Drones, in general, have been a great source of excitement for different kinds of people. UAV pilots, gadgets and tech enthusiasts, aviators, and photographers all belong in this category. But a popular way to fully enjoy your drone is through capturing those breathtaking aerial shots. So for today, I’ll be giving you my 2021 guide on how to buy a camera drone.
While I’ll be focusing mainly on the specifics of camera drones in this article, I figured to might as well cover the basics for our newbie UAV pilots out there. To start off, here are the most common types of drones you will come across in the market:
Beginner & Toy Drones
The terms “beginner drones” and “toy drones” aren’t always necessarily mutual. Though for some brands, their beginner or entry models feel a lot like your average high-tech toys. These types of drones usually come in at around a hundred dollars, more or less. They’re typically inexpensive and perfect for practicing your piloting skills.
However, it’s also worth noting that there are some entry-level drones that can instantly make you feel like a pro. Though keep in mind those usually cost a lot more.
But as a rule of thumb, when you’re just starting out in flying your first drone, it’s always recommended to start small. So beginner or toy drones are something that you should definitely look out for. That way, it won’t hurt too much for your bank account in case the drone crashes against an obstacle or gets damaged as you practice with it.
Racing drones are usually what they call FPV drones. This type of drone is typically used either for leisure with your friends or for joining drone racing competitions. Racing drones also tend to be lightweight and compact to make up for their speed and agility so they can easily fly around obstacle courses.
Pilots who indulge in drone racing also sport a specific type of headset that allows them to see a first-person view of what their drone is seeing through its camera lens.
Camera Drones
Now moving on to the star of the show, camera drones are exactly what their name claims to be. They’re drones with built-in cameras on them. Though most drones are equipped with cameras, these specific types of UAVs are miles ahead in terms of camera and video resolution.
Some will offer 4k resolutions while allowing you to shoot at 60 frames per second, while also delivering 48 MP Raw images. But the quality of your footage and stills can go much farther than that if you’re willing to pay the hefty costs. The sky is literally the limit.
With that being said, camera drones also tend to be heavier compared to other types of drones. This is due to the amount of equipment packed into one device. Because of this, a lot of camera drones in the market require registration to the Federal Aviation Administration or FAA.
Overall, Camera drones are usually a lot more sophisticated in overall build quality and the onboard features they have to offer. The most popular camera drone models from DJI, Autel Robotics, or Potensic tend to range anywhere between $500 or even up to more than a thousand bucks.
In addition to that, commercial-grade drones also usually fall into this category of drones as they are mainly used for news coverage, filmmaking, event shoots, and other professional activities.
If you have already started shopping and looking for which drones to buy for your aerial photography needs, most likely you already have come across a ton of brands that manufactures these type of drones. And one that will surely stand out the most is the brand, DJI.
In case you’re unaware, DJI is one of the leading brands for drones in the entire UAV industry. They have some of the best premium drone models that are highly sought after by many drone enthusiasts and both amateur and professional photographers alike.
Year after year, they always manage to bring out the most innovative camera drones just when you think their models can’t get any better. Their Mavic series is one of their most successful lineups yet and is something really worth considering if you’re intent on investing in a camera drone for your aerial photography.
However, that doesn’t mean you should solely focus on DJI drones. After all, I don’t think I have to remind you that DJI camera drones are not really the most budget-friendly options out there. If you’re a beginner, then it would be best to find a drone that’s cheaper and expendable. You can check out Ryze Tech‘s entry-level drones for that.
But if you’re a pro photographer who has experience in piloting UAVs but you’re not someone who’s looking for a camera drone that will cost you an arm and a leg, don’t worry!
Brands like Potensic with their D58 model offer a solid drone with amazing camera resolutions and other impressive features that will surely satisfy your aerial photography needs without burning a hole through your wallet.
Now that we have discussed the most common types of drones as well as the best go-to brands in the market, here are some features you should consider before making a purchase.
Camera Resolution
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, a drone’s camera and video resolution always need to be of the highest quality. Just imagine the stunning and gorgeous stills and footage you’ll be capturing in every shoot. Not to mention, it’s already 2021 and the ongoing standard nowadays is at least being able to shoot at 4K.
While camera drones that offer this resolution can be quite pricy, it’s definitely worth the investment. This way, you won’t have to worry about upgrading your drones for at least a few handfuls of years since 4K will most likely be the norm by then. Think of it as future-proofing your device.
But in case you’re not ready for that kind of commitment yet, there are also plenty of camera drones that offer 720-p and 1080-p resolutions which might be more suitable for your criteria.
Safety Sensors
A good camera drone should always have safety modes onboard especially for people who are still practicing their piloting skills. After all, no one wants to break their shiny, new drone on the first day of flying it.
Such safety modes you should keep an eye out for on drones are “Return To Home” features which allow the drone to go back to its launch point in case it’s getting low in battery. Another one is anti-collision sensors that will help the drone sense incoming obstacles.
There are plenty more other safety modes drones can have in their kit, and it’s up to your preference which ones you want to have in your UAV.
Flight Time
The battery life of drones often drains quickly and that’s something that really should be improved for the future. And in most cases, you are going to need to bring in an extra pair of batteries if you want to extend the fun. For cheaper drone models, you’ll be lucky to get more than 10 minutes of flight time.
Meanwhile, more premium drones from DJI or Autel Robotics can easily offer up to 30-40 minutes of flight time at a single charge with an added cost.
Conclusion
We have finally reached the conclusion of our 2021 guide on how to buy a camera drone. I hope this was able to provide you with some insight and help you make a more informed decision when it comes to investing in these really cool UAVs for your next aerial photo shoot.
Do you already own a camera drone? How was your experience? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any information to share or suggestions to add. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
In an industry where DJI drones dominate the field and competitors strive to even come close to their success, Autel Robotics releases the second iteration of their EVO line, the Autel Robotics EVO II.
The EVO II is a folding drone that packs a solid punch with its 8K video resolution, a 48 MP camera, and a much longer flight time than most DJI models in the market.
So today, we will be finding out in this dedicated review whether the EVO II drone will be a great, if not better alternative to the well-loved and sought-after DJI camera drones.
If you have been shopping for drones to use for your aerial photography for a while now, then you’ll most likely have seen that most stores and online shopping sites carry a ton of DJI drones. Heck, most of them even recommend DJI as the best drone or the best seller for your UAV needs.
While DJI has certainly made a name for themselves with their impressive line of camera drones, sometimes we want something different. Something that will make us stand out from the crowd. And what better way to do that besides coming in with a camera drone wrapped in bright orange colors?
Enter the Autel Robotics EVO II.
For some of you, Autel Robotics may tend to lack the polished features we love about the DJI camera drones. But the EVO II is a pretty solid and well-rounded contender if you’re really serious about your aerial photography. Dare I say, DJI might have even finally found a worthy rival.
But that’s good news to drone enthusiasts. More competition in the market means more options for us to choose from.
So what makes the EVO II stand out?
The EVO II offers plenty of different camera choices and is designed with a bright, eye-catching orange frame. This makes the drone a lot more noticeable and easy to detect in most locations. So unless you’re shooting and flying this drone in an orange set, this one’s pretty hard to miss.
Not to mention, it’s a stark contrast against DJI’s neutral white and grey colors, which can sometimes be hard to find as it blends in a lot of backgrounds.
Upon closer inspection, you will notice that the EVO II is slightly bigger and chunkier compared to other camera drones in the market. However, it makes up for it with a much longer battery life compared to most drones you’ll come across.
To be more specific, the EVO II comes in with a 7100mAh rechargeable EVO 2 battery. It delivers up to 40 minutes of flight time in forwarding motions and 35 minutes when it is just hovering.
If that’s not enough for you, the EVO II is easily capable of shooting 8K video resolutions thanks to its 1/2-inch sensor. Apart from that, you might also want to keep in mind that its 8K resolution is limited to 25 fps, 6K to 50 fps, and 4K to 60 fps.
Here’s a breakdown of the things we really liked about the EVO II.
Impressive video and camera resolutions
The EVO II is equipped with a camera with a 1/2-inch CMOS Quad Bayer sensor that can capture both Raw or JPEG images at up to 48MP resolution with a fixed aperture F1.8 lens. It also provides an 8x digital zoom along with a maximum of 4x lossless zoom. When it comes to video footage, you can easily shoot up to 8K video resolutions.
The Autel Explorer app also allows you to choose from several camera options that can really add a more interesting layer to your aerial photography.
Longer flight time
Apart from its amazing camera and video capabilities, the EVO II also shines when it comes to providing longer flight times for you thanks to its 7100mAh battery.
While most drones can only deliver 10-20 minutes of battery life on a single charge and DJI usually sticks with about 30 minutes, the EVO II pushes it further and offers you 40 minutes of flight time.
To some, 10 minutes doesn’t seem that much of a stretch. But in the drone industry, it’s a lot. Especially if you think about how most camera drones in the market limit you to 10-20 minutes of flight time. Sometimes even less.
Ultimately, having 40 minutes of your drone remaining airborne is more than enough for you to capture a lot of breathtaking aerial shots.
Eye-catching design
The EVO II couldn’t be any more different from the DJI camera drones in terms of aesthetic and design. The bright orange color it sports all over its foldable frame makes it really stand out from your usual neutral colors. Not to mention, it’s so much easier to sport in the sky as it doesn’t blend in with the clouds.
Phone-free operation
Another great thing about the EVO II is that it doesn’t require you to use your smartphones in order to pilot the drone. The remote controller it comes in with has a built-in display which you can use as you fly the EVO II.
The best thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about using up your phone’s battery as you use it to maneuver your camera drone. In addition to that, you can now also record and take photos to commemorate your piloting skills using your phone’s camera.
No geo-fencing features
A feature that I’m sure a lot of you will appreciate is that the Autel Robotics EVO II has no geofencing features equipped into their model. This is something a lot of DJI camera drones have and it can certainly be a double-edged sword for them.
While geofencing serves to be a safety feature to prevent your drones from flying in restricted areas, it can be quite inconvenient for authorized pilots with secured permission to fly in these certain areas.
Our Least Favorite Things
It’s Expensive
If there’s anything the EVO II shares in common with DJI drones, it’s definitely that both units are really, really pricey.
Though some of you might argue that you get what you pay for, and what you get with the EVO II is a heavy-duty camera and video resolution of the highest quality for the most stunning aerial shots and footage and a longer flight time that can beat most camera drones’ battery life.
Whether you think the EVO II is worth spending a few thousand dollars is completely up to you. But if you were looking for a more budget-friendly alternative to DJI’s premium drones, then the EVO II will certainly disappoint you.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have finished covering the things we liked and disliked about the Autel Robotics EVO II, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this particular camera drone.
Pros
Can shoot up to 8K video resolutions along with other camera options.
Better battery life than most camera drones in the market.
Can capture raw 48 MP stills.
360 degree sensors.
No geofencing features to restrict you.
The bright orange design is easily visible to most surroundings.
Cons
8K is limited to shooting at 25 fps.
Software can be improved.
Not as portable as other camera drones.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the Autel Robotics EVO II is an amazing camera drone that may serve as an alternative for people who aren’t too fond of getting a DJI drone.
Despite the many comparisons it’s getting with its direct competition, the EVO II stands out on its own with its bright orange design and impressive camera resolutions that can easily beat other camera drones in the market, including some DJI units.
Do you already own the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom? Or are you still thinking about purchasing it? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, questions, or experiences to share with us. We would love to hear all your thoughts!
For many years now, DJI has been one of the leading brands for camera drones. Since their iconic Phantom series, DJI has come a long way and has moved on to focus on their more modern and innovative lineup, the Mavic series. Now in its second generation, we will be giving you today our dedicated DJI Mavic 2 Zoom review.
A lot of drone pilots, professionals, and tech enthusiasts around the world see the DJI brand as their reliable go-to for their UAV needs. And for plenty of good reasons too. DJI has completely redefined the game when it comes to drone technology.
This particular drone company focuses on constant innovation and curiosity while putting complex technology into an easy-to-use device that anyone in the world can use without a fuss. So without further ado, let’s see if the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom lives up to its brand’s name and reputation.
The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is everything you love about DJI’s older model, the Mavic 2 Pro but with significant adjustments and upgrades from its predecessor.
Instead of the large 1-inch sensor we are familiar with in the Mavic 2 Pro, the Mavic 2 Zoom boasts a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm) that will offer you the most dynamic perspectives in every shot. All of this is packed in a very lightweight and compact foldable design.
Despite the slightly lower camera resolution compared to its older sibling, the Mavic 2 Zoom still comes in and completely redefines everything with its innovative features. Now your footage and stills with the Mavic 2 Zoom have real compositional versatility as well as the ability to shift perspectives with one easy click of a button.
So if you’re an aspiring filmmaker or professional photographer, you’ll absolutely love and enjoy using this camera drone. The amount of unique angles and camera movements you can do with this thing is practically endless.
Other features of the Mavic 2 Zoom also include 31 minutes of flight time, a max speed of 44 mph, 905 grams of takeoff weight, a 3-axis gimbal for ultra-steady shots, 8GB of internal storage, and an SD card support for up to 128 GB.
And if you want to extend your flight time or you feel like you haven’t taken enough shots or footage, you can also opt to bring in an extra set of batteries for a longer flight time.
Here’s a breakdown of our favorite things about the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom.
Impressive Onboard Features
One of the best things the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom has that really makes it stand out from its predecessors and other competitors in the market are its impressive onboard features. DJI’s drone technology is pretty sophisticated and refined which is glaringly obvious once you get to fly the Mavic 2 Zoom.
The Mavic 2 Zoom offers GPS that allows you to track the drone’s position around your location when you use the app. It also stays steady and hovers in the air in case you’re not controlling the drone in any direction at the moment. But the GPS feature is proven to be useful in case the unit gets blown away by a strong gust of wind.
Another noteworthy feature is the anti-collision features such as the omnidirectional obstacle sensing that lets the drone avoid incoming obstacles to prevent crashing into it. The Mavic 2 Zoom will alert you via audio and visual cues in the case of potential danger.
The Mavic 2 Zoom also provides three manual flying modes which can be accessed through the app. But if you’re not yet confident with your skills, the Zoom is also equipped with automated intelligent flight modes to help you out.
Stunning Image & Video Quality
Despite the tinier sensor in the Mavic 2 Zoom, this camera drone can still produce pretty impressive video footage and stills that will surely meet the needs of both amateur and professional photographers alike.
This is all thanks to the onboard lens used by the Mavic 2 Zoom, which provides you with a full-frame equivalent focal range of 24-48mm without looking distorted or lessening in quality. This is pretty useful when you’re trying to close-up shots of sceneries, people, or objects from afar.
Our Least Favorite Thing
Now that we have covered what we liked about the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, here are some of our least favorite things about this particular camera drone.
Lacks 60 FPS For 4K
As you already know, the Mavic 2 Zoom is built on the success of its iconic and popular predecessors in the Mavic line. And as such, this particular model also shares a lot of similarities with its older siblings.
However, one thing that’s a little disappointing is that I wish the Mavic 2 Zoom didn’t share the Mavic 2 Pro’s lack of ability to shoot 60 FPS at 4K. For a drone at this price point, it’s just something that I kind of expect and would want to have in my arsenal.
This may or may not be a dealbreaker for some of you but it’s definitely something to keep in mind and consider if you’re intent on buying the Mavic 2 Zoom.
It’s Very Pricey
As you might already know, DJI drones are not really the most budget-friendly drones in the market. And the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is no exception to their high-end price points.
While some may argue that it’s worth the splurge since you are paying for a very premium device with lots of terrific built-in features, not everyone can afford a camera drone this expensive. So if you feel like spending over a thousand dollars on a camera drone is just too much, don’t worry, that’s completely reasonable.
Luckily for you, there are plenty of camera drones in the market that are a lot more affordable. Sure, you might not get the same benefits and features DJI puts into their drones, but you are sure to find drones that can operate just as well, if not better.
Plus, if you’re just starting to get into flying drones, you might also want to start somewhere small first. If you’re looking for recommendations, you can read our article for the best drones for beginners in 2021 here.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have finished covering the things we liked and disliked about the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, here’s a narrowed-down list of the good and the bad with this camera drone.
Pros
Impressive optical zooms.
Overall terrific smart sensors and camera features that provide unique shots and perspectives.
Amazing software features.
Portable and lightweight.
Cons
Quite expensive.
Lacks 60 fps for 4K.
Our Final Verdict
Overall, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is certainly one of the most innovative and versatile camera drones to be released by DJI. It combines the sophisticated camera features and sensors that made DJI’s most premium drones successful while being able to maintain a lightweight and compact design.
Do you already own the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom? Or are you still thinking about purchasing it? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights, questions, or experiences to share with us. We would love to hear all your thoughts!
Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and to bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most cases I receive referral commissions. Eventually, I may earn enough to buy a beer or two.
Drones have seriously come a long way from being simply novelty toys for gadget enthusiasts to play with. These days, the best drones in the market are more popularly used as a tool for aerial photography. But whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, our list of the best drone for aerial photography 2021 is sure to help you out.
This week’s “best of” list seeks to guide and recommend the best drones for aerial photography to people who are either looking to get their hands on their first camera drone or have been wanting an upgrade from their outdated models.
Luckily for you, drones are getting quite popular right now. And with drone technology advancing and changing at such a rapid rate, more and more models are put out by different manufacturers and companies to meet the market’s demands.
With that being said, I have made sure to include that every drone in this list will ensure the best results for your still photography and video footage as well as include camera drones in different price ranges to accommodate everyone’s budget.
So whether you’re looking to spend a few hundred dollars or splurging a thousand bucks on a camera drone, you will surely find one that is right up your budget’s price range.
What Can I Expect From A Camera Drone And Are They Worth It?
The short answer to your questions is a big, fat yes! Gone are the days when camera drones performed poorly and gave us low-quality resolutions. Sure, some cheaper toy drones might still do that but you get what you pay for, right?
But if you’re really looking for a camera drone that will deliver some great quality images and footage, then you’ll have no trouble finding ones that actually do. You see, the camera technology integrated into these particular drones has come such a long way in terms of advancements.
In fact, a mid-range drone can now even provide you with 4K quality video footage for the right price. Most of these drones are also equipped with better and larger sensors, improved camera resolutions so all your footage is ensured to be of the highest quality, as well as terrific stabilization systems thanks to its onboard gimbals.
In addition to that, camera drones are also mostly equipped with smart features that will give you better flight controls to avoid any accidental crashes or collisions. So naturally, this makes flying camera drones a breeze to operate even if you’re just a newbie. But if you’re still worried about accidents, you can start with beginner models too.
That being said, if you’re still on the fence about investing in camera drones, perhaps knowing a camera drone can do wonders for your photography might just be the little push you need.
To put it simply, camera drones can easily offer you a unique perception with every video and image you capture that you won’t be able to achieve with your traditional DSLR. Overall, camera drones allow you to have a more creative angle that can add an interesting layer of perspective to your footage.
What Are Some Reliable Brands To Look Out For?
If you’re new to aerial photography and you just started researching about drones, most likely you have come across the brand DJI a lot. That’s because, in the drone industry, this particular brand has dominated and released some of the best drones money can buy in the market.
You’ll also often find a lot of photographers and videographers, both professional and rookies alike, using this as their go-to drone for their work. And for good reason.
Undoubtedly, they have provided some of the best camera drones for their market, and just to warn you, you’ll see different models from their lineup pop up in our recommendations list.
But that doesn’t mean you should solely focus on DJI drones. After all, DJI camera drones are not really the most budget-friendly options.
So if you’re not someone who’s looking for a camera drone that will cost you an arm and a leg, don’t fret! There are also a plethora of worthy brands in the market that can be pretty good and solid choices for your next camera drone. Just continue reading this article to find out more about them.
Our Top Recommendations
1. DJ Mavic 2 Zoom
Overview
DJI is filled with impressive and premium drones that any UAV pilot would dream of having. And admittedly, it was pretty difficult to choose which DJI drone model should take the top spot on our list. But ultimately, in the end, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom had proven itself superior when it comes to aerial photography.
So what exactly made it so great to stand above the rest of its competition? The answer is actually in its name. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom boasts a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm) that will offer you the most dynamic perspectives in every shot.
Not to mention, you’re getting a 4K camera resolution with this model too.
Just when you thought the original Mavic Pro couldn’t get any better, the Mavic 2 Zoom comes in and proves everyone wrong. Now your footage with the Mavic 2 Zoom has real compositional versatility and the ability to shift perspectives with a click of a button.
So if you’re an aspiring filmmaker, you’ll absolutely love and enjoy using this particular drone. The amount of unique angles and camera movements you can do with this thing is endless.
Additionally, you easily get 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 905G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots, 8GB internal storage, SD card support for up to 128 GB with the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. And if you want to extend your flight time, you can also opt to bring in an extra set of batteries.
The DJI Air 2S combines ease of flight and a 4k camera resolution all in a single compact and lightweight drone. This is perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to spend over a thousand dollars on a camera drone but still wants to benefit and use DJI’s premium drones.
The best thing about the Air 2S is not just the fact that it’s easy to carry around, but because when it comes to smaller drones like this one, most models suffer from having way too small sensors.
But since DJI is on another level when it comes to drone technology, they were able to equip the Air 2S with a 1-inch image sensor. That’s more than enough to provide the Air 2S a significant bump in terms of overall image quality and dynamic range compared to its other competitors in the market.
Other features of the Air 2S also include large 2.4μm pixels, making this model capable of 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video footage. Something the Mavic 2 Zoom Pro lacks.
What’s more, you also get MasterShots, which is an advanced intelligent feature that gives users the best shots in any location with just a tap along with FocusTrack that features Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 4.0, and Point of Interest 3.0, making it a breeze for DJI Air 2S to follow or circle your subject.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a much more expensive model than the previous DJI drones you just have seen and with a slightly shorter battery life as well.
However, the Mavic 2 Pro still reigns supreme in terms of overall image quality and video footage. This is all thanks to its impressive 20 mp stills from the 1-inch sensor equipped in the Mavic 2 Pro. So undoubtedly, this particular unit has far better quality than the other drones with much smaller sensors.
What’s really impressive with the Mavic 2 Pro is even under low light environments, the stills and footage you get with the camera drone remain highly detailed and stunning.
For the aspiring filmmakers out there, the DJI Inspire 2 is definitely something to consider if you really want to take your shots and scenes to a whole new level. If there was a single camera drone that was responsible for changing the game for aerial filmmaking, it’s the DJI Inspire 2.
Built and made specifically with filmmakers in mind, the DJI Inspire 2 takes all the good stuff from its predecessor and further improves upon it. This model is packed with plenty of amazing features that will surely satisfy any filmmaker’s needs in terms of aerial filmography.
One of its main features is its dedicated FPV camera which allows the pilot their own personal feed, letting them operate the camera drone independently. There’s also an all-new image processing system that records up to 5.2K in cinema DNG raw, Apple prores, and more.
Other quirks include a 1-inch sensor, a 20MP camera sensor on the Zenmuse, Spotlight Pro, intelligent flight modes as well as a Smart Return To Home feature.
If you feel like DJI camera drones aren’t for you, then you might want to take a look at the Autel Robotics EVO II.
While Autel Robotics tends to lack the polished features we love about the DJI camera drones, this is still a pretty solid contender if you’re really serious about your aerial photography. The EVO II offers different camera choices and is built with a pretty eye-catching orange frame. A stark contrast against DJI’s neutral white and grey colors.
Upon inspection, the EVO II is slightly bigger and chunkier compared to other camera drones in the market, but it makes up for it with longer battery life. To be more specific, the EVO II comes in with a 7100mAh rechargeable EVO 2 battery, offering up to 40min of flight time in forwarding motions and 35min at a hover.
Not to mention, its capability to shoot at 8K resolutions thanks to its 1/2″ sensor isn’t too shabby either. Apart from that, you might also want to keep in mind that its 8K resolution is limited to 25 fps, 6K to 50 fps, and 4K to 60 fps.
The DJI Mini 2 is one of the best compact and all-rounder drones in the market. This is especially fantastic if have only just started to test the waters of drone photography. Not to mention, this particular model is considerably smaller and significantly less expensive compared to its brothers and sisters in DJI’s lineup.
The DJI Mini 2 ensures portability, allowing you to fold the unit up as well as its compact controller so taking it anywhere with you is a breeze. In addition to that, the DJI Mini 2 also weighs in at only 8.8 ounces. If you’re flying in the USA, that means you won’t have to register this drone with the FAA.
The DJI Mini 2 also features a 4k camera, which means you can easily shoot a 4k video at up to 30 frames per second along with a solid 4x digital zoom performance. This should be enough to test out your aerial photography skills.
You can also take 12 mp still images in the same camera while offering you 31 minutes of flight time in a single charge.
Extra Special Features: Ultralight Foldable Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal with 4K Camera, 12MP Photos, 31 Mins Flight Time, OcuSync 2.0 10km HD Video Transmission, QuickShots
Pros
Lightweight and portable.
Great for beginners.
Easy to fly.
The most affordable camera drone in this list.
Terrific value for its price.
Cons
Expensive.
Doesn’t have sensors to avoid obstacles so expect some crashing every now and then as you practice with this unit.
Now that we have covered our top picks for the best drones for aerial photography this 2021, here are some friendly tips and reminders you should keep in mind so you can make an even more informed purchase on your next camera drone.
A Camera Drone’s Battery Life Is Its Achilles’ Heel
While I have previously expressed that drones have come a long way in regards to technological advancements, we actually have yet to see a drone that can last us more for more than an hour. So if you’re new to camera drones, you might want to manage your expectations a little bit in this department.
For the most part, the longest-lasting camera drones in the market can stay up in the air for about 30-40 minutes. More or less. And that’s if you’re willing to drop thousands of dollars on a camera drone. While we all wish that camera drones last longer than that, only time can tell if that will ever happen anytime soon. But fingers crossed!
Nevertheless, half an hour should be more than enough to allow you to capture plenty of footage. You just have to work wisely and manage your time more efficiently if you’re ever worried.
Budget Concerns
You get what you pay for. We see this saying all the time and it’s usually the rule of thumb with whatever product you choose to buy. And this is especially true when it comes to investing in your camera drones.
Personally, when it comes to high-tech gadgets like this, I highly recommend buying the drone that will best suit your needs. Sure, having an expensive and premium model will offer a lot of advanced features to tinker around with, but sometimes you have to ask yourself if you’ll be able to use those certain amenities to their full potential.
And a lot of the time, unless you’re doing commercial stuff and you’re a highly advanced professional, I don’t find spending thousands of bucks on a camera drone is worth it. But if money is no object to you, then don’t do as you will as long as it makes you happy.
However, if you’re on a tight budget and want to spend your money wisely, there are plenty of mid-range camera drones that are more than enough to satisfy even the most demanding photographers in the industry.
In addition to that, it’s not also practical to splurge on a high-end drone if you’re still unsure if aerial photography is something you see yourself doing in the long run. It’s best to start with entry to mid-level models to get a feel for the overall experience first.
Remember That Not Everything Is Free Real Estate When It Comes To Flying Drones
Another thing that’s important to keep in mind is that you should always be mindful of the locations where you are not allowed or shouldn’t fly your drones to avoid getting in trouble or breaking any laws. Some places are just generally unsafe and some are just simply no-fly zones. And yes, that includes your neighbor’s backyard.
The last thing you want is a lawsuit regarding an invasion of privacy. Trust me, a lot of people are actually quite uncomfortable with drones flying around above their heads and would suspect that you’re spying on them. The last thing you’ll want is an angry neighbor complaining about your camera drones.
In addition to that, it is actually also illegal to fly drones in national parks in the US. And generally, flying your drones in public locations like most metropolitan areas is not allowed as well.
This is understandable because these areas are way too populated with people, cars, and tall buildings which might obstruct your drone from flying around. So if you want to avoid collisions, then better stay away from these locations.
So if you want to keep enjoying your drone without worrying about breaking any laws, it’s best that you find an open field that doesn’t have a lot of people around and that is not off-limits.
Depending on where you are residing and planning to fly your drone, there are actually some regulations regarding flying drones in different parts of the world. Each country follows a different set of laws and guidelines and it is best that you read up on them to avoid any future trouble. You may read more about it here.
Conclusion
Now that we have finally reached the end of our article, it’s safe to say that drones in general have literally given us a new way to view the world around us. What once was an expensive and difficult thing to do in the photo and film industry has now been made effortless through the use of drones.
Before, aerial photography required a lot of tools in order to capture a single shot. But ever since the technology for drones had matured at a rapid rate, taking photos and recording videos from a higher angle is now as easy as pressing a button on a remote.
That being said, I hope this article was able to help you out in deciding which drone is best suited to your photography and filming needs. Happy flying!
Do you already own any of the drones listed in our Best Drone For Aerial Photography 2021 article? Did your favorite make it to our list? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights or suggestions to share and add. I would love to hear all your thoughts!
Whether you’re a casual drone enthusiast, a serious pilot, a filmmaker, or a photographer looking to expand their kit, there is surely a drone for you out there. But with so many different models and types to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Well, this beginner’s guide on how to buy drones is here to help you out.
With drones becoming more and more popular throughout the years, competitions arise between manufacturers and brands. Thus overwhelming us with an endless supply of different types of drones.
That’s actually a good thing for us consumers as this gives us plenty of choices. This also means it’s also almost impossible for us to run out of options in the market.
So if you have particular requirements like higher camera resolutions, better flight performance, or you’re looking for a budget-friendly drone, then you’ll surely find one that will fit your criteria. But before you take off, come take a look at our guide so you can make a more informed purchasing decision on your very first drone.
To answer it simply, drones can be for anyone. Regardless if you’re an adult or a child, you can definitely fly one of these devices and even have fun with them. In fact, there are even toy drones that are made specifically for kids if you’re worried about safety concerns and whatnot.
Moreover, because of technology’s innovations and advancements, drones are also used by professional photographers and filmmakers all over the world to give their viewers those breathtaking aerial shots and video footage.
If you’re an aspiring professional in the same field, I highly suggest starting investing in drones now to give your portfolio an edge.
But if you’re a person who’s simply interested in getting a drone but is not yet fully convinced, then I suggest investing in a cheaper model first and see if it’s something you’ll enjoy in the long term. Moreover, if you have kids, flying a drone can be a fun way to bond and spend time with them.
How To Pick The Right Drone For You
There are actually a few things to consider when it comes to choosing the right drone, especially if you’re a beginner. Such qualities like the type of drone and its built-in features and specifications are just some of the things you need to look out for. Read on below to find out more.
Types Of Drones
Before you get excited and make any purchases, it’s important to learn first the types of drones you might encounter in the market. Below are some examples.
Professional Use Drones
This type of drone is usually used by professionals or experienced pilots. Most of these drones are also typically more high-end models that offer a lot of premium features such as 4k camera resolutions, GPS, WiFi Transmission, precise flight adjustments, and etc.
You will also oftentimes see these drones being used for filmmaking, professional photography, events, site assessors, and so much more.
Basic Drones
Basic Drones are your typical run-on-the-mill drones. They are usually the mid-range or entry-level drones you see in the market. They are good enough for most users who are not that prickly about getting the most advanced features and just want a device they can have fun with.
Racing drones are great if you want to compete with your friends on a race or join actual competitions. This type of drone is built for speed and is usually lightweight and small so they can reach crazy amounts of miles per hour along with having amazing agility.
Toy Drones
Toy drones are the best drones for beginners. They’re cheap and it won’t hurt your pocket too much if ever they break from an accidental crash. Most entry-level drones nowadays offer decent features which can be enough for most newbies.
It’s also a good starting point if you’re unsure whether a drone is for you or not before investing in a more expensive model.
Commercial vs. Consumer Drones
Sometimes, it can also be easier to divide the drone you see in the market into two categories: commercial use drones and consumer drones. As the names suggest, commercial drones are, well, for commercial purposes. This type of drone is mainly used for more professional work.
Meanwhile, consumer drones are better suited for most casual users and beginners who are still learning the ropes of flying a drone.
Features To Consider
Like all products, drones are not built equally. Some are equipped with more advanced features than others while some just provide the basic necessities. But here are some features you might want to consider when investing in a drone:
GPS. This helps you plot precise courses for your drones as well as record your flight trajectories.
Safety Modes. Features like “Return To Home”, anti-collision sensors, LED lights, and etc. are safety modes.
Camera Resolution. A drone’s camera resolution can vary from 720-p, 1080-p, up to a 4k resolution.
Flight Time. Most drones don’t have great flight times as it drains it battery fast. Usually, drones can last anywhere between 10-20 minutes in the air. Occasionally, some models offer more than 30 minutes of flight time but it might cost you. So if you’re looking to spend more time with your drone, it’s best to bring an extra set of batteries with you.
Now that you’re almost ready to buy your first drone, here are some friendly flying tips you might want to take note of so you can get the best flying experience possible.
Check If The Entry-Level Drones Meets Your Needs
If you’re a beginner and you’re unsure if an entry-level model of a drone is for you, it’s best to do more research about the model’s specifications and built-in features. While practicing on toy drones or cheaper models is much more recommended, I have to admit that sometimes they can perform pretty underwhelmingly.
So if you have the money to spare, try investing in a mid-ranged drone instead. Especially the ones that are packed with safety features like anti-collision sensors so your drone is less prone to crashing against obstacles.
Know If Your Drone Needs To Be Registered To The FAA
One important thing to always keep in mind when buying a drone is checking if it needs to be registered in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first before being able to fly it. As a rule of thumb, if you’re in the US, a drone that exceeds a weight of 0.55 pounds will be required to register.
If you don’t want to go through the effort and process, then it’s best to look for drones that are lightweight and don’t cross the 250-gram threshold.
Find The Appropriate Locations To Fly Your Drones
Another reminder for you to take note of is that not every public place allows drones to fly around in their surrounding areas. So it’s best to know which locations where you are not allowed to fly your drones to avoid getting in trouble. Some places are just generally unsafe and some are just simply no-fly zones.
Not to mention, you also wouldn’t want to be suspected of spying on your neighbors while you use your drones in a populated area. If you’re unsure whether an area is drone-friendly, then you can click this link for more information.
Conclusion
As drones gain more popularity, become more innovative, and advanced, it’s pretty easy for anyone to get into the hype. How could you not, right? Drones are a very fun piece of technology that provides entertainment for the casual user as well as an added arsenal to a professional filmmaker or photographer’s kit.
Not only can drones bring joy as a toy, but it also provides you with stunning aerial shots and images, lets you survey your surroundings, and sometimes, delivers your groceries for you. In an era of an ongoing pandemic, the latter has never been more significant today in my opinion.
But whatever you’re planning with your drone, I hope this guide was able to help you out in choosing the right one for you.
Already own a drone or are you still thinking about it? Come share your insights, suggestions, or experiences if you have any in the comments section below. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Drones come in all shapes and sizes. Some flyers are entry-level models that are great starting points for beginners. While some prefer more pro-level drones that can take their flying experience to new heights. With massive upgrades placed in its system, let’s take a closer look if the Potensic D58 can be the drone for everyone’s flying needs.
For a lot of people, drones are either a form of leisure and entertainment or an accessory for their work or content creation needs. But if you’re only beginning to test the waters of flying drones (especially for the first time), it’s quite ideal for beginners to not spend on a model that costs too much money. Unless you can afford it.
That’s because drones can be susceptible to crashes and accidents if you’re not that used to operating one yet. So in the case that your drone does break, fixing the damage won’t be too heavy on your pockets. It’s better to invest in a more premium drone once you have gotten it all figured out and you feel more comfortable piloting it.
So if you’re still learning the quirks of flying a drone, I highly recommend looking into some entry-level models first like the Potensic D58 here. But don’t be fooled. Despite being beginner-friendly, this particular model is packed with a lot of impressive features that would easily satisfy a pro’s needs.
To cut to the chase, the Potensic D58 is a really solid choice for both beginners and pros alike. Especially with its recent upgrades, you can easily shoot pro-level video footage on this drone due to the upgraded camera quality. From using a 1080P HD camera, the D58 also now has a 4K camera variant with the same 5G WiFi transmission.
Not only is this a more affordable option in comparison to the DJI’s premium models, but it’s packed with plenty of impressive features that most drones for under $200 simply don’t have.
In addition to that, the D58 also comes with an integrated dual GPS to provide you with a better flight trajectory, positioning, and stability when the drone is up in the air. The D58 also offers 5G WiFi for video transmission in real-time and an upgraded control range along with plenty of smart flight modes you can choose from.
Flight time lasts for about 18 minutes per charge if you’re using one battery. But thankfully, the D58 offers two batteries to make sure that your drone stays up in the air for 30-36 minutes.
Features & Specifications
Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 10.1 x 6.1 inches
Manufacturer / Brand: Potensic
Item Weight: 4.19 pounds / 4.44 pounds
Range: 150 meters.
Max Speed: 50 kph.
Battery Life: 18 minutes
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Video Resolution: HD 1080-P or a 4K variant.
Controller Type: Remote Control
Colors: Black and white.
Accessories: N/A
Extra Special Features: Different flight modes such as Way Point, Follow Me, Orbit, and Automatic Return Home, Smartphone Precision, and In Unit Camera System.
What’s In The Box:
Potensic D58 Drone Unit
Remote Controller
Landing Gear
Propeller Set
Screws
USB Charger
User Manual
If you’d like to see the Potensic D58 in action, check out their preview below.
For less than $50, you can easily upgrade your D58’s 1080 HD camera to a 4k resolution. Personally, this is definitely Potensic’s biggest upgrade on their D58 model. Especially when you take into account how affordable they were able to retain its price point.
It makes you realize that you don’t have to spend a hundred or more dollars just to get those crisp video footage. Not to mention, the 4K camera resolution along with that competitive price point puts it at par in terms of competition with the more premium and high-end drones like the DJI Mini series.
When it comes to stabilization, the camera of the D58 is mounted on a 1-axis gimbal stabilizer. This ensures smooth delivery of your video footage with little to moderate shaking. However, if the drone is just hovering and not moving that much, there should be no problem with shakiness at all.
Additionally, the D58 also features a 120° HD camera with a wide-angle lens. It also has the 5G WiFi transmission like its predecessors so you can view clear and engaging aerial images in real-time.
And because the D58 has integrated GPS, the GPS-assisted flight will allow you to plot precise courses to record videos of specific events, landscapes, among other things.
The GPS also enables recording your flight courses so that you can always find the area you filmed even after you’re done filming. This is pretty helpful in case you are in an unfamiliar location.
Overall, this should be more than enough for the casual user and satisfy a few professionals out there who are on a tight budget.
Affordable & Budget-Friendly
You know I love budget-friendly finds so I was so relieved to find out that the Potensic D58 was able to maintain a fairly affordable price point despite the impressive upgrades it is now equipped with.
If you’re unaware, most drones that are under $200 usually get the short end of the stick. They are generally equipped with the most basic features and very mediocre battery lives that give you more or less 10 minutes of flight time. Which can be quite underwhelming for a lot of people.
But the D58 is the exception. Due to its generous battery storage grids, you can easily place two batteries on this model and have a flight time of a whopping 30-36 minutes!
Our Least Favorite Thing
Needs FAA Registation
Because the Potensic D58 is over the 0.55 pounds threshold, keep in mind that you will have to undergo the process of registering this drone to the FAA. This might not be an entirely huge issue for some of you but it would definitely have been nice if Potensic made their model just below the weight threshold.
It would have saved a lot of their users’ time and effort.
In A Nutshell
Now that we have discussed the things we loved and disliked about the Potensic D58, here is a narrowed-down list of the pros and cons of this particular drone.
Pros
Impressive camera quality with an option to get the expert upgrade for 4k video footage that has 5G WiFi transmission.
Two battery storage grids that extends your flight time for up to 36 minutes.
Ability to shoot footage from different angles and perspectives.
Decent number of flight modes to choose from.
Has integrated dual GPS and 5G.
Cons
Not as powerful due to brushless motors.
It’s not the most suitable for racing.
You have to register this to the FAA as it weighs more than 0.55 pounds.
Final Verdict
Overall, I think it’s safe to say that the Potensic D58 is one of the best quadcopters you can get for the money.
The D58 ranks among some of the top drones in the market for providing amazing flying experiences due to its smarter camera functions, impressive flight and safety modes, and better camera resolutions that easily meet the demands of some of the most demanding commercial users and professional photographers out there.
So whether you’re a casual pilot, a dedicated enthusiast, or someone who needs to use drones for work, then the D58 is a model I really highly recommend for you to check out and consider.
Already own the Potensic D58? How were your experiences with this model? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any insights or suggestions to share. I would love to hear your thoughts!
