The world of consumer drones has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity since the release of the Parrot AR and DJI Phantom drones in and , respectively.
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These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now within reach of anyone eager to use them for various purposes, whether recreational or professional.
While the excitement of flying a drone is undeniable, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know, from different types of drones and key components to essential buying considerations and top drone accessories.
A drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board.
Instead, a drone pilot or operator controls it remotely. Drones rely on various components to navigate and stabilize during flight, which we’ll talk about later in this article.
Initially developed for military use, drones have expanded to civilian applications and are now used for a wide range of tasks, including mapping, surveying, filming, and photography.
Today, drones are used for a wide range of tasks, including mapping, surveying, filming, and photography.
Let’s dive into the different types of drones.
You can find a variety of drones in the market today. Here are the common ones:
But what exactly makes up a drone? Understanding the crucial components that make up a drone can help you make an informed buying decision.
Here are some crucial components of drones:
If you’re buying a drone for the first time, here’s a checklist of essential features to consider.
This will help you choose a drone that perfectly suits your needs.
Interested in casual aerial photography or videography? Then, checking for the drone camera quality is a crucial factor to consider.
Before choosing a drone, evaluate its camera specifications to confirm if it will give you the picture quality you desire. Here’s what you can look for:
We’re sure you’d like to fly to your heart’s content without any interruptions. However, that largely depends on the quality of your drone battery life.
Most consumer drones can fly from about 20 to 30 minutes on a single charge, while more advanced models offer a drone flight time of 40 minutes or more.
So, before buying any drone, check out its battery specifications (e.g. capacity and charging time) to make sure it aligns with your expectations.
The best drone for beginners should, ideally, have an obstacle avoidance system. Drones with obstacle avoidance use sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. This in turn reduces the risk of crashes.
For example, the DJI Mini 4 Pro offers omnidirectional obstacle sensing to ensure that everyone (especially first-time drone users) flies with confidence–even in challenging environments!
Other important safety features you can look out for in a drone include:
(Pro Tip: While you should go for a drone that has robust safety features, you also need to adhere to general drone safety guidelines. The FAA provides helpful resources detailing safety rules and regulations for drone pilots.)
The drone’s range determines how far it can travel from its controller before losing the connection.
Long-range drones can–as their name suggests–cover longer distances without the risk of getting lost or crashing.
A test showed that the DJI Mini 3 has a range of over 5,000 meters/about 3 miles.
(Pro Tip: Note that the advertised range of a drone may not reflect its true performance due to interference from radio waves and other environmental factors. To ensure optimal performance, you can buy a drone with a greater range than you anticipate needing.)
A lot of people use drones for video recording, photography, mapping, and more.
If you want to get the most out of your flying experience, it’s important to select a model with features tailored to your preferred use case.
Here’s a rundown of the best drones for distinct purposes:
There’s no shortage of beginner drones in the market; however, some of the best ones you can try out include:
Drone Model Camera Flight Time Range Price (Amazon) Special Features Autel Evo Nano+ 4K 28 min 6.2 miles $899 Obstacle avoidance, foldable, gimbal stabilization DJI Mini 3 4K 38/51 min 6.2 miles $419 Ultra-lightweight, QuickShots, Panorama Potensic Atom 4K 96 min 3.7 miles $379.99 Brushless gimbal, dual batteries, intelligent flight modes Holy Stone HS900 4K 30 min 3.7 miles $459.99 Brushless gimbal, Follow Me, TapFlyIf capturing stunning aerial footage is your passion, you’ll want a drone with a top-notch camera and advanced stabilization features. Check out these high-flyers:
Drone Model Camera Video Resolution Flight Time Range Price Special Features DJI Mavic 3 Pro 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad, Dual tele cameras 5.1K 43 min 9.3 miles $2,612.84 (Amazon) Tri-camera system, Omnidirectional obstacle sensing, ActiveTrack 5.0 Autel EVO Lite+ 1-inch CMOS 20MP 6K 40 min 7.4 miles $1,149 (Autel) Adjustable aperture, HDR video, SkyLink transmission Autel EVO Nano+ 1/1.28-inch CMOS 50MP 4K 28 min 6.2 miles $899 (Amazon) RYYB color filter array, SkyLink, Moonlight Algorithm DJI Air 3 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle + 3x tele 4K, p slow-motion 46 min 12.4 miles $1,099 (Amazon) Dual-camera, MasterShots, HyperLight, QuickShotsWith these drones by your side, you’ll be able to capture life’s most precious moments in breathtaking detail, from stunning landscapes to intimate family.
If you live for the thrill of speed and competition, a racing drone might be just what you need. These agile machines are built for heart-pumping excitement:
Drone Model Camera Video Resolution Flight Time Range Price (Amazon) Special Features DJI Avata 2 1/1.3-inch CMOS 4K HDR 23 min 8 miles $1,199 Acrobatics mode, Emergency Brake, and Hover BetaFPV Cetus X C04 FPV, Adjustable p 5 min N/A $142.99 360° protection, ultra-lightweight DJI FPV 1/2.3″ CMOS 4K, p slow-motion 20 min N/A $698 Super-wide FOV, RockSteady EIS, Emergency Brake, and HoverWhether you’re a seasoned racer or just looking for a heart-pounding joyride, these drones will satisfy your need for speed.
You don’t have to break the bank to experience the joys of flying. These affordable drones offer an impressive array of features at a fraction of the cost:
Drone Model Camera Flight Time Price (Amazon) Special Features DJI Mini 2 SE 2.7K 31 min $259 Lightweight, QuickShots, Panorama Holy Stone HS270 2.7K 18 min $198.99 GPS, Follow Me, Tap Fly RyzeTech Tello 720p 13 min $206.33 Programmable, Throw & Go, 8D flipsWith these budget-friendly options, you can take to the skies without putting a dent in your wallet.
For those who demand the very best, these high-end drones offer unparalleled performance and features:
Drone Model Camera Video Resolution Flight Time Obstacle Avoidance Price (Amazon) Special Features DJI Phantom 4 Pro Plus V2.0 1-inch 20MP 4K 30 min 5-direction $2,197 Intelligent Flight Modes, 5.5-inch screen, OcuSync 2.0 DJI Mavic 3 Pro 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad 5.1K 46 min Omnidirectional $3,599.79 Long-range control, ActiveTrack 5.0, MasterShots Autel Robotics EVO 2 Pro V3 1-inch Sony CMOS 6K 40 min 360-degree $2,099 HDR video, Dynamic Track 2.1, Live DeckIf you’re a professional who relies on drones for your work, these top-of-the-line models are sure to exceed your expectations.
One of the best drone buying tips? Don’t overlook buying certain essential drone accessories, as they can help you enhance your drone operations.
Here are some accessories that are worth investing in:
And, that’s a wrap! Hopefully, this beginner drone guide has shown you how to choose a drone that matches your needs and budget to a T.
Remember–before making a drone purchase, ensure that you conduct adequate research, compare models, budget for essential accessories, and get acquainted with legal regulations on drone use in your area.
With this knowledge in your arsenal, you’ll be sure to buy a drone that ticks all your boxes.
The best way to know which drone to buy is by carefully evaluating your needs.
Ask yourself what features you prioritize and look out for them when comparing different models.
Drones like the RyzeTech Tello, DJI Mini 3, and Holy Stone HS900 are ideal for beginners thanks to their user-friendly nature and affordability.
It’s important to ensure the safety of others when flying your drones, and one major way to do so is by complying with the 1:1 rule.
According to this rule, for every meter your drone is flying above the ground, it must maintain at least an equivalent horizontal distance from any uninvolved person.
For example, if your drone is flying at a height of 30 meters, it should be at least 30 meters away from any uninvolved person (someone who’s not part of the flight operation.)
So, in case your drone were to malfunction and drop out of the air, it wouldn’t harm or injure anyone.
Typically, a good drone:
Whether you want to make your vlogs, home movies, or real estate content stand out, PCMag is here to help you suss out the top drone options for photography and video. I'm an FAA-certified Part 107 remote pilot and have reviewed 67 drones (and counting!) over the last decade with an eye toward camera quality, flight performance, and safety. My top recommendation for most people is the DJI Mini 4 Pro, which is compact and provides excellent image quality. However, all the models here are worth a look, so click through to the reviews of each for the full details. Make sure to also read past the list to learn everything you need to know before you start flying.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested PicksThe DJI Mini 4 Pro is the most capable ultralight drone on the market. It weighs just 249g with its standard battery (good for around 34 minutes of flight time), so you don't have to register it with the FAA. Creators who don't mind forms and fees should opt for the extended life battery, however, which pushes flights beyond 45 minutes. Full 360-degree obstacle avoidance, automated flight modes, and a Quad Bayer camera with 4K60 HDR video round out the feature set. We especially like the APAS function, which helps the drone navigate through complex spaces all by itself, even at low altitudes.
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The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the drone to get for pilots who want to skip FAA registration, but not miss out on many features. Drone enthusiasts, cinematographers looking to add a B-camera for aerials, and creators who don't mind spending a bit more for smart obstacle avoidance should find the Mini 4 Pro to be a reliable performer. It's also a good match for TikTok influencers because it supports vertical 9:16 video. Licensed pilots should make sure to pick up an extended life battery to enable Remote ID broadcast, which a requirement for professionals in the US.
Dimensions 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches Weight 8.8 oz Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 48 MP Media Format microSDXC Remote Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD Live Video Feed p GET IT NOWThe DJI Flip is the perfect choice for first-time drone pilots and aerial imaging enthusiasts. The drone has a 249g takeoff weight so it doesn't need to be registered with the FAA and includes built-in propeller guards and forward obstacle sensors to support safe flight. The Flip includes a remote control in its basic configuration but may also be controlled with a smartphone app or on-aircraft controls. Camera quality is tops, too; the drone keeps up with flagship smartphones with excellent 4K60 video and Raw or JPG stills at your choice of 12MP or 48MP.
First-time drone owners will appreciate the Flip's safety features, ease of use, and picture quality. Its stills are good enough to print and share on social media, and its video will look great on YouTube or even a big-screen TV. Pro pilots should skip this one as it doesn't support Remote ID, but the Flip is a stronger value option for drone flights performed under recreational rules.
Dimensions 3.1 by 11.0 by 9.2 inches Weight 8.8 oz Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 48 MP Media Format Internal, microSDXC Remote Smartphone/Tablet App, Dedicated with LCD Live Video Feed p GET IT NOW Learn More DJI Flip ReviewThe DJI Air 3 puts both a 24mm wide-angle and 70mm mid-telephoto lens on its gimbal-stabilized camera, giving pilots lots of creative options. Its 360-degree obstacle avoidance system is a boost for automated camera moves and follow-me flights, and makes the drone all but crash-proof for manual flight. Long battery life, sharp 4K video, and good still image quality complete the package.
The Air 3 is a good drone for recreational pilots who want a model with stronger motors and better wind resistance than most 249g drones manage, and for pros working on video projects or taking photos for real estate listings. FAA registration is required for all pilots with this model, but the dual camera system, Remote ID, and ADS-B are all marks in its favor.
Dimensions 3.9 by 3.6 by 8.2 inches Weight 1.6 lb Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 48 MP Media Format microSDXC Remote Dedicated with App Live Video Feed p GET IT NOW Learn More DJI Air 3 ReviewThe DJI Mavic 3 Pro's big Four Thirds format sensor with a Hasselblad color profile delivers class-leading footage and stills straight out of the camera. All-around obstacle sensors allow the drone to easily bypass obstructions; an integrated GPS keeps it steady in the air; and 35-minute flying times (in testing) make for safer flights. Film producers can upgrade to the Pro Cine ($4,799) edition to get a 1TB SSD, ProRes 422 video support, and the RC Pro remote, while anyone on a budget can opt for the $1,599 Classic edition, which drops the telephoto cameras and internal storage.
The Mavic 3 Pro is ideal for cinematographers, indie filmmakers, vloggers, and other creative professionals. It's heavy enough to require FAA registration and you need an operator's license to use it for paid projects, but it's still easy to bring along for location work.
Dimensions 3.8 by 3.9 by 9.1 inches Weight 2.1 lb Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 5.1K Megapixels 20 MP Media Format Internal, microSDXC Remote Dedicated with LCD Live Video Feed pThe DJI Mini 3 is one of the better entry-level drones available. Its camera is excellent, it supports 4K30 video with an HDR look in either vertical or landscape orientation, as well as 60 degrees of upward tilt. The photo quality is good, too. The camera supports 12MP JPG or Raw DNG snaps, while the F1.7 optics do a good job at dawn and dusk. Safety features include GPS, Find My Drone, and Return to Home. Its 249g takeoff weight means you can fly it without dealing with FAA registration—you just need to pass an online knowledge test. We also like the 38-minute flight times, though we wish DJI had worked obstacle detection into this model.
Creators who want a dual-aspect drone for TikTok and YouTube should consider this. It conveniently streams live video straight to a smartphone app, is capable for stills, and remains stable even when you fly it near the 400-foot altitude limit. Licensed pilots can consider the Mini 3 for paid work, but make sure to get the extended life battery as it is a requirement for Remote ID to work with this drone.
Dimensions 2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches Weight 8.8 oz Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 12 MP Media Format microSDXC Remote Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD Live Video Feed p Learn More DJI Mini 3 ReviewThe Potensic Atom 2 proves that DJI isn't the only brand that can make a good drone. The 249g quadcopter avoids registration requirements, captures good-looking video and stills, and includes the Remote ID module required for professional use. It has a 4K30 camera with a three-axis gimbal for smooth, steady video, and snaps stills at 12MP or 48MP resolution, with a Raw DNG option available for shutterbugs. It proved reliable in testing and has a long-lasting, 32-minute flight battery and a dedicated remote control.
The Atom 2 is a good pick for beginner pilots who want a 249g drone with a dedicated remote and friendly pricing, and sUAS certificate holders who want to use a small drone with built-in Remote ID. The lack of obstacle detection is the major drawback versus competitors.
Dimensions 2.3 by 3.5 by 5.6 inches Weight 8.8 oz Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 48 MP Media Format microSD Remote Dedicated with App Live Video Feed p GET IT NOW Learn More Potensic Atom 2 ReviewThe Autel Evo Lite+ uses a Type 1 sensor camera for picture quality that's competitive with flagship smartphones, with the additional benefit of a variable aperture to cut incoming light without the need for ND filters. The folding drone can fly for around 40 minutes on a full battery and supports three-way obstacle sensors to prevent midair accidents.
The Autel Evo Lite+ is a capable camera drone for creators. Its 6K camera is very good and, although we wish we could fine-tune the video profile, a flat look is available if you want to edit for color. Its price is a knock against it, though, but you might find the Lite+ to be worth it for extended flight times, variable aperture camera, and integrated Remote ID broadcast module.
Dimensions 4.8 by 3.7 by 8.8 inches Weight 1.8 lb Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 6K Megapixels 20 MP Media Format Internal, microSDXC Remote Dedicated with App Live Video Feed pThe DJI Neo is the drone to get if you mostly care about quick selfies and landscape videos. It's light, tiny, and has built-in propeller guards so it's safe to launch and land from the palm of your hand. Its rolls smooth, steady 4K video, flies for about 18 minutes on a fully charged battery, and can be flown manually with either a smartphone app or a dedicated remote control (sold separately). Its video profile isn't as good as we've seen from other DJI drones, however, but it's good enough for social media, and mollified by the $199 starting price.
The Neo is a good starter drone for creators who want to grab an occasional aerial landscape video or selfie footage. Its on-body control panel means that it's very simple to get reveal shots that pull back, up, or orbit around a subject, plus it has the wow factor of taking off and launching from your hand. Licensed pilots and creators with monetized YouTube channels should skip this one as it doesn't include Remote ID, but you won't have to worry about that if you're just using the drone for fun.
Dimensions 1.9 by 5.1 by 6.2 inches Weight 4.8 oz Rotors 4 Obstacle Detection Integrated Camera Integrated with Gimbal Video Resolution 4K Megapixels 12 MP Media Format Internal Remote Smartphone/Tablet App Live Video Feed p GET IT NOW Learn More DJI Neo ReviewThe DJI Avata 2 is an FPV drone, one in which you see the camera view through a set of low-latency VR goggles with head tracking. A Type 1/1.3 nose-mounted camera records at 4K60, while its motion-sensitive remote supports 30mph flight for thrill seekers. Built-in prop guards keep it flying after minor bumps, downward-facing sensors make low-to-the-ground flights possible, and an upgraded battery provides up to 23 minutes of operating time between charges. If you slow things down a bit, you can even channel your inner Scorsese and Welles with Cinewhoop-style long takes.
Get the Avata 2 if you want fast-paced, close-to-the-ground, and elaborately choreographed footage. You might see some wobble if you take the drone up high, but that won't detract from the sense of motion when you bank and turn. The dual-stick remote makes it easy enough for anyone to fly the done, though we're a bit put off by just how easy it is to crash. Experienced pilots who are confident in their flight skills can swap to manual mode for 60mph flights.
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It's easy to see which brand of drones we recommend most strongly. Time and time again, DJI's flying cameras have outclassed competitors in video quality, reliability, and safety. But at present, they are under intense scrutiny from the US government. The US Treasury has placed DJI on its Entity List for its alleged role in the Chinese government's suppression of the country's Uyghur ethnic minority. US customs recently blocked imports of its latest Air 3S drone around similar concerns.
Recent legislation further threatens DJI's position in the US market. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for was signed into law without the proposed DJI ban included. However, the legislation requires the government to form a committee to disassemble and analyze DJI drones to determine if they pose a threat to national security within this calendar year, or else the brand will face a sales ban.
However, it does not appear that the government is doing its part. The NDAA states that an appropriate agency must audit DJI's drones, either the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, National Intelligence, the FBI, or the NSA. In a March 3 letter addressed to the heads of these respective departments, DJI spokesperson Adam Welsh states that none have yet taken up the task. DJI asks the agencies to "begin this required evaluation of DJI's products right away," adding that DJI "welcomes this scrutiny."
We'll continue to monitor the situation as it develops. As it stands, DJI drones remain available and on sale in the US. But if the appropriate government agencies don't do the work to determine once and for all if DJI drones pose a threat to national security prior to year's end, they will end up on the FCC Covered list, effectively banning the sale and import of DJI drones and cameras stateside.
With many tech products, you can just open the box and start using it. But that's not the case with drones. You need to learn the rules about flying, take an online test, and (depending on how much your drone weighs) register it with the FAA prior to your first flight. That may seem daunting to pilots just starting, but we walk you through the basics here. (For more details, read our complete guide to US drone regulations.)
First, if you're flying your drone for fun, you can operate under recreational rules. There are nuances to where and when you can fly your drone, so you should always use one of the FAA's B4UFLY apps or SkyVector's live temporary flight restriction (TFR) map to check if flights are legal. This is especially important now that DJI no longer enforces a geofence in restricted airspace.
Generally, you are OK if you:
Fly at or below 400 feet
Keep your drone within sight
Don't fly in restricted airspace
Don't fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
Don't fly over groups of people
Don't fly over stadiums or sporting events
Don't fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
Don't fly under the influence or within 8 hours of consuming alcohol
Pay extra attention to the warning about flying around wildfires. DJI made headlines in a very bad way during the recent LA wildfires when a private operator illegally flew a Mini 3 drone in an area that was under a TFR. The drone collided with the wing of a specialized firefighting plane, taking it out of commission at a critical time. Don't be like that idiot.
All pilots must take a free online knowledge test, called the Trust test, before their first flight. If you buy a lightweight (249g) drone, you can skip registration and get flying once you've passed the test. However, if your drone weighs 250g or more, you must go to the FAADroneZone website to register it; for recreational pilots, the cost is $5 per operator. Once you get your registration number here, you must label your drone with it (use a Sharpie or a printed label).
The rules and regulations are stricter if you plan on flying for money. If you have a monetized YouTube channel, take photos of properties for real estate listings, or offer drone snaps as part of your wedding package, you need to obtain a remote pilot certificate from the FAA. You need to pass a paid ($175) exam at a testing site and go through a background check to obtain this type of license. Commercial pilots have to follow the same basic rules as recreational flyers and must register each drone they own at a cost of $5 per aircraft. Additionally, all drones flown under commercial rules must support Remote ID broadcast for operation, so pro pilots will need to take extra care when choosing an aircraft.
The drones we recommend are both safe and easy to fly. All of our suggestions include four-rotor designs with GPS-assisted stabilization that let them hover perfectly in place. The GPS feature also supports automatic return to home and landing, making you less likely to lose your drone if communication between the aircraft and remote control is disrupted.
Obstacle detection isn't included on every drone, but it's becoming increasingly common. The mid-entry DJI Flip includes forward obstacle sensors, for instance, though the company reserves 360-degree detection and automated avoidance for upmarket entries like the Mini 4 Pro, which can autonomously alter course to avoid trees, fences, and other obstructions. It's an important feature to have if you're flying below the treetops, especially for beginners, and can help to avoid an accident.
DJI Air 3 in flight (Credit: Jim Fisher)Flyaways still happen, however—there are horror stories on various web forums—and there's always a chance you'll have to come in for an emergency landing and try and find your drone amongst the brush or unfamiliar territory. Recent DJI models have a Find My Drone feature that shows where your drone is on a map (and makes it beep loudly if it still has battery life). An extended warranty program (DJI Care Refresh) is available for pilots who are worried about damaging their drones.
Several products on the market sell as drones but don't quite fit that description. Remote-controlled aircraft have been around for ages, for instance. With the recent surge in popularity, companies are now tagging those products as drones. These don't include GPS stabilization, return-to-home functionality, and other automated flight modes that make a drone a drone.
Racing drones fall under this umbrella. Enthusiasts often build their own racing copters from kits or parts. Doing so requires some skill with a soldering iron and screwdriver, but it has become an aspect of the hobby itself. Those of us who aren't good at building rigs can look instead to a ready-to-fly racer. DJI has a couple in its catalog; its FPV Combo can move at a brisk 87mph, while the small Avata 2 goes as fast as 60mph. Both ship with a motion controller and a set of FPV goggles for flight control, a notable difference compared with most drones that rely on handheld remotes with touch screens.
DJI Avata 2 (Credit: Jim Fisher)Small drones aren't only for racing, either. Some people use tiny, homemade Cinewhoop drones for long, one-take video tours. DJI sells the O4 Air Unit Pro camera module for DIY drone builders who want the best video quality for these shots. Again, for pilots who don't want to build a Cinewhoop drone, the DJI Avata 2 and Neo support slower speeds and are small enough to work their way through tight spaces for one-shot videos.
DJI models currently dominate our top picks, and there's a good reason. The company is simply a few steps ahead of the competition and offers products at various price levels. Its camera quality is unbeatable, with even basic models supporting 10-bit color sampling, 4K resolution, and Raw photography. It also wins out in aircraft design since its drones use higher-grade plastics than others we've tested, are perfectly stable in flight, and provide excellent battery life. Add a slick app interface that lets you use your or tablet to control the drone and its camera, and you've got a winning formula. As detailed earlier, there are some real concerns about DJI's future in the US, but for now, DJI is the standard we measure others against.
We've viewed Autel Robotics as DJI's major competitor in the past, but its recent focus is more on industrial and agriculture drones. Its most recent consumer models, the Nano+ and Lite+ from , have faced stock issues in recent months, and no new models are on the horizon. Potensic is gaining traction as a quality alternative; its original Atom drone was well received, and I was impressed enough by the Atom 2 to award it a 4-star rating and include it among our recommended models. Autel and Potensic use lighter grade plastics than DJI, but have good cameras and perform reliably in testing.
DJI Mini 4 Pro (Credit: Jim Fisher)Other companies that previously made consumer drones are now out of the game. Parrot, Skydio, and Yuneec now make only unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use in agriculture, enterprise, and industry. GoPro and Sony tried their hands at drones with the Karma and Airpeak S1, respectively, but have both exited the space entirely. The Karma is long gone, and Airpeak sales ended in March .
Most consumer drones are small enough to carry in a backpack or camera sling. Folding airframe designs are the standard, even among drones that are heavy enough to require registration. So when someone is looking for a small drone, they are generally seeking out a light 249g flyer. These drones don't require registration in the US and are less regulated abroad as well.
Potensic Atom 2 in flight (Credit: Jim Fisher)The DJI Mini 4 Pro is the best 249g drone we've tested; it has a dual-aspect video camera and all-around obstacle sensors. The Flip is nearly as good for less money. Oddly enough, the Flip omits the vertical camera flip feature from the Mini 3 and the Mini 4 Pro, but it's the most affordable DJI drone you can get that has both prop guards and forward obstacle detection.
If you're on a stricter budget, the DJI Neo and the Mini 4K are good picks for recreational pilots. The Neo is tiny and launches from your hand. It is best used for quick selfie videos and includes a half dozen automated flight paths. The Mini 4K is better for manual control and pilots who want to snap pictures in addition to video. The Flip, the Neo, and the Mini 4K don't include Remote ID, so licensed pilots should avoid them.
DJI Neo (Credit: DJI)DJI's Inspire 3 is its big, quad-rotor model for cinema production. The drone features a full-frame, 8K camera that can take DJI or Sony lenses and supports CinemaDNG and ProRes Raw recording. Its bottom-mounted camera and retractable landing gear are also advantages because they enable more complex camera and aircraft movements compared with drones that have nose-mounted cameras.
If you want a smaller drone with high-end video specs, think about a version of the Mavic 3, which starts at $1,279 for the Classic edition or $2,199 for the Pro. All versions of the Mavic 3 support 5.1K50 recording with a Four Thirds format camera in 10-bit HEVC. On the high end, the Mavic 3 Pro Cine ($4,799) sports a triple camera stack and adds support for ProRes 422 HQ with a 1TB SSD for onboard storage. The Pro Cine is a worthwhile splurge for serious cinematographers—the upgraded video toolkit and included Pro RC remote justify the cost.
DJI offers Matrice drones for industry and enterprise, and Agras drones for agriculture. As mentioned earlier, Sony's Airpeak S1 can carry big cameras but is smaller than the Inspire series, so it's just as good for location work. The Airpeak works with Sony mirrorless cameras. If you want one, you should get it now; Sony has ended S1 sales in March , but it can still be found in stock.
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