Welcome to a world full of breathtaking landscapes!
Once upon a time, drones were used only by the military, for reconnaissance of the area. Now, UAVs can be bought by anyone. You can take the same photos or even better with top aerial photography drones. We have collected the best in this rating, respectively, the prices for them will not be small. Let’s start with the last – 18th place. For those who do not have time to fully familiarize themselves with the rating, we have prepared a table below.
comparison table
18th place: Hubsan Zino 2
Hubsan’s top mid-range solution built for high quality aerial photography. Zino 2’s key cinematic features include: 4K camera built on a 1/2.3-inch Sony CMOS sensor; High performance Ambarella H22 chipset; Shooting in 4K mode at 60 fps; Panoramic shooting modes; Hyperlapse mode; 5 × automatic flight modes; Max. bitrate 100 Mbps. It is recommended in the hobby as an alternative replacement for expensive quadcopters when buying the latter is not considered. Read more about Hubsan Zino 2 in our review.
Hubsan Zino 2 from $499
pros
- Execution quality
- Foldable frame and propellers
- Easy to operate
- Flight performance
- 4K at 60 fps
- FPV removal distance 8 km
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Flight time 33 minutes
- Price
Minuses
- Does not identify obstacles
- No prop guards included
17th place: FIMI X8 SE 2020
The best full-sized alternative in the $400+ price range that rivals top brand drones for quality. In the list of key cinematic features of the 2020 version: 12MP 4K camera built on a 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 1.55μm; Top Hisilicon ISP chipset; 3x digital zoom; F-Log and DNG RAW modes; HDR mode for photo/video; Mode for shooting in low light conditions “Night Shot”; 3 × variants of panoramic shots; 3 × Motion-lapse options that do not require post-processing; Max. bitrate 100 Mbps; H.264/H.265 video compression format. Recommended as a well-executed long-term aerial photo/video shooting solution when buying premium drones is out of the question. Release date for version 2020: April 2020. Learn more about FIMI X8SE 2020 in our review.
FIMI X8 SE 2020 $419
pros
- Execution quality
- Portable (folding arms and props)/Props with quick release mechanism
- Powerful, quiet power plant
- Controllability and positioning accuracy
- Improved camera quality / Added HDR mode for photo / video; Added night mode
- Added H.265 codec
- Auto flight and shooting modes
- FPV flight up to 8 km
- Sliding remote design with removable sticks (for smartphone/tablet)
- Price
Minuses
- Doesn’t fly around obstacles
- No 4K at 60 fps
- Bulky remote
16th place: PARROT ANAFI
The developer’s portable answer to all existing competitors, unlike any of them. For aerial photography, the drone received a high-performance 21MP 4K HDR camera, which works in tandem with a hybrid image stabilization system consisting of a 2-axis motorized gimbal and 3-axis electronic stabilization. Innovative lossless digital zoom, various cinematic photo/video effects, Hyperlapse and Slow-Mo modes, supported Adobe/DNG/RAW formats, automatic flight and shooting modes, allow the user to easily capture unique content from the air. It will be one of the best options for those who are looking for a compact and easy-to-use drone to expand their creativity in photo / video shooting. It will show itself as much as possible on vacation and travel. Model release date: June 2018. 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
15th place: DJI Mini 2
The hobby’s best portable, lightweight solution for realizing aerial photography/videography. The potential of the second version is so good that the model can easily compete with many full-sized UAVs. In the list of key cinematic features of the drone: 12MP 4K camera built on 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor; 24mm lens; Aperture F/2.8; FOV 83°; 3-axis mechanical suspension; 4x digital zoom; Max. bitrate 100 Mbps; Photo modes DNG/RAW/AEB/Panorama; 5 × auto flight and shooting modes; 3 × panorama auto modes. Release date: November 2020. The price depending on the configuration (standard / extended) is $ 449/599. As much detail as possible about the Mini 2 in our review.
DJI Mini 2 from $449
pros
- Flight weight 249 g
- Quality of performance and work
- More durable than its predecessor
- Foldable design
- More powerful and at the same time less noisy power plant
- Exemplary wind resistance
- 4K zoom/JPG/RAW/AEB/Panorama camera
- New More Comfortable Remote/OcuSync Technology/Max. flight distance 10 km/Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- Direct upload and instant photo/video editing functions
Minuses
- Doesn’t fly around obstacles
- The charging hub cannot charge the batteries and the remote control at the same time
- Propeller guards are not included in the combo
- No Tripod Mode
14th place: XDynamics Evolve
Winner of various awards for the best design of monocoque carbon construction, as well as for the best functionality adapted to different users from amateur to professional. Depending on the tasks, the user can choose one of three available cameras built into a 3-axis mechanical gimbal with a patented quick release mechanism. The stock high-speed 12MP 4K camera built on a 1/2.3-inch Sony CMOS sensor with a 21mm F/2.8 lens, coupled with a patented dual-display multifunctional remote control, will allow the user to realize any shooting scenario in impeccable quality. And thanks to the transmission of a video stream in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second with zero delay (below 10 milliseconds), FPV flight over long distances will be as comfortable and safe as possible. In addition to amateur aerial filming, it will become an indispensable tool in such areas as television and film production, infrastructure inspection, monitoring, etc. Model release date: February 2017 Ready for FPV flight out of the box. Learn more about the unique Evolve in our review.
XDynamics Evolve $2499
pros
- Quality/Design
- Carbon Monocoque (Light/Durable)
- Powerful power plant (up to 96 km/h)
- Ultra-precise positioning system
- 4K camera
- 3-axis mech. hanger with quick release mechanism
- Multifunctional Remote Control/Video Stream Quality 1080p@60fps
- Add. accessories: DSLR/Panoramic/Thermal cameras
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Voice control
Minuses
- Officially not delivered to the World
- Price
- Flight time
13th place: YUNEEC TYPHOON H Plus
The one and only, designed from the ground up hexacopter that has recently received a number of key improvements, thanks to which the potential of the drone continues to easily compete with the best of the best in the drone hobby. The Plus version has a new high-performance camera built on a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor, capable of shooting in 4K resolution at 60 fps. It is positioned by the developer as a simple and affordable tool for implementing high-quality photo / video shooting from the air in both manual and automatic modes. More details about the 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
12th place: DJI MAVIC PRO (Platinum)
It has almost all the capabilities of a modern drone and at the same time folds compactly. One of the best travel drones that fits easily into any bag. With its portability, it has a 3-axis mechanical gimbal and a camera that shoots video in 4K resolution. When unfolded, the Mavic is about the size of a Parrot Bebop 2, but the latter only has 1080p video quality and electronic image stabilization. Read more about the 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.
11th place: Autel Evo
The only portable solution to stand up to the legendary Mavic Pro (Platinum). EVO has one of the best folding UAVs in its arsenal, mounted in a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, capable of shooting 4K at 60 fps. Autel Evo will be indispensable when traveling, or just on vacation with your family and will allow you to save the best moments of life in maximum quality. More details about Autel Evo can be found 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
10th place: SKYDIO 2
Today’s best flying robot built on powerful artificial intelligence. Able to implement intelligent stabilized 4K aerial photography in selfie mode without human intervention, in almost any environmental conditions (forest, indoors, etc.). The drone’s shooting arsenal includes high-performance electronics, working in tandem with a no less productive 12MP 4K HDR camera installed in a 3-axis motorized gimbal. Despite such a powerful potential and functionality, any user can master the drone control without being tied to ownership experience. Depending on the user’s preferences, it can be controlled either through a single smartphone / Beacon controller, or as a pair of smartphone + remote control. It will prove itself as much as possible in any manifestation of an active lifestyle, as well as wherever a better angle and high quality shooting are required. Model release date: October 2019 Ready for FPV flight out of the box. As much as possible about the most intelligent drone, 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
9th place: DJI Mavic Air 2
When creating the second generation Mavic Air, marketers clearly gave the engineers a little more freedom than usual. For a drone from the middle price niche, the final result was so impressive that even despite the software dampness of the first copies sold, the novelty immediately gained consumer recognition, and after the developer fixed the identified bugs, Air 2 became the most recommended drone in the hobby.
The list of key cinematic features of the novelty includes: 48 MP 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; Max. Movie Recording Mode: 4K@60fps; Poppy. bitrate 120 Mbps; D-Cinelike color profile; 4-mode 8K Hyperlapse; HDR modes for photo/video/panorama; 5 × automatic flight and shooting modes, H.264 and H.265 video codecs. All this and more is combined with impressive flight potential from DJI Innovations, which both beginners and advanced users have been able to appreciate. Release date: April 2020. Learn more about the 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
8th place: DJI Mini 3 Pro
DJI’s top answer to all current and future competitors in the UAV niche. In the arsenal of this ultra-portable bird, only the most modern technologies are meticulously introduced into such a miniature fuselage. It will not leave anyone indifferent, from the quality of shooting to the flight potential, including in fully automatic mode.
Key cinematic features include: Advanced 3-way obstacle detection and avoidance system; 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: 24mm; 3-axis mechanical gimbal with extended operating range; “True Vertical Shooting” function or vertical shooting mode; Dual Native ISO technology; Timelapse function; 4 × panoramic photography modes; 4x digital zoom; Color profile 10-bit D-Cinelike; Intelligent auto-flight and MasterShots; A set of intelligent FocusTrack following modes; advanced Quick Transfer feature.
Release date: May 2022. Implemented by the developer at a price of $759. As much detail as possible about the 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: 24mm
- 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
7th place: DJI AIR 2S
An incredibly powerful solution for the mid-budget niche, looking at which it is excitingly difficult to imagine what the upcoming DJI premium models will be capable of. From the ideal predecessor, a minimum is inherited, otherwise only top and innovative technologies that allow you to easily implement any creative idea in shooting from the air at a high level without reference to experience.
AIR 2S key arsenal includes: 595g flight weight, foldable portable design, 20MP 5K camera built on 1-inch 2.4µm CMOS sensor, 8x digital zoom, HDR photo/video/panoramas, 10-bit color profile Dlog-M, RAW format with dynamic range up to 12.6 stops, H.265/H.264 video codecs, 4-mode 4K Hyperlaps, 3-mode panorama shooting, innovative MasterShots smart function, top and more advanced FocusTrack intelligent subject-following modes , automatic QuickShots modes, top-of-the-line OcuSync 3.0 digital video transmission technology, a powerful 4-way visualization system of the surrounding world, the latest generation advanced pilot assistance system APAS 4.0, and support for the DJI Smart Controller. Release date: April 2021. As much detail as possible about the best universal drone 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
6th place: Yuneec Typhoon H3
The top solution implemented by the developers of Yuneec International with the direct participation of engineers from the German company Leica Camera AG on the platform of the unique and one of a kind Typhoon hexacopter. A professional tool designed to expand the creative potential of the photographer, the list of key cinematic features includes: a 20MP 4K Leica ION L1 Pro camera designed from scratch, built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor, built into a 3-axis 360-degree mechanical gimbal; Leica optimized and calibrated image modes (AWB, color reproduction, sharpening, noise reduction, etc.); Leica DNG format calibration with corresponding ADOBE profile; 10-bit YLog video mode based on Leica specifications; Semi-automatic ISO/Shutter and 1/3 EV/ISO/Shutter step setting; Wide dynamic range (WDR); AEB mode (Auto Exposure Bracketing); Short JPEG intervals for Hyperlapse video; Custom Picture mode and sharpness settings; Professional histogram; Lossless digital zoom; Max. 4K video quality at 60 fps with a bit rate of up to 100Mbps; Panoramic shooting; The possibility of separate control of the drone and shooting. Learn more about the Yuneec Typhoon H3 hexacopter in our review.
Yuneec Typhoon H3 $3292
pros
- Workmanship/Design
- 6-motor configuration/Foldable design
- Flight qualities
- 360 degree suspension
- Cinematic potential with the new Leica ION L1 Pro
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense/IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size even at night
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Portable Wizard remote/SkyView FPV goggles
Minuses
- Luggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the personal station
5th place: DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO V2.0
An improved version of the not without that unique drone. The drone has a 20-megapixel mechanical shutter camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor, which, coupled with high-performance electronics, allows you to shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second, recording high-quality video material at a speed of 100 Mbps. As well as one of the best OcuSync video streaming systems, a 4-way obstacle detection and avoidance system, autonomous flight and shooting modes. Today, P4P V2.0 is the best tool in the UAV niche for realizing high-quality photo and video content from the air, the potential of which has already been appreciated not only by amateurs, but also by professionals. You can learn more about the quadrocopter from 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
4th place: DJI MAVIC 2 Pro
The Mavic 2 is the best home UAV developers have to offer today to the modern user who is looking for affordable, high-tech, portable solutions for realizing high-quality aerial photo / video shooting. Each of the two M2 models will allow both a beginner on vacation and a professional at work to get the maximum result associated with a sea of positive emotions. We recommend our detailed 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.
3rd place: Autel EVO II Pro
The top solution in the UAV niche occupied by Autel Robotics for aerial photo/video shooting. The first foldable drone with a 6K camera on board. In the list of key cinematic features of the Pro version: 20-megapixel 6K camera built on a 1-inch Sony CMOS matrix of the latest generation, with variable aperture f / 2.8 – f / 11, ISO up to 6400/12800 (Video / Photo), 8x zoom , 10-bit A-Log Color mode, 4K HDR video mode, video recording with max. bitrate 120 Mbps. Despite such a powerful hardware potential, the model is extremely easy to use, which makes it relevant for both amateurs and professionals, who are united by increased demands on the quality of the material being shot and maximum freedom in post-processing. Release date: January 2020. Learn more about Autel EVO II 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)
2nd place: DJI Mavic 3 (Cine)
The top fully redesigned portable iteration of the legendary Mavic series, traditionally implemented in close collaboration with photographic equipment guru Victor Hasselblad AB, on the example of which the developer once again demonstrates his vision of what a modern cinematic drone should be, capable of satisfying any creative idea at a professional level.
The M3’s key arsenal includes: 380mm diagonal foldable portable design, Hasselblad’s unique dual-sensor cinematic dual camera (Lower Hasselblad L2D-20c: 20MP 5.1K, 4/3 CMOS / Upper Tele Camera: 12MP 4K, 1/ 2 CMOS), 360-degree obstacle detection and avoidance system, fifth-generation advanced pilot assistance system APAS, FocusTrack (Spotlight 2.0/ActiveTrack 5.0/Point of interest 3.0) set of intelligent following modes, MasterShots intelligent auto-flight and shooting function, 16-bit automatic Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) color correction system, support for Apple ProRes 422 HQ codec and 10-bit D-Log color profile, as well as built-in memory up to 1TB. 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
1st place: DJI Inspire 2
Inspire 2 can be summed up in three words: quality, unique, powerful. Suitable for those for whom size and price are not the main thing, who want to get the quality of professional-level aerial photography at the output. More than just a drone, the Inspire 2 is a professional tool specifically designed for the film and broadcast industry. Detailed review of Inspire 2 at the link.
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