3 best photography drones

Photography drones, also known as camera drones, are remote-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras or other imaging devices. They have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their ability to capture stunning aerial photographs and videos. Here's some information about photography drones and their relevance to quadcopters, remote-controlled vehicles, hobbies, toys, and games:

  1. Quadcopters and Multirotors: Photography drones typically fall into the category of quadcopters or multirotors, which means they have four rotors (propellers). These drones offer stability, maneuverability, and ease of control, making them suitable for capturing aerial images and videos.

  2. Camera Equipment: Photography drones are equipped with high-quality cameras, often capable of shooting in 4K or even higher resolutions. Some models offer interchangeable lenses or gimbals to provide stable and smooth footage.

  3. Remote App Control: Users can control photography drones remotely using dedicated apps on smartphones or tablets. These apps allow for live streaming of the drone's camera feed, GPS navigation, flight planning, and various camera settings.

  4. Remote App-Controlled Vehicles Parts: Accessories and parts for photography drones include spare batteries, propellers, propeller guards, landing gear, and remote controllers. These components ensure smooth operation and maintenance of the drone.

  5. Hobbies: Photography drones have become a popular hobby for enthusiasts who enjoy capturing aerial perspectives of landscapes, events, and even creative artistic shots. They offer a unique and exciting way to explore photography and videography.

  6. Toys and Games: While professional-grade photography drones are designed for serious photography and videography, there are also smaller, more affordable drones marketed as toys or for recreational use. These drones often come with basic cameras and are suitable for casual flying and entertainment.

  7. Regulations and Safety: Operating photography drones requires knowledge of local regulations and safety guidelines. Many countries have restrictions on where and how drones can be flown to ensure public safety and privacy.

  8. Aerial Photography and Videography: Photography drones are widely used for capturing stunning aerial images and videos for various purposes, including real estate marketing, landscape photography, sports coverage, filmmaking, and more. They provide unique angles and perspectives that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.

  9. Autonomous Features: Some photography drones come with advanced autonomous features, such as obstacle avoidance, follow-me modes, and pre-programmed flight paths. These features enhance the ease of use and the quality of aerial shots.

  10. Professional Applications: Beyond hobbies and entertainment, photography drones have numerous professional applications in fields like surveying, agriculture, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. They are valuable tools for data collection and analysis from the air.

In summary, photography drones are remote-controlled quadcopters or multirotors equipped with cameras, making them valuable tools for capturing aerial photographs and videos. They are popular among hobbyists, photographers, and professionals and offer various features and capabilities to suit different needs and interests. However, their operation should always adhere to safety regulations and guidelines to ensure responsible and safe drone usage.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best photography drones on the market
  

DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2.7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time, less than 0.55lbs, Gray

DJI

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

DJI Mavic Mini - Drone FlyCam Quadcopter UAV with 2 7K Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS 30min Flight Time less than 0 55lbs Gray. Charging Temperature Range - 5° to 40°C (41° to 104°F)

  • The compact yet powerful Mavic Mini camera drone is the perfect creative companion, capturing your moments in a way that effortlessly elevates the ordinary
  • Weighing less than 0.55lbs / 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone. In the United States and Canada, you can fly this camera drone without the need to register your drone with the government
  • Mavic Mini supports 12MP aerial photos and 2.7K HD videos. A 3-axis motorized gimbal provides superior camera stability and ensures clear, Ultra-smooth footage
  • Mavic Mini’s weight allows it to stay in the air longer than similar consumer FlyCams on the market. Enjoy up to 30 minutes of flight time with a fully-charged battery
  • DJI Fly App requires iOS v10.0, Android v6.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6s Plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, Samsung Galaxy S10+, S10, S9+, S9 , S8+, S8, S7 edge, S7, S6, Note9, Note8, Huawei P30 Pro, P30, P20, P10, Mate 20 Pro, Mate 10, nova 5, nova 4, nova 3e, nova 2, Honor 8X, 10, 9, 20 Pro, Magic 2, Mi 8, MIX 2S, MIX 2, Redmi Note 5, Oppo Find X, R15, Vivo NEX, X27, X21, X20A, OnePlus 7, 6T, 5, Pixel 3 XL, 2 XL, 2, LG V20, LG G6

User questions & answers

Question: Does this have better features and worth it over the Spark
Answer: No Hablan Espanol
Question: What is included in the package
Answer: No, this DJI HDMI Output Module does not work with RC of your DJI Phantom 3 4K. It only works with RC of DJI Phantom 3 Pro./Adv. and all Phantom 4 Series Drones. Hope this helps.
Question: Does the new dji app “dji fly” support local data mode or an offline version for those who do not want information collected/uploaded to china
Answer: Yes it does. I just installed mine recently on my p4 and it works great.
Question: The base package doesn't come with a controller? is there no way to operate unless i buy a dji controller separately? what are my options
Answer: As the phantom 4 just came out, I have no idea. Works great with the 3 though!!!

Product features

Almost as Light as a Smartphone

Weighing under 250 grams, Mavic Mini is almost as light as the average smartphone. This makes it exceptionally portable and places it in the lowest and safest weight class of drones, which in many countries may exempt it from certain regulations. Aircraft takeoff weight includes battery, propellers, and a microSD card.

Easy to Use

The new DJI Fly app offers a simple and intuitive user experience, enabling you to create cinematic shots with just a few taps. It even has Flight Tutorial, a feature to help you get started with Mavic Mini quickly and safely.

The Future of Possible

DJI is the global leader in civilian drones, aerial imaging technology, and creative camera technology. Find out more here in our DJI Brand Store on Amazon. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible and easier to use for creators around the world. Its products are used every day by customers in over 100 countries for filmmaking, construction, inspection, emergency response, agriculture, conservation, and beyond.

Hubsan Zino Pro Plus 4K Drone UHD Camera 3-Axis Gimbal GPS FPV RC Quadcopter with Carrying Bag, 8KM SyncLeas Transmission Brushless Motor Auto Return Home 39mins Flight Time

HUBSAN

Based on 16 reviews Check latest price
  • Hubsan Zino Pro Plus supports 13MP aerial photos and 4K/30fps with max 60Mbps bitrates for shooting stunning videos. 4K UHD camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal camera stabilizer that offers smooth and stable footage.
  • Up to 8KM video transmission (no interference, no obstacle); Max flight time: 43 minutes (25km/h slow speed cruise); Drone battery capacity: 5000mAh. With brushless motor. GPS Auto Return to Home: One-button RTH /Low Batery RTH / Failsafe RTH
  • Time-lapse Photography&Panorama Mode - It has free and circle time-lapse photography mode, the drone will take a series of photos and combine them together to make a time-lapse video automatically. Supports sphere, 180°, vertical and wide angle panorama modes, it takes a series of photos and you can stitch them together for a panorama aerial photo.
  • With a smart charger adapter, it supports to charge 3 batteries in sequence at once and the battery can be used as a power bank for external power supply. Intelligent battery capacity: 11.4V 5000mAh. Two batteries and carrying bag included.
  • Functions: 4K UHD camera /3-axis gimbal /headless mode /creative video /auto return to home /image tracking /orbiting /waypoint /line fly mode /Time-lapse Photography /detachable filter /search the apron /panorama mode

Product features

HUBSAN Zino Pro Plus Drone 4K UHD Camera with 3-Axis Gimbal, Two Batteries with Carrying Bag

Follow me: The drone is programmed to automatically follow you around, giving you plenty of opportunities to film unique aerial shots.

Headless mode: The drone flies in any direction in the Headless-mode. Great function when the drone is out of sight.

Altitude hold: The drone will hover precisely at a certain height.

Line fly mode: Zino Pro flies in a straight line at a specified angle and direction that you choose. you will be able to access the photo or video functions durring flight.

One key take off / landing: Easy to control with one key take-off and landing, even for drone beginners.

Creative video (360° photography): Set the direction, angle and speed of the rotation, the drone will rotate 90°- 360° and performs panorama recording in the hovering position.

Micro SD Card: Supports U3 16G-128G SD Card (not included).

4K Ultra HD Camera

4K/30fps Videos & 13MP Photos

Equipped with 4K Ultra HD camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal camera stabilizer that is capable of stabilizing the camera even during high-speed motion for smooth video and sharp photos, a professional aerial photography drone.

Video Resolution:

4K: 3840*2160 at 30fps

2.7K: 2704*1520 at 30fps

1080P: 1920*1080 at 30/60fps

720P: 1280*720 at 30/60/120fps

Can be equipped with ND filters

With a Neutral-Density filter or ND filter, it allows you more leeway in selecting an aperture and shutter speed by preventing overexposure and gives you more creative control over your shots.

Note: The ND filter is NOT included, please purchase it separately in Mifly store.

8KM Flight Distance

Max flight distance: 8KM (no interference, no obstacle)

Image transmission system: SyncLeas

Higher image clarity and more stability

Controller battery: 2600mAh (built-in)

Charging time: 2.5 hours

Usage time: 2 hours

Support device: Max length: 160mm / thickness: 6.5-8.5mm

GPS Auto Return Home

The GPS system allows you to get accurate position information of your RC drone.

The Auto Return to Home (RTH) function will bring the ZINO Pro Plus back to the home point. There are 3 types of Return to Home: One-button RTH / Low Batery RTH / Failsafe RTH.

When landing, the drone searches the apron automatically and lands on it.

Time-lapse Photography

Free Time -lapse -- the Zino Pro Plus will take a series of photos at a set interval and combine them together automatically to make a time-lapse video.

Circle Time-lapse -- Set the interval, flight speed and radius, the drone will fly around the subject and take a series of photos to create a time-lapse video automatically.

Panorama Mode

ZINO Pro Plus supports sphere, 180°, vertical and wide angle panorama modes, the drone will perform the shooting task whatever you choose and take a series of photos, you can stitch them together for a panorama aerial photo.

Image Tracking

Lock the target and the ZINO Pro Plus will automatic follow and keep the target in the center of screen. Whether you're running, hiking or biking, surfing, it can capture every stunning moment for you.

Orbiting Mode

Set the current location or the mobile device as the orbit center and fly around the center point. it allows you to capture smooth, circling video footage of your choosing. You can adjust the speed and radius during orbiting.

Waypoints Mode

Tap your desired point of interest on the APP, the drone can automatically fly the route on its own.

Waypoint Planning -- Tap your desired waypoints and the drone will fly the route of what you choose.

Waypoint Memory -- Fly the drone and memorize the waypoint, it will fly the route according to its memory.

Packing List

1 x Drone; 2 x Intelligent drone battery

1 x HT016M controller (built-in battery)

4 x Propellers (pair); 4 x Screws (pair)

1 x Gimbal protector; 1 x Screwdriver

1 x AC Adapter; 1 x Smart charger converter

1 x USB charging cable for controller

1 x RC cable(Lightning connector)

1 x RC cable(Micro USB connector)

1 x RC cable(USB Type-C connector)

1 x Carrying Bag; 1 x User manual

Drone-2 Axis Gimbal GPS 5G WiFi 4K HD Aerial Photography Drone GPS Quadcopter Remote Control Plane with Travel Package

Anoudall

Product description

Features:

    SG907 pro 2-Axis gimbal camera

    The GPS returns to the takeoff point with one button, and the low power returns to the air, and there is no signal to return.

    Image following: 1-5m from the aircraft to identify the subject and perform automatic follow-up flight.

    Spot Surround: Find the center point around and move the desired surround radius with the joystick.

    Flight time:About 15 min

    Charging time:About 2 hours

    Control distance(Free interference and no occlusion):800M

    5G Wifi image transmission distance (Free interference and no occlusion):500M

    GPS Follow me:30M

    IMAGE Follow me:1-5M

    Focal length:50x zoom

    Hand gesture shooting/video reconization:1-5M

    SD mode: 1208*720 (APP) HD mode: 2048*1080 (APP)

    4K version

    Video resolution 4K:4096*3072P

    Photo resolution 4K::4096*3072P

    Down view camera:1280*720p

    Frame rate:25 FPS

    Capacity of smart lithium battery:7.6V 1600mAh

    Fixed point surround

    Anti-shake aerial photography

    Photo/video share

    GPS/GLONASS double mode

Package Included:

    1 x Quadcopter

    1 x USB charging cable

    1 x Remote control

    1 x Screwdriver

    4 x Blades

    1/2 x 7.6V 1600mAh Li-po Battery

    1x Travel bag

  • 70° lateral 70° automatic repair,Vertical 110° 110° automatic repair
  • GPS Smart Follow: After the aircraft links to GPS, the APP follow function is turned on, and the aircraft follows the mobile phone.
  • The aircraft recovery function: continuously click the GPS signal icon 3 times to open the map interface, the map shows the final distance of the aircraft, the latitude and longitude position.
  • Gesture shooting recognition: within 1-5m from the aircraft, make a camera gesture/camera gesture to the camera.
  • MV features: filters, video effects, background music, photo/video sharing

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