Technically known as unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV, drones are basically a specific type of robotic device, which can be controlled autonomously by remotely controlled devices. The basic mechanism lies in the software-controlled flight actions, embedded in the drones’ system, which enables them to be controlled by remote controlling devices from a specific distance.
Though the first history of these unmanned aircrafts dated back to 1894 during the independence war Venice fought against Vienna, but the widespread usage of drones in several sectors started a few years back, around 2006 in the USA. The very first usage of drones in the recent past was only limited to surveillance, anti-aircraft target practice and to gather information by the military officials. But now, due to their efficiency and convenience, drones are being used in several civilian and commercial purposes like in search and rescue missions, for weather update, for the latest traffic conditions, to crown monitoring and most recently for professional photography and videography as well.
Are you looking for buying the best drones for photography and searching for the right choice? Then, Here is the list of Top 10 best camera drones for photography and aerial filming. In the present drone market, there is a continued update on the latest drones with all the advanced features and specifications. We at bestflyingdrone updates the latest reviews on Photography drones.
So, this list is also updated on considering all the latest updates and gives you the list of best drones aerial photography for filming.Coming to the catalog of the top 10 Best Camera Drone, DJI Phantom 4 and DJI Spark crowns the leading position with its high-end image resolution and picture quality. Let us discuss more best photography drones in brief along with Prices, Specs, and features. Check out Aerial photography drones for sale on Amazon with latest offers.
Top 10 Best Quality Drones for Photography of 2023
As with passing time, the international drone market evolves, there emerges thousands of different companies, who claims to manufacture best quality drones. There are several different models of drones are available in the market, from cheap to highly expensive price range. As we are discussing only about drones for professional photography, so the below mentioned products are chosen based on that primary criteria only. Some of the best drones for photography are:
Comparisons Between Best Quality Drones for Photography with Detailed Review
- Wide Angle Camera Drone: Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Wide Angle Camera Drone
- Easy to Access: DJI Spark 2-Axis 12MP Remote Control Drone
- Best Battery Capacity: DBPOWER X400W FPV RC WiFi Camera Quadcopter
- Best Beginner Friendly Drone: Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter
- Most Durable: UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis HD Camera Quadcopter
- Best Quality: DJI Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone
- Good Streaming Quality: 3D Robotics Solo Quadcopter
- Best Budget: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Quadcopter
- Fixed Wing Drone: Parrot Disco Fixed Wing Easy to Fly Drone
- High Definition picture Quality: Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Camera Drone
Best Rated Drones for Photography
1
Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Wide Angle Camera Drone
- Follow me mode
- GPS assisted flight control
- Automatic return-to-home feature
2
DJI Spark 2-Axis 12MP Remote Control Drone
- Comes With In-built Glonass Technology
- Maximum Achievable Speed Is 31mph
- Average Flying Time Is Only Around 16 Minutes
3
DBPOWER X400W FPV RC WiFi Camera Quadcopter
- Headless Mode Enables Multi Directional Flying
- Split Screen 3D Display
- High Capacity Battery
4
Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter
- 2mp, 1280p/720p Camera
- The Battery Takes Around 100 Minutes To Get Fully Recharged
- Wind resistance, Good for indoors &out doors
5
UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis HD Camera Quadcopter
- 2 Mp Medium Quality Camera
- 6 Axis Stabilization Mode With Headless Flight Option
- Battery Takes Around 2 Hours To Get Fully Recharged
6
DJI Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- GPS positioning
- 4k video camera
7
3D Robotics Solo Quadcopter
- HD video quality
- It uses Smart Shot technology
- It weighs about 11.7 pounds
8
DJI Phantom 4 Advanced Quadcopter
- Frequency:2.4 GHz
- The drone weighs about 1380 grams
- Dimensions: 15 x 8.7 x 12.8 inches
9
Parrot Disco Fixed Wing Easy to Fly Drone
- Frequency:2.4 Ghz
- The camera resolution of this drone is 14 megapixels
- Provided with FPV Goggles
10
Yuneec Q500 Typhoon Camera Drone
- GPS positioning
- High-Quality 4k video
- The cam resolution is 12MP
1
Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100
The first one in the list of best drones for professional photography is from one of the newest yet trusted done manufacturers of this decade, Holy stone. Holy stone is known for manufacturing great quality flying drone in an affordable price range, and this GPS FPV RC drone HS100 is no difference as well. Packed with so many interesting features, sometimes the price tag of this particular drone seems too good to be true.
A slightly bigger in size this photography drone comes with a strong GPS along with a return-to-home or RTH feature, which provides an accurate location of the drone to its user and also automatically enables it to come to the user when either the battery is running low or the signal is weak respectively.
Holy Stone GPS FPV RC Drone HS100
FEATURES
- 2500mAh battery can run up to 15 minutes at a stretch
- The Li-ion battery takes 3 to 6 hours to get fully charged
- Sensor capacity of the remote access device is up to 500mt
- GPS assisted flight control
- Follow me mode
- Automatic return-to-home feature
- One key easy take on and take off
- Need FAA registration
Equipped with an optimised 1080p FOV FPV camera, this aerial photography drone is also capable for capturing high quality full HD videos with aerial pictured which are 120 degree wide. The user can also see the captured end product with the screen attached to the remote access device. Another interesting feature with this drone is the follow-me mode, where the drone automatically captures the user wherever they go by keeping them in the frame the entire time.
Along with all the above-mentioned features, features like headless mode, altitude hold, one key take-off and landing makes operating this best drone for photography like a breezy Sunday morning. With these user-friendly controls, this Holy Stone HS100 drone is perfect for amateur photographers as well.
PROS
- Rechargeable remote access device
- Affordable price range
- Comes with an 8 GB TF card
- High quality 1280p/720p camera
CONS
- Battery takes longer time to get charged
- A bit heavier in weight
2
DJI Spark with Remote Control Combo
The next inclusion in the list is another popular one in the drone market, the DJI spark with remote control combo. Though released in around mid-2017, with its numerous features and great quality, this particular drone for photography is still popular among people, who doesn’t mind spending a hefty amount of money on a single drone only. The first and foremost advantage of this particular drone is that it is a mini one with only around 300gms of weight. With this amount of weight, carrying and transporting this photography drone is like a breeze and the user doesn’t even require a permission to fly it. With light weight, this GPS enabled UAV is also equipped with state-of-the-art GLONASS system, which basically allows the drone to get connected with the American and Russian satellite.
DJI Spark with Remote Control Combo
FEATURES
- Average Flying Time Is Only Around 16 Minutes
- Comes With In-built Glonass Technology
- Visual Positioning System To Avoid Obstacles While Flying Ground Level
- Maximum Achievable Speed Is 31mph
- Top Speed Restricted Up To 6mph While Flying With No Obstacle Mode On
- 1080p 12 Mp Category Clicks Decent Quality Photos And Videos
Along with the GLONASS technology, this particular drone for photography is also comes with a vision positioning system, which allows the drone to determine its accurate position while flying low. Along with all the great connectivity features, the in-built forward-facing sensors can also sense obstacles from 16 feet away, thus saving the drone from crashing over crowded area. Comprises of multiple flying options and modes, the maximum speed achievable by this DJI drone is around 31mph. One of the major drawbacks with this particular drone is that it’s average flying time which is only 16 minutes, which is undoubtedly very low for a drone in terms of the price tag it comes with.
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Excellent positioning system
- Visual positioning system for obstacle avoidance
- Multiple flight mode with excellent control over device
CONS
- Outdated camera feature
- Wind resistance is not up to the mark
- Flying time is not that high
3
DBPOWER X400W FPV RC Quadcopter Drone
The next one in the above-mentioned list of best professional photography drone, is not a proper professional one whatsoever, but definitely can be a good option for those who are just showing interest or just started to learn aerial photography. One of the cheapest yet great quality models whatsoever, this DBpower X400W drone is also highly appreciated by the expert aerial photographers as well, due to its ease of usage.
Generally, in the case of most of the UAVs the flying direction is same as the nose direction of the drone, but with its state-of-the-art headless mode, there is no such thing. With this feature the flying direction of the quadcopter drone is the same as the direction of the remote access device only. Because of the 6-axis gyro positioning system, this particular photography drone is comprising of a better hold and positioning, which makes it capable enough to capture shots in windy days as well.
DBPOWER X400W FPV RC Quadcopter Drone
FEATURES
- 750mah Battery Can Fly The Drone Only For 8 To 9 Minutes
- Battery Takes Around 120 Minutes To Get Fully Recharged
- Headless Mode Enables Multi Directional Flying
- Sensor Capacity Of The Remote-control Device Is Up To 100 Mts. Only
- In-built 3d Roll Ensures Better Positioning Of The Photography Drone
The in-built LED lights also makes it easy to operate in nights enabling night vision. The in-built camera is a 720p FPV one, and is known for clicking pretty decent quality pictures altogether. Also compatible with VR displays, this drone for photography comes with a company specified app, which enables the user to link their mobile with the drone, real time transmission.
This MJX FPV app, also enables the user to view and edit all the captures later as well. Among all these good features, one of the major drawbacks with is drone is the lesser flying time. With only a 750mAh battery, this drone can fly for only 8 to 9 minutes at a stretch.
PROS
- headless mode enables easier flying
- can hold it position up in the air very easily
- can connect with VR headsets
- can transmit real time capture with no hassle
- no need for any permission to fly, as it is lighter in weight
CONS
- low battery capacity
- flying time is also very low
- does not included with the VR headset
4
Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Explorers QuadCopter w/ Camera
Basically, categorised as a hobby grade drone, this Syma X5C quadcopter is generally meant for either children or people who fly drones just for fun only. Definitely not meant for professional photography, this drone is equipped with only 2MP camera, 1280p/720p camera, which is capable of capturing decent quality pictures at the rate of 30 frames per second only. Though there is no FPS mode is featured in this drone, there is no direct transmission of the end capture. All the recorded footage is stored in to the 2GB storage card for later use by the user only. Weigh less than 2 pounds, this photography drone is fast with excellent stabilization improves control over the gadget while doing aerial photography. The in-built LED light is also a great feature helping the user while night flying.
Syma X5C 4 Channel 2.4GHz RC Explorers QuadCopter w/ Camera
FEATURES
- 500mah Li-ion Battery Provides Only 7 To 8 Minutes Of Flying Time At A Stretch
- The Battery Takes Around 100 Minutes To Get Fully Recharged
- 2mp, 1280p/720p Camera
- Sensor Of The Remote Access Device Can Range Up To Only 80 Meters
Though comes with a very affordable price tag, this drone for photography is made to last longer. The strong and durable outer body is capable of withstand crashes and dents without making many damages to the craft itself. Along with the not so good camera quality, another downside with the photography drone is the 500mAh battery, which only provides 7 minutes of flying time at a stretch.
PROS
- Affordable price range
- User friendly, hassle free flight performance
- A great choice for amateurs
CONS
- No fps included, hence no direct transmission
- Wind resistance is not up to the mark
- Camera quality is outdated
- Lowest flying time
5
UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis Gyro RC Quadcopter with Camera RTF Mode 2
The last but definitely not the least inclusion in the above-mentioned list of best professional photography drone, is from one of the biggest drones and drone accessories manufactures of the world UDI. Whenever there is any mention about any hobby grade yet best quality drone, there will be at least one mention of UDI is inevitable.
This manufacturer is known for making great quality drones in affordable price range. And this UDI U818A model is not any difference as well. Though listed as the cheapest in the entire list, this particular model can compete with any big names in terms of features only.
UDI U818A 2.4GHz 4 CH 6 Axis Gyro RC Quadcopter with Camera RTF Mode 2
FEATURES
- Average Flying Time Is Around 9 Minutes On An Average Upon Single Battery Charging Cycle Without Camera Rolling
- With Camera Action Rolling The Flight Capacity Of This Decreases To Only 5 Minutes
- Battery Takes Around 2 Hours To Get Fully Recharged
- Sensor Capacity Of The Remote Access Device Is Only 30 Meters
- 2 Mp Medium Quality Camera
- 6 Axis Stabilization Mode With Headless Flight Option
Though categorised as a professional drone for photography, but the 2MP, 640 x 840-pixel camera does not capture anything high quality to use for professional usage. The captures are only suitable for sharing in personal social media platforms. But with 6 axis gyro stabilisation system and in-built posture controlling, this particular quadcopter has a better grip in maintaining the accurate position when up in the air. The headless feature also ensures easier multi directional flight as well.
PROS
- Can withstand sudden crashes or impacts
- Easy to fly with user friendly controls
- Especially meant for beginners and amateurs
CONS
- Drone turning rate is low
- Not so stable in windy situations
- Lowest flight time with low capacity battery
- Lowest flight time with low capacity battery
6
DJI Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone
Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone is the best drones for aerial photography and it is The DJI Phantom 3 is the most popular choice among DJI series. It comes with the best 4k camera. In this, there are four models they are Standard, Advanced, professional and 4k. The DJI Phantom 3 4k is the most advanced model with excellent camera resolution.
DJI Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone
FEATURES
- The Flight Time of this drone is 25 minutes
- The fly range is 6000 meters
- 3-Axis Gimbal
- GPS positioning
- Vision Positioning technology for GPS-free areas
- 4k video camera
- Live FPV streaming to your controller
The DJI Phantom 3 4k drone is equipped with the Built-In Integrated 12MP camera attached to a 3-axis gimbal. Apart from 12MP JPEG or RAW photos, the camera can record cinema-spec DCI 4K, i.e., (4096 x 2160) at 24 fps and UDH 4K (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps.The quadcopter also comes with five advanced flight modes:
1. Follow Me
2. Course Lock
3. Waypoints
4. Home Lock
5. Point of Interest
PROS
- Easy to Fly
- 3-Axis Stabilization Gimbal
- Intelligent Flight System
CONS
- Controller has to be recharged
7
3D Robotics Solo
Now, Let us discuss the World’s First Smart Drone, i.e., 3D Robotics solo. It is the only drone that can stream wireless HD video from your GoPro direct to iOS or Android devices. 3D Robotics solo is well suited for aerial photography and for capturing video to save our cherished moments.
3D Robotics Solo
FEATURES
- HD video quality
- It uses Smart Shot technology
- Gyro: 6-Axis
- It weighs about 11.7 pounds
- The flight time is 20 minutes
- The wireless range is 6 miles
Through the cable cam function, we can also share our adventures through photos and videos. The Solo is equipped with Smart Shot technology, making it easy to capture fantastic footage even without expert pilot skills. The 3DR Solo is a revolutionary drone for aerial image capture and flight.
PROS
- Good Flight Time
- High Build Quality
- GoPro Compatible
CONS
- GPS has slight lag
- No collision avoidance
8
DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter
DJI is one of the best drone companies concerning Quality and Purchasea and release Best Drone with Camera The DJI Successively releases the latest drones with the advanced and updated features. The DJI Phantom 4 advanced features include active camera stabilization, visual tracking lock, intelligence flight support system. The automated flight control and collision avoidance are the two major enhanced features of this DJI latest Phantom 4 quadcopter.
DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter
FEATURES
- Slimmer, sleeker and sexist drone
- Supported OS: iOS 8.0 or Android 4.1.2
- The drone weighs about 1380 grams
- Frequency:2.4 GHz
- Dimensions: 15 x 8.7 x 12.8 inches
- It gives you the thrilling speed, i.e., 20 m/s
Coming to the camera quality, The DJI Phantom 4 can capture 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, the camera resolution is 12.0MP (4000 x 3000) photos. The f/2.8 lens with a broad field of view gives us the crystal clear image quality. DJI Phantom 4 is Best Drone with 4k Camera in the market.
PROS
- Gimbal stabilization technology
- Auto takeoff and auto return
- High-Speed Flight
CONS
- It not just easy to stop flying that machine
9
Parrot Disco
The Parrot disco drone is one of the best camera drones. It comes with the 1080p Full HD front camera stabilized on three axes. The video capacity of this drone is 720p which gives us the crystal clear video feedback via your FreeFlight Pro app.
Parrot Disco
FEATURES
- It is a Ready to fly drones, and it does not require any installation or set up
- This parrot is suitable for the outdoor purpose as it can fly greater altitudes and capture high-quality pictures
- The charging time of the battery is almost 55 minutes and the flight time is 45 minutes
- The camera resolution of this drone is 14 megapixels
- The dimensions of the drone are 45.3 x 4.7 x 22.8 inches
- Frequency:2.4 Ghz
The camera quality of this parrot disco is excellent, and it is 14 megapixels. It also has a high definition Video camera with a video recording and video streaming capability.
PROS
- Easy to Fly
- High capacity 2700mAh battery with up to 45 min battery life
- Automatic take-off and landing
CONS
- Requires large space for landing
- Pricey
10
Yuneec Q500
The yuneec Q500 Typhoon 4k quadcopter is a Ready to fly drone with CGO3-GB Camera and it is the best drones for photography. As it has an integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera, it gives 4K/30fps ultra high definition video, 1080p/120fps slow motion video.
Yuneec Q500
FEATURES
- It possesses with 3-Axis Gimbal camera
- GPS positioning
- High-Quality 4k video
- The cam resolution is 12MP
- Autonomous flight modes
- Live FPV streaming to your controller
The unique feature of this drone is steady grip which allows us to capture the crystal clear video footage. The camera quality of this drone is 12 megapixels and gives an excellent footage from the aerial view.
PROS
- Typhoon Q500 offers 4K video recording ability
- Easy to use
CONS
- Too Expensive
BEST DRONE FOR PHTOGRAPHY BUYING GUIDE
WHY SHOULD I INVEST ON A DRONE FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY?
Though using unmanned aircrafts or drones in professional photography is quite a new trend but whatsoever, it created an all-new genre of photography all together, known as aerial photography. Aerial photography is all about wide angles and long view shots which makes the entire frame looks much more appealing to the user. Now days, aerial photography is widely used in real estate marketing, wedding photoshoots, nature photography, cloudscape, landscape and so many more sectors. Here are definitely some advantages of drone, which makes the entire photography experience much more interesting. Those advantages are:
- With the capability of flying up to 300 meters off the ground, drones can easily reach areas, which are basically impossible to reach by manually. Be it a property inside a narrow lane, or an aerial view of a beautiful coast, drones are able to take those continuous, long shot pictures with equal ease and convenience.
- Drones are environment friendly as well, as they are fully battery operated and emits less or no amount of carbon into the environment while functioning.
- Drones are also technologically equipped to capture high resolution full HD pictures of the subjects as well.
- Manoeuvrability if drones are way more than helicopters or traditional air crafts. As they are smaller in size, they can reach places where traditional aircrafts can’t and are also able to capture closer view picture from top as well.
- Another important advantage of using drones in professional photography is that the photographer can change the camera setting, while the drone is flying in the air to get a desired effect in the final product.
FEATURES TO LOOK FOR A DRONE USED IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography drones are basically allowing photographers to click pictures, which are supposed to clicked manually from helicopters or traditional air crafts before. Buying a drone may seem easy, but for beginners, the entire process may seem a little intimidating. There are a few considerations, what a photographer should keep in mind before investing in a right drone. As drones are a bit expensive, so it is always wise to invest time on finding the right equipment. Some of the key features to look out for in a drone are:
- As a photography drones’ premium function is to capture photographs, the quality of the final product is definitely one of the primary considerations one should keep in mind. In aerial photography, a drone with 1” sensor considered as one of the best in the market. Along with a good quality sensor, a larger CMOS also enables the drone to capture better pictures even in low light as well.
- The video quality captured in a drone can vary from low quality to 4k. people who only uses drone for their personal use, a 1080p video may seem enough. But for professional photography uses, always go for a drone with 4k video capturing quality. Undoubtedly 4k videos are way sharper and finer than 1080p ones, so you may end up with a better result after processing and editing the video.
- Always look out for drones, which can click pictures in RAW or DNG format. If you are supposed to click professional images, which includes post production processing, then RAW and DNG should be your preferred picture format as these two produces better result upon editing.
- Drones with advanced flight control system can hover better than drones, which are not equipped with advanced technologies. A stable hover drone is always a better choice to capture good quality images, as these do not rise or fall or drift from the exact location frequently, resulting in a stable and sharp image.
- Always invest on a drone with in-built gimbal. Gimbals are considered as one of the primary factors to capture good quality video with a drone. So, if you are planning to buy best videography drone, gimbal is what you should look for.
- Though a high-quality drone cannot fly for more than 30 minutes continuously over a fully charged battery, yet going for a drone with great battery life is always advisable.
TOP MANUFACTURERS FOR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY DRONES
The photography drone industry has literally bloomed in the last decade. There are thousands of different companies from various parts of the world started manufacturing drones for different sectors. But only a few among all of the rise above the general standard and make their own mark in the entire industry. Not only for producing great quality drones, these few companies are also leave their mark in the market, for their constant innovations and evolving ground breaking technologies. Three of the major photography drone manufacturing companies are:
DJI
The undisputed leader in the drone manufacturing company, DJI was first established by Frank Wang in the year 2006. Emerged as one of the top-rated consumer drone manufacturers, this company also manufactures items like flying controllers, flying pads, helicopter accessories, aerial and hand-held gimbals along with drones. DJI is also known for manufacturing drones for both amateurs and professionals.
UDI
Founded in 2010, UDI is considered as one of the rapidly growing drone manufacturers of the last decade. This company is specifically known for manufacturing hobby grade unmanned aerial vehicle in an affordable price range.
HOLYSTONE
A comparatively newer setup, Holystone was founded a few years back in 2014 but still able to keep its mark in the drone manufacturing market with its modern outlook and great functionality. Committed to manufacture full equipped drones, this company makes products for people with different skill levels as well. All credit goes to its brilliant R&D team, Holystone has developed its own separate fan base in countries like Germany, Italy, France, Russia, India, Middle East etc. in only five years of span.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mostly, the drones from DJI and Holy Stone are specifically for photography.
DJI Phantom 3 4K Camera Drone, 3D Robotics Solo Smart Drone, and Parrot disco drones are some of the best drones for video and photography.
There are many drones, which you can use for photography. Some of the best drones from top brands are Holy Stone HS100 RC Drone and DJI Spark with Remote Control.
You can get the best photography drone in the range of $500 to $1000
Conclusion
So, Finally, The above mentioned drones come under the List of top 10 camera drones for photography with all the advanced features at affordable prices. Hope, my review is helpful to you in choosing the best camera drone. If you have any doubts or for more clarification, you can comment below. The topmost drones on the market will be updated here from time to time. So, keep in touch with us. Thank you!