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These are the best camera drones for aerial photography and videography, both for cameras and flight controls Mini Drone With Camera
It’s amazing to think that a few years ago camera drones were little more than novelty toys for gadget-heads; now they’re a creative tool few photographers or filmmakers want to go without.
Top Picks 1. Best drone overall 2. Best for flexibility 3. Best follow-me drone 4. Best value 5. Best premium 6. Best for creative control 7. Best budget 8. Best for cinema 9. Best cheap DJI drone 10. Best for photographers Common questions How we test drones
There are choices for amateur and professional, offering a choice of creative angles and unique perspectives that simply wouldn’t be possible with any other camera. Of course, the possibilities have always been exciting – what makes it practical, and what is the right choice?
When we look at a camera drone, we're looking for the right balance of price, camera capability, and practicality. That last category is affected in most countries, including the UK and USA, by laws that make it easier to operate drones under 250g (0.55 pounds).
If you're looking for high-quality results, you'll need to look for larger image sensors and perhaps even the ability to record using cinema-grade codecs like ProRes. These can be hard for most people to work with though. More important are the essentials – a gimbal to keep the camera stable and a good battery life.
AI is also a key factor for shooting, with many drones having different levels of subject tracking that can greatly ease getting a good flowing shot, while safety is a factor bolstered by collision sensors, though these can come at a price.
Adam has been looking at cameras and gadgets since long before drones arrived, so he dived into the flying tech with enthusiasm, building several of his own before off-the-shelf possibilities emerged. He is not just our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, but the author of several books on the subject including bestsellers The Complete Guide to Drones and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.
Compact powerhouse A high-spec camera in a drone small enough to be used safely (and legally) in most places makes this an ideal first drone and often the only one you'll ever need.
Power and value A still-compact 4K drone with two cameras (1x and 3x) and 200fps slow-mo makes this a good choice for serious imaging without breaking the bank or your back.
Clever and safe If you want a loyal folding drone smart enough to follow you without the effort of flying it, and that will land in the palm of your hand without risking hurting you this is the only choice.
Great features for the cost A beginner being sensible with their budget gets a lot of camera power for a very small amount of regulation with this drone.
A flying powerhouse It's a flagship for a reason; micro-four-thirds main camera flanked by 3x and 7x zooms and powerful software.
6K Creative's camera Autel's EVO Lite+ actually has some heft to it, and a camera with an adjustable aperture which can stay aloft a long time and get impressive RAW images or high-res video.
Cheap and powerful Potensic have introduced a DJI Mini-killer with their Atom, and gave their drone all the things DJI took away, including 4K video and subject tracking.
Flying cinema camera It's not cheap, but the interchangeable camera and interchangeable lens system, dual controller and dual battery system make this a precise tool for pros which can still be used by any drone pilot. Read more below
Bright ultralight A great little drone, one of its many cool features is live narration of your flights – useful for surveys and fun.
Drone With 4k Camera And Gps Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.