Drones for Photography: Top 10 Picks in 2023

As an enthusiastic drone hobbyist and photography advisor, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gadgets that enhance my photography experience. Drones have revolutionized the world of aerial photography, opening up new creative possibilities and breathtaking perspectives. In this article, I'll guide you through the best drones for photography, providing helpful suggestions and the reasons behind my recommendations.

Introduction

Drones have quickly become indispensable tools for photographers and videographers alike. The ability to capture stunning aerial shots and explore the world from above is now within reach for enthusiasts and professionals alike. As an avid drone user myself, I can attest to the magic they add to my photography adventures.

Importance of Drones in Photography

The use of drones in photography has significantly transformed the way we document events, landscapes, and even wildlife. These flying wonders have made it possible to capture perspectives that were once only accessible to pilots and trained professionals. With drones, anyone can now unleash their creativity from the skies.

Key Features to Consider

When searching for the perfect drone for photography, several key features should be at the top of your list. A high-quality camera with adjustable settings is crucial, as well as stability during flight, long battery life, and a considerable range for better exploration.

Top 6 DJI Drones for Photography 

DJI drones lead the industry with cutting-edge technology, user-friendly design, and an extensive ecosystem. From advanced features like obstacle avoidance to professional-grade cameras, and transmission range, DJI's innovation and comprehensive offerings set them apart. Now, let's delve into the top 6 DJI drones that I highly recommend for photography enthusiasts. Each of these drones excels in different aspects, catering to various needs and budgets.

Proffesional drones:

DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a blend of power and sophistication, weighing 958 grams. It features a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, a 1/1.3-inch CMOS Medium Tele Camera, and a 1/2-inch CMOS Tele Camera. With capabilities like 5.1K at 50fps, DCI 4K at 120fps (Hasselblad Camera), and 4K at 60fps (Medium Tele/Tele Camera), this drone offers diverse creative options. Safety during flights is ensured by the Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing system.

Professional photographers and videographers will appreciate the 12-bit RAW photos and 10-bit D-Log, HLG options. Features like Hyperlapse, Waypoint Flight, Cruise Control, and FocusTrack enhance creative possibilities. If you seek exceptional image quality paired with advanced flight features, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the perfect choice.

DJI Mavic 3 Classic

With a flight time of 46 minutes, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is an outstanding choice, weighing 895 grams. It's equipped with a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera boasting 20MP resolution and 12-bit RAW capability. Video options include 5.1K at 50fps and DCI 4K at 120fps, ensuring cinematic shots. The Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing system adds to safety during flights.

Covering an impressive range of 15 kilometers, the DJI Mavic 3 Classic is perfect for extended explorations. It excels in capturing landscapes and adventures, even in low-light conditions with its Night Shoot feature. Flight management is simplified with Cruise Control, and Waypoint Flight enables precise routes. Creative versatility is enhanced by features like MasterShots, QuickShots, Hyperlapse, and Panorama.

Related read: Best Long-Flight Consumer Drones

Mid-level drones:

DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S emerges as a professional-grade follow-me drone seamlessly fusing exceptional image quality with remarkable portability. Equipped with a camera housing a 1-inch CMOS sensor, it produces breathtaking 20-megapixel photos, and its video capabilities encompass 5.4K at 30 frames per second as well as 4K at 60 frames per second. Sporting a flight duration of up to 31 minutes and an extensive range of 12 kilometers, the DJI Air 2S proves itself ideal for capturing captivating cinematic aerial visuals.

This drone isn't just about imagery; it also introduces advanced tracking modes such as ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0. It further enriches the experience with Hybrid 4K Zoom and Panorama Modes, along with features like Hyperlapse and Waypoints. What sets this drone apart is its exceptional 4-way obstacle sensing and 3-directional environment sensing capabilities.

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Weighing a mere 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a compact powerhouse with advanced capabilities. Its Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing system ensures safe flights. The camera records up to 4K/60fps Video and 4K/30fps HDR Video, providing stunning clarity. With its 1/1.3-inch sensor, 48MP RAW photos, and 1080p/120fps slow-motion video, creative possibilities abound.

With a range of up to 12 kilometers, the drone offers a reliable connection even at a distance. FocusTrack, including ActiveTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest, enhances creative tracking. MasterShots, Hyperlapse, Digital Zoom, Timelapse, and Panorama features add versatility to aerial content creation.

Entry-level drones:

DJI Mini 3

At just 249 grams, the DJI Mini 3 is a marvel of compact design and capabilities. Despite its lightweight build, it boasts a 1/1.3'' CMOS sensor with a staggering 48 MP resolution, ensuring crisp imagery. Video capabilities include 4K at 30fps, and its unique True Vertical Shooting feature captures stunning vertical visuals.

The drone's Downward Vision System enhances stability, making smooth shots a breeze. With a transmission range of 10 kilometers and a flight time of 38 minutes, this drone is a reliable companion for aerial adventures. Intelligent modes like Quick Shots (Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket, Boomerang) and Panorama add a creative touch. Smart Return to Home ensures safe landings.

Related read: DJI Mini 3 vs Mini 3 Pro comparison

DJI Mini 2 SE

DJI Mini 2 SE features a 12-megapixel camera with 2.7K video resolution. It offers intelligent QuickShot modes including Dronie, Circle, Helix, Rocket, and Boomerang. Supporting OcuSync 2.0 technology, it offers better stability and a transmission range of up to 10 km. Flight times reach up to 31 minutes.

Enhancements include a transmission distance of up to 10 km, additional shooting functions, and upgraded propulsion for challenging conditions.

Top 4 Non-DJI Drones for Photography

Apart from DJI drones, there are noteworthy alternatives. Autel Robotics provides versatile drones suitable for both enthusiasts and professionals. Equipped with premium cameras, extended flight times, and advanced attributes like 360-degree obstacle avoidance, they address diverse requirements.

Skydio excels in autonomous drone technology, emphasizing AI-driven obstacle avoidance. Their drones effortlessly navigate intricate surroundings, perfect for dynamic shots and follow-me modes. They undoubtedly merit inclusion in this lineup.

Professional drones:

Skydio 2+

The Skydio 2+ stands as a remarkably independent "follow-me" drone, celebrated for its all-encompassing 360° camera system, which operates in tandem with cutting-edge AI-powered software designed for evading obstacles. Navigating intricate surroundings and effortlessly tracking swiftly moving subjects are hallmarks of the Skydio 2+'s capabilities.

Flight time is up to 27 minutes with a range of 3.5 km. It's ideal for action scenes with safety in mind. Notably, it offers 72MP IMAGES, 4K60 HDR, and a unique KeyFrame for custom flight paths. Shooting modes include Boomerang, Cable Cam, Dronie, Orbit, Rocket, and Vortex, among others.

Autel Evo 2 Pro v3

The Autel Evo 2 Pro v3 is equipped with the ability to capture breathtaking 6K/30FPS Ultra HD videos, it ensures that every detail of your footage comes to life with stunning clarity and vibrancy. Advanced 360° obstacle avoidance technology enables the drone to navigate complex environments with remarkable precision. The adjustable aperture range from f/2.8 to f/11 empowers you with creative control over your shots, adapting seamlessly to varying lighting conditions.

With a 20-megapixel 1-inch CMOS image sensor paves the way for awe-inspiring visual storytelling, ensuring that your captures boast the utmost clarity and depth. It offers a flight time of up to 40 minutes and a range of up to 15 km.  Hyper-Lapse Photography In 6K is enabling you to craft mesmerizing sequences that captivate your audience's imagination. Ideal for professionals, it offers intelligent flight modes and exceptional image and video quality.

The EVO II Pro V3 camera drone offers an array of shooting modes, encompassing Single-shot, Burst Shooting, Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB), Time-lapse (JPG / RAW), High-dynamic-range (HDR), HyperLight, and Long Exposure.

Autel Evo Lite+

The Autel Evo Lite+ features a 1-inch CMOS 20MP RGGB camera able to record 6K/30FPS Video. With an adjustable aperture from f/2.8-f/1.1, it boasts an industry-leading 40-minute flight time. The 20MP camera provides restored natural colors and balances overexposure and underexposure. This restoration of balance produces images with enhanced clarity and depth.

Other features include Defog Mode, a 50MP camera with a 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor, 4-axis Gimbal Design that ensures stable and smooth footage, HDR capabilities that enrich your visuals with improved contrast and vibrant colors, Dynamic Track 2.1 empowers the drone to expertly follow moving subjects, and advanced shooting modes such as Flick, Rocket, Fade Away, and Orbit provide diverse creative options.

Notably, the Autel Evo Lite+ boasts an impressive transmission range of 12 km, ensuring you can explore vast distances without losing connection. Its Ultra Wide Angle Obstacle Avoidance system is equipped with three-way binocular vision sensors, covering the front, back, and below.

Mid-level drone:

Autel EVO Nano+

The Autel EVO Nano+ packs impressive capabilities under 249g. Its 1/1.28-inch CMOS sensor delivers 50 MP photos, while the RYYB color filter array and large aperture of f/1.9 excel in low-light conditions. Features like a 48MP camera, 4K/30fps video, and three-axis mechanical gimbal stabilize footage.

Precision tracking is ensured through PDAF + CDAF autofocus alongside Dynamic Track 2.1 and an array of shooting modes such as Rocket, Flick, Fade Away, and Orbit. It boasts a remarkable transmission range of 10 km and is equipped with a comprehensive obstacle-avoidance system. This system incorporates three-way binocular vision sensors that grant the drone the ability to detect obstacles ahead, behind, and below.

The EVO Nano series adeptly applies brakes to avert collisions and skillfully maneuvers around obstacles. All of this is accompanied by a substantial 28 minutes of flight time.

Comparing the Drones for Photography

To help you make an informed decision, let's compare the top drones based on camera quality, flight time, range, and intelligent flight modes. Evaluating these factors will ensure you find the perfect drone to meet your photography needs.

Factors to Consider Before Buying 

Before splurging on a drone, there are several factors to consider. Budget, intended use, and skill level play a significant role in determining which drone is the best fit for you.

Best Drones for Different Budgets

Not everyone is ready to invest a considerable amount in their first drone. We've categorized some of the best drones based on different budget ranges to ensure there's an option for everyone.

Drone Photography Accessories

To take your drone photography to the next level, consider investing in some essential accessories. ND filters help control exposure, while extra batteries and a sturdy carrying case ensure you're always prepared for your next adventure. Equip your drone with memory cards to accommodate the vast collection of high-resolution photos and videos you'll capture.

Use a landing pad to ensure a clean and debris-free surface for takeoffs and landings, regardless of the terrain. Opt for propeller guards to safeguard your drone and surroundings during flights in confined spaces, especially as entry-level drones lack obstacle avoidance systems. These guards provide vital protection for your drone's well-being.

Drone Flying Regulations and Safety

As the popularity of drones soars, understanding regulations and safety measures is crucial. Abide by airspace restrictions, follow local laws, and prioritize safety guidelines. Register your drone in faa.gov as required by your jurisdiction to ensure accountability and compliance. Maintain a clear line of sight, avoid populated areas, and respect the privacy of others. Responsible drone flying ensures a harmonious coexistence between aerial enthusiasts and the world around us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drones have revolutionized photography, granting us a fresh perspective on the world around us. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, investing in the right drone can elevate your photography game to new heights.

FAQs

Q1: Are these drones suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! While some drones cater to professionals, many on our list are beginner-friendly, equipped with intuitive controls and safety features.

Q2: How far can these drones fly?

The range varies between models, but most offer a range of several kilometers, ensuring you can explore far and wide.

Q3: Can I attach my own camera to these drones?

In most cases, these drones come with high-quality cameras, but some models allow you to attach your own payload for specialized photography needs.

Q4: What's the average flight time?

The average flight time for these drones is around 25 to 30 minutes, although this may vary depending on weather conditions and usage.

Q5: Do I need a license to fly these drones?

In some countries, a license or registration may be required for drones above a certain weight. Always check local regulations before flying.