The best drones for photography
Are you wondering which drones are the best for photography? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Drone photography is one of the top trends of the year, and there is a wide range of choices out there.
So, which are the best photography drones for you?
When choosing a drone, you need to consider cost, image quality, and portability. Decide whether the drone is going to be for recreational use, or are you using it for your photography business.
If you intend on using it for business, you’ll want to get a higher quality drone than if you are just flying it for fun. Research the drones specs to see which is the best for the type of photography you intend to use it for.
I currently own the DJI Mini 2. I travel a lot and think it’s one of the best photography drones for travel. It’s the perfect size for travel photographers.
It’s compact, yet filled with some pretty impressive features. It suits my current needs, however, I am planning on purchasing another drone at some point in the future.
DJI is the undeniable leader in drone technology and pretty much dominates the market, however, there are some worthy alternatives available too.
Drone Legal Requirements
Before you purchase a drone, you need to be aware of the rules and regulations that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has for flying drones in the US.
If you’re flying for fun, and are just planning to share videos and photos on social media or with friends, you can start flying fairly easily. You will need to register your drone if it weighs more than 8.8 ounces or 250 grams, you’ll need to register for an FAA identification number. All recreational flyers must pass an aeronautical knowledge and safety test, The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST), and carry proof of test passage.
However, if you plan on making money with your drone, you’ll need to take the Part 107 certification in order to get your Remote Pilot Certificate. Once you’re certified, you’ll be able to use your drone commercially and can sell you images and videos, capture aerial imagery at weddings or for real estate.
Photographers Resource Center is supported by readers. Product links on Photographers Resource Center are referral links. Read more here.
Best Photography Drones 2021
DJI Air 2S
The compact and foldable design of the DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo Drone lets you easily capture breathtaking aerial images and video whenever the mood strikes. It’s an ideal alternative for use when traveling on vacation or for photography enthusiasts looking to record from new and unique perspectives. Piloting is made to be easy and intuitive via your smartphone and the DJI Fly app. Simply slip your phone into the included remote controller. Thanks to the Air 2S’s 3-axis gimbal, four remote antennae, and OcuSync 3.0 technology, you can receive a stable, live view from the drone up to 7.5 miles away.
Key Features
- Fly More Combo Accessories Included
- 20MP Stills or up to 5.4K Ultra HD Video
- 3-Axis Gimbal with 22mm Lens & 1″ CMOS
- MasterShots Automated Themed Filming
- FocusTrack Subject Tracking Modes
- QuickShot Aerial Effects
- Hyperlapse Modes for Timelapse Videos
- 4-Antenna Remote with 7.5-Mile Range
- 4-Direction Obstacle Avoidance
- D-Log 10-Bit Color & 12.6-Stop RAW
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The Mavic 2 Pro with Smart Controller from DJI is a drone that balances power, portability, and professional-quality visuals with the inclusion of a 20MP Hasselblad L1D-20c gimbal camera. The camera delivers a 1″ CMOS sensor with an adjustable f/2.8 to f/11 aperture, support for a 10-bit D log-M color profile, and 4K 10-bit HDR video capture.
Key Features
- Hasselblad 20MP / UHD 4K Gimbal Camera
- 1″ CMOS + f/2.8-f/11 Adjustable Aperture
- Smart Controller Included
- 10-Bit Dlog-M + 10-Bit HDR Video
- OcuSync 2.0 Transmission Technology
- Up to 31 Minutes Flight Time
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- Hyperlapse Time-Lapse Mode
- Top Speed of 44.7 mph
- Enhanced HDR Photos with 14EV
DJI Mini 2
Fly farther to capture stunning 4K aerial videos with the DJI Mini 2 Utilizing DJI’s OcuSync 2.0 2.4/5.8 GHz wireless transmission technology, the Mini 2 can be operated from up to 6.2 miles away while still providing you with video of what the drone sees. The Mini 2 can also be flown as high as 2.5 miles and withstand 19 to 24 mph winds, all while maintaining a compact, foldable design that weighs only 8.8 oz. It’s small and light enough to take with you almost anywhere, which makes it one of the best photography drones for travel.
Key Features
- Up to 6.2-Mile Range with OcuSync
- Withstands 19 to 24 mph Winds
- 8.8 oz Lightweight & Foldable Design
- 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K30 Video
- Capture 12MP Stills in JPG & Raw
- Up to 31 Minutes of Flight Time
- Up to 36 mph Flight Speed
- Up to 4x Digital Zoom
- Intelligent Flight & Panorama Modes
- Automatic Takeoff/Hover & Return to Home
DJI Inspire 2
With the Inspire 2 Standard Kit with Zenmuse X5S Gimbal & MFT 15mm/1.7 ASPH Lens from DJI, you get a complete aerial imaging solution right out of the box. Included with the Inspire 2 is the Zenmuse X5S gimbal camera with a 15mm Micro Four Thirds lens. This provides you with the capability of capturing footage at up to 5.2K resolution at 30 fps in CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes. It is also capable of recording up to 4K video at a smooth 60 fps. Images can be captured at up to 21MP, even in 20 fps DNG burst shooting mode, which helps ensure you always get the perfect shot. As you fly the magnesium-aluminum-clad Inspire 2, all the recording functionality is processed by its CineCore 2.0 image-processing engine.
Not all the power to be found in the Inspire 2 is in the recording functionality. DJI beefed up the flight capabilities of the Inspire 2. Able to accelerate to 50 mph in 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 58 mph, the Inspire 2 can follow fast-moving subjects for dramatic sports and action footage. The flight prowess of the Inspire 2 doesn’t come at the expense of battery life. With the two included LiPo batteries onboard, up to 27 minutes of flight time can be had on a full charge.
Advanced obstacle avoidance has also made its way to the Inspire 2. Built into DJI’s FlightAutonomy system, objects in front of, below, and above the quadcopter can be detected and avoided automatically. The Inspire 2 can even remember flight paths in case of an emergency return-to-home without GPS enabled. What’s more, using the onboard 2-axis stabilized FPV camera, the pilot can navigate the Inspire 2 without being limited to the gimbal camera’s field of view.
Key Features
- Zenmuse X5S Gimbal Camera with 15mm Lens
- CineCore 2.0 Image Processing
- Supports CinemaDNG and ProRes Recording
- Dual-Battery Design
- Accelerates to 50 mph in 4 Seconds
- 58 mph Maximum Velocity
- Advanced Obstacle Sensing
- 2-Axis Stabilized FPV Camera
DJI Mavic Air 2
A midrange drone with flagship features, the DJI Mavic Air 2 Fly More Combo combines a foldable and portable frame, a high-end camera system, and a host of accessories to get you flying quickly. The 3-axis gimbal sports a 1/2″ CMOS sensor capable of capturing 8K Hyperlapse time-lapse shots, 4K60 video, 240 fps slow-motion 1080p video, and up to 48MP stills. In addition, photos, panoramas, and video can be captured in HDR for more dynamic results. All your footage can be saved to 8GB of internal storage and on optional SD cards up to 256GB in size.
Helping you capture all this stunning footage is a host of built-in tracking technologies and intelligent obstacle avoidance. FocusTrack combines three different tracking features with abilities that include tracking of subjects and following predetermined flight paths. The Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems 3.0 (APAS) is aware of the Mavic Air 2 in 3D space and its proximity to people and objects to help avoid accidental collisions. Return to Home (RTH) and precision landing options are supported so you can easily and safely retrieve the drone when you finish filming.
A robust 3500mAh battery can keep the Mavic Air 2 flying for up to 34 minutes at a time. While in the air, you can fly the drone at speeds up to 43 mph up to 11.5 miles away. The included remote controller supports OcuSync 2.0 technology to provide you with flight telemetry data and a live view of what the drone sees on your attached smartphone. It can transmit up to 1080p quality video from up to 6.2 miles away. Altogether, the Mavic Air 2 gives you the tools you need to expand your filmmaking with creative and professional quality aerial footage.
Key Features
- 8K Hyperlapse Time-Lapse Video
- Up to 4K60p Video & 48MP Images
- Up to 34 Minutes of Flight Time
- Remote Controller & Fly More Accessories
- 1080p Video Transmission up to 6.2 Miles
- 240 fps Slow Motion at 1080p
- HDR Video, Images & Panoramas
- APAS 3.0 Obstacle Avoidance
- FocusTrack Subject Tracking Modes
- Return to Home & Precision Landing
DJI Mini SE
Entry-level pilots can take to the skies for a unique visual perspective with the DJI Mini SE. This compact drone unfolds to give you an aerial platform to take stunning pictures and videos. To help make capturing memories easier, DJI provides Quickshots, which are four preset flight plans that can be activated with a tap. They give a professional, Hollywood-style look to short films you can easily share via social media. The stabilized 3-axis gimbal is capable of taking video clips at up to 2.7K and stills at up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. Piloting is meant to be easy and intuitive with your smartphone and the included controller, and the DJI Fly app is there to help you along the way with tutorials and access to SkyPixel: an online community of fellow pilots.
Key Features
- 3-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera
- Up to 2.7K Video & 12MP Still Images
- Vision Sensor + GPS Stabilization
- Up to 30 Minutes of Flight Time
- Phone-Compatible Controller Included
- Up to 2.5-Mile HD Video Transmission
- Foldable & Lightweight Design
- Supports microSD Cards up to 256GB
- QuickShot & CineSmooth Video Modes
- Equipped with a 360° Propeller Guard
Autel Robotics EVO2
Experience the current leading edge of video resolution with the EVO II 8K Drone from Autel. With an 8K camera payload, the EVO II 8K can capture video at up to 7680 x 4320 resolution (8000 x 6000 stills). This lets you make prints up to 100″ wide, punch in, crop, and scale images with great detail, and capture stunning hi-res screenshots from your footage.
The EVO II drone provides hi-end specifications and abilities well beyond videography and photography. The 7100mAh battery lets it fly for up to 40 minutes at a time, the motors can fly in Ludicrous Speed mode at up to 44.8 mph, and you can transmit HD footage back to the controller’s 3.3″ OLED screen from up to 5.6 miles away. While flying and tracking, 12-sensor omnidirectional obstacle avoidance is coupled with a dual-core processor and AI machine learning to let the EVO II navigate itself around the environment safely, while still getting the shot.
Key Features
- Capture 8K Video & 48MP Photos
- 12-Sensor Obstacle Avoidance
- Up to 40-Minute Flight Time
- HD Transmission up to 5.6 Miles
- Includes Remote with 3.3″ OLED Display
- Record HDR Video at up to 4K Resolution
- 120 fps Slo-Mo at up to 2K Resolution
- 4x In-Camera Lossless Zoom
- Foldable Design for Easier Portability
- Support for 10-Bit A-LOG
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Version 2 of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro includes all the same great features as the original Phantom 4 Pro and boasts several enhancements, including improved resolution for on-controller live-view streaming, enhanced connectivity, and more. Like the original, the Phantom 4 Pro Version 2 features a 3-axis-stabilized gimbal camera with a 20MP 1″ CMOS sensor capable of shooting up to 4K60 fps video and photo bursts at up to 14 fps. It also utilizes the FlightAutonomy system, which includes dual rear-vision sensors and infrared sensing for a total of five directions of obstacle sensing and four directions of obstacle avoidance. Instead of Lightbridge, the Phantom 4 Pro Version 2 now uses Ocusync, which enables improved live video stream performance. Other notable enhancements include lighter props and reduced overall takeoff weight, wireless integration with DJI Goggles, and bolstered transmission power.
Key Features
- 1″ 20MP CMOS Sensor
- Gimbal-Stabilized 4K60 20MP Imaging
- Ocusync Transmission
- FlightAutonomy with Redundant Sensors
- Four Directions of Obstacle Avoidance
- Top Speed of 45 mph in Sport Mode
- Maximum Control Range of 4.3 Miles
- Visual Tracking of Moving Subject
- Up to 30 Minutes of Flying Time
Power Vision PowerEgg X Wizard Waterproof AI Camera & Drone
The PowerEgg X Wizard Waterproof AI Camera & Drone from Power Vision is an AI-enhanced camera and rugged all-weather drone, all packed into a sleek, egg-shaped body. As a stationary AI camera, it can automatically track subjects and professionally film a scene automatically. As a drone, you can utilize the included waterproof housing to film in the rain or near water. Included floats even let you take off from and land on the water. As a handheld camera, you can take it almost anywhere to capture exactly the footage you need. All modes utilize the PowerEgg X Wizard’s 3-axis 4K60 stabilizing gimbal, and in handheld/drone modes, you can even record audio to sync with your footage in real time.
Key Features
- Waterproof with Water Takeoff & Landing
- 3-Axis 4K60 Stabilizing Gimbal Camera
- Automatic AI Tracking with 170° FOV
- SyncVoice Real-Time Audio Recording
- Up to 30 Minutes of Flight Time
- 18 to 24 mph Wind Resistance
- Obstacle Avoidance System up to 65′ Away
- Included Wrist Strap for Handheld Use
- 1080p Live Stream up to 3.7 Miles Away
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many choices available when it comes to picking the best photography drones. These are our top picks on the market so far for 2021.
New releases are always just around the corner, so do your research to find which drone is going to work best for you.
I’m sure I’ve missed some of what you may consider the best drones for photography. Is there a drone you think should be on the list? Drop it in the comments.
Are you up to a weekly challenge? Check out our challenges HERE.
Subscribe to join our photo community and receive updated articles, tips, and special offers from our sponsors.
Connect with us on social media.
[…] Come have a look at The Best Drones for Photography in 2021 HERE. […]