The best drones with a camera let you capture moments from a unique perspective. Whether you’re just a hobbyist getting a few nature photos or a professional filming events from the air, choosing the right drone is important. Start your comparison shopping with this list.
1. Best Overall: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Price: $959
The best drones with a camera combine size, features, and price to create a nearly irresistible package. That’s why the DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best overall drone for aerial videos and photos. Weighing in at just over half a pound (0.549 lbs.), it doesn’t even require FAA registration.
This is a step up from the DJI Mini 3 Pro, with higher quality video and more modes and features, such as the all-important omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. Sure, it costs a little more, but this feature keeps your drone safer.
Easily customize the track and watch footage in real time with 12 mile FHD video transmission. You get up to 34 minutes of flight time with the standard battery. Or, upgrade to the 45-minute battery, which does weigh more, resulting in FAA registration.
Pros
- Beginner friendly, but ideal for pros as well
- Multiple camera modes, include night and slow motion
- Supports up to 4K/60fps HDR video
- ActiveShots 360 follows people and objects for smoother video and photos
- Built-in obstacle avoidance and Vision Assist to manually avoid obstacles
Cons
- All accessories are sold separately (kits are a good value, though)
- Must stick with 34-minute batteries to avoid registration fees
2. Best for Longer Videos: Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Price: $1,399
Need to film for 40 minutes on a single battery? The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is one of the best drones with a camera for longer flight times. The standard package contains a smaller battery (only 28-minute max flight time). But the premium package not only contains the 40-minute battery, but a set of three batteries so that you don’t miss a thing.
The EVO Lite+ is comparable in many ways to the DJI Mini Pro 4 and even has three-way obstacle avoidance. It features an impressive 7.4-mile transmission range.
Set the drone to follow a set target and utilize all the various modes to get professional cinematic effects and high-quality images. It does have a bigger learning curve than the DJI Mini Pro 4, but it’s well worth it.
Pros
- Up to 6K/30fps video
- Wind resistant to up to 38 mph
- Flies up to 800 meters high
- CDAF hybrid focus
Cons
- Need to buy the premium kit to get longer flight time batteries
- Not as easy as some camera drones to customize settings
3. Best Budget Option: DJI Mini SE 2
Price: $338
If you’re just getting started, dropping $1,000 on a drone probably isn’t in your budget. The DJI Mini SE 2 is another impressive camera drone that’s kind of a stripped-down version of the Mini Pro 4. It’s also lightweight enough to avoid FAA registration fees.
Capture stunning 2.7K, 1080p video that transmits up to 6.2 miles away. It also features a variety of templates to make getting the perfect shot easy. Something I love is the return-to-home feature. If you’re a beginner to drones, this is a must-have.
It’s also surprising that you get 31 minutes of max flight time with a drone at this price point. It’ll even stand up to winds up to 23.5 mph.
Pros
- Simplified operations for beginners
- Single touch photos and videos
- Features USB charging and a lightning connector (in the controller)
- Professional video effects
Cons
- Editing app isn’t offered in Google Play Store and must be downloaded from DJI
- No obstacle avoidance
4. Best for Complete Beginners and Kids: DEERC D20 Mini Drone
Price: $50
The DEERC D20 Mini Drone is one of the most basic drones with a camera, yet is also one of the top options if you’re an absolute beginner or want something cheap for kids and teens. Since it doesn’t feature a lot of bells and whistles, I didn’t include it in the budget option.
Surprisingly, you get two batteries with up to 10 minutes flight time per battery. The low altitude drone transmits up to 131 ft. away. But, this makes it perfect for capturing quick videos and photos for social media.
One touch, gesture, and voice controls are ideal for beginners and even teens wanting to get a quick group selfie from above. Of course, the Pixy Selfie Drone is made just for selfies.
Pros
- Incredibly easy to learn and use (great starter video drone)
- Create flight paths on your phone to control the drone
- Performs 3D flips
- Super light at 69g
- Take aerial selfies with voice control
- Holds altitude
Cons
- No obstacle avoidance
- Short flight time
- No professional features
5. Best for Pro Videographers: DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Price: $2,199
Consider yourself a professional videographer? You’ll want to grab the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Yes, it’s pricey, especially for just the basic package, but there’s very little this drone can’t do. It does an incredible job of giving you long battery life (up to 43 minutes) and distance (9.3 miles). You even get 1080p/60fps video transmission.
It’s heavier than other DJI drones, so you’ll need to register it, but it’s not a big deal. One thing I love is the controller screen. A 700 nit brightness means the sun isn’t a problem and makes controlling the tri-camera system even easier. You get a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad, 166 mm tele, and 70 mm tele camera all in one.
Naturally, as one of the top professional drones with a camera, it comes with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance. The only problem is that some features, such as Apple ProRes support, are only available in more expensive versions.
Pros
- Impressive stabilization
- Excellent video and image quality
- Triple focal lengths
- Obstacle avoidance on all sides
Cons
- To get all features, you’ll need the $4,799 model
- Battery life is often shorter than advertised
See the World From New Heights
Whether you’re flying a drone for the first time or are a long-time aerial videographer, the best drones with a camera ensure that you see the action from all angles. If you have some great photos that need a few tweaks, try these online photo editors for quick edits. Just need some amazing pictures from the ground? Try these impressive camera phones.
Image credit: Unsplash
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