USB-C connection (fast charging) for a 26 minutes air ride and 1 km control range at most. Make sure you set your Return-to-Home route before flying this drone to prevent it from getting lost in case of accidental disconnectivity.
What We Love
Small but packs a punch. It has plenty of user-friendly features suitable for travelers and aerial photography hobbyists.
Pros:
- Viewing goggles included (Cockpitglasses 3)
- Compact built but still strong against the wind
- Lossless zoom
Cons:
You need to pay extra for some popular features.
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PowerVision PowerEye Drone (CU)
11
As you can tell from its self-explanatory name, PowerVision PowerEye Drone is all about power and control. While the best drones for photography are built for a broad range of users, PowerVision created PowerEye Drone specifically for professionals. You won’t find automation features like face-tracking or ‘fly-home’ because what’s the point if you’re a pro? Instead of those, the PowerEye is equipped with technologies, such as high-definition video streaming from up to a 5-km distance and main camera interchangeable lenses.
The size is indeed bulky, but you will need that to tackle strong winds. It’s flyable up to 4 km and maximum airtime at 30 minutes per charge. There are currently 2 models you can choose, Professional and Thermal. It extends to the lens included in the purchase and the specification of the micro four-thirds lens attached to the main body. This alone should put PowerVision as one of the drones with best cameras.
What We Love
Flying this UAV is like having a personal aerial photography crew on a helicopter.
Pros:
- Interchangeable main lenses
- High-definition video streaming
- Thermal imaging (for Thermal mode purchase)
Cons:
Not for beginners.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
10
It’s impossible to talk about camera drones without mentioning DJI, the leading brand of the industry. They have brought up some of the best drones for photography in the market that we review besides the one we are going to introduce. DJI Phantom 4 V2.0 is simply the best camera drone in the world so far. It’s also a popular choice among professionals and hobbyists for its buttery-smooth 4K motion captures, stabilization, and crystal clear pictures. The camera is more than enough to do its job, but you can change the lens with other ones if you want to.
The drone can be controlled from a remote controller or your smartphone. Beginners fret not! You can fly this drone with aids from its automation features such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, collision sensors, and auto-landing. The battery on this monster should carry it up to 30 minutes flight, helped by the fast charging feature. The drawback of this drone is its size (and price). It would need special luggage to carry along with its accessories.
What We Love
It’s simply the best drone that money can get.
Pros:
- As stable as a rock even in gusty winds
- 4K buttery smooth video recording
- Interchangeable main camera
Cons:
Quite expensive and big.
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Autel Robotics EVO Drone
9
Autel Robotics came a bit later in the drone market with the Autel Robotics EVO Drone that stirs the interest of photography enthusiasts. This drone may look small and nimble, but it’s capable of producing brilliant 4K images in 60 fps using its 12MP camera attached to the body, making it one of the best drones for photography. The orange finish on this drone makes it look cool and easy to spot on. This drone is equipped with a GPS/GLONASS system to track its position on air. It’s crucial because this drone can fly up to 5 km away from the operator.
We said it’s nimble because it can fly fast with a maximum aerial time of 21 minutes. The powerful propellers can take it 70 km/h in a moderately windy situation, almost qualified as a racing drone. Crash prevention works superbly whether on obstacles or landing surfaces. After using, you can fit everything into a rugged utility backpack provided in every purchase.
What We Love
The sporty color and 4K recording in 70 km/h pump the adrenaline! Best paired with an FVP goggle.
Pros:
- Great 4K recording
- Strong but silent propellers
- GPS homing system
Cons:
Too pricey compared to other competitor’s products with similar or more features.
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Ryze Tech Tello
8
Our next pick is reserved for this tiny bug of a flying powerhouse, Ryze Tech Tello. This UAV was released in March 2018, with beginners as its main target. This drone is perfect for your trial flights before getting your hands on the much more expensive ones who tend to have more advanced features and handling. This camera drone is indeed small with its 3.9-inch long and 3.6-inch wide dimensions. For this UAV, flying in tight places is like a walk in the park.
Even though it’s dubbed as a ‘toy’, it’s fairly capable of capturing moments easily with the EZ Shots feature. It’s equipped with a 5MP camera and can fly up to 13 minutes. Another awesome thing about this drone is that it supports Scratch (a coding app) to program the drone, so you can teach yourself some basic coding while having fun flying the drone. The remote controlling system is completely supported by DJI, a renowned brand in the UAV world.
What We Love
Ryze Tech Tello is compact and easy to use with fairly good picture recording.
Pros:
- Crazy lightweight, weighing only 1 ounce
- Easy to fly
- Programmable; supported by Scratch
Cons:
Less powerful camera.
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DJI Mavic Zoom 2
7
As mentioned before, DJI is the company that sets the bars of the drone industry. So, it should come as no surprise that they produce some of the best drones for photography. This one is a compact drone that is only a half of DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0’s height. The drone is an upgraded version of DJI Mavic and its specification is on par with DJI Mavic Pro that we’re going to review later on. The camera mounted on this unit is a 1/2.3-inch 12MP that supports 4x zoom with a dolly zoom feature. It flies flawlessly even in harsh winds and can capture movies in crisp details without shaking, thanks to its protected 3-axis gimbal. This drone can fly quite fast: up to 70 km/h with a maximum air time of 30 minutes in a single charge.
A remote controller is included in every purchase, but you can also use your smartphone by downloading the DJI Go App from the store. Check the website to make sure your phone is compatible to fly this beast. This UAV is well-equipped with functional features like object tracking, obstacle sensors, time-lapse mode, and many more. It would be great if you pair DJI Mavic Zoom 2 with the DJI Immersion System goggles and feel how it’s like to be free as a bird.
What We Love
Nimble, fast, powerful.
Pros:
- 4x zoom with 2x optical zoom
- Adjustable aperture
- Intuitive remote controlling
Cons:
A little on the pricey side.
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Yuneec Mantis Q (CU)
6
Yuneec Mantis Q is the brand’s release as one of the best drones for photography. There’s only a low learning curve to fly this drone even for a beginner. This entry-level drone is well-equipped with 4K video recording and picture taking. Tap into the voice-activated functions that enhance your experience. These include return home, object, and face tracking. The battery can power a 30 minutes flight with a maximum speed of 70 km/h on sport mode.
While the camera is decent enough to capture beautiful moments, the size is what makes us love this drone. It’s perfect to carry in most camera bags and it’s so easy to set up. This drone uses USB-C mode. We can picture you using the ‘follow me’ feature while hiking or snowboarding; this drone is what you need. And if you are done with the recording, you can ask the drone to instantly send it to your social media account in a breeze!
What We Love
A compact and foldable camera drone that is user-friendly.
Pros:
- Huge photo and video resolution
- Up to 90 degrees camera tilt
- Voice command control
Cons:
The gimbal is a little clunky.
Ruko F11 Pro Drone (CU)
5
If you’re looking for a decent camera under $300 that doesn’t sacrifice image quality, Ruko F11 Pro Drone is the answer. The look of this drone reminds us of space-ship designs: efficient, compact, and rugged. And that look aligns with its capability. You only need one push of a button to land or to take off and the drone will lock its position according to the GPS. This helps beginners who are still figuring out how to handle a drone. You don’t have to worry about losing it, too. This UAV is programmed with features including ‘headless flight’ where the drone will always be orientated towards the pilot wherever you go. It can hover around you while you are in action.
The camera is quite decent with 4K image taking and 2K video recording, more than enough to take 30 minutes video recording for your travel vlog. You can also upload the video straight from the controller’s interface, cutting the hassle of uploading the video to a computer first. If 30 minutes isn’t enough, you can use the second battery included in the purchase so you will never miss any action!
What We Love
A great starter drone with a great camera and easy control.
Pros:
- Foldable design
- FPV-ready
- One key take-off/landing
Cons:
The camera is mounted to the body, not to a gimbal.
DJI Mavic Air 2
4
DJI truly upped their game with the latest Air upgrade, DJI Mavic Air 2. This foldable drone is a beast with a 1/2-inch CMOS image sensor that is paired with a 48MP camera. It may sound excessive, but wouldn’t it be fun to print what your images in big sizes? We know we would, especially when it’s 4K HDR images. The 4K feature also extends to its 4K HDR recording on 60 fps. Capture beautiful slow-motion videos like a pro. It’s definitely one of the drones with best cameras out there.
This drone can fly as fast as 75 km/h for 34-minutes airtime while steadily maintaining the connection up to 10 km from the pilot with its OcuSync 2.0. Another upgrade on this drone is the size of the controller: it’s twice bigger than that of DJI Mavic Air or DJI Mavic Pro. You would appreciate this upgrade as it sits firmly in your palms. This drone is virtually flawless and perfect for any level of experience.
What We Love
One of the best drones for photographyfrom DJI. Buy this drone to have a taste on the true drone flying experience without burning a hole to your wallet.
Pros:
- 3-axis mechanical gimbal, steadier shots
- 34-minute airtime (times two thanks to the extra battery)
- Noise-less blades
Cons:
If you need extra features, you have to spend extra, too.
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DJI Inspire 2
3
Look at this beautiful, state-of-the-art drone that photographers hold dear to their hearts. It won’t be easy to find a secondhand DJI Inspire 2 because once one gets a hold on it, they will never let it go. DJI Inspire 2 is a drone built specifically for those who know what they are doing. It’s not a toy. Well, it maybe is if you have 3 grand to lose mindlessly. The chassis of this UAV is strengthened by magnesium aluminum composite to protect the delicate parts inside the body, while its 4 carbon fiber arms are lightweight solid. A gust of winds will not blow this drone away, thanks to its strong brushless motors and propellers.
The mounted camera is interchangeable between all DJI lenses, like DJI Zenmuse X5S and X4S. Automation features are also embedded into this drone: Spotlight Pro (up to 80 km/h), Smart Return Home, Waypoint, and most importantly its cutting edge obstacle avoidance system which is what it’s known for. The 27-minute flight should give you picture-perfect quality videos of 4K level in H.264/H.265 format that is meant to attain all the properties for future development.
What We Love
The king of the skies, this drone takes aerial photography to the next level.
Pros:
- Made from the finest quality materials in the market
- Interchangeable lenses
- Flawless object tracking and obstacle avoidance
Cons:
Prepare to dig deep into your pocket.
Buy on:
Holy Stone HS720
2
Holy Stone is getting a lot of traction in the drone industry judged from the rave reviews. They are known for producing one of the best drones for photography at a reasonable price. Their Holy Stone HS720 drone is an early-entry drone sporting 4K UHD stabilized camera capable of producing 3840 x 2160 high-resolution videos and pictures. It flies on 4 brushless motors with noiseless propellers.
This UAV can fly up to 26 minutes in one charge. It has basic features every drone has, such as GPS positioning, object and face tracking, and return to home. If you have FPV goggles with you, you can pair it up with this drone for an immersive flight. The total weight of this UAC is only 16.1 oz and you can put the drone with its entire accessories into a nifty bag provided in every purchase.
What We Love
A high-quality drone that won’t hurt your pocket.
Pros:
- 4 powerful brushless motors
- 4K shock-absorbing camera
- 5G FPV connection
Cons:
The camera has no gimbal.
Buy on:
DJI Mavic Mini
1
The last and one of the best drones in photography in our list is DJI Mavic Mini that hits the balance between function and value. It’s also the lightest among its brothers that resulting in longer flight time. Despite the small size (almost as light as your smartphone), this drone takes 2.7K videos and images like it’s nothing, using its 12MP camera that is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal.
The small size allows you to dodge most flight regulations. It’s quite beneficial especially when you take it on a trip to places like Machu Picchu, Cusco. Most DJI features like follow me and flight tutorials, are already embedded in this drone. All you need is to download the DJI FlyApp and pair it to your drone. Take this drone practically anywhere you go and if you have had fun with it, tuck it away into your bag and you’re ready to go.
What We Love
Ideal starter drone from a renowned brand.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- No need to register a drone in most countries
- Flight tutorial included
Cons:
Lacks more advanced features.
Buy on: