10 min read Best drones for photography
Drones have been the hottest trend in the world of photography over the last few years, thanks to the production not only of highly intelligent and more user-friendly drones but also of capable gimbal cameras with impressive optics. The photography industry might never expand land-based photography, but aerial photography presents high-class challenges and offers new creative outlets for both professional and aspiring photographers.
With this accessible range of amazingly compact consumer and pro drones, any aspiring drone photographer can snap images from any angle and height—as long as they find the essential permits and stay within allowed UAV boundaries. The sky’s the limit when it comes to photographic output, mainly if you work with drones equipped with 4K cameras. So, if you’re looking to take your photography to the next level, check out some of the best drones for photography.
DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X5S:
The Inspire 2 is one of the popular models from the leading manufacturer of consumer drones, DJI. It succeeds the revolutionary Inspire 1 and presents more than the brand’s trademark features; it includes the Zen Muse X5S camera. With reliable gimbal steadiness on three axes, videos, and sharp photos are assured, even when this aerial photography drone is moving at top speeds.
The drone has DJI’s classy Flight Autonomy System, which offers Intelligent Flight Modes that ensure super easy and auto-pilot controls. These include body tracking, so you don’t have to worry about flying it when you want to focus on framing your pictures as well as obstacle detection and avoidance, which makes it simply perfect for internal drone photography.
Key specifications:
- DJI Zenmuse X5S 15mm f/1.7 Camera
- 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization Technology
- 20.8MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
- CineCore 2.0 Image Processing System
- 20MP Photos / Cinema 4K Videos at 60fps
- Up to 27 Minutes of Flight Time
- Maximum Flight Speed of 108kph
- Maximum Takeoff Weight of 4kg
- FlightAutonomy System with Intelligent Flight Modes
- Obstacle Sensing and Avoidance
DJI Mavic 2 Pro:
This best drone for photography was released just a little over a year ago, the Mavic 2 Pro is the much-awaited update to the Mavic Pro. It was released along with the Mavic 2 Zoom, but the Mavic 2 Pro presents a bigger 1-inch CMOS sensor that snaps 20-megapixel pictures and ultra-HD 4K videos at 30p.
What we like the most about the Mavic 2 Pro is definitely its creative photo modes — notably Hyperlapse, which lets the drone gradually capture numerous photos and route them to create really amazing time lapses with the tap of a button. Its HyperLight feature and maximum ISO sensitivity range of 12,800 also make it great for shooting dramatic sunsets and other low-light conditions.
Key specifications:
- Hasselblad L1D-20c 28mm f/2.8-f/11 Camera
- 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization Technology
- 20MP 1-Inch CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Photos / UHD 4K Videos at 30p
- Up to 31 Minutes of Flight Time
- Maximum Flight Speed of 72kph (Sport Mode)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight of 907g
- Omnidirectional Sensing with Object Avoidance
- Hyperlapse and HyperLight Photo Modes
Parrot Anafi:
Characterized by its 4K camera and lightweight, foldable frame, the Parrot Anafi connects the ranks of the popular compact best drone for photography in the market. Aside from having a significantly affordable price tag, its 1/2.4-Inch CMOS sensor and 23-69mm f/2.4 low-dispersion spherical lens offer a somewhat higher max resolution of 21.5 megapixels, which is the highest in the list.
But with the best characteristics every so often comes a few concessions. In this case, Anafi has abandoned the sensors to keep retain the aircraft affordable and portable. For beginner aerial photographers, it’s enough of what they want to capture remarkable stills in open wide areas.
Key specifications:
- 23-69mm f/2.4 ASPH Lens
- 3-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilization Technology
- 21.5MP 1/2.4-Inch CMOS Sensor
- 21MP Photos / Cinema 4K Videos at 24fps
- Up to 25 Minutes of Flight Time
- Maximum Flight Speed of 55kph
- Maximum Takeoff Weight of 320g
- Artificial Intelligence with Automated Flight Modes
PowerVision PowerEye:
The PowerVision PowerEye has a Micro Four Thirds camera sensor that is a competitor of the Zenmuse X5S on the Inspire 2. If you are in search of non-DJI options, its 16.1-megapixel photograph and Cinema 4K 24p video resolutions are more than what beginners need to produce the best quality aerial images for a huge range of applications.
It includes the Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH lens, but the drone allows the usage of interchangeable lenses that are named the Olympus M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ zoom lens as well as the M.Zuiko 17mm, 25mm f1.8, and M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8 prime lenses, so you can pick your anticipated angle of view. The remote controller and control app is also easy to use for drone beginners.
Key specifications:
- Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH Lens
- 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilization Technology
- 16.1MP Micro Four-Thirds Sensor
- 16MP Photos / Cinema 4K Videos at 24p
- Up to 29.5 Minutes of Flight Time
- Maximum Flight Speed of 64.8kph (Pro Mode)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight of 3.95kg
- Object Detection Technology
Yuneec Typhoon H Plus:
The Yuneec Typhoon H is one of the best drones especially for real estate drone photography, together with the more popular Phantom 4 Pro. But with the entrance of the upgrade, seasoned drone photographers and Typhoon H Plus can now enjoy an even more powerful camera that claims a larger 1-inch CMOS sensor and 20 effective megapixels. Given the difficulties of shooting images from a moving aircraft, the extra resolution is helpful for the production of extremely detailed photographs.
Complementing the optics are the drone’s Intel-powered sensing technologies, like collision avoidance and a variety of object tracking capabilities, as well as its stable six-rotor frame. Together, these key specs allow you to focus on your photography and help you shield your investment.
Key specifications:
- f/2.8 3-Axis Gimbal-Stabilized Camera
- 20MP 1-Inch CMOS Sensor
- 20MP Photos / Cinema 4K Videos at 60fps
- Up to 30 Minutes of Flight Time
- Maximum Flight Speed of 48kph
- Maximum Takeoff Weight of 2.09kg
- Intel RealSense Technology