Like any technology that hits the mainstream, drones are changing a variety of industries and applications. One such area is photography.
Today, drones allow for previously unattainable views and angles in imagery. As such, UAVs have become an essential tool for anyone with an interest in photography, be it for recreational use or for business endeavors.
Whether you’re looking for a drone to help you achieve the best imagery, or you’re planning to integrate aerial photography into your business, finding the right drone is an important first step. The truth is that there are a number of good quality photography UAVs out there. The key to narrowing your focus is to define your specific needs and proceed from that point.
The list below can help you make an informed decision as to which drone will best meet your photography needs. With that in mind, read on to discover the top 5 photography drones that won't drain your wallet.
DJI Mavic
Though many drones packaged for aerial photography have released to market, none have dominated the field. That was until the DJI Mavic launched in the fall of 2016. This professional-grade aerial photography drone has taken the world by storm.
DJI’s Mavic boasts an extremely high level of sophistication and complexity packed into a powerful and portable package.
The Mavic’s main features include its 12MP resolution camera, 4K video resolution at 30 FPS, obstacle avoidance, and a sport mode that takes the drones’ top speed to 40 mph, or 65 kph. Other highlights include precise positioning through GPS and GLONASS, strong battery life, and a folding design that makes the DJI Mavic ultra portable. The Mavic has a maximum flight time of 27 minutes and is available in three options;
a Base Model, Starter Bundle or a Deluxe Bundle.
With kits starting at just under $1,000, the Mavic won't drain your wallet. Whichever bundle you opt for the DJI Mavic is certainly a great investment for anyone interested in photography. In addition, DJI has an industry- leading ecosystem of apps and accessories such as extra batteries and propellers, as well as commercial opportunities.
DJI Phantom 4
Next up in our list of the top 5 best drones for photography is the DJI Phantom 4. DJI is an industry leader in drones and as such it is no surprise that the company’s products top this line up.
Released in March 2016, the Phantom 4 features a host of enhancements like improved battery life, a new camera lens, and better obstacle avoidance. In terms of the camera, the Phantom 4 has a resolution of 12MP for photographs and 4K video resolution at 30 FPS, or 1080p at 120 FPS.
Other improvements that the Phantom 4 has over its predecessor, the Phantom 3 Professional, are a lighter frame and an improved flying time of 28 minutes. More notable specs include an improved Vision Positioning System, quick-release propellers, and a lighting kit.
A little more pricey than the Mavic,
Phantom 4 base packages start at $1200.
Yuneec Typhoon H
Despite DJI’s dominance there are other notable Drone manufacturers when it comes to the best drones for photography. The Yuneec Typhoon H is a case in point.
The Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter boasts a 360° gimbal camera that takes high definition pictures and video in 4 K Ultra HD. Key specifications include a 12.4MP camera resolution and a video resolution of 4K at 30 FPS. The Typhoon H also features a retractable landing gear and is ready to fly out of the box.
The Yuneec Typhoon H also boasts a max speed of 43.5 mph (70 km/h) and an Android based controller with an integrated 7-inch display for real-time displays during flight.
Base models start at $1200.
Yuneec Breeze
In many ways the Yuneec Breeze is the perfect solution to most needs for a flying camera, particularly as an entry point into drone photography. The Breeze is controlled through your mobile device and comes with five flight modes that make it easy to pilot.
The camera on the Yuneec Breeze has a 13MP image resolution and records video at a resolution of 4K at 30 FPS.
The Yuneec Breeze is equipped with the flight mode and Ultra HD capabilities of Yuneec’s pricier models making it a great choice of drone for photography. Its main features include user-friendly flight modes, portability, and a quite sophisticated overall package.
And with a price point just below $1,000, the Breeze is also easy on your wallet.
Parrot AR Drone 2.0
The Parrot AR Drone has been around longer than many drone companies. The updated version of the once prolific RC aerial vehicle shows why many people still love this drone.
The updated version boasts a maximum flight time of 12 minutes and a 2MP resolution camera. The Parrot AR Drone 2.0’s video resolution is 720p at 30 FPS and can stream via your smartphone or tablet. This feature allows you to easily share your favorite pictures and videos.
This RC aircraft's foam frame makes it ideal for beginners who still desire professional quality results. The drone is easily piloted via a traditional joystick controller or through Parrot’s FreeFlight App. The app displays the drones speed, altitude, battery level, plus the images and video captured by the UAV.
At just $250, the Parrot AR Drone is an affordable option.
If you’re looking to buy a drone for aerial photography, your experience and budget will be crucial factors. However, the quality of the drone is also important, and the five above are all a great place to start.
