![Best Drones With Cameras | Top 25 Best Drones [Holidays 2022]](https://www.dronethusiast.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/drones-with-camera-dji-mavic-pro-1.jpg "Best Drones With Cameras | Top 25 Best Drones [Holidays 2022]")
Updated:
Drones with cameras have revolutionized the field of aerial photography. Getting that perfect bird’s-eye-view perspective in a photo or video is a lot safer when it doesn’t involve risking life and limb in an airplane or helicopter. Drones have also made it possible to get shots that are impossible for traditional camera setups – tilting and whirling quickly with 360 degrees of motion. Dronethusiast drone reviews is taking on the top camera drones on the market today so read on!
But perhaps the biggest change to the field is the fact that drones have made aerial photography and videography accessible to everyone. Some of the high-end drones on this list may get a little pricey, but these are all consumer-grade products perfect for anyone with an interest in the field. We’ve hand-picked the top 24 best drones with cameras for all needs and all experience levels.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: BEST DRONE WITH CAMERA 2022
#1 Budget 4K Drone
Dagger Drone 4K
- Camera:4K HD Camera
- Range:200-300 m
- Time:15 Min
Want to keep your budget below $300, we suggest you choose one of the Altair drones we recommend. Altair is a great company (learn about Altair) out of Nebraska and provides top notch customer service! Shop the Altair Dagger which goes 300 meters and has a battery life of around 15 minutes! Altair also offers the 818 Green Hornet SE as a budget option for ages 10-14.
Open to spending a little more money? We recommend the DJI Mavic Air which has 4 KM flight range and 20 minute flight time, but it’ll cost you $700. 2021 is a great year for drones and there are a ton of high quality options to choose from, enjoy!
BUDGET DRONES: THE BEST DRONES WITH CAMERAS FOR 2021
Budget 2K Drone
818 Green Hornet SE ($50 OFF)
- Camera:2K HD Live View
- Range:100 Meters
- Time:10 Minutes
Budget Hobby Drone
Altair AA108
- Camera:720P Realtime FPV
- Range:100 Meters
- Time:10 Minutes
PROFESSIONAL DRONES: THE BEST DRONES WITH CAMERAS FOR 2021
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
- Camera:20 MP photo/4K video camera
- Range:8 miles
- Time:31 minutes
DJI Mavic Air 2
- Camera:48 MP 4K 60fps
- Range:10 KM
- Time:24 Min
Table of Contents
- FAQ About Drones with Cameras
- The Best Rated Professional Drones with Cameras
- The Best Rated Hobby Drones with Cameras
- Best Budget Pro Drone With 4K Camera ($100 OFF)
- Best Budget Pro Camera Drone Under $200 ($50 OFF)
- Best Hobby Drone With Camera
- Best Toy Drone With Camera
- Best Pro Drone With Camera
- The Best Rated Micro Drone with Cameras
- Choosing the Best Drone for Photography
- Conclusion About The Best Rated Camera Drones
Professional Drones with Cameras 2021 Reviews
This category is better for those who need drones for commercial reasons, possibly for recording clips for an advertisement or a picture for their business’ profile, for example, or for residential fliers who want the best camera drone on the market. These camera drones for sale are professional in all aspects, with both the camera and the drone being high tech in accordance with the design.
Overall, professional drones with cameras are of high quality. These drones have some of the best cameras that money can buy onboard and ensure perfect stability for aerial photography and videography purposes through the gimbal and gyro axis. Some of these drones may even feature autopilot and GPS features that make professional drone photography better than ever.
The Best Rated Professional Drones with Cameras of 2021
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Read Reviews About DJI Mavic 2 Pro
The Mavic 2 Pro by DJI has finally been released, and boy, are we excited about it. With up to 31 minutes of flight time, there’s a ton of stuff you do can, especially when you think about the fact that it has a maximum transmission range of up to 8 miles. You can also use both 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz transmission frequencies, as well.
Not only that, but you’re also getting the 4K UHD camera that uses HNCS technology, has a 1” CMOS sensor, and is stabilized with the new, ultra precise 3-axis gimbal. To tie it all together, you’re able to reach speeds of up to 44 mph.
- Uses a powerful LiPo battery
- Weighs 907 grams
- 3-axis gyro
Pros:
- Has 8 GB of internal, onboard storage for your footage in case you forget a MicroSD card
- Uses a total of 10 sensors on all sides of the drone for the purpose of automatically detecting obstacles
- Comes equipped with the new propulsion system that uses propellers that have a significant reduction in noise compared to the previous version, perfect for videos
Cons:
- The battery, at this time of writing, is sort of unclear
The Dagger Foldable 4K Drone – Budget 4K Drone
Back To Top
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com
The next drone features a stunning 4K camera, the Altair Aerial Dagger. The Dagger is a lightweight, compact drone that falls under the FAA’s 250g registration limit.
We tested the camera, and it was absolutely beautiful. It films in 4K UHD, and the quality was quite impressive. The wide-angle lens offers you a ton of creativity as well. Not only does it have a 120° field of view, but you’re able to tilt the lens up to 90° manually. With this option, you can look out over a landscape or directly down from the drone’s view!
Outside of the camera, the drone was similarly high quality. It comes with a couple of features like return home that are nice to have and can make flying the drone easier. The controls were snappy and responsive, and overall we had a lot of fun taking this drone out for a spin. If you’re looking for a high-quality camera at a fair price, the Dagger is an excellent option.
Why You Should Buy the Altair Dagger 4K Drone:
- • Fantastic camera quality
- • Compact weight and foldable design
- • High-quality customer service from a reputable US company (Check out their how-to videos)
Who is the Altair Dagger For:
- • Pilots looking for a 4K camera drone at a reasonable price!
Altair Aerial 818 Green Hornet SE – Budget 2K Drone
Back To Top
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com
Another great budget camera drone is the 818 Green Hornet SE (also from Altair Aerial).
The 818 Green Hornet is an upgrade from Altair’s previous model of the 818 Hornet. This drone features an improved 2K camera (up from an archaic 720p) as well as GPS functionality that was lacking in the original model.
Despite the puny camera on the old 818 Hornet, I’ve actually really enjoyed that drone over time. It’s my go-to when showing a newbie the ropes because of how easy it is to fly. So with all that said, I was definitely ready to get my hands on this upgrade.
The SE (special edition, maybe?) version of the 818 Hornet brings over the original’s quality build. Even better, it comes mostly ready to fly right out of the box.
Since this is an article about camera drones, let me start there. This 2K Camera is excellent for its classification. It captures beautiful images without any tweaks necessary. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you can manipulate the tilt of the camera right from the transmitter too! That’s not even something Altair includes in their step up from this drone, the Altair Dagger 4K! Being able to adjust the tilt without bringing the drone down made me feel like this was a much more expensive drone than the $199 retail price led me to believe.
As I mentioned above, the drone comes with GPS capabilities that you’d expect to find in newer drones. Return to Home functionality at an affordable price is really something. We seem to forget that it wasn’t that long ago that these types of features were only found in drones three and five times more expensive.
Why You Should Buy the 818 Green Hornet SE Drone:
- • Awesome camera drone with a price of less than $200
- • Durable build and includes Prop Guards
- • Altair’s US Based Customer Service
WWho is the 818 Green Hornet SE For:
- • Someone looking for an affordable camera drone with excellent picture quality.
DJI Phantom 4
Read Reviews About DJI Phantom 4
This quadcopter for sale packs quite a punch. The battery allows for up to 28 minutes of flying with a very reasonable recharge time. In fact, this top rated drone can last for up to 5 kilometers, which is pretty decent. The outdoors positioning module consists of both GPS and GLONASS for better accuracy and stability when in the air, with a top speed of 45mph.
The onboard camera captures videos in 4K resolution at 30fps, as well as slow motion at 1080p for 120fps. It also has some incredible features, such as the Vision Positioning System, for example, which provides a reliable, safer flight both indoors and outside.
- hour charge time
- Weighs 8.8 pounds
- 12.8”x8.66”x14.96”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- One-touch controls
- Multiple modes for different areas of flying
- Features that make flight easier and more accurate
Cons:
- Issues with it being crash-proof as advertised
- Longer setup time that requires additional tigqhtening when compared to other models, such as the Phantom 3
DJI Phantom 3 Professional Review
Read Reviews About DJI Phantom 3 Professional
The Phantom 3 Pro boasts approximately 23 minutes of flight time, comes with 4K video resolution and 12MP still photos, both at 30fps. The operating range is 2,000 meters, which is very decent for a drone of this type, being one that is made for aerial photography.
This one sports multiple features that aid with getting the best shots, including GPS-assisted hovering through GPS and GLONASS. You also get Return to Home, Point of Interest, Ground Station, Follow Me, and more.
- 4480mAh battery
- 1 hour charge time
- Weighs 9.2 pounds
- 18”x13”x8”
- 6-axis gyro
- 8 channels
Pros:
- An affordable drone considering what it brings to the table
- Easily controlled
- Has a very stable system that makes flying easier
Cons:
- With videos, you will sometimes see the wings of the craft, which can be problematic for some
- Can be very stubborn in cold temperatures, so the batteries may need to be warmed up beforehand
DJI Inspire 2 Review
Read Reviews About DJI Inspire 2
The DJI Inspire 2 is leaps and bounds better than it’s brother, the first Inspire, and includes revamped features. The flight time is approximately 27 minutes, which is quite impressive. The operating range is approximately 7,000 meters, which is something rarely seen in other drones.
The video resolution is an extraordinary 5.2K RAW, which can later be converted to 4K if need be, with 30MP still photos. Spotlight Pro, Quick mode, Composition mode, Point of Interest, Waypoint, and QuickSpin are just a few of the many features available.
- 4280mAh battery
- 1 hour and 30 minute charge time
- Weighs 7.2 pounds
- 48cmx47cmx32cm
- 6-axis gyro
- 8 channels
Pros:
- Handy Apple ProRes Codec integration
- A very improved drone when compared to the first
- Comes with multiple safety features
Cons:
- Can ruin “flyby” shots because of the obstacle avoidance system
- Focusing has yet to be improved
- Very high price, close to $3k
DJI Mavic Air Review
Read Reviews About DJI Mavic Air
Is the Mavic Air better than the Mavic 2? Not really, but you’re asking the wrong question. The Mavic 2 is an extremely expensive, feature-packed professional camera drone catering to the discerning working photographer. The Mavic Air is a wonderful 700 dollar camera drone that anyone – from first-time fliers to experienced pilots – can enjoy.
With a 21 minute flight time, a foldable compact design, and a 10 kilometer flight range, this drone has all the stats a serious pilot needs. The 4K Ultra HD camera with HDR photography, an 85 degree field of view, and 32 Megapixel still images is nothing to sneeze at either.
At that point, the advanced obstacle avoidance systems and SmartCapture features are just icing on the cake. But these high-tech features also make the drone extremely accessible to newer pilots who may not know how best to handle their first photography drone. So if you want the power of a Mavic 2 with a less frightening price and intimidating feature set, the Mavic Air is an excellent choice.
- 2375 mAh
- 55 minute charge time
- Weighs 430 grams
- 168mm × 184mm × 64mm folded dimensions (168mm × 83mm × 49mm unfolded)
- 3-axis gimbal
Pros:
- Scads of high-tech features including advanced obstacle avoidance
- Great camera capabilities and quality
- Extremely compact and portable
- One of the best-selling and most popular pro camera drones of this year
Cons:
- Camera is not quite as good as the Mavic Pro or Mavic 2
- Somewhat disappointing video transmission range
Yuneec Typhoon H – Drone with HD Camera
Read Drone Reviews About Yuneec Typhoon H
The Yuneec Typhoon H presents a next generation step forward in terms of aerial photography. It comes with a 360-degree anti-vibration gimbal and landing gear that retracts for the purpose of taking 360-degree filming and photography. Paired with 12MP stills and 4K ultra HD resolution recording, it’s one heck of a HD camera drone.
It features 8 smart flight modes, auto takeoff, auto landing, and an automatic return to home feature when the battery gets too low. The 5-rotor fail-safe and 6-rotor safety measures ensure that crashes are avoided as much as possible, especially with the ultrasonic collision prevention system.
- 5400mAh battery
- 2 hour charge time
- Weighs 12 pounds
- 21.2”x17”x12.5”
- 3-axis gimbal
- 16 channels
Pros:
- Propellers fold down for easy storage and compact needs
- One-touch controls for ease of use
- Obstacle avoidance system
- Robust landing system that’s practically fool proof
Cons:
- It’s made of plastic, so cannot withstand a large or multiple small crashes
- Very large landing gear
Yuneec Q500+ Typhoon
Read Drone Reviews About Yuneec Q500+ Typhoon
Though there are quite a few cons to this drone, which you will see in a minute, the Yuneec Q500+ makes up for it with the camera specs. This is the perfect drone for someone who cares more about the camera than the drone itself. You get 16MP stills and 1080p full HD video resolution that can be adjusted to 48, 50, or 60fps.
This drone with a HD camera includes a custom case, a 5.5” tablet display, and an onboard microphone. You also get a 5.8GHz integrated download link for the purpose of streaming and viewing your flight on the Personal Ground Station, your transmitter, which pairs well with the ProAction SteadyGrip capability.
You also get 25 minutes of flying, which is pretty decent when you look at the amount of time it takes to charge for a full battery. While there are limited features, the ones you do get are pretty useful where aerial photography is concerned. You get Smart mode, Angle mode, Home mode, Follow Me and Return to Home.
- 5400mAh battery
- 1 hour and 20 minute charge time
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- 22.2”x16.5”x9.4”
- 3-axis gimbal
- 10 channels
Pros:
- The streaming quality to a phone or tablet is pretty decent and doesn’t lag too badly
- Does not require a separate smart device, although you can use one if you wish
- The camera is pretty impressive compared to everything else, considering it’s the main focus
- There is a Personal Ground Station capability that’s basically all-in-one
Cons:
- It’s a large drone, so the speed is affected
- The transmitter is a bulky size, bad for smaller hands
- Setting up Follow Me usually takes more than one try
- Waypoint navigation is not supported
- Changing positions in the air is not possible, meaning getting a response from the air is not supported and must be done while the drone is on the ground
Walkera Voyager 3 Drone Reviews
Read Reviews About Walkera Voyager 3
The Walkera Voyager 3 has somewhat set the stage for other aerial photography drones. It focuses on both camera and drone aspects to create the perfect camera quadcopter. You can get between 20 to 25 minutes of flight time depending on certain weather conditions.
The camera only gives 1080p HD resolution with 60fps, but it’s still a very decent level of quality that is just under 4K. Both the camera and the gimbal can be removed easily, and the transmitter is also pretty decent. It uses a 5.8GHz frequency with LED indicators and comes with a 5” display screen.
You also get a handful of features as well, which include Follow Me, one-key Go Home, one-key landing, and one-key takeoff, to name a few. There is also a dual-navigation Russian GPS system that uses both GPS and GLONASS. The landing gear is retractable, too.
- 3000mAh battery
- 1 hour and 50 minute charge time
- Weighs 8 pounds
- 30”x15”x12”
- 3-axis gimbal
- 12 channels
Pros:
- The gimbal and the camera can be removed
- The 3D design is perfect for the purpose, that being aerial photography and videos
- It’s very resistant to damage and crashing
- The 360-degree rotation allows for a camera view that is unobstructed
- The DEVO F12E transmitter is very high tech
- One-touch controls
Cons:
- Only has a range of 1000 meters, which is somewhat disappointing considering the price and the hype
- Because the battery is one that is very uncommon, finding a replacement can be extremely difficult
Thunder Tiger Robotix
Read Reviews About Thunder Tiger Robotix
The Thunder Tiger Robotix is the absolute perfect camera drone for those who want to be able to provide their own camera. The Morpheus series of gimbal are designed for those who are dead serious about aerial drone photography and have any GoPro camera from the Hero series.
You can get a maximum of 25 minutes of flying time, which may be affected by the GPS and certain weather conditions. For example, should a gust of wind hit the drone, the GPS system will automatically stabilize the drone, but this will drain the battery faster. Either way, this is a cool feature.
Once you have a GoPro hooked up and are ready to go, you can use the TTR Hero application to monitor your distance, altitude, battery level, and more. Follow Me, Landing, Return to Home, and Waypoint Groundstation are the included features. Interestingly enough, Waypoint Groundstation allows support for up to 16 Waypoints that are preset by you before flying, which is pretty neat.
- 6000mAh battery
- 1 hour and 20 minute charge time
- Weighs 12.5 pounds
- 21.1”x6.4”x18.2”
- 3-axis gimbal
- 6 channels
Pros:
- Comes with a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer made perfectly for GoPros, including the GoPro Hero 3 and the GoPro Hero 4 Black
- GPS automatically stabilizes the drone from any forms of turbulence, such as wind, for example
- Has a retractable skid for landing, which stays out of your shot’s way when taking photos or recording
- Enlarged frame plates for providing a better amount of space for the electronic system
- Able to easily install auxiliary equipment for bettering aerial photography
Cons:
- Does not come with an onboard camera, so you must provide your own
- The price is very high for a camera drone that does not actually come with a camera, so may not be worth it unless you have the extra cash to get a Go Pro, which are expensive, or you have one on hand already
The Best Rated Hobby Toy Drones with Cameras of 2021
This category of drones includes drones that are more for recreational and hobby purposes. For example, hobbyists collect toy drones and create a collection. They are typically very cheap, some you can find for $20, and are made for both indoor and outdoor use depending on the brand and manufacturer.
Altair 818 Hornet Quadcopter – #1 Ranked Hobby Drone With Camera
Back To Top
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
If you’re wanting a great hobby drone with a camera consider trying the 818 Hornet.
This is a great camera drone that comes with an attachable 720p camera. It’s easy to control allowing for a stable flight and clear photos. It’s not anywhere near the professional quality of DJI drone, but it’s great for someone who’s just flying for fun.
Plus it has a long battery life of 30 minutes so you will have plenty of time to explore and take photos. The 150 meter flight range too will give you plenty of space to capture real-time video footage from the sky.
Altair’s trusted customer service will be there to help you throughout the entire buying process too and answer any camera questions you might have. Check out the Altair 818 Hornet in action below:
Why You Should Buy the Altair 818 Hornet Quadcopter:
- • 30 Minute Flight Time and 150 Meter Flight Range Gives You Time and Space to Explore
- • 720p Wide-Angle Camera for Drone Photography and Real-Time Video
- • Trusted, American-Based Drone Retailer
Who is the 818 Hornet For:
- • Hobby Pilots Looking for an Affordable Camera Drone with Excellent Flight Time
Altair Aerial Falcon Drone
Back To Top
Click here to See it On Amazon! or you can get fast and free shipping from the manufacturer’s website at AltairAerial.com.
The Falcon with AHP can be easily compared to any of the drones on this list and for a fraction of the price.
This drone comes with a built-in 720p camera that is great for taking aerial photos and videos as well as experiencing flying with FPV.
It also has a unique Autonomous Hovering & Positioning (AHP) System which hold the drone’s altitude. This leaves you with a stable flight to help you take stunning and clear drone footage every time.
Other fun camera features include follow-me mode and waypoint mapping to have the drone fly and take photos and videos wherever you’d like
Plus, if you have any questions about the Falcon, Altair’s trusted customer service will be there to answer them for you.
Why You Should Buy the Altair Falcon:
- • 720p Camera is Good Enough for Beginner Photography and FPV Features
- • Easiest Drone to Fly on the Market Today with the AHP Optical Auto Hover System
- • 20 Minutes of Flight Time and 125 Meters of Flight Range
Who is the Falcon For:
- • Perfect Camera Drone for Beginner Pilots
Overall you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for in the toy drone section with something for a camera to play with. The HD 720p camera takes great video and pictures. The price is right at under $130.00 amazon, and really the customer service is the kicker. No other drone company we’ve spoken to has displayed such dedication to making sure their customers are happy.
Email Altair Inc at help@altairaerial.com
Force1 UDI U818A Black
Read Reviews About Force1 UDI 818A Black
Much like the UD45W Blue Jay, the UDI U818A has plenty of bang for your buck, a lot of awesome photography capabilities, and some great tech specs. You can expect to have up to 9 minutes of flight time on a single charge, which is a reasonable amount of time.
The HD onboard camera boasts 1280p x 720p resolution at 30 fps, which is fantastic for those who are interested in the aerial photography aspect that this drone has to offer. Though it’s described as being a 2MP stationary camera, it takes some pretty good footage.
If all of that isn’t enough to sway you, then the bonus VR headset that’s included with the drone definitely will! You can view your live flight footage while it’s up in the air and get to sit in the pilot’s seat yourself.
The following is a list of the specifications:
- 350mAh battery
- 40 minute charge time
- Weighs 5.4 ounces
- 14.4”x4”x13.8”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Custom Route Mode, Altitude Hold, Headless Mode, and 1-Key Takeoff/Landing are the included features
- It comes with 2 LiPo batteries for added flight time
- You can use the WiFi FPV capabilities with the VR for more fun
- There is an extra power bank included
Cons:
- Reports of 1/4 motors do not work sometimes
- The Takeoff button can have issues if you’re taking off – not landing
Force1 UDI 818A HD+
Read Reviews About Force1 UDI 818A HD+
This quadcopter is fairly similar to its sibling, the UDI 818A with WiFi FPV, but the UDI 818A HD+ has many differences that make it an awesome alternative. For one thing, it’s much cheaper than the $150 818A, with this one costing just under $100.
With this drone, you get up to 9 minutes of general flight time that can be doubled, thanks to the extra battery included in the package. The forward-facing HD+ camera offers 1280p x 720p at 30 fps.
The full LCD screen displays all of the information you’ll need for a full, complete flight status to ensure that you’re fully in control while in flight.
The following is a list of the specifications:
- 500mAh battery
- 90 to 120 minute charge time
- Weighs 4.6 ounces
- 13”x3”x13”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Headless Mode, 360° stunts, and a Low Battery Alarm are the included features
- Comes with a removable 4GB Micro SD card for footage storage
- Equipped with a USB Data Cable and a Data Port for sharing JPEG and AVI files
- Has LED lights for low visibility flying
- Crash-resistant plastic frame with performance-enhancing elastic
Cons:
- The charger can malfunction and say the battery is fully charged when it’s not
- Slight winds can pose a challenge for the drone’s flight
Force1 U45W Blue Jay
Read Reviews About Force1 U45W Blue Jay
The Force1 U45W Blue Jay is a fantastic choice for a drone that has both an onboard HD camera and WiFi FPV capabilities and features. Everything that this drone has to offer pairs perfectly with the camera, for one.
You should expect to get up to 8 minutes of flight time, which isn’t a lot, but if all you’re using it for is photography purposes, that’s a decent amount of time to do it in. The camera itself is a 2MP stationary with 1280p x 720p at 30 fps.
Altitude Hold, Live Video, Custom Route Mode, 1-Key Takeoff/Landing, and Headless Mode are the handful of features that the drone has to work with. It’s ready-to-fly, great for both beginner and experienced pilots and has a lightweight design.
The following is a list of the specifications:
- 500mAh battery
- 70 minute charge time
- Weighs 4.1 ounces
- 14.4”x4”x13.8”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- You can perform a number of 360° rolls, flips, and stunts
- The Live Video capabilities allow you to watch your live flight transmission on your smart device
- The drone is compatible with a VR headset that links with the controller
- It comes with an extra battery and a power bank
Cons:
- Issues with the drone connecting to the controller properly have been reported
- Reports of it flying out of range
UDI 818A
The UDI 818A is a pretty neat little drone, but it’s more for those who don’t really care about long flight times, aren’t looking for a high-tech camera, and just want something to mess around with every now and then.
You get up to 9 minutes of flight time, have a 640x480p camera, and video capabilities that lack audio as there is no microphone. You can do flips in the air at the touch of a button on the transmitter, and there is a button that lets you share a video on social media instantly. The LED lights located at the center of each propeller and the headlight are pretty useful for flying at night, too.
Even though it’s a pretty durable drone material wise, there is a protective pop guard ring around each propeller to ensure that damage is minimal should a crash occur.
- 500mAh battery
- 2 hour charge time
- Weighs 1.8 pounds
- 14.6”x4”x13.5”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Holds up very well should an impact or crash take place
- A great choice for beginner drone users
- Has a very stable system that bleeds into flight performance
Cons:
- Though it’s stable in other aspects, it’s definitely not in certain weather conditions
- The camera is low resolution
- The 2GB memory card isn’t very useful, especially where quality is concerned
- Extremely long battery time for such a short flight time
Hubsan H107C+
Read Reviews About Hubsan H107C+
Hubsan is a drone manufacturing company that is known for more professional models, but the H107C+ is pretty advanced for a toy camera drone. You only get up to 8 minutes of flight time, but the charge time is pretty decent in comparison.
Where toy camera drones are concerned, this is one of the best. The camera gives you a choice between a wide or narrow-angled range with the lens. You can also take up to 2MP 1600×1200 stills and 720p HD videos, which is pretty impressive considering it’s a toy drone and one that’s under $100.
You are able to switch between two control sensitivity levels, being Expert and Normal, which can help you improve your flying skills. It’s also one of the only toy drones that’s capable of performing aerial flips without taking a nose dive into the ground, thanks to it having a superbly stable design.
- 520mAh battery
- 80 minute charge time
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- 4”x1”x4”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- You can customize the control sensitivity to your liking
- The camera is a wide angled one, which is pretty advanced for a drone in its category
- The altitude hold is pretty decent for what this drone is worth and includes
Cons:
- The price tag is pretty high for what it is and comes with
Tarantula X6
Read Reviews About Tarantula X6
The Tarantula X6 is a pretty basic toy camera drone, so don’t expect too much. You can get up to 10 minutes of flight time, it has a decent ability to resist wind, and has a flight speed that can be fully adjusted to your preference or skill level. It zips around fairly quickly but turns will have to be practiced quite a bit.
While it does not have a whole lot of features, Orientation mode is pretty useful. It ensures that your drone stays within connection range and won’t fly off on you. The LED lights are great for night flying, especially when the battery is low and you need to ground it quickly. It can do the basic flip approximately 1 meter off the ground to ensure it doesn’t collide.
The camera is pretty decent but nothing to get too excited about. With 1080x720p you get up to 5MP at 30fps, or you can go with 720x720p to get 2MP at 60fps. The camera features a wide-angled lens, as well.
- 1200mAh battery
- 80 to 90 minute charge time
- Weighs 2.6 pounds
- 18.5”x12.5”x3.7”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- If you’re not happy with the onboard camera, you can easily attach a Mobius camera without weighing it down too much
- LVC alarm is present onboard, which will start to blink at the appropriate time
- Compatible with DeviationTX
- Even though it’s a larger size drone it can flip pretty well in the air
Cons:
- There is no On switch, so every time you want to turn it on or off you have to remove the battery cover and plug in or unplug the battery itself
- Very fragile, cannot withstand too much of a beating or a heavy crash
- Battery will fall out mid flight if you do not use the screw that keeps it in place, which can be overlooked unintentionally
Syma X8HG
The Syma X8HG is the revamped original X8H, which as improved by miles. People who want a more serious camera drone with a small price tag but a camera that is still good enough to be up to serious user’s standards for drone photography.
The onboard camera has both 720p and 1080p resolution at 30fps. Videos are 1MP while stills are 8MP, which makes it one of the best rated toy camera drones currently on the market today.
You are able to switch between the two resolutions using the literal switch that can be found on the bottom of the camera. Overall the camera was designed specifically for this drone, so using a different one wouldn’t make any sense. You can, however, bring your own camera into play and remove the one onboard with a GoPro, for example.
Where features are concerned you get nothing but the basics. Altitude hold, Headless mode, and basic tricks are all you’re going to get, but doing aerial flips are not recommended with this drone because it tends to plunge down when it happens.
- 2000mAh battery
- 3 hour charge time
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
- 19.6”x19.6”x7.4”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Comes with a 4GB SD card and a card reader
- Excellent camera for a drone of its category
- Incredibly affordable price for everything you’re getting
- You can remove the onboard action camera to replace it with your own
Cons:
- Very horrendous charge time for such a short flight time
- No FPV capability even though you’d think it would have it
- The gimbal is fixed, which is disappointing
Parrot AR Drone 2.0
Read Reviews About Parrot AR Drone 2.0
Though it’s somewhat of a disappointment, 12 to 15 minutes of flight time is definitely made up when you see what the camera can do. Thankfully you can upgrade your drone with a 2500mAh battery that will last a little longer.
However, this is still a great toy camera drone, especially for new pilots. It’s incredibly durable, easy to use, and has a great camera. In fact, the camera is pretty close to the DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ but costs a whole lot less. With the camera, you get 720p of HD quality, and you can even get a FPV system through the application.
The AR FreeFlight application is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and lets you control your drone in flight. You’ll be able to control your drone, see what it’s seeing without recording anything, and more.
- 1000mAh battery
- 1 hour and 10 to 30 minute charge time
- Weighs 4.8 pounds
- 23”x23”x5”
- 3-axis gyro
- 6 channels
Pros:
- It’s a very durable drone that can withstand multiple crashes, especially if a rookie pilot is on the controls
- The FPV flying experience is pretty good
- Is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices
- The controls are very easy to use and maste1r, also great for perfecting your skills if you’re a new pilot or want a practice drone
Cons:
- Battery life is terrible for the amount of money you’ll spend on it
- There are issues with the WiFi connecting properly, which can be a problem if you are trying to stream online or upload a video right away
JJRC H26WM
The JJRC H26WM is a great drone for beginners or those who want a casual drone to zip around with. The camera is pretty decent but nothing too fancy, so don’t expect the world from it. The maximum amount of flight time you can get is approximately 7 minutes, so having an extra battery is a good idea. The camera allows for 2MP in FPV which swings around in all directions.
One-key return, 360 rolling action, CF mode, and multiple direction flying are all of the features that you can expect. While basic, some of them do help to enhance your flying experience, which is always good.
You are able to connect your smartphone, tablet, or any smart device in general to the application for a better flight experience. There is a mount for your phone on top of the controller for a more secure connection, too.
- 1200mAh battery
- 2 hour charge time
- Weighs 2.8 pounds
- 15.7”x13.4”x5.9”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Includes some pretty cool effects with lighting that are great for aesthetic and flying at night
- Controls are very easy to understand and master quickly
- Able to connect with your smart devices
Cons:
- The assembly instructions will definitely be confusing for beginner drone users
- The propellers must be put in place precisely or it won’t move off the ground at all
- Issues with the drone connecting to the app on smartphones have been reported
- Very long charge time for such a small amount of flight time
The Best Rated FPV Drones with Cameras
FPV is short for “first-person video”, and when paired with a drone you get a remote-controlled aircraft that lets you see the view point from the air. They are also known as UAVs, or “unmanned aerial vehicles”. These drones with cameras are relatively popular with those who would rather get the best in-flight experience possible.
Low Cost – Altair Realtime FPV 720p Camera Drone
The Altair Aerial AA108, a great 720p HD Realtime FPV Drone.
Get Fast & Free Shipping from their Website at Altairaerial.com.
The Altair Aerial has an amazing 720p HD Realtime FPV setup with the Flyingseee App that comes free with the drone. If you’re looking for a racing FPV drone you’re going to want to spend $300 or more and find something custom made, but this FPV drone will definitely satisfy most flyers who are looking to spend $120.00 or less. The customer service offered by Altair is amazing, you can read more about it in our full review of this drone.
The Altair AA108 is durably built and will not break easily. You can count on a solid flight time of around 10 minutes, a bit less when you’re running it FPV. However the 720p camera really works well and connects to your phone through WiFi. It’s easy to fly because it has 3 flight modes, 1 beginner, 2 intermediate and 3 advanced mode. It also has Altitude Hold which allows you to take your thumb off the control and the drone holds it’s own altitude, making it very stable because it’s not bouncing up and down as you try to maintain altitude!
They even have an Altair Video Tutorials page that helps you get started.
The following is a list of the specifications:
- 3 Flight Skill Levels – for beginner up to advanced users. GREAT Feature!!
- Headless Mode for easy beginner flight.
- Altitude Hold Function – the drone holds its position in the air even if you let off the controls.
- Real Time FPV when using the flying see app that is included.
- Great Range for the price, both video and flight range.
- 720P HD Camera Capable
The Realtime FPV App Flyingsee is easy to download and connect to the video cam drone. You simply attach your phone to the remote controller in the provided phone holder, and with a simple wifi connection your ready to fly. The range of the video is around 50 Meters which is a little above average for most entry level FPV Drones. Without spending $500 or more, this is the best
FPV Camera drone for you.
Click Here To Read Reviews & Shop For the Altair AA108!
Force1 U28W Wifi FPV
Read Reviews About Force1 U28W
The U28W is another remarkable drone that comes from the Force1 fleet. It’s perfect for all skill levels and makes for a day of great fun. You can get up to 5 minutes of approximate flight time on a single charge, which isn’t all that great, but that’s why it comes with a second battery!
The HD camera boasts 720p resolutions with a 120° wide angled camera front that pairs incredibly well with the WiFi FPV feature. You can even use a VR headset with this drone, as well!
The other features that this drone has are Altitude Hold, 1-Key Takeoff and Landing, Custom Route Mode, and even Live Video using a smartphone or smart device.
The following is a list of the specifications:
- 500mAh battery
- Charge time will vary
- Weighs 1.2 pounds
- 9.4”x9.1”x3.7”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Altitude Hold makes the drone a perfect choice for beginners looking to learn
- Comes with a 4GB Micro SD card for footage storage
Cons:
- The durability factor isn’t all that great
DJI Mavic Pro
Read Reviews About DJI Mavic Pro
The DJI Mavic Pro is a serious piece of hardware that has an even more serious camera onboard. Once the propellers are retracted it’s practically the size of a water bottle, if not smaller. This ensures that you don’t need a protective case or any other bulky piece of gear that seriously restricts where you fly it.
You are able to get up to 27 minutes of total flight time on a single charge, which is a great amount of battery time. There are separate batteries that can be purchased for more air time, as well.
The camera records at both 1080p at 96fps or 4K at 30fps with 12MP stills. You can also stream your flight feed directly to social media websites, including Facebook, if you wish to do so, as well. You can zoom in up to 20” for closer shots without sacrificing the quality, use Adobe DNG RAW format, and have access to the 79-degree angled view.
The transmitter allows for a smart device connection, be it your smartphone or tablet, which will act as a screen for flight. This is beneficial for a better flying experience and will allow you to become more in tune with the drone.
Just a couple of the many features include OcySync transmission technology, Return to Home mode, FlightAutonomy technology, Precision Hover, ActiveTrack, Gesture mode, Tripod mode, and Tapfly.
- 3830mAh battery
- 1 hour and 15 minute charge time
- Weighs 1.6 pounds
- 9.7”x9.7”x4.5”
- 6-axis gyro
- 8 channels
Pros:
- You have multiple options in terms of what you use as the transmitter, whether it be your smartphone, the actual transmitter, or both combined together
- Holds up quite well in windy weather, does not shake too badly and you can barely notice the movement if it does
- The process of setting up is surprisingly very easy
- The compact design is seriously impressive and very beneficial to users
Cons:
- High winds are most definitely a problem, mostly because of the actual drone size and because of the small gimbal
- Frame rates higher than 60fps will be a problem and limit the full use of the camera
- “Hand catching” is basically impossible
Yuneec Typhoon H
Read Reviews About Yuneec Typhoon H
The Yuneec Typhoon H is a great FPV camera drone which is in some ways superior to the Phantom 4.
The camera is a piece of artwork in itself, bringing 13MP stills, 4K video resolution, automated flight modes to help enhance your photos and videos, and live 720p HD streaming. You can share your photos and videos directly from the app to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp and more through a WiFi or data enabled connection.
And the features that you get are very high tech. Obstacle avoidance isn’t quite as good as the new Mavic 2 models, but quite superior to the Phantom 4. And the eight flight modes make this drone easy for beginner pilots to fly while also providing great utility for serious photographers.
- 4S 14.8V LiPo battery
- 1 hour charge time
- Weighs 3.75 pounds
- 520mm x 457mm x 310mm
- 8 flight modes
- 16 channels
Pros:
- This drone has 8 different flight modes, many of which are autonomous (meaning the drone can fly itself.)
- Comes with an excellent Ultra High Definition camera with a 360 degree field of view and great specs overall
- The design is extremely stable, making it easy to fly around and line up the perfect shot
- It has Sonar-based obstacle avoidance features
Cons:
- One of the pricier drones on the list
- Obstacle avoidance features are not quite as good as DJI’s
Parrot Bebop 2
Read Reviews About Parrot Bebop 2
With the Parrot Bebop 2 you are getting up to 25 minutes of battery life, Cockpit glasses that allow for a fully submersed flying experience, and a newly revamped controller from Parrot that has been making all the difference in the way their drones fly.
This drone uses up to 7 sensors at once to ensure that your flight is a stable one, shoots full HD videos in 1080p, has a wide-angled camera that is built-in on board, and boasts 14MP stills, each at 30fps. You can choose between DNG, JPEG, and RAW formats, as well.
You can use the FreeFlight Pro application to store and save your routes, videos, photos, and all other forms of drone data. You can also access Flight Plan within the app, which will aid you with camera angles, speeds, altitudes, and much more. Other than that you have access to features such as Return to Home, for example.
- 2700mAh battery
- 1 hour and 10 minute charge time
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- 15”x3.5”x12.9”
- 3-axis gimbal
- 6 channels
Pros:
- Has an excellent battery life
- The smart device controls are fairly easy to learn, especially considering that most generally aren’t in this case
- The overall video quality is definitely a strong pro because of how good it is
Cons:
- The sensitivity for the touch controls on the screen can lack the needed sensitivity to respond instantly depending on what you are using
- Based on images found from users the camera struggles to eliminate flares within the lens
UDI U842 Predator
Read Reviews About UDI U842 Predator
Even though the UDI U8542 Predator’s battery only lasts approximately 10 minutes long, you can still have plenty of fun with it. The camera isn’t the greatest but it’s still pretty decent. You’ll get an HD camera that uses 720p at 30fps for both stills and videos, which isn’t too bad.
This FPV drone focuses more on the actual drone than it does the camera aspects, however, considering you get more features and capabilities. You can use a FPV real time HD live transmission with your mobile device using the FPV WiFi feature, have Headless mode, a low voltage alarm, 360-degree flips, and gravity induction that allows you to fly at all angles and in every direction.
- 1000mAh battery
- 2 hour and 50 minute charge time
- Weighs 0.7 pounds
- 19.1”x19.1”x4.8”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Blade cover aid in protecting the propellers from damage during landing and crashes should they occur
- The smartphone and smart device application is very easy to use, definitely a lot better than using the transmitter
- The pictures come out incredibly clear
Cons:
- There are no assembly instructions so you have to kind of wing it when building it, which can be a problem for beginners who don’t know much about putting drones together
- Windy conditions will create a problem as the drone is incredibly light, weighing less than a pound, and will not hold up well
- Almost scary amount of charging time for such a small, micro amount of flight time
Walkera Scout X4
Read Reviews About Walkera Scout X4
The Walkera Scout X4 is definitely a neat little drone. You are able to switch from 8 motors to 8 motors, considering it’s a hybrid FPV camera drone, and get up to 25 minutes of unloaded flight time.
The transmitter features automatic takeoffs at the push of one button, you can circle a set waypoint with a radius that you predefine yourself, and the GPS has a heightened accuracy to ensure that flight modes go perfectly.
The camera is an iLook+ 1080p that gives you 13MP stills with a 4032×3024 resolution, as well as 1080p 30fps videos. There is an included mSD card for the purpose of recording video, and the G-3D gimbal allows for better stabilization and 2- axis controls.
- 5400mAh battery
- 1 hour and 30 minute charge time
- Weighs 14 pounds
- 7”x35.5”x18.5”
- G-3D gimbal
- 12 channels
Pros:
- A DEVO F12E radio transmitter is needed, which is one of the best ones you could possibly get
Cons:
- There have been more than a couple of issues reported, so definitely not a drone for beginners as they will most definitely struggle
- The transmitter and battery needed it, not the drone battery, are not included and need to be bought separately
- Very heavy weight, definitely a large and in charge drone
Hubsan H502S
Read Reviews About Hubsan H502S
For those looking for a basic done that has FPV camera capabilities that are still pretty decent, but at a fair price, the Hubsan H502S is definitely the way to go. There are minimal features, mostly just the GPS function, which is a nice touch that makes all the difference, and you get up to 12 minutes of flying time on a single charge. You also get Return to Home, Follow Me, one-key control, the whole set.
The transmitter features an LCD screen with a resolution that is 640x480p, which is pretty neat and good to have when you’d like to see what your drone is seeing while in the air. It’s small, however, only being 4.3”.
The built-in camera only offers 720p in HD which isn’t something to get too excited about, but it’s great for someone who wants to take random aerial shots while flying. The lightweight air frame allows for decent durability, but we don’t recommend smashing it up to test that.
- 610mAh battery
- 2 hour and 50 minute charge time
- Weighs 2.5 pounds
- 7.2”x7.2”x1.9”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Because it’s kind of a sluggish drone, the Return to Home feature can be an absolute life saver
- The GPS hold feature is great for windy weather
- The pictures are very detailed with the FPV screen and the camera despite their size and quality
- One of the cheapest FPV camera drones you are going to find just about anywhere that has some real quality to it
Cons:
- It can be difficult to get it back down considering it’s not the fastest, in fact it’s pretty slow, so be careful of how far and high you let it go and remember to keep a close eye on the battery
Micro Drones with Cameras
Micro drones, also known as MAVs or “micro air vehicles”, are smaller drones that tend to focus more on the flight aspects instead of the camera, but they still have one onboard. While the cameras aren’t always the greatest in terms of quality, some of them are still pretty good.
The Best Rated Micro Drone with Cameras
Quality camera drones don’t always mean they have to be a larger size. Micro drones have been storming the market over the past while and it’s definitely not difficult to see why. Even though they are small and look like they’ll break on instant impact during a crash, some of these have some of the best cameras you could ever find.
Also take a look at our article featuring Fast Micro RC Cars Reviews!
EACHINE E10C Mini Quadcopter
Read Reviews About EACHINE E10C
The EACHINE Mini Quadcopter is a lot of fun and action packed into 5 minutes of flight time. The tiny 2MP camera can both take pictures and videos, includes 3 modes for different flight speeds, and can even roll 360-degrees in the air. It also has an LED light that is perfect for night flying, or just knowing where this tiny drone is, too!
- 150mAh battery
- 35 minute charge time
- Weighs 15 grams
- 2.4”x2.4”x1.1”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Includes an LED light that helps you keep an eye on it at all times, especially when you are flying in the dark or at night
- Has a quality camera that still gets some good shots despite the very tiny size and 2MP resolution
- Has a very good flight time to charge time ratio
Cons:
- You are unable to take the battery out to switch it with a different one, which could be annoying for a user who wants to try out a different one
Hubsan X4 H107C
Read Reviews About Hubsan X4 H107C
The Hubsan X4 H107C has super stable flight capabilities, gives you approximately 10 minutes of flight time, includes gyro sensitivity that can be adjusted based on your personal preference, and a 0.3MP camera that can record video and take picture paired with a Micro SDHC card. The only feature that seems to exist, and is worth mentioning, is that it can do a 4-way flip, which could be fun and something interesting to add to a video.
To expand more on the camera, you will get 2MP stills at a 1280x720p HD resolution, with the record bit rate standing at 10.477mbps and 30fps, which is pretty good for a drone of this size and price range.
The blue LED light is helpful to see where your drone is at all times, because you can lose track of it considering the size, while the red LED light is to indicate whether the camera is recording or not.
- 500mAh battery
- 30 minute charge time
- Weighs 1.1 pounds
- 2.7”x2.7”x1”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- Comes with a formidable motor that is great for takeoffs and vertical climbs
- Comes with a free extra set of propellers, which is always handy in case a crash occurs and the original ones are toast
- There is an advanced mode available for intermediate and expert level fliers
Cons:
- The camera cannot be controlled from a remote location, which is definitely annoying
Inductrix FVP BNF
Read Reviews About Inductrix FVP BNF
Unless you want a drone that can actually stay in the air for more than maybe 3 minutes, this one may not be for you. While the Inductrix FVP BNF is definitely a very cool looking drone, the flight time is no more than 3 minutes. Some users have only gained 90 seconds from it before it died.
However, it does have some super cool aspects to it, like the 4.3” monitor that comes with it and the 40-channel receiver. You will, however, need a camera for the mount, which can be a problem.
- 200mAh battery
- 25 minute charge time
- Weighs 3.2 ounces
- 3.9”x3.9”x2.7”
- 6-axis gyro
- 40 channels
Pros:
- It has a very short charge time
- Comes with up to 40 channels, which is insane considering it only lasts for less than 5 minutes and is as big as a toddler’s hand
Cons:
- Lasts for up to 3 minutes in the air
- Very unclear camera specifications that is definitely annoying
HVR Mini Drone
Read Reviews About HVR Mini Drone
The HVR Mini Drone is the smallest indoor and outdoor drone not only on the market, but in the world. Picture this, put two quarters in a line and that’s the size of this insanely small drone. You can get between 4 to 5 minutes of flight time, which is expected for a drone of this size.
There is a one-touch recording button that will begin recording from the sky, a 4GB Micro SD card is included so you don’t need to be worried about that, and videos can be viewed later on by using VLC Media Player on your PC or laptop. The resolution isn’t the greatest, only standing at 640x480p, but it still gets some pretty decent shots.
- Built-in rechargeable battery, mAh unknown
- 20 minute charge time
- Weighs 6.4 ounces
- 5.2”x4”x4”
- 6-axis gyro
- 4 channels
Pros:
- It’s a great drone for beginners to learn the ins and outs of drones, as well as being the perfect small drone with a camera for the pros who just want something that’s cheap to mess around with.
Cons:
- Assembly for the propeller blades is required, and because of what is needed it can be confusing for some
Choosing the Best Drone for Photography
If you have the money to spend on the biggest and baddest camera drone out there, feel free to do so. First, however, you should take into consideration what specifications of drone photography have to offer. Understanding the specs of what makes a drone good for aerial photography is the first step to understanding which drone is best for you.
For beginners, starting with a drone that is less expensive than others does not necessarily mean they won’t shoot quality videos and pictures. Instead of looking solely at the price, looking into multiple drone aspects that make personal drones with cameras what they are, start at the specs.
Drones with HD Cameras: Understanding Drone Photography Specifications
Camera and video resolution is a great area to start with. The frame rate is related to the total number of frames placed in a sequence in order to produce a moving image. The higher the frame rate, the more pictures you’ll get.
A standard drone will have 24 fps, 30 fps, 48 fps, 60 fps, and even as high as 120 fps. For example, if a drone has a frame rate of 30, that totals to 30 still, single pictures. It’s measured as FPS, also known as ‘Frames Per Second’. The more frames per second a drone boasts, the better your footage will be.
Where resolution is concerned, you will have a number of options. Here are some of the most common options available, listed in order from highest to lowest quality, for aerial photography drones:
- 4K UHD
- 4K
- 1080p HD
- 1080p
- 720p HD
- 720p
- 480p
Megapixels, or ‘MP’, play a large role in how your photos are going to turn out. A megapixel is comprised of 1 million pixels, which act as a mosaic that create your photographs.
The amount of megapixels that photography drones have gives you an idea of what your photographs will be like image-wise. Some drones have as little as 2 MP, while others have as many as 100 MP.
In short, the higher the megapixel count a drone camera has, the better your still photographs are going to come out.
Stabilization plays a major role in how a drone flies, how well photos and videos turn out, etc. For starters, certain features, such as Altitude Hold, give you the edge you need for the best aerial photography outcome.
Altitude Hold allows a drone to maintain a consistent altitude by analyzing the pressure data further provided by a drone’s barometric pressure sensor. If a drone has an ultrasonic sensor, this is also used with Altitude Hold. This feature ensures even a small drone with camera will be able to hold itself in place while you snap some shots or record a video.
Your chances of getting the best footage is drastically increased with a gimbal, too. A drone gimbal is made of rings pivoted at the proper angles surrounding a drone’s camera to keep it steady during flight. They make it possible to achieve crystal clear images and videos. The most common gimbal systems are 2-axis and 3-axis gimbals.
FPV, or ‘First Person View’, drones give you the best possible experience imaginable, giving you a front seat to the action. FPV works by having a camera mounted on the drone, broadcasting a live video stream to the drone’s transmitter, FPV goggles, or a smart device. You’re able to fly more precisely and gain better shots with an eye in the sky than you normally would from your view from just the ground.
This is where video transmission frequency comes into play. The higher your frequency, the higher quality of images you’ll get but with a lower range or distance. The lower your frequency, the lower quality of imagines you’ll get but with a high range.
The most common video transmission frequency you’ll see is 2.4GHz. The others are 900MHz, 1.3GHz and 5.8GHz. 900MHz is a low quality with a high range, while 5.8GHz is higher quality but with a lower amount of range.
Customizing Your Drone
There are ways you can further customize your drone in order to enhance it as much as possible. Though the best drones for the money are aplenty, there is much you can do to boost your quality photography outcome.
Adding an action camera, such as a GoPro, for example, boosts your chances of higher quality aerial photography. These types of cameras are compatible with drones that allow for an action camera to be mounted, check to make sure you can do so before moving forward. Take a look at what we think are the Best Drones for GoPro.
If a drone doesn’t come with a gimbal and that’s the one you want the most, do some basic research to see whether or not you can purchase a separate gimbal and mount it. Aerial photography is much more difficult without a gimbal. It will ruin your chances of coming out with decent footage, so always opt for a drone with a gimbal or one you can purchase one for separately.
For FPV drones, adding a set of goggles will take your footage a long way in the right direction. Using your smart device or the transmitter’s screen work well, but adding a pair of FPV goggles or a headset into the mix makes it better. It’s an extremely immersive experience that gives you the edge you need to get the highest quality of footage.
The Future of Drone Photography
Drone photography has exploded over a very short time period. The use of helicopters, planes, and blimps are quickly being replaced by the use of drones. After all, why go to all the trouble of using a helicopter for aerial photography, when a drone offers so much more quality wise?
Because drones continue to get smaller and faster, are able to fly longer than ever before, and capture higher quality images than any other method seen previously, one thing is for certain – aerial photography will never be the same again.
FAQ About Our Top Rated Camera Drones
Now we move onto some of the questions that are frequently asked about these drones.
Does every drone with a camera take pictures and film?
No, not exactly. If a camera has a drone then, yes, it takes pictures, but some do not always have video capabilities. If you are looking for one that has both then ensure you find the answer before you make your purchase.
How do I get and save pictures and video from the drone?
There are two answers to this question. First, a lot of drones either come with or a require an SD card for the purpose of saving and storing pictures and footage from all flights, which will be uploaded onto a laptop or PC. Second, some use applications that save and store both photos and videos, which can be watched and shared directly from it.
How can I protect my camera?
Because the cameras on drones can be tricky to protect, a lot of products have been created for this very purpose. For example, there are lens hoods available, as well as protectors that slip directly onto the lens.
How much does a drone camera weigh?
The weight of the camera on your drone of choice depends on the drone you have chosen. Some weigh very little, and some weigh quite a bit. Again, it all depends on the drone you’re looking at, you can usually find out easily by reading drone reviews.
What’s the highest quality a drone with a camera can film?
The highest quality resolution you can find in a drone would obviously have to be 4K.
Conclusion About The Best Rated Drones with Cameras
There are literally hundreds of camera drones out there currently on the market, but we’ve managed to track down the top ones that offer the most to drone enthusiasts like us.
Kennedy Martinez
Kennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer’s guides for our readers.