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Camera drones are excellent allies for photographers and professionals in the field of audio and video recording as they present new and unusual ways of doing their jobs, thus making it possible to attract even more customers to your business.
To hit the nail on the head in choosing the best camera drone for you, it is important to know some drone information. Among the main ones are the range, the quality of its rotors and, of course, the quality of the camera. Learn a little more about these features.
How to Buy a Camera Drone? [Complete Purchasing Guide]
Camera Quality
If your focus is on acquiring the best camera drone, one of the first issues you should assess is camera quality. That’s because if your focus is filming or photos, it can influence your choice a lot. That’s because if this material will be used in a professional way, it will demand higher quality.
When it comes to image quality, the market variations are very wide. For example, you can find simpler resolutions like HD, intermediate resolution Full HD, and also the latest generations of Ultra HD 4K.
So, if you intend to buy a drone to take super-sharp photos with professional quality, it is important to opt for 4K models. As for every day or hobby uses, consider whether an intermediate or lower resolution camera would not be enough.
Number of Rotors
If you’ve ever handled a drone, you know that it’s often not easy to drive it with precision. However, one of the most important things when it comes to photos is the precision when taking them. Therefore, it is always important to evaluate the number of rotors and even their position in the drone, since they make handling more or less difficult.
One of the models that can be found in the multi-rotor drone. In this case, each of the rotors is positioned at one end of the drone and is currently the easiest to fly. So if you are a beginner, consider trying this model out.
However, it is also possible to find tricopter, quadcopter, and even models with eight rotors. The greater the number of rotors and propellers, the better your flight and also the better your stability. Likewise, handling is also more complex, but if you are a professional photographer, know that these will bring more precision.
Flight range
Another point that photographers need to be aware of when choosing a drone is its range and flight range. This is because if there are models that reach only 150 meters, others can already reach 6 km in reach, for example.
So if you want to take panoramic photos that are taller or further away from your starting point, it’s important to look for longer ranges. This feature directly influences the price of drones. So, generally speaking, the greater the reach, the greater your investment.
Drums
Although there are several models with the possibility of changing the battery, it is important to highlight that this upgrade will generate an extra cost. Therefore, at the time of purchase, it is important to check the duration of the drone’s battery.
There are some models that can have a maximum autonomy of 15 minutes, which can be very little for those who want to take several pictures. Also, if your flights are long until you reach the desired location to take the photo, you may have already asked for half the autonomy time.
In addition to these, it is also possible to find models with longer duration. These more sophisticated models usually take up to 30 minutes of flight, which may still not be enough. In such cases, it is recommended to purchase an extra battery to ensure optimal performance.
Flight modes
Very important especially for beginners in the world of drones, flight modes can help a lot in your handling. This is because some models have facilitators, such as pre-defined maneuvers, facilitated take-off, software for flight training, and many others.
In addition, other models can also have the Go Home flight mode. That is, when the drone is being used in this mode, it is possible that it will automatically return to the starting point. Either due to a loss of the drone or the end of the battery.
Extra Features
Finally, you need to be aware of the different extra features that drones can have. There are countless technologies that can be present in drones, from live video streaming to easy recognition.
So, always be careful when buying to avoid acquiring extra features that won’t be useful for you. That’s because they can make your product more expensive without the need for it.
What is the Best Camera Drone of 2022?
1. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
For those looking for the best camera drone, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is certainly the ideal drone. DJI is already an extremely consolidated brand in the drone market and certainly, its most diverse models bring a unique quality when compared to others on the market.
In the case of Mavic 2 Zoom, the situation is no different.
It is a drone with excellent configurations, whether for photo and filming work or for inspection, inspection or mapping work in large areas. It has 24 high-performance computing cores to bring agility and precision in capturing images. Despite this, we are talking about an extremely compact drone, as it is possible to fold it and transport it anywhere.
Mavic 2 Zoom’s information system is a system with high reach. When free from interference it is capable of reaching up to 8 km. As for your flight autonomy, there are 31 minutes of total safety in the flight. Without strong wind resistance, the Mavic 2Zoom reaches up to 18 kilometers away.
A big advantage of this DJI model is its excellent zoom capability. Your camera has a ½-inch sensor, 12 megapixels of resolution and an incredible 4x zoom, plus a 2x optical zoom.
Keeping this zoom is possible, in addition to taking beautiful photos safely, filming in HD.
WHAT WE LIKE
- easy to fly
- Excellent Camera
- Films in HD
- Obstacle Detector
- Takes RAW and HDR Photos
- High Battery Autonomy
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Insufficient Internal Memory
- Omits the DCI Proportion
2. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
If you want to invest heavily in a drone and also acquire the best on the market, discover the best camera drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro. With a robust and modern model, the drone conquers everyone with its features and camera quality.
One of the first points to gain prominence is its Hasselblad model camera. That’s because it features a resolution of 20 megapixels, lens aperture from f/2.8 to f/11, allowing for great image quality. Besides, for the aggravations the best drone camera can take videos in 4K, that is, videos with very professional quality.
To facilitate the flight, the manufacturer chose to add a total of ten stabilization sensors. In this way, in addition to guaranteeing greater stability during the flight, it also ensured greater ease when recording videos without “jerks” in the image.
Another feature that can also be found in DJI Mavic 2 Pro is Hyperlapse. With it, the drone can change position during a timelapse recording. Or That way, the traveling effect can be created easily without stopping your recording or complications.
In addition to these two, ActiveTrack 2.0 technology is also available in this model. It’s basically about the camera’s focus. As you select an object for the drone to focus on, it manages to film its trajectory, even if it is out of sight for some time. That way you have more accuracy and don’t lose the object when it comes back into the drone’s field of view.
When it comes to more technical features, the Mavic is not lacking either. That’s because it can reach up to 72 km/h of speed. As well as having 8GB of storage that can be expanded up to 128GB using microSD.
Finally, the battery of the best camera drone is one of the longest-lasting on the market. Its autonomy is 31 minutes, which guarantees a more complete flight and the possibility of good videos and photos.
WHAT WE LIKE
- 4k footage
- hyperlapse
- ActiveTrack 2.0
- Lens Aperture Control
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Battery Life
- high price
- Intermediate Internal Memory
3. DJI Mavic Mini
For those who are purchasing their first drone or who are looking for ease at the time of flight, check out the DJI Mavic Mini, the easiest drone to fly.
One of the features that make it very easy to handle is its size. Its weight is exactly 249 grams, in other words, very light compared to competitors. In addition, it can be stored anywhere as it is compact.
Another important point about its handling is the presence of a feature called QuickShots. With it, it is possible to activate several pre-defined flight modes that facilitate its use. For example, the “rocket” function allows the drone to climb vertically and shoot at the same time, without you having to worry about keeping it straight. Likewise, scenic flights, specific turns, and other maneuvers can also be selected.
When it comes to the quality of the camera, it is important to note that despite being good, it is at an intermediate level. Its resolution is 12 megapixels for photographs. Filming can be done in Full HD at 60 FPS.
To further enhance images, whether, from footage or photographs, the DJI Mavic Mini has three axes of stabilization. In this way, it is possible to minimize sudden movements, compensating a little for the quality of the images and bringing more professional results.
In terms of technology, the drone in question offers great features for users. In addition to having GPS mapping to identify areas allowed for flight, it can also map safe areas for landing.
And if for some reason the drone is lost or the connection with the base fails, the DJI Mavic Mini can solve the problem. That’s because it has the technology that guarantees the drone’s return to its starting point.
The Mavic Mini features a range of up to 4 km away from the base and 30-minute battery life.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Good Battery Life
- Easy Handling (Quick Shots)
- Compact
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Doesn’t Film in 4K
- Intermediate Image Quality
4. DJI Tello
If you are a beginner and in addition to needing ease in flying, you still want a simpler model in terms of image quality and features, check out DJI Tello.
A positive point for this model is the fact that it is a compact drone. In addition, it has several mechanisms for those who are not very familiar with drones. That’s because these features can help with handling, such as advanced stabilization, collision sensors, and also stunt modes pre-defined by the system. That way, even if the user doesn’t have many skills, the drone itself allows the performance of several different moves.
Another cool feature that the manufacturer has chosen is Scratch. It makes it easy to program the drone from user-specific encodings. In other words, in addition to being able to perform the pre-determined maneuvers, it is also possible to add new ones as you get used to the drone’s movements.
In terms of camera quality, as it is a model for beginners, all its settings are geared towards this audience. Therefore, its camera has 5 megapixels for the images and the possibility of recording with a resolution of 720 pixels, that is, HD. However, it is also important to highlight that, despite its lower quality it presents the possibility of 360 degree captures, unlike many of its competitors.
Finally, the flight time of the best camera drone for beginners is 13 minutes and ranges up to 100 meters from the smartphone. Although it’s not a long time, it’s enough for those who don’t want to go that far with the drones. Because it has a low battery, the manufacturer added a feature to prevent accidents. With it, the user can be warned when the battery is near the end. However, if the battery ends up being in the air, DJI Tello is able to land on its own, letting the user know where it is.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Affordable price
- Compact
- Easy to handle
- 360 Degree Capture
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Low Battery Autonomy
- Low Image Quality
- Range of Only 100 Meters
5. DJI Mavic Air
For those looking for the best portable camera drone on the market, the best option is certainly the DJI Mavic Air. It is an excellent drone for those looking for a drone that brings certain quality and portability at a price that fits the budget.
It is fully collapsible and easy to transport, which brings several advantages for those who need to be with the equipment at all times.
It has a 3-axis stabilizer to ensure sharper photos. In addition, your camera brings possibilities such as recording UHD 4K videos and photos with a resolution of up to 12 mp. It also has several technologies such as SmartCapture, Active Track, and Quick Shot, all of them designed to improve even more the captures made with your drone camera.
In addition, to avoid accidents, this drone has advanced functions capable of detecting the environment in three dimensions. The advanced pilot assistance system also helps with safety during the flight.
By opting for the DJI combo, you’ll have 12 more propellers, a carrying bag, and 3 batteries. That way, even though his flight time is only average, you won’t need to worry about the battery as you can change the battery.
WHAT WE LIKE
- Small and Portable
- good stabilization
- Creative Functions for Photos and Films
- Kit With 3 Batteries and 12 Propellers
WHAT WE DON’T LIKE
- Average Battery Life
- Limited Radio Signal
- Cropped Videos
Conclusion
Now that you know better the main features to keep an eye out for when choosing the best camera drone for you, it’s time to go shopping. Don’t forget to research each of these features to increase your chances of choosing the model you actually need. Therefore, remember that the best camera drone for you may not be the most expensive or the most complete, but rather the one that best fits your budget and your needs. Also, be sure to check out each of the best camera drone candidates we’ve brought you. Surely one of them will please you and be the ideal model for your needs.
