Best Drones for Aerial Photography in 2024
As aerial photography continues to gain popularity, choosing the right drone can make a significant difference in capturing stunning images. In 2024, several drones stand out for their exceptional camera quality, flight stability, and user-friendly features. This post will explore the top drones that offer the best performance and value for aerial photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.
1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
TLDR: The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a powerhouse in aerial photography, offering a dual-camera system with a 4/3 CMOS sensor and exceptional flight time.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is widely regarded as the best drone for aerial photography in 2024. Its dual-camera system includes a 4/3 CMOS sensor for stunning 20MP stills and 5.1K video at 50fps. With a flight time of up to 46 minutes, photographers can spend more time capturing the perfect shot without worrying about battery life. The drone's advanced obstacle avoidance and intelligent flight modes make it incredibly user-friendly, even for beginners. Additionally, it features a robust transmission system that allows for a range of up to 15 kilometers, ensuring you can explore vast landscapes without losing connection. The Mavic 3 Pro's compact design and foldable arms make it highly portable, perfect for travel. Its customizable settings and support for RAW image formats cater to professional photographers looking for high-quality outputs. Overall, the Mavic 3 Pro combines performance, quality, and convenience, making it the top choice for aerial photography.
From: $1,599
2. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
TLDR: The Autel EVO Lite+ offers incredible low-light performance and a large 1-inch sensor, making it ideal for capturing stunning images at any time of day.
The Autel EVO Lite+ is an excellent alternative for those seeking high-quality aerial photography. Its standout feature is the large 1-inch CMOS sensor, which captures 50MP still images and 6K video at 30fps. This drone excels in low-light conditions, making it perfect for twilight or evening shoots. With up to 40 minutes of flight time, the EVO Lite+ provides ample opportunity to explore and capture breathtaking views. The drone also includes various intelligent shooting modes, such as HDR and time-lapse, which enhance creativity. Its compact design, similar to the Mavic series, allows for easy transport, while the robust transmission technology ensures a stable connection even at long distances. The EVO Lite+ is an excellent choice for photographers looking for versatility and high performance in one package.
From: $999
3. DJI Air 2S
TLDR: The DJI Air 2S is a compact drone that delivers professional-quality images with its 1-inch sensor and advanced obstacle sensing.
The DJI Air 2S is a fantastic option for both beginners and experienced photographers. It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of capturing 20MP stills and 5.4K video at 30fps. The drone's compact design makes it easy to carry, and with a flight time of up to 31 minutes, it’s ideal for outdoor adventures. One of the Air 2S's most impressive features is its advanced obstacle sensing technology, which enhances flight safety and allows for more confident flying in complex environments. The QuickShots feature also enables users to create cinematic footage effortlessly. With its combination of portability, performance, and price, the DJI Air 2S stands out as a top choice for aerial photography enthusiasts.
From: $999
4. Parrot Anafi USA
TLDR: The Parrot Anafi USA is designed for professionals, featuring a 32x zoom camera and thermal imaging capabilities.
The Parrot Anafi USA is tailored for professionals needing advanced imaging capabilities. It features a 32x zoom camera and a thermal imaging sensor, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from surveying to search and rescue operations. The Anafi USA captures 4K HDR video and 21MP still images, ensuring high-quality outputs. With a flight time of approximately 32 minutes and a compact, lightweight design, this drone is perfect for on-the-go professionals. The unique gimbal design allows for smooth and stable footage, even in challenging conditions. Its ability to capture both thermal and optical imagery sets it apart from competitors, making it a versatile tool for specialized aerial photography.
From: $7,000
5. Skydio 2
TLDR: The Skydio 2 is known for its exceptional autonomous flying capabilities, making it perfect for capturing dynamic action shots.
The Skydio 2 is a revolutionary drone that focuses on autonomous flying, making it an excellent choice for action photography. Its advanced AI technology allows it to navigate complex environments and avoid obstacles in real-time, enabling users to capture dynamic shots without needing extensive piloting skills. Equipped with a 12MP camera capable of shooting 4K video, the Skydio 2 delivers impressive image quality. It also offers a flight time of up to 23 minutes, which is adequate for most shooting scenarios. The drone's unique ability to follow subjects seamlessly makes it a favorite among sports and adventure photographers. The Skydio 2 is perfect for anyone looking to capture high-energy moments without the stress of manual flying.
From: $999
6. DJI Mini 3 Pro
TLDR: The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an ultra-lightweight drone that offers impressive camera capabilities, perfect for travelers.
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an ultra-compact drone designed for travelers who don’t want to compromise on quality. Weighing less than 249 grams, it can capture 48MP images and 4K video at 60fps, making it one of the best lightweight options available. Its impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows for extended shooting sessions. The Mini 3 Pro features advanced safety features, including obstacle sensing and automated return-to-home functions, making it easy for beginners to fly. Its foldable design ensures that it fits easily into a backpack, making it the perfect companion for outdoor adventures. With its combination of portability and performance, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice for those looking to capture high-quality aerial shots on the go.
From: $759
7. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus
TLDR: The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus features a 1-inch sensor and a six-rotor design, offering stability and high-quality imagery.
The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus is a robust drone designed for professional photographers. It features a 1-inch sensor that captures 20MP images and 4K video at 60fps. Its six-rotor design provides exceptional stability, making it a reliable choice for shooting in windy conditions. The Typhoon H Plus also includes retractable landing gear, allowing for a full 360-degree view when capturing images. With a flight time of approximately 25 minutes, this drone provides enough time to get the perfect shot. The intuitive controls and various intelligent flight modes make it user-friendly, appealing to both novices and seasoned pilots alike.
From: $1,299
8. Holy Stone HS720E
TLDR: The Holy Stone HS720E is an affordable option that offers 4K camera capabilities and GPS-assisted flight features.
The Holy Stone HS720E is an excellent budget-friendly drone that doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with a 4K camera capable of capturing 16MP images, making it a great choice for those new to aerial photography. The drone includes GPS-assisted features like altitude hold and follow-me mode, enhancing the flying experience. With a flight time of up to 26 minutes, it provides ample opportunity to capture stunning footage. The HS720E is easy to operate, making it suitable for beginners, while still offering enough functionality for more experienced users. Its affordability combined with decent performance makes it a popular choice among hobbyists.
From: $299
9. Ruko F11 Pro
TLDR: The Ruko F11 Pro offers impressive features at an affordable price, including a 4K camera and long flight time.
The Ruko F11 Pro is another excellent budget option for aerial photography. It features a 4K camera that captures 16MP images and boasts a flight time of up to 30 minutes. The drone also includes GPS-assisted features such as follow-me mode and altitude hold, making it user-friendly for beginners. Its foldable design allows for easy transport, and the included carrying case adds to its portability. The Ruko F11 Pro is perfect for those who want high-quality aerial photography without breaking the bank, offering a great balance between performance and affordability.
From: $299
10. Potensic D85
TLDR: The Potensic D85 is a versatile drone that offers 2K video capabilities and a strong flight range, making it suitable for various photography needs.
The Potensic D85 is a versatile drone that provides a good balance of features and price. Equipped with a 2K camera, it captures decent-quality video and images, making it suitable for recreational photographers. The drone has a flight range of up to 1,500 meters and a flight time of about 20 minutes, giving users plenty of opportunities to explore. The D85 also includes GPS-assisted flight features, such as follow-me mode and waypoint planning, enhancing the user experience. While it may not compete with high-end models, it offers solid performance for its price point, making it a popular choice among casual users.
From: $399
Summary
In conclusion, the world of aerial photography drones is thriving in 2024, with numerous options catering to various budgets and skill levels. From the professional-grade DJI Mavic 3 Pro to the budget-friendly Holy Stone HS720E, there’s a drone for every photographer’s needs. Consider your requirements, whether it's camera quality, flight time, or portability, and choose the drone that best suits your aerial photography adventures.