Introduction
Thanks to the “Follow me/Follow me” technology, GPS drones were able to automatically follow the object, which provided the user with even more opportunities to receive unique aerial shots.
The first consumer GPS drones with “Follow me” appeared in 2016 and immediately received consumer recognition. Today, a quadcopter without a properly functioning “Follow Me” mode is considered obsolete or considered a toy. As a rule, the Follow me mode includes other intelligent flight and shooting modes (Orbit, ActiveTrack, Points of Interest, Waypoints, Circle, Terrain Follow, etc.), which together allow satisfying even the most creative ideas.
A variation of Follow Me technology
Follow Me is an intelligent flight and shooting mode that turns your drone into a camera crew with just a few taps. There are currently 2 types of Follow Me technology in use. Follow Me GPS beacon based technology and technology based on the latest object recognition software such as DJI ActiveTrack.
GPS beacon based technology
With this method of tracking, devices with a built-in GPS module are used, such as a mobile phone, tablet, remote control or ground control station (GSC – Ground Station Control). In this case, the drone is programmed to follow the GPS module of the paired device and keep that device in the center of the frame at all times. The object tracking function does not have to mean that the aircraft follows the object, it can also be stationary tracking.
Software based technology
Today it is the height of perfection in the unmanned world. This is where imaging sensors and software come into play. The sensors, coupled with recognition technology and artificial intelligence, give the drone the ability to intelligently recognize a person or object and follow it, without the need to retrofit a GPS beacon.
Mob interface. DJI GO4 apps.
Software
The software for the Follow Me mode is usually pre-installed in the mobile application through which the interaction with the drone is carried out. For example, DJI has the GO 4 or Fly app, Autel Robotics has the Autel Explorer. Older drones from 3DR (no longer in production) used the SOLO app, and Arducopter based drones use the Mission Planner software.
Some manufacturers, such as Walkera, embed the software directly into the ground control station (GSC). It only takes a couple of mouse clicks and you program what you want to follow or monitor.
The software is a rather complex solution that uses software algorithms and calculations to track and constantly monitor an object. Most applications allow you to program the gimbal and camera to pre-set flight distances, altitudes and angles, giving your video a unique cinematic perspective while tracking.
Distance
Each UAV manufacturer uses a different distance to execute the Follow Me mode. The first time you use the mode, it is best to keep your distance short until you are fully familiar with all the nuances of your drone. If an excessive distance is set between the GSC and the transmitter/aircraft visualization system and the tracked object, the Follow Me mode will be terminated. For example, DJI drones such as the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 have the most reliable connection at a height of 30 meters and at a distance of 20 meters. The latest DJI drones can follow an object at a much greater distance than that.
Mob interface. DJI Fly apps.
Flight safety
It should be remembered that the vast majority of drones in Follow Me mode do not support Obstacle Avoidance function. Follow Me mode is great for open spaces without obstacles.
Note:
- Before you start flying in Follow Me mode, it is recommended to plan your route in advance, analyze all the obstacles that your drone could potentially encounter. Also in the settings you can program the drone to fly over obstacles.
- Review the aircraft settings in the RTH (Return To Home) function section to set the desired settings for determining the sequence of actions of the aircraft in case of loss of communication or when the battery is low. As a rule, you can set the maximum return height, as well as the option of action – this is to return to the take-off point or land directly at the place of loss of communication.
- Do not forget to monitor the current battery charge and incoming system warnings. Don’t get carried away shooting Follow Me to the lowest battery levels.
Best Follow Me Drones
The best Follow Me solutions are offered by: Skidio, DJI Innovations, Autel Robotics, Parrot, Power Vision, Yuneec International. All drones presented below, in addition to advanced Follow Me technologies, have additional intelligent flight and shooting modes, such as Waypoints (Flying by points), Orbit (Orbit), Points Of Interest (Point of Interest), are equipped with unique image stabilization technologies, which together provide the user even more angles and opportunities in aerial photography. And finally, these drones are easy to control, which is important for high-tech UAVs.
By tradition, we will start from the last 15th place. For those who do not have time to fully familiarize themselves with the rating, we have prepared a table below.
comparison table
15. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus RS
The only hexacopter of its kind that has been able to easily compete with the best of the best in both the consumer and commercial markets for five years now. Built on a foldable carbon frame with retractable landing legs. Due to the flexibility of the customizable platform, it can be equipped with a variety of payloads. In particular, for the cinematic configuration, three 4K camera options are available, each of which works in tandem with a high-precision 360-degree 3-axis gimbal, serving as the main difference for each version of the UAV.
On board the pre-top version of the Typhoon H Plus RS, a high-performance 4K Yuneec C23 camera is installed, built on a 20MP 1-inch CMOS matrix, the quality of which has already been appreciated by many. Complement the list of key features of the drone: the function of detecting and flying obstacles using the patented Intel RealSense ™ technology, 6 × preset automatic flight and shooting modes, including two options for following the object (Follow Me / Watch Me) implemented on the basis of GPS beacon technology , Hyperlapse shooting, panoramic shooting modes, support for LifeView LTE/5G/4G video broadcasts, compatibility with Yuneec SkyView FPV goggles.
In the list of flight distinguishing features: emergency landing mode on 5 motors, max. horizontal flight speed 72 km/h, max. FPV removal distance 1.6km, max. flight time 26 minutes. Release date: August 2016. Price: $2,333. The most detailed about the Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter in our review.
Yuneec Typhoon H Plus RS from $2192
pros
- Workmanship/Design
- 6-motors/Foldable design
- Flight qualities
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense/IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size even at night
- Range of versions with cameras/The quality of shooting each/Ability to shoot 360º
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Portable Wizard remote/SkyView FPV goggles
- Does not require UAV control skills
- Price
Minuses
- Luggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the personal station
Video
Demonstration of the follow-modes of the drone Yuneec Typhoon H Plus.
14. Parrot Anafi
The top French platform, which today implements both consumer and commercial solutions of the developer. Since the release, the model has established itself as a simple and reliable product with quite rich functionality, allowing Anafi to easily act as a good alternative to more expensive and technologically advanced quadcopters. To include Follow modes in the main functions of the drone, the developer used both technologies (GPS beacon + Parrot FreeFlight 6 software), which in general predetermined their exemplary performance in practice.
A 21MP 4K camera is responsible for shooting, installed in a 2-axis mechanical gimbal with a variable camera angle (-90 ° to + 90 °), working in tandem with proprietary 3-axis electronic stabilization. The list of main cinematic features of the drone included: support for Adobe / DNG / RAW formats, intelligent object tracking in Cameraman / Follow me modes, shooting video in 4K HDR mode, 2.8X (1.4X in 4K) innovative lossless digital zoom, 8-programmed flight and shooting modes, as well as Hyperlapse and Slow-Motion modes.
Max. removal distance 4 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 55 km/h. Max. flight time 25 minutes. Release date: June 2018. Price: from $650. Read more about Parrot Anafi in our review.
Parrot ANAFI from $650
pros
- Quality/Portability
- Patented material structure (durable and lightweight)
- Unique foldable beam design
- GPS/Glonass positioning + sensor complex
- Quiet propulsion/Dynamic (up to 50 km/h)
- 21MP 4K HDR Camera (Bitrate: 100Mbps)
- 2-axis mechanical + 3-axis EIS
- Auto flight and shooting modes
- Max. removal distance 4 km/Max. flight time 25 min
- Comes in a transport case
Minuses
- Officially not delivered to the World
- Doesn’t fly around obstacles
- No 3-axis gimbal
- No 4K at 60 fps
- Viewing angle
Video
Demonstration of the operation of the Parrot Anafi drone in the Follow me mode.
13. Power Vision Power Egg X
Versatile all-weather 3-in-1 solution with exponentially powerful hardware that combines two tools at once to realize intelligent shooting from the ground and from the air. Since the release, the novelty has proven itself exclusively on the positive side, especially with regard to the quality of shooting and the operation of intelligent functions, among which the flight and shooting mode Smart Follow is available, implemented for this model on proprietary software, the algorithms of which allow you to quickly and extremely accurately work out recognition and tracking the selected object in all three scenarios (Trace/Parallel/Spotlight).
The cinematic arsenal includes a 12MP 4K camera built on a 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor, mounted in a high-precision 3-axis gimbal. The embedded video potential of PowerEgg X allows you to realize 4K video at 60 fps with a maximum bit rate of 75 Mbps. Complements the tandem of 5 × preset automatic flight and QuickShot shooting modes (Dronie/Oval/Helix/Rocket/Circle), Slow motion and Hyperlapse modes, all kinds of photo beautification filters and intelligent editing of footage in a few taps.
Max. removal distance 6 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 64 km / h. Max. flight time 30 minutes. Release date: January 2020. Price: from $899. Max. Read more about PowerEgg X in our review.
PowerVision PowerEgg X from $899
pros
- Execution quality
- Video system portability
- Transformation (drone/camera/webcam)
- 4K camera + 3-axis gimbal
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intelligent features
- Software (everything just filmed, processed, uploaded)
- Online streaming
- All weather operation
Minuses
- General case dimensions
- The waterproof case reduces the quality of shooting
- Flight range is far from declared (Max. in FCC mode: 2.5 km)
Video
Demonstration of the Power Vision PowerEgg X drone in Follow me mode.
12. DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum)
The first foldable solution that predetermined the future format and potential of all portable UAVs in the hobby. Despite such a compact size, especially when folded, the drone received a powerful high-performance stuffing, thanks to which the model is currently able to compete with the best of the best.
To implement the function of tracking and shooting objects, the time-tested proprietary intelligent ActiveTrack technology is used, which offers various autopilot modes such as Spotlight, Profile, Trace, Terrain Follow Mode, providing various tracking scenarios at the output. A 12MP 4K camera is responsible for shooting, working in a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. For professional-level cinematic footage, the drone system is preloaded with three Intelligent Auto Flight and QuickShot modes (Rocket/Dronie/Helix).
In the list of key features of the drone: the front and bottom sensor system for detecting and flying around obstacles. OcuSync video transmission system. Max. removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 65 km/h. Max. flight time (PRO/PRO Platinum) 27/30 min. Release date: November 2016. Price: from $999. Learn more about the DJI Mavic Pro in our review, as well as the innovations of the revised version of the Mavic Pro Platinum.
DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) from $999
pros
- Compact when folded
- Portable control panel
- OcuSync
- Range of flight
- Camera/Gimbal (image quality)
- Autonomous qualities
- Gesture control
- Object following mode
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
- Ready to fly out of the box
Minuses
- When flying with a protective cap, glare appears on the recorded video / photo
- Narrow camera angle
- No mechanism or system warning when the gimbal lock is not removed
- The obstacle detection system is not perfect. Caution is required when piloting.
Video
Demonstration of the drone DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) in ActiveTrack mode.
11. DJI Mavic Air
The first and only Mavic Air to get the best in the series appearance, which later became the hallmark of the first AIR iteration. Despite such a compact size, the potential of the model turned out to be so good that from the first reviews the drone earned the maximum recognition of the consumer and is currently in great demand. In the arsenal of the quadrocopter, the time-tested technology of the first generation ActiveTrack Follow Me, which does not require an external GPS beacon to track, just select the desired object on the display of the paired smartphone and the drone is ready to follow it. The technology can recognize up to 16 objects/people.
Since this drone came out after such popular DJI hobby models as the Phantom 4 Pro, Mavic Pro or Spark, practice has shown that the ActiveTrack applied in Mavic Air works noticeably more accurately. There are three standard object tracking scenarios available for the user to choose from: Trace Mode/Spotlight Mode/Profile Mode. Complementing the advanced tracking technology are six pre-installed intelligent auto flight and shooting modes QuickShots (Roket/Dronie/Circle/Helix/Asteroid/Boomerang), Tripod mode, Cinematic modes, TapFly and Points of Interest. And with the advent of such a mode as SmartCapture, it became possible to control the drone with the help of hand gestures.
A 12MP 4K camera built on a 1/2.3-inch CMOS matrix is responsible for shooting. A 3-axis mechanical suspension is responsible for stabilization. Visualization of the surrounding world, and at the same time, safe piloting is provided by the frontal, rear and lower 3D obstacle detection and avoidance system, which is capable of planning an automatic flight in advance during the flight.
Max. removal distance 4 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 68.4 km/h. Max. flight time 21 minutes. Release date: January 2018. Price: from $599. Learn more about the DJI Mavic Air in our review.
DJI Mavic Air from $599
pros
- Execution quality
- Portability
- Flight qualities / Flight range up to 4 km
- Intelligent Flight Modes
- Camera (quality and shooting capabilities)
- Flies obstacles/APAS/VIO
- Flight Autonomy 2.0
- Modified SmartCapture
- Flight time up to 21min
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
Minuses
- Video transmission over Wi-Fi
- Rotor not foldable
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Mavic Air drone in ActiveTrack mode.
10. Autel Robotics Evo
A time-tested solution implemented by the developer as a powerful American answer to the high-tech DJI Mavic Pro. It became the first foldable drone to shoot 4K video at 60 fps. At the heart of EVO is a powerful patented 3D visualization system of the surrounding world, built on the basis of a binocular front, rear and bottom sensor system, which allows real-time creation of a three-dimensional environment and advance route taking into account obstacles encountered even in low light conditions. And in order for the drone to easily compete with the top DJI Active Track object tracking system, Autel Robotics engineers developed from scratch a unique object recognition and tracking technology with the ability to process occlusion – Dynamic Track (includes three submodes: Follow / Tripod / Parallel), which excludes the loss of an object even if it disappears from the view of the system for a short time, which at the output provided fewer failures in the Follow mode.
Autel Evo is equipped with a powerful camera system working in tandem with the high-performance Ambarella H2 chipset, allowing you to record stunning HDR video in 4K resolution at 60 frames per second at up to 100 Mbps in H.264 or H.265 codecs. The camera lens uses high-quality glass optics, making EVO capture equally stunning 12MP wide dynamic range aerial photos.
Max. removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time 30 minutes. Release date: January 2018. Price: from $799. Read more about Autel Evo in our review.
Autel Robotics EVO from $799
pros
- Foldable design
- Compact and convenient control panel with a wide informational OLED display
- Mobile application (convenient and informative interface)
- Flying qualities + holding position (confidently holds position even in strong winds)
- Positioning accuracy
- 4K at 60 fps (general image quality)
- Obstacle sensors front and rear
- Removal distance up to 7km
- Autonomous flight modes
- Ready to fly out of the box
Minuses
- In tracking mode, prone to losing the object
- Rear sensors are extremely demanding on the structure of the recognized surface
Video
Demonstration of the Autel Robotics Evo drone in Dynamic Track mode.
9. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The top solution of the legendary Phantom series and by far the best drone on the market in terms of price/quality ratio, which has been recognized by professionals in all areas of human activity where the use of UAVs is required. Positioned by the developer as an entry-level professional drone with a powerful 5-way obstacle avoidance system that works in tandem with the time-tested ActiveTrack technology that supports three object tracking scenarios (Profile, Spotlight, Circle, Terrain Follow), as well as such flight and shooting modes as Draw Waypoints, TapFly, Tripod and Gesture.
The hallmark of the P4 Pro V2.0 is its powerful camera system. On board is a professional high-performance 20MP 4K camera with a variable aperture and a mechanical shutter, built on a 1-inch CMOS matrix. Coupled with a highly accurate and incredibly smooth 3-axis gimbal, the drone works effortlessly in areas such as cinematography, cartography and 3D modeling.
The list of key features of the model also includes: OcuSync digital video transmission technology, D-Log M color profile, DNG (RAW) photo formats, H.264/H.265 video codecs. Max. FPV removal distance 10 km. Max. flight time 30 min. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Release date: May 2018. Price: from $1,599. Learn more about the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 in our review.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 from $1599
pros
- Quality
- Design
- Modified low-noise power plant
- Flight characteristics
- Autonomous qualities
- OcuSync video transmission system
- Camera/Mech. Shutter/Gimbal (Best in niche image quality)
- Removal distance up to 7km
- Price
Minuses
- Side obstacle detection sensors are not active for all flight modes
- Bulky luggage in transit
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 drone in ActiveTrack mode.
8. DJI Inspire 2
Is the best available professional, whose potential is equal to the level of expensive cinematic tools. In addition to a powerful video system built on the basis of three high-performance quick-change cameras (Zenmuse X4S / X5S / X7), the car received no less powerful software that allows it to operate in a fully automatic flight and shooting mode. The user has as many as seven auto modes, of which two (Spotlight Pro and ActiveTrack) are implemented to provide object tracking in various execution scenarios at speeds up to 94 km / h.
In the list of key features of the drone: body made of magnesium and aluminum alloy, carbon beams with variable position (Flight / Landing), 4-way visualization of the surrounding world, duplicating inertial navigation system complex (not afraid of failures), powered by two batteries with the function heating, the ability to work at an altitude of 2500 – 5000 meters, Frontal FPV camera for separate control of the drone (pilot / videographer), a number of professional cameras on a 3-axis high-precision gimbal with a 320-degree swivel range, video processing and storage: RAW 6K at 4.44 Gbps, supported video codecs: H.265/H.264, CineCore 2.1 image processing system, supported video formats: Adobe CinemaDNG 6K/AppleProRes 5.2K, support for DJI CINESSD drives, support for a number of professional add-ons. accessories.
Max. removal distance 7 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 94 km / h. Max. flight time 27 min. Release date: November 2016. Price: from $3,299. Learn more about the DJI Inspire 2 in our review.
DJI Inspire 2 from $3299
pros
- Quality
- Design
- Reliable (complex of redundant sensors + 2 batteries)
- Flight qualities (handling / dynamism)
- Cinematic potential of a professional level
- Supported cameras
- Possibility of separate control (Drone/Shooting)
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Flight time
- Price
Minuses
- Dimensions
- Noisy
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Inspire 2 drone in ActiveTrack mode.
7. DJI Mavic 2
Despite the close resemblance to the first version, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom drones received a significant package of improvements in almost every aspect, including improved camera performance, video transmission, flight time, flight speed, less noise, omnidirectional obstacle detection, intelligent flight modes and the unique Hyperlapse feature. Mavic 2 drones can detect obstacles from all 6 directions. They can also fly around obstacles in front and behind using the Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS). The arsenal of new smart features includes: ActiveTrack 2.0, Hyperlapse shooting mode that does not require post-processing, six preset QuickShots modes, automatic flight mode and second-generation Points Of Interest shooting (POI 2.0 or Point of Interest), Waypoint Navigation mode, Cinematic mode.
The second generation of ActiveTrack is responsible for object tracking. There are three scenarios for following a Trace/Spotlight/Parallel object. The technology has become an order of magnitude more productive and provides recognition of up to 16 objects / people. The speed range has been extended to 72 km/h. The drone now automatically adjusts its flight to track a person or object. The AT algorithms even allow for a momentary loss of an object from view, which contributes to more reliable non-stop tracking performance.
The video footage of the Mavic 2 is simply amazing. Both versions of the Mavic 2 are equipped with the latest camera systems to ensure smooth and stable 4K footage in almost any situation. For professionals, coupled with a wide range of settings, different color profiles are available.
In the list of key flight features of the M2: Max. removal distance 10 km. Max. horizontal flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time 31 min. Release date: November 2018. Price: from $1,349. Learn more about the DJI Mavic 2 in our review.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro from $1599
pros
- Portable
- crash resistant
- Zoom/Pro cameras (features and quality)
- dynamic
- Guided/Flight Modes
- Offline modes and features
- Active Track 2.0
- OcuSync 2.0/FHD FPV
- FPV removal distance up to 10 km
- APAS
Minuses
- Does not shoot in 4K at 60 fps
- No protection against water and dust
- The ability to change cameras only through a service center
- Unlike its predecessor, it does not have a Wi-Fi connection (the ability to launch the drone from a smartphone is excluded, which, for example, is very important during a bike ride when the drone is in the ActiveTrack object automatic following mode). As a result, you have to constantly bother with fixing the tandem (remote control + smartphone) on the steering wheel.
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Mavic 2 drone in ActiveTrack 2.0 mode.
6. DJI Mavic Air 2
The second fully redesigned version of the predecessor popular in the hobby. Despite the mid-price position of the product, the developer put such a powerful potential into the novelty that the relevance of buying premium Mavic 2 was questioned for many, and some time after the release, the novelty even deserved the title of the best GPS drone in the ratio of such criteria as quality, manufacturability and price .
The key features of MA2 include an excellent 3-way visualization system of the surrounding world, working in tandem with a powerful new set of intelligent FocusTrack following modes, combining both top-end and completely new versions of the top Follow Me modes – Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 3.0 and POI 3.0 (Points Of Interest / Point of Interest) allowing in various scenarios to intelligently recognize and track the objects selected by the user for shooting. Also in the arsenal is an advanced third-generation pilot assistance system APAS 3.0, 48MP 4K camera built on a 1/2-inch Sony IMX586 CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 0.8 microns with a built-in Bayer color filter array, 3-axis high-precision mechanical gimbal, digital video transmission technology OcuSync 2.0.
Max. FPV removal distance 10 km. Max. flight time 34 min. Max. horizontal flight speed 68.4 km/h. A complete package of QuickShot modes. D-Cinelike color profile and H.264/H.265 video codecs. Release date: April 2020. Price: from $799. Max. Learn more about the DJI Mavic Air 2 in our review.
DJI Mavic Air 2 from $559
pros
- Portable Design/Foldable Design
- Anterior/posterior and inferior environmental imaging system
- OcuSync 2.0 Digital Video Transmission (Max FPV Distance 10km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 34 min
- 48MP 4K camera (best image quality among competitors)/4K@60fps
- The best potential in photo / video shooting (due to various modes and functions that improve the quality of the footage)
- D-Cinelike color profile (more freedom in post-processing)
- FocusTrack Intelligent Follower Suite
- APAS 3.0 (Secure Management)
- Price
Minuses
- No Tripod Mode
Video
Demonstration of DJI Mavic Air 2 in ActiveTrack 3.0 versus Skydio 2 in Motion Track.
5. DJI Mini 3 Pro
A completely redesigned iteration of DJI’s third-generation lightweight “Mavic Mini” series, implemented for the first time for this series with a sensor system for detecting and avoiding obstacles. Today, it is the best Follow Me solution in the “under 250g” weight category, the potential of which has left behind not only all lightweight competitors, but also a number of full-size premium models, making this drone a kind of benchmark in portability and power, mirroring how far it has come. technological process within the unmanned hobby.
To ensure undeniable object tracking quality, DJI engineers completely redesigned the body design, installed sensors with a large viewing angle (front/rear/bottom), equipped the drone with an advanced set of FocusTrack intelligent tracking modes (ActiveTrack 4.0/Spotlight 2.0/Point of Interest 3.0) and a system assistance to the APAS 4.0 pilot.
To implement high-quality photo / video shooting, the developer also updated the drone’s video system. The 48MP 4K camera is based on a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 microns; with built-in Bayer color filter array; FOV: 82.1°; aperture: f/1.7; equiv. focal length: 24 mm, which made it possible to achieve an impressive quality of aerial photography both in the daytime and at night.
Max. FPV flight range: 12 km. Max. flight speed: 57.6 km / h. Max. flight time (battery/battery Plus): 34/47 min. Release date: May 2022. Price: from $759. Learn more about the DJI Mini 3 Pro in our review.
DJI Mini 3 Pro from $759
pros
- Completely redesigned and foldable. Still in the weight category up to 250 grams
- 3-Way (Front/Aft/Bottom) Obstacle Detection and Avoidance Sensor System with New Sensor Layout
- DJI O3 Top Digital Video Streaming Technology (OcuSync 3.0)
- Max. FPV removal distance: 12km
- Max. flight time (batteries/batteries Plus): 34/47 min
- 48MP 4K camera built on 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with 2.4µm pixel size; with built-in Bayer color filter array; FOV: 82.1°; aperture: f/1.7; equiv. focal length: 24 mm
- 10-bit D-Cinelike color profile
- Intelligent flight and shooting modes: FocusTrack/MasterShots/QuickShots
- Advanced Pilot Assistance System APAS 4.0
- Price
Minuses
- Lack of declared HDR video mode (actually it is 8-bit SDR REC 709; May be corrected with the next firmware update)
- Incorrect operation of the noise reduction system at ISO 800 and higher in 4K up to 30 fps (Possibly corrected by the next firmware update)
- Lack of manual adjustment of sharpness, contrast and saturation (Possibly corrected by the next firmware update)
- Lack of flight mode Tripod mode (Perhaps they will add the next firmware update)
- Inability to connect and control the drone with a single smartphone
- Battery Plus is not available for sale in all countries
- Image quality when using DJI ND filters
- Built-in memory: 1.2 GB
Video
Demonstration of DJI Mini 3 Pro drone in FocusTrack modes compared to Skydio 2 drone in Motion Track mode.
4. Autel Evo 2 Pro
The top portable platform from Autel Robotics with a quick-change payload, through which many different tasks of a modern person can be solved in such areas as high-quality photo / video shooting, mapping, inspection, monitoring, law enforcement, fire fighting and emergency situations. It was implemented by the developer as an uncompromising answer to the high-tech DJI Mavic 2 Pro.
The list of key features of the model includes: a comprehensive system for detecting and avoiding obstacles, the patented Dynamic Track 2.0 ™ system (recognizes and tracks up to 64 objects, including people, animals and vehicles), more than 8 new intelligent flight and shooting modes, three quick-change cameras (optional 48MP 8K/20MP 6K/48MP 8K+ Thermal Imager), 10-bit A-LOG Color mode, 10-bit 4K HDR video mode.
Max. removal distance 9 km. Max. flight speed 72 km / h. Max. flight time 40 min. Release date: January 2020. Price: from $1,349. Read more about Autel Evo 2 in our review.
Autel Evo II Pro from $1795
pros
- Portable (Dimensions when folded)
- 3 quick change chamber options
- 6K camera quality
- 10-bit A-LOG Color mode (more freedom in post-processing)
- 10-bit 4K HDR video mode
- Dynamic (up to 72 km/h)
- Managed
- Comprehensive obstacle detection and avoidance system operation/Dynamic Track 2.0 system operation
- Max. flight time 40 min
- Max. FPV removal distance
Minuses
- Not officially supplied in the World / No service support in the World
- No protection against water and dust
- Questionable quality of shooting 8K camera (possibly corrected with the next firmware updates)
Video
Demonstration of the Autel Evo 2 drone in Dynamic Track 2.0 mode.
3. DJI Air 2S
The best entry-level all-in-one solution to date, in which DJI has managed to fit almost all of its top technologies and offer a product at an affordable price. In other words, there are simply no similar mid-budget offerings on the market that can compete with the Air 2S.
The key arsenal of the bright model includes: a flight weight of 595 grams, a 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS matrix with a pixel size of 2.4 microns, a four-way obstacle detection and avoidance system, a set of intelligent FocusTrack following modes (Spotlight 2.0/ActiveTrack 4.0/Point of interest 3.0), APAS 4.0 Advanced Pilot Assistance System, DJI AirSense Safety System, MasterShots pioneering intelligent flight and shooting function, 6 × Automatic flight and QuickShot modes, 4-mode 4K Hyperlapse, 3-mode panorama, 10-bit color Dlog-M profile, RAW with dynamic range up to 12.6 stops, DJI O3 digital video transmission technology (OcuSync 3.0).
Max. removal distance 12 km. Max. flight speed 68.4 km / h. Max. flight time 31 min. Release date: April 2021. Price: from $999. Learn more about the DJI Air 2S in our review.
DJI AIR 2S from $999
pros
- Portable Design/Foldable Design
- 4-Way Environment Visualization System
- OcuSync 3.0 Digital Video Transmission (Max FPV Distance 12km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 microns
- 10-bit Dlog-M/RAW color profile with dynamic range up to 12.6 stops
- Active Track 4.0
- DJI AirSense/APAS 4.0 Security Systems
- Innovative intelligent flight and shooting function MasterShots
- Price
Minuses
- 8 GB built-in memory
- There is no EV control scroll on the remote
- Editing with the app is limited to 1080p
- HDR HLG workflow for professionals only
- Raw images are not automatically transferred to smartphones and tablets
- No Tripod Mode
Video
Demonstration of the DJI Air 2S drone in ActiveTrack 4.0 mode.
2. DJI Mavic 3 (Cine)
The pinnacle of the legendary DJI “Mavic” series, the potential of which once again placed all competitors in their places. In terms of cinematography, it is inferior to the unsurpassed Inspire 2 only in the camera system, and, to be precise, in the lack of the ability to change lenses on the M3 camera, otherwise it is the best robotic consumer solution for professional aerial photography that consumer UAV developers can offer us today.
The third generation Mavic has received a full package of improvements from its appearance to the latest comprehensive sensor system, which, coupled with high-performance hardware and unique software, allows even a beginner to realize any creative ideas at the highest level. What is the unique set of intelligent FocusTrack following modes, which incorporates the latest automatic flight and shooting functions such as Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 5.0 and Point of Interest 3.0, the quality of which did not leave indifferent even professionals.
Rounding out the machine is a 5K 4/3 CMOS camera, born in the tradition of cinematography guru Hasselblad, which, thanks to its unique pre-calibration and adjustment, coupled with Hasselblad’s specially developed 16-bit Natural Color Solution (HNCS) automatic color correction system, allows you to shoot without resorting to manual settings are simply amazing shots both day and night.
The list of other equally important features of the drone includes: a 360-degree obstacle recognition and flight system, an advanced fifth-generation APAS pilot assistance system, DJI O3 + top video streaming technology (the best flight range in the hobby is up to 15 km), support for the Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec and 10-bit D-Log color profile, as well as built-in memory up to 1TB. Max. flight speed: 68.4 km / h. Max. flight time: 46 minutes. Release date: November 2021. Price: from $2,049. As much as possible about DJI Mavic 3 (Cine) in our review.
DJI Mavic 3 from $2049
pros
- Portable
- Availability of security systems (APAS 5.0/AirSense)
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- 5.1K video system from Victor Hasselblad AB built on a Micro 4/3 matrix
- Video stream quality (1080p at 60 fps)
- Flight range up to 15 km
- Support connect to 4G connection
- Flight duration up to 46 min
- Built-in 1TB SSD (Cine version)
- Wi-Fi 6 QuickTransfer function
Minuses
- No support for the first version of DJI Smart Controller
- DJI RC Pro does not support other drone models (but this may be temporary)
- Given the potential of the drone, buttons like 5D / C1 and C2 are missing on standard equipment
- No dual-equipment control mode (pilot/camera operator)
- Max. 15km range only available with DJI RC Pro
- When recording in ProRes format, video is recorded only on the built-in SSD
- No possibility to change SSD
- Given the cinematic potential of the drone, 8GB of internal memory is very small (for the Mavic 3 version)
- No Tripod Mode
Video
Mavic 3 (Cine) drone operation demonstration in ActiveTrack 5.0 mode.
1. Skydio 2 (+)
The intelligence of this drone is the envy of all solutions on the market today. At the heart of the top AI computing platform is the NVIDIA Jetson Tegra X2, which works in tandem with a 256-core Pascal GPU, a Denver 2 processor with 4GB of RAM and 6 × 200° 4K cameras arranged in a trinocular configuration, allowing this machine to perform unassisted stabilized high-quality aerial photography in intelligent following modes (Motion Track/Fixed Track), in almost any environmental conditions (indoors, city, forest). Completing the high-tech configuration is a 12MP 4K HDR 3-axis mechanical gimbal camera built around a 1/2.3-inch Sony IMX577 CMOS sensor paired with a Qualcomm RedDragon™ QSC605.
The drone can be controlled by one of three devices: a smartphone (iOS / Android), a portable Skydio Beacon controller (optional) and a remote control paired with a smartphone (optional). The drone system is preloaded with five Intelligent Auto Flight and Shooting Modes for professional-level cinematic footage.
Max. removal distance 3.5 km. Max. flight speed in automatic mode 58 km / h. Max. flight time 23 min. Release date: November 2019. Price: from $1349. Details about the smartest drone Skydio 2 in our review.
Skydio 2 from $1349
pros
- Portable Design/Quality
- Developer Warranty
- A unique system for detecting and flying around obstacles implemented on AI algorithms
- Dynamic (up to 58 km/h in auto mode)
- Powerful 4K photo/video system
- 3-axis mech. suspension
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Control: Smartphone/Beacon/Remote+Smartphone/Apple Whatch
- Max. removal distance 3.5 km
- Compatible with DroneDeploy
Minuses
- Non-foldable design
- No landing legs
- Officially not delivered to the World
Video
Demonstration of the operation of the Skydio 2 drone in Motion Track mode.