Drones are changing the landscape of photography. Camera drones are capturing stunning aerial photos and videos.

As it is, isn’t photography already an expensive endeavor? I certainly wouldn’t want a $2500.00 piece of apparatus floating precariously in the atmosphere at the mercy of my hands! No thanks…well, until you buy one! For those whovalue the products of aerial photography know it’s worth the risk.

But just because you can fumble with the joystick doesn’t mean you can produce the works of Quentin Tarantino or Ansel Adams. Apart from applying the right techniques for a good shot like framing, panning and choosing a superb angle, the kind of camera drone you employ matters a lot.

Not sure which drone is best for you? See this detailed comparison chart to see how they compare with each other, and which one is perfect for.

 

 

Table: Best Drone with Camera in 2017

Drones	Video capability	Photo quality	Video stream	Flight time	Price
DJI MAVIC PRO	4K	12 MP	1080P	24mins	See Price Now
DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO	4K/20 MP	12 MP	1080P	28mins	See Price Now
DJI INSPIRE 2	5.2K	20 MP	1080P	27mins	See Price Now
YUNEEC TYPHOON H	4K Ultra HD	Vivid 12 MP	1080P	24mins	See Price Now
YUNEEC Q500	4K Ultra HD	Vivid 12 MP	1080P	20mins	See Price Now
YUNEEC BREEZE	4K Ultra HD	13 MP	1080P	12mins	See Price Now
PARROT AR 2.0	720p	-	720P	36mins	See Price Now
TRAXXAS ATON	4K	12 MP	720P	28 mins	See Price Now
AUTEL ROBOTICS X-STAR PREMIUM	4K	12 MP	720P	25mins	See Price Now
DJI SPARK	1080p	12 MP	720p	13mins	See Price Now

 

 

10 Top Picks of Camera Drones/Quadcopters in 2017

Drone cameras cost money. The middle to top-end ones is literally an investment. And even though the current technology adapted in drone cameras has quickly put the old ones to shame, when it comes right down to it you get what you buy. Stunning footage will make you dig a little deeper into your pockets. And it pays to do a little research on what you intend to invest in since drones are turning out to be pricey propositions. We have done extensive testing of these models and here is what we think of them.

1. DJI MAVIC PRO

*Overview

DJI Mavic pro evokes the true meaning of compact. It has a rugged design packed with plentiful of intelligent features. It’s a descendant of the long line of DJI drone cameras. The Chinese company has a knack for simplicity and affordability and Mavic Pro is no exception. But even for its size, Mavic Pro maintains all the competencies of a refined mid-range drone camera. Of particular delight is the smooth glide for its size.

*Features

If you were to summarize DJI Mavic pro in a single word-Portability comes to bear. And it augurs well for Mavic Pro because that’s the rage right now. Clever configuration features a set of flex-folding arms and props. It unpacks from a neat brick sized package measuring 83x83x198mm and weighing in at a paltry 743g.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

Even though the official review suggests a flight time of 27 minutes, on usage the flight times range from 22-25 minutes. Before the battery hits zero, Mavic Pro will automatically land itself within inches of its last take –off point.

2. Camera Details

Mavic Pro’s camera captures 1080p at 96pfs or 4k-resolution video at 30fps. Still, photos have a quality of 12 MP in JPEG. The lens requires tapping to autofocus and provide for manual focusing. If portraits are your thing, then you just need to pan the camera 90 degrees and capture. On a flight, the field view is at 78.8 degrees, a little narrow but understandable when you discover the lens are 3½ inch in size.

3. Speed

The Mavic Pro’s  top speed at normal use is 24mph (38.5kph). However, when switched to sports mode the after burners zip it at 40mph (64.8kph), quick and nimble. What more marveling is if you are confined in tight spaces like indoor parties, you could switch to tripod mode. Mavic Pro will hover gracefully at only 2.2 mph (3.6kph).

4. Weight

Mavic Pros super compact, rugged body affords it only 743g.

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Recommended for beginners as well as moderate users.

 

 

 

 

 

2. DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO

*Overview

The DJI has glorified Phantom 4 as their sexiest creation ever. Well, let’s hold their statement to account. Its smooth curves are cut from a magnesium core making it strong and sturdy. It’s light weight and quite agile, but maintaining precision in-flight and when capturing the scenery. Its design is deliberate with the purpose of reducing vibrations.

*Features

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a real upgrade from its line of predecessors. Two parts have been improved. Battery life will now afford you up to 30mins in the air and redesigned camera lens for improved crisp picture quality. A new part has been added, an anti collision mechanism for both front and rear.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

Phantom 4 Pro can be navigated comfortably for up to 28minutes before the battery dies off.

2. Camera Details

This drone camera is equipped with lenses that can shoot 4K video up to 60FPS. Still images are captured at up to 20 Megapixels with a mechanical shutter and aperture control.

3. Speed

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro has a top speed of 45mph (72kph) when utilized in the sports mode. However, in normal multi directional hover functionality, it flies at 31mph (49kph).

4. Weight

Its sturdy design with magnesium composites affords Phantom 4 Pro only 1388g in weight.

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Mid-range to professionals.

 

 

 

3. DJI INSPIRE 2

*Overview

The DJI has a knack for build quality and Inspire 2 is no exception. They have outdone themselves on this one with new camera technology dubbed CineCore 2.0 image processing. It has been built to be tougher and stronger to accommodate the rigors of high-speed photography.

*Features

Inspire 2 is a marvel. It hits top speeds of 58mph (94kph), and with that speed, anti collision technology is at par. It has a dual battery capability that affords it 27minutes hover capability and self-heating capabilities to beat those chilly days.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

DJI Inspire 2 is exceptional on its flight capability. It can reach a flight height of 5km above sea level and operate at -4 degrees Fahrenheit. The dual batteries maintain a flight capability of 27mins and the drone has redundancy mechanisms for in-flight failures.

2. Camera Details

It provides for an interchangeable camera mount. You have the option of two camera lens, Zenmuse X4S, and X5S cameras.  X4S has a 20megapixel camera with f2.8 24mm lens and a mechanical shutter. X5S has an interchangeable lens with up to 20megapixel capabilities and a micro four-thirds sensor.

3. Speed

Inspire 2 is a darling for professional photo/video graphics. It features a dual control capability, with a drone operator (pilot) and a camera operator. With a nice tail wind, it tops speeds of 67mph (108kph).

4. Weight

Being a professional drone camera, we forgive its 4000g takeoff weight.

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Professionals

 

 

 

4. YUNEEC TYPHOON H

*Overview

Yuneec Typhoon H tries to package features of a “pro” drone camera at a lower price. It offers high-end capabilities like a detachable gimbal with 360 degrees pan. It has a highly developed anti collision system and comes with an inbuilt 7-inch touch control panel.

*Features

Its control forms the beauty of this camera drone. A 7-inch touch ST16 controller powered by Android. It’s easy to enable and use with its intuitively laid out control panel. Its memory is packed with 8 smart flight modes and boasts of automatic take off and landings.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

You can pilot this little beauty up to 25 minutes within a range of 1-mile maximum. It flies 5 rotors at a time and in cases of a malfunction, the redundant rotor kicks in for good measure.

2. Camera Details

The camera is fixed on a detachable 360-degree swivel gimbal. Its camera has been dubbed CG03+, shoots videos in 4K at 30FPS or 1080p at 60FPS. Still images are captured in 12 megapixels and its lens possesses a distortion free capability.

3. Speed

Yuneec Typhoon H hits top speeds of 43.5 mph (70kph) the popular follow me mode.

4. Weight

This drone camera features a maximum takeoff weight of 1950g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Professionals

 

 

 

5. YUNEEC Q500

*Overview

Yuneec Q500 reigns supreme in value for money category. It features a powerful system to accord you professionally done photography. You could adjust your camera settings to give you the perfect shot with access to settings like resolution, white balance, light exposure etc.

*Features

Yuneec Q500 features the traditional well refined CG03 camera. The camera is attached to a 3 axis stabilized gimbal. The drone camera has follow-me, watch me, angle and home modes.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

You can pilot this little beauty up to 25 minutes within a range of 1-mile maximum. It flies 5 rotors at a time and in case of a malfunction, the redundant rotor kicks in for good measure.

2. Camera Details

Yuneec Q500 camera features 4K lens capturing videos at 30FPS, and still images at 12megapixels. The camera is mounted on a 3-way gimbal axis for enhanced stability and reduce vibration.

3. Speed

In the follow me mode, Yuneec Q500 maxes out at 22mph (36kph)

4. Weight

This drone camera features a maximum takeoff weight of 1815g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Beginners

 

 

 

6. YUNEEC BREEZE

*Overview

Yuneec Breeze is the ultimate drone camera for creation, small, easy to use and compact. If sharing memories to social media is your thing, then Yuneec Breeze offers unique capabilities to let you share to your channels seamlessly. In fact, it is known as the king of sky-high selfies!

*Features

Yuneec Breeze is easy to use, especially for beginners. You only have to tap your phone screen and the drone camera will be up in the sky. The takeoff and landing are extra refined.

It has a maximum range of 100 meters and flies for around 12 minutes, good enough for social events.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

Yuneec Breeze is a small quadcopter. It can hover for 11 minutes before the battery dies off.

2. Camera Details

The camera can capture video in 4K resolution and take still images at 13 megapixels picture quality. However, they are only good for social media use and not profession application. The camera could do with image stabilization during high spec image capturing.

3. Speed

In the follow me mode, Yuneec Breeze maxes out at 15mph

4. Weight

This is a very small camera drone weighing at just 455g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Beginners

 

 

 

7. PARROT AR 2.0

*Overview

Parrot AR 2.0 offers smooth and sensational maneuvers that allow you to capture very nice photos and videos from almost all angles. It offers very nice controls intuitively laid out on your smart phone or tablet. You are able to stream live videos directly onto social media platforms.

*Features

This drone camera is quite small. It fits very well in your bag and can move with it everywhere. Although it’s small, it zips along quite easily. It also has video recording capabilities and you could view the recorded videos in 3D using special mobile apps.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

Yuneec Breeze is a small quadcopter. It can hover for 11 minutes before the battery dies off.

2. Camera Details

The camera can capture videos in 4K resolution and take still images at 13 megapixels picture quality. However, they are only good for social media use and not profession application. The camera could do with image stabilization during high spec image capturing.

3. Speed

Parrot AR Drone flies at a slow speed 15mph (24kmh)

4. Weight

Weighs only 250g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Beginners

 

 

 

8. TRAXXAS ATON

*Overview

Traxxas Aton is a darling of every photographer. It captures stunning photos and videos with very little effort. In fact, you don’t need prior knowledge in operating drone cameras, and yet, your final product will rival any other quality photo out in the market.

*Features

Traxxas Aton comes as ready to fly component. It can fly for 18-20minutes on a 3000mah battery. When flying in the sports or expert mode, this drone camera allows for air braking which saves against collision. The landing gears are retractable when in motion allowing for photography without obstruction from the landing gears.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

The battery can sustain this quadcopter up to only 28 minutes before it brings back itself for recharging.

2. Camera Details

The camera is stabilized on an A-axis gimbal and it features a 12-megapixel camera. Videos can be captured at 4K resolutions too.

3. Speed

This drone camera endures a maximum speed of 50mph (80kmh) for a long time.

4. Weight

Weighs only 1000g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Beginners and professionals

 

 

 

 

9. AUTEL ROBOTICS X-STAR PREMIUM

*Overview

The X-star has been solely designed for superb aerial photography. It has the features sophistication of a high-end drone camera and yet it is amazingly easy to fly and use. Its navigation control can easily be linked to a satellite and Starpoint Positioning system, as such; you will always be in control of your drone, both in and outdoors.

*Features

X-star records crystal clear, smooth and crisp photos/videos thanks to its refined rotors and enhanced camera. The camera has been secured in stabilized 3 –axis gimbal.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

The inbuilt SafeFly technology brings the drone safely back home after flying for a maximum of 25mins.

2. Camera Details

The camera is stabilized on a 3-axis gimbal and it features a 12-megapixel camera. Videos can be captured at 4K resolutions too.

3. Speed

This drone camera ensures a maximum speed of 50mph (80kmh) for a long time.

4. Weight

Weighs only 1000g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Professionals

 

 

 

10. DJI SPARK

*Overview

DJI Spark has been revered as arguably, one of the best drone cameras in the compact division. It oozes with confidence and its real value for money. It has more features for its size and intelligently packaged yet, it brings the reliability of more pricey cousins.

*Features

It spots a 2 axis stabilized gimbal, which clears out any jarring movements resulting in a smooth footage. Its anti-collision system is not as refined but does its job very well. It has a sturdy design that makes it travel-friendly and fits almost anywhere. It has tons of flight modes which makes it super easy to use.

*Key Specs

 

1. Flight Time

Dji Spark flies for about 13mins before the battery runs out of juice and returns for refueling.

2. Camera Details

The camera is stabilized on a 3-axis gimbal and it features a 12-megapixel camera.

3. Speed

DJI Spark can fly at speeds of 31mph (50kmh) in hover mode.

4. Weight

Weighs only 1000g

 

*The Good

*The Bad

*Good for Hobbyist

 

 

 

The evolution of camera drones

A few years back camera drones were an unknown entity. That is an understatement. They were aliens!

 

The whole subject of drones was discussed in hush tones. There was very little doubt in my mind that drones and danger seemed to flirt just fine.

To many, it was sophisticated high-tech equipment meant for NASA operations or special divisions of the military. A piece of technology costing a million dollars you only want to probe with a long pole, of course, taking cover at the same time just in case they decide to self-destruct.  What is astonishing is the speed at which camera drones have rapidly developed. Many have been caught napping and are now scrambling to the nearest stores thoroughly bewildered if not intimidated.

Heck, even the FAA has been scrambling to put together and just recently finalized regulations to govern drone flights after a few close calls with the house on the hill! No one knew how to do with this little technology. It reminds me of how my dog Bruno steals glances at my baby when it cries. And so fancy names like quadcopters started cropping up because no one had anticipated the rapid divergence drone technology would take.

Attaching a camera to one for commercial use seems to have settled the dust within the public quarters as to how drones can benefit humanity.

 

How are drone cameras useful?

Camera drones have gone beyond recreation. They have announced their arrival in the business world, and albeit, with a bang! No music video or concert or political event would fathom missing out on a seductive piece of aerial photography. It embellishes the whole concept of photography since its invention.  I was pleasantly astonished to learn that even construction industry has fully embraced drone photography! The real potential bottled up in this technology is revolutionary.

Some of the industries that are rapidly consuming camera drone technology include and not limited to:

–    Storm tracking and weather forecasting

–    Border patrol and law enforcement

–    Construction projects

–    Wildlife monitoring and poaching prevention

–    Precision agriculture

–    Engineering structure inspections

–    Geographic mapping

–    Health care, especially search and rescue

–    Photography, filming, and journalism

–    Disaster management

–    Shipping and delivery

Drones are increasingly becoming sophisticated. Given the growing appetite for this technology, their capabilities are being stretched to become more robust. They are being adapted in a myriad of ways. Their payloads are becoming heavier and can accommodate longer flight times. Many of them are adopting automation systems and super sensors.

When I bought my first ever drone camera, I had no doubt I will never take it for a ride in a forest. Thoughts of my expensive piece of equipment clipping a tree branch and coming tumbling down did not help either. Until I saw an 11-year-old young maverick expertly pilot his camera drone within the precinct of a forest. I was awe-struck by the sophistication of these little things. Both of them. They made an old-timer like I feel a little out of place. That should you feel overwhelmed, the drone camera will hold its position in the sky waiting for a command. And if you completely forget your piloting skills, press a single button and the drone will come in for landing gracefully on the last spot it took off! How convenient, huh.