5 Best Follow Me Drones of 2023

As a drone enthusiast, I want to share with you the top 5 follow-me drones that you should consider buying. Follow me drones, also known as autonomous drones or tracking drones, are designed to automatically follow and capture footage of a subject while in motion. These drones are equipped with advanced GPS and tracking technologies, allowing them to track and follow a person or object without requiring manual control. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an action sports lover, or a content creator, follow me drones can provide incredible aerial footage and unique perspectives. In this article, I will introduce you to the top 5 follow-me drones on the market and explain why they are worth considering.

1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a compact and powerful follow-me drone that offers exceptional performance and features. With its 3 cameras: 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, 1/1.3-inch CMOS Medium Tele Camera, 1/2-inch CMOS Tele Camera, and 4K video capability, this drone delivers stunning image quality.

It has a maximum flight time of up to 43 minutes and a range of 15 kilometers, allowing you to capture footage over a wide area. The Mavic 3 Pro also comes with advanced tracking modes such as ActiveTrack 5.0 and Spotlight, which ensure accurate subject tracking even in complex environments.

2. Autel Robotics EVO II

The Autel Robotics EVO II is a professional-grade follow-me drone that boasts impressive specifications. It features a 48-megapixel camera and can record 8K video, delivering incredibly detailed footage. With a flight time of up to 40 minutes and a range of 9 kilometers, the EVO II is perfect for capturing long-duration shots.

This drone also offers various tracking modes, including Dynamic Track, which allows you to track a subject while avoiding obstacles intelligently.

3. Skydio 2+

The Skydio 2+ is a highly autonomous follow-me drone that is renowned for its advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities. With six 4K cameras and a powerful AI system, the Skydio 2+ can navigate complex environments and track subjects with precision.

It has a flight time of up to 27 minutes and a range of 3.5 kilometers. This drone is ideal for capturing action-packed scenes while ensuring safety and reliability.

4. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a classic follow-me drone that remains popular for its professional-grade features. It comes with a 20-megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K video at 60 frames per second.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 has a flight time of up to 30 minutes and a range of 7 kilometers, providing ample time and distance for capturing stunning aerial shots. With its intelligent tracking modes, such as ActiveTrack and TapFly, this drone offers excellent subject-tracking capabilities.

5. DJI Air 2S

The DJI Air 2S is a professional-grade follow-me drone that combines excellent image quality with portability. It features a camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, delivering stunning 20-megapixel photos and 5.4K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 60 frames per second video.

With a flight time of up to 31 minutes and a range of 12 kilometers, the DJI Air 2S is perfect for capturing cinematic aerial footage. This drone also offers advanced tracking modes like ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0

Related read: Best Long-Flight Consumer Drones, Drones for Photography

Comparison of Best 5 Follow Me Drones

When choosing a follow-me drone, it's important to consider several factors. Here's a comparison of the top 5 drones based on their specifications, camera quality, flight time and range, tracking and GPS features, and safety features:

It's essential to assess these features based on your specific requirements and use case to make an informed purchasing decision.

Tips for Using Follow Me Drones Effectively

Now that you know about the top 5 follow-me drones, here are some tips to help you use them effectively:

Plan Your Flight Path: Before using a follow-me drone, plan the flight path and consider the environment, obstacles, and any restrictions or regulations in the area.

Check Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local drone regulations and follow them to ensure safe and legal drone operations.

Practice Before Active Tracking: Practice flying the drone manually and become comfortable with its controls and features before using the active tracking mode.

Be Mindful of Obstacles: Although most follow me drones have obstacle avoidance technology, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid flying near obstacles that may hinder the drone's movement or compromise safety.

Monitor Battery Life: Keep an eye on the drone's battery level during flight and ensure you have enough power for the drone to return safely to its launch point.

By following these tips, you can make the most out of your follow-me drone experience while prioritizing safety and capturing impressive footage.

Conclusion

Follow-me drones offer an exciting way to capture dynamic and immersive aerial footage. In this article, we explored the top 5 follow-me drones available in the market, each with its unique features and capabilities. From the compact and powerful DJI Mavic 3 Pro to the professional-grade DJI Air 2S, there's a perfect follow-me drone for every enthusiast or professional.

When choosing a follow-me drone, consider factors such as budget, camera quality, flight time and range, GPS and tracking features, and safety features. Each drone offers its advantages and caters to different needs. Remember to fly responsibly, follow local regulations, and practice using the drone before engaging in active tracking.

With the right follow-me drone, you can capture breathtaking aerial shots, explore creative possibilities, and take your videography and photography skills to new heights.

FAQs

Q1. Are follow-me drones suitable for beginners?

Follow me drones can be suitable for beginners, depending on the specific model and its ease of use. Some drones offer user-friendly features and intuitive controls, making them accessible to beginners. However, it's important to familiarize yourself with the drone's manual, practice flying in open spaces, and gradually learn to use the tracking and autonomous features.

Q2. Can follow-me drones be used indoors?

Most follow-me drones are designed for outdoor use due to their reliance on GPS signals for tracking and navigation. Indoor environments may not provide the necessary GPS connectivity, making it challenging for the drone to function correctly. However, there are specialized indoor drones available that can be used for capturing footage in confined spaces.

Q3. Can I fly a follow-me drone in any weather condition?

While some follow-me drones offer weatherproofing features, it's crucial to check the manufacturer's specifications and guidelines regarding weather conditions. Harsh weather elements such as strong winds, rain, or snow can impact the drone's performance and compromise safety. It's generally recommended to fly in calm weather conditions with minimal wind for optimal results.

Q4. Are there any legal restrictions or regulations for flying follow-me drones?

Yes, there are legal restrictions and regulations for flying drones in many countries. These regulations often include guidelines regarding flight altitude, distance from airports or restricted areas, and the need for a license or permit for commercial use. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the local regulations and comply with them to ensure safe and legal drone operations.

Q5. How do follow-me drones track a subject?

Follow me drones utilize a combination of GPS, sensors, and computer vision technologies to track subjects seamlessly. These drones heavily depend on GPS signals from the controller or the subject's mobile device to establish and maintain tracking. Furthermore, advanced models implement object detection and tracking algorithms, along with camera and LiDAR sensors, to ensure precise subject tracking while avoiding obstacles. For more in-depth information on the topic, you can explore this link on IEEE Xplore.

Remember to consult the specific drone's user manual for detailed instructions on how to set up and use the tracking features.