Drones have become the next best thing and they are being used in various ways to make life easier.
One of the most popular uses of drones is aerial photography and now photographers can capture stunning stills and videos of any event.
However, to capture breathtaking imagery you need a drone with a powerful camera.
While cost may be a factor, it’ll have to be put aside when looking for the best drone for photography.
That being said, you can find a few affordable units that come with a decent camera if you are just starting out.
Let us talk about a few of the best drones with cameras for every budget that you can get your hands on today.
Drone
Features
Price
- Flight range: 100 meters
- Flight time: 14 minutes
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Flight range: 300 meters
- Flight time: 28 minutes
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
A look at the best drones for photography
- Flight range: 100 meters
- Flight time: 13 minutes
- Weight: 2.88 ounces
We mentioned the Ryze Tech Tello in this review because as a drone on the lower end of the price spectrum, it has a fairly reasonable camera.
The camera is impressive for a drone catering to kids and beginners, it comes with a 5-megapixel camera and shoots 720p MP4 videos.
This unit can be controlled using the App or the easy-to-control remote transmitter.
The Tello is fairly fast too and you can have quite a bit of fun and perform tricks.
It can reach speeds up to 20mph in flight mode and is pretty zippy in the sky.
However, beginners may not be able to manage the drone at this speed so fly the drone at slower speeds and work your way up.
This device can fly out to 100m and can stay up in the air for 13 minutes.
- Equipped with a high-quality image processor, the Tello drone shoots incredible photos and videos....
- Camera features 5MP (2592x1936) photos and HD720 videos at a maximum flight time of 13 minutes.
- Tello has two antennas that make video transmission extra stable and a high-capacity battery that...
- Thanks to all the tech that Tello’s packing, like a flight controller powered by DJI, you can...
- What you get: RyzeTech Tello powered by DJI, 4x Propellers (Pair), Propeller Guards (Set), Battery,...
- Video capture resolution: HD 720p
- Flight range: 100 meters
- Flight time: 14 minutes
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
The Bolt Drone is a racing drone that offers FPV(First Person View) and is another excellent budget-friendly choice.
The drone features a unique design and focuses on aerodynamics as much as possible since it is a racing drone.
However, the image and film quality is reasonable with an HD camera that shoots 720p HD videos.
The unit also comes with altitude stabilization to help control the drone better in the air.
Moreover, take your pick from either 3 ways to fly; Line of sight, Screen On Controller, and First PersonView Goggles.
The camera syncs up to the screen and can broadcast a live HD feed seamlessly.
This FPV racing drone from Bolt can fly out to 100m and has a flight time of 14 minutes.
The Bolt Drone can reach speeds up to 30 mph and is constructed from durable materials that can withstand minor mishaps.
- Flight range: 1.2 miles
- Flight time: 16 minutes
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
It’s no secret that DJI has some of the best photography drones on the market.
DJI Spark is an affordable drone considering the features you get for the price.
This device is one of the cheapest DJI drones on this list and one of the oldest models making its debut sometime in 2017.
It created quite a stir back then due to its small size and impressive features like obstacle detection, GPS, stabilization, and hand-gesture controls.
This unmanned aerial vehicle can shoot 12 megapixels photos and 1080p HD videos.
The camera features an f/2.6 wide-angle lens with a 25 mm equivalent focal length.
The 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera produces stable and detailed photos and videos with sharp and vivid colors with very little aberration and distortion.
The DJI Spark has a flight range of 1.2 miles and reaches speeds up to 31 mph in sport mode with a flight time of 16 minutes.
- DJI spark remote control Combo includes remote controller and standard spark accessory Kit (see...
- 2-Axis Stabilized Gimbal Camera 12MP Still Photos/ 1080P/30 Video gesture and Tap Fly control
- Flight autonomy with obstacle detection subject tracking from various angles GPS- & vision...
- Top speed of 31 mph in sport mode up to 16 minutes flying time
- Up to 1. 2 mile control range control, edit, share with DJI go app
- Flight range: 6.2 miles
- Flight time: 21 minutes
- Weight: 15.2 oz
If you are looking for an affordable and portable drone with a good-quality camera, then the DJI Mavic Air quadcopter may just be what you’re looking for.
This unit comes with some of the more advanced features found on DJI’s expensive models like capturing panoramic photos, slow-motion videos, and a whole lot more.
It allows you to capture high-quality images and videos with its 12mp camera that can record in 4K.
The flight time is around 21 minutes and the flight range is up to an impressive 6.2 miles.
This device features a foldable design and the controller is foldable as well which makes it one of the most portable units available.
It measures 168×83×49 mm when folded and can fit into a backpack comfortably for when you’re on the go.
To learn more, read this DJI Mavic Air review.
- DJI Mavic Air, Arctic White
- Supported USB Port Types- Lightning, Micro USB (Type-B), USB-C
- Flight range: 300 meters
- Flight time: 28 minutes
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
The Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Drone is another drone that came out in 2017 but it still is relevant today.
For the price, this flying machine gives you great value and definitely worth considering.
It can fly out up to 300 meters and can fly for 28 minutes.
You can capture 12MP aerial photos, 4K/30fps ultra high definition video, and excellent Full HD 60 FPS with the CGO3 gimbal camera.
It also captures 1080p/120 fps slow-motion video using the camera manual settings.
The unit comes ready to fly and includes an Android touchscreen controller for faster setup since there is no need for your smartphone.
The Groundstaton as they call it is a remote controller and receiver in one unit that gives you total control over the drone.
The 5.5-inch touchscreen gives you the ability to track live images and adjusts camera settings without downloading an app or syncing your smartphone.
This is one of the features that put the Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Drone above some of the more expensive units on this list.
- Personal Ground Station with built-in touchscreen, Integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera
- 4K/30fps ultra high definition video and excellent Full HD 60 FPS
- User controlled video resolution, white balance and light exposure
- 12 megapixel photos with No-Distortion Lens
- Does not include Aluminum case, includes one battery
- Flight range: 5.5 mile
- Flight time: 40 minutes
- Weight: 6.55 pounds
We now move on to drones that fall into the mid-price category and the first unit is Autel Robotics Evo II.
This unit is an upgraded version of the Autel Robotics Evo and while both units share the same ideology and flight characteristics, the Evo II comes with some exciting upgrades.
The Autel Robotics Evo II is equipped with an 8K camera and is one of the first consumer drones to shoot 8K resolution videos for commercial and professional use.
It is capable of capturing incredible 48MP photos and is the best drone for aerial photography.
This unit has a total flight time of 40 minutes and a maximum range of up to 5.5 miles with top speeds of 45mph.
The 12 omnidirectional avoidance sensors give pilots the confidence and protection to carry out safe flights and navigate in tight spaces.
Furthermore, the remote controller with its built-in 3.3 inch OLED display allows you to stay in control of the drone at all times
You can change the camera settings and adjust flight parameters all from the controller without the need for a smartphone.
- 40 MINUTES OF STABLE FLIGHT TIME: From inspecting electrical cell towers to surveying property...
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDABLE DESIGN: Deployed in under 30 seconds, the 2.5lb EVO II is ideal for rapid...
- PATENTED LOCKING PROPELLER DESIGN: No tools required, quick release foldable propellers for the EVO...
- INTERCHANGEABLE PAYLOADS: Designed for versatile operations, pilots can alternate between the 8K,...
- LIVE CONTROLLER VIDEO FEED: Control almost all aspects of your mission right off the 3.3 inch OLED...
- Flight range: 5 miles
- Flight time: 31 minutes
- Weight: 2 pounds
Next on the list is the DJI Mavic Pro 2 and Mavic 2 Zoom.
They are the same unit with just one major difference, the camera.
Both these units became instant hits with consumers from the moment they were brought onto the market.
They are both foldable which means that they are easy to transport and are equipped with an obstacle avoidance sensor to provide some of the safest flights possible.
Let’s talk camera on each unit.
The Mavic Pro 2 rocks a 20mp Hasselblad camera while the Mavic Pro Zoom comes with a 12mp camera with a 24-48mm zoom.
Cameras on both these units can record videos in 4K.
The DJI Mavic Pro 2 has a flight time of 31 minutes which is good enough to capture stunning imagery from up high.
The unit has a flight range of 5 miles to capture everything in your line of sight and beyond.
If you want a cheaper drone with the Mavic Pro 2 capabilities, check out the Fimi X8 SE.
- Equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1” CMOS Sensor, the Mavic 2 camera drone...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 907G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots,...
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2.0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse, Low-Noise Design,...
- The standard remote controller offers up to 135 minutes of battery life on a full charge. Use with...
- DJI GO 4 App requires iOS 10.0.2, Android 5.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro...
- What you get: DJI Mavic 2 Pro, Intelligent Flight Battery, Gimbal Protector, Remote Controller, 3x...
- Flight range: 4.38 miles
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 3 pounds
The Phantom series from DJI are some of the best devices you can find and the company keeps improving the line with every new drone they introduce in the series.
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 comes with improved motors, efficient propellers and is the first in the Phantom line to carry OcuSync connectivity.
As with other DJI drones, it has obstacle avoidance technology and is fixed with a 20MP 4K camera.
The quality of images produced by this unit is clear and sharp thanks to the 3-axis motorized gimbal and 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor with a mechanical shutter.
You control the best photo drone using the standard controller or by downloading the DJI app on your phone.
This DJI Phantom drone comes with a flight time of 30 minutes with a maximum flight speed of 72 kph and a 4.38 transmission range.
The Phantom 4 Pro+ is similar to the Phantom Pro V.20 but the only difference between the two is that the Phantom 4 Pro+ comes with a 5.5-inch built-in display on the controller.
Due to this, the Phantom 4 Pro+ cost a bit more than the Phantom 4 Pro.
For more on this drone, check out the full DJI Phantom 4 Professional review.
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 camera drone comes equipped with a 3-axis motorized gimbal and a 1-inch 20MP...
- The standard controller features a smartphone holder. You will need to install the DJI GO 4 App on...
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a beast when it comes to flight performance. It has a maximum flight speed...
- The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Draw mode,...
- DJI GO 4 App requires iOS 10.0.2, Android 5.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro...
- What you get: DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, Remote Controller, Intelligent Flight, Battery, Charger, Power...
- Video capture resolution: 4K UHD 2160p
- Flight range: 1 mile
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
As we move along our list, the prices are climbing and we turn our attention to the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus Hexacopter.
This is the first and cheapest professional drone on this best drone for photography list.
The company in 2018 upgraded this particular unit to cater to all your aerial photography needs.
This upgraded version was fitted with an E90 camera for 20MP stills and 4K films along with a 3-axis stabilization system.
The success of these drones lay in their design which sees the use of extra propellers which brings added safety during flights.
The unit comes with 6 propellers, collision avoidance technology, and various intelligent autonomous flight modes.
Due to this, the unit provides stable imagery even when experiencing winds exceeding 35mph.
The flight time of this device is 30 minutes and the transmission range is out to 1 mile.
- Capture 4K Video and 20MP Photos. 360-Degree Image and Video Capture. 3-Axis Sensor-Driven Image...
- Up to 1 Mile 2.4/5.8 GHz Wi-Fi Range. Flight Controller with 7" Touch Screen.
- Up to 30 Minutes of Flight Time.
- Intel RealSense Collision Avoidance. Intelligent Autonomous Flight Modes.
- Can Withstand Winds up to 35 mph. 5-Rotor Fail Safe Mode.
- Flight range: 3.1 miles
- Flight time: 29 minutes
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
The PowerVision PowerEye quadcopter is available in two camera models.
The first model known as the Power Eye Professional is equipped with a 4K 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a Panasonic Lumix f 14mm F2.5 ASPH lens.
The second model called the Power Eye Thermal includes a high-tech thermal/natural light camera.
It comes with two integrated light sensors and lenses to capture spectrums of light not visible to the naked eyes to make it the best drone camera ever made perhaps.
This professional drone may not be the most compact but the fact that it allows you to interchange lenses cannot be beaten.
It gives you all the versatility to capture breathtaking imagery from above.
Also included is a dual-view set-up, first-person view(FPV), viewable picture in picture mode, or split-screen with the PowerEye App.
This unit can last a total of 29 minutes in the air and allows you to capture everything you need within 3.1 miles.
- Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system compatibility enables users to connect a variety of lenses based on...
- Object detection technology uses an array of integrated sensors to detect flight path obstacles and...
- Highly portable 600mm class aircraft integrates collapsible legs and rotors for quick and easy...
- Control range and real-time high definition video stream up to 3.1 miles (5 kilometers)
- Included accessories: Power Eye base station, smart battery, Charger, remote controller, and Rolling...
- Flight range: 4.3 miles
- Flight time: 27 minutes
- Weight: 7.58 pounds
While the DJI Inspire features the design of what a professional drone should look like, DJI Inspire 2 focuses more on what a professional drone should be able to accomplish.
It comes ready to capture complex and dramatic shots with an HD video transmission system, 360 Degree rotating gimbal, and a 4K camera for the professional filmmaker.
Create professional-quality videos with either of the two detachable cameras with interchangeable lenses.
These allow you to capture RAW 5.2K video at 30fps and 4K at 60fps and 20MP photos.
Since this unit uses a dual-camera system, you can connect two controllers at a time.
One controller is used to pilot the drone and the other controls the movement of the camera.
Other features include an advanced vision system for obstacle avoidance and multiple intelligent flight modes.
It allows you to capture amazing stills and videos for up to 27 minutes and out to 4.3 miles.
- Efficient workflow
- Sense and avoid
- Spotlight Pro; Compatible with 5.2K Gimbal Cameras
- Intelligent flight modes. Obstacle Sensing Range : 0-16.4 feet (0-5 m)
- Smart return to home.Operating Temperature:-4° to 104° F (-20° to 40° C)
- Flight range: 3.1 miles
- Flight time: 35 minutes
- Weight: 22 pounds
The drone on our list is the massive DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter that was created for professional filmmakers.
This unit is not the camera drone you need because the price is quite expensive.
You will only need this drone if you are looking for a unit to mount a professional camera like a DSLR.
It is even compatible with the high-grade cameras from DJI like the Zenmuse line and gimbals.
This little giant of a drone can carry a payload up to 13.2 pounds and comes with an A3 flight control system that is upgradable to the pro version for better control and flight experience.
With its six rotors and six batteries, this beast provides a flight time of 35 minutes and can record and capture imagery up to 3.1 miles.
- DJI Matrice 600 Pro Hexacopter - Aircraft Body (with Arm Sleeves) - 2x Landing Gear Leg - 2x Landing...
- Aircraft: Diagonal Wheelbase: 1133mm (44.61")
- Aircraft: Max Takeoff Weight Recommended: 15.5kg (34.17lbs)
- Aircraft: Hovering Accuracy (P-GPS): Vertical: +/-0.5 m, Horizontal: +/-1.5 m
Final Thoughts: best photography drones
All in all, choosing the best drone for photography may be a difficult task.
First, identify your personal needs, and then you can choose a drone after identifying those needs.
Drones are still in their infancy stages and every day manufacturers are integrating newer technologies to improve performance as well as camera quality.
Today, you can find a few affordable drones that carry a decent quality camera so you don’t need to shell out the big bucks.
However, if you want professional-quality images and videos for commercial purposes, be prepared to spend a good amount of money.
The best commercial drones can make your job a whole lot easier.
If you are interested in more camera drones, read here in this best drone with camera review, and if the flight time is most important then read the longest battery life drones post.
Drone
Features
Price
- Flight range: 100 meters
- Flight time: 14 minutes
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Flight range: 300 meters
- Flight time: 28 minutes
- Weight: 2.5 pounds