Best Drones For Professional 👨🏫 Photography
About photography, drone technology has already become more advanced. Not only for professional photographers anymore, even
For those who want to take stunning pictures with aerial views, you need a drone that has a high-quality camera. With this technology only limited to professionals only, the average person is also now able to enjoy its perks through drones
The 4 Best Drones for Professional Photography: DJI Phantom 3 Standard Drone (Best Value), DJI Inspire 1 PRO Drone (Advanced Level Professional Quality), Parrot Bebop 2 FPV RC Quadcopter Drone (Rookie Level) and Yuneec Typhoon H Hexacopter UAV Camera System Bundle Remote Control Models (Professional).
Each of these drones offers something different in terms of features, prices and quality. Which one will be best for your needs? Find out below!
What are the benefits of using a drone for photography?
- Some advantages of using a drone for photography include:
- Ability to capture aerial shots that are not possible with other types of cameras
- Ability to get close to targets or take shots from difficult angles
- Reduced risk of injury compared to traditional methods such as climbing or hanging out of windows/doors
What are the drawbacks of using a drone for photography?
Some disadvantages of using drones for photography include:
- High cost, especially if you purchase your own drone and camera equipment rather than renting
- Unstable footage can lead to crashes or misidentified targets near the ground (i.e. people)
- Requirement of advanced knowledge in order to operate well, coupled with steep learning curve when initially starting out.
For taking perfect photo footage using your drone it is necessary to consider using the best camera drone under $500.
There are many drones available in the marketplace but choosing the perfect quadcopter can be frustrating when you don’t know about their specifications and functionalities.
Here we come with our top 5 picks for best camera drones that are affordable and have great camera features.
DJI PHANTOM 3 STANDARD
Once you’re ready to fly, the Phantom 3 Standard is incredibly easy to operate. There are just two buttons on the remote control – one for takeoff and landing, and one for switching between flight modes.
The DJI GO app offers a wealth of features and settings, including an intuitive waypoint-based system that lets you trace a route on the screen and have the drone follow it.
- Refer the user manual and videos on this page for troubleshooting.Enjoy the view: A live video feed gives you a 720p HD real-time view of what your camera sees right on your mobile device
- View a live image streamed from the drone up to a half mile away on the DJI Go app using your mobile phone or tablet
- GPS assisted flight features let you concentrate on getting great images while the drone helps you fly safely. You can achieve advanced camera perspectives with the Point of Interest, Follow Me and Waypoints modes (pending app feature availability)
The 10-megapixel camera is mounted on a three-axis gimbal, which means you can be certain your shots will be silky smooth. It records at full HD (1080p) resolution and captures 12-megapixel stills in JPEG or DNG RAW format.
The camera also has a built-in video editor, which lets you quickly and easily create professional-quality videos without having to use a separate computer.
Pros:
- Very good video quality
- Good flight time
- Intuitive operation
Cons:
- Low retail price does not include a camera or battery
This drone is very popular because of its quality performance and amazing aerial shots.
The camera in DJI Phantom 3 Standard has got 12 megapixels lens with f/2.8 aperture and shoots video at 2.7k resolution. It is ideal for those who want to become a professional photographer and offers a lot of features for the price you pay.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use, durable and has good camera quality then this drone must be your ideal choice.
YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter
The drone is easy to control and responds smoothly to your commands. It’s also very stable in the air, making it perfect for capturing smooth, professional-looking videos and photos.
- Personal Ground Station with built-in touchscreen, Integrated 3-axis precision gimbal camera
- 4K/30fps ultra high definition video and excellent Full HD 60 FPS
- User controlled video resolution, white balance and light exposure
The Q500 4K Typhoon comes with a built-in camera that records stunning 4K video and takes 12-megapixel still photos. The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal that provides stabilization, allowing you to capture clear, smooth video footage even when flying in windy conditions.
The Q500 4K Typhoon is also equipped with an advanced GPS system that allows you to easily track your drone’s location and return it to its takeoff point if it ever goes out of range.
The drone has a robust built-in flight computer with multiple gyroscopes that makes flying easy and staying stable in the air incredibly smooth.
Pros:
- Easy to control
- Smooth, stable video footage
- Advanced GPS system
- Robust flight computer
Cons:
- No obstacle avoidance features
This drone is perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots.
The camera has got Ultra-High Definition 4K video recording along with a 12 megapixels lens that provides you stunning photos and videos at stable flight. You can operate it using your smartphone or tablet via application ST16 which is installed in these devices.
The drone also has headless mode, one key takeoff, landing and return home features making it easy for outdoor use.
3DR SOLO
- Solo’s video game-style controller will feel familiar the second you pick it up, even if you’ve never flown a drone. Pushbutton commands put both camera and copter at your fingertips. Take off, land or instantly pause your flight midair with a...
- In case you missed it in the picture…that’s a high-quality HDMI port directly from the controller so you can connect Solo to practically any screen you can think of. Refer user manual below
- Full-featured app for iOS and Android puts total craft control at your fingertips.
For those who are looking to capture amazing aerial footage then this is the best choice available in the marketplace because of its amazing features and specs.
The camera has 15 megapixels lens that shoots 1080p HD video but there is no tilting feature available so it’s not much user-friendly. There are many automatic flying modes available in this drone that makes it easy to operate for beginners.
The SOLO is a fairly large drone, measuring just over 20 inches long and almost 9 inches wide. Despite its size, it is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just under 2 pounds. This makes it easy to transport, even for those who don’t have a lot of experience with drones.
The SOLO is powered by two 1,200mAh lithium-polymer batteries. These provide plenty of power for the drone to fly for up to 20 minutes. The batteries can be easily swapped out, allowing you to continue flying even if you run out of juice.
The remote control is easy to use, even for those who are new to drones.
Pros:
- Hard Case
- Easy to Fly
- Good, Durable Construction
Cons:
- No gimbal is included with the package. Quite expensive for a drone without it.
PARROT Bebop 2
The Parrot Bebop 2 drone is a great option for those looking for an affordable drone with plenty of features. This drone is easy to fly and even comes with a built-in camera that captures high-quality photos and videos.
The Parrot Bebop 2 also has a number of other features that make it a great choice for pilots of all levels. These include a return home function, which automatically brings the drone back to you if you lose sight of it, as well as an emergency stop button that halts the propellers immediately if needed.
Pros:
- Easy to fly
- Built-in camera captures high-quality photos and videos
- Return home function automatically brings drone back to you
- Emergency stop button halts propellers immediately if needed
Cons:
- None identified thus far
This drone is perfect for those who are looking for a durable and affordable option with good camera quality.
The camera has got 14 megapixels lens with f/2.8 aperture and records videos at 1080p HD resolution. It can be controlled using your smartphone or tablet via FreeFlight 3 application that is installed in these devices.
The drone also has return-to-home, follow-me and autonomous flight modes which make it easy to use for beginners.
Also read: Best Drones under $500 Budget
HUBSAN X4 H107D
- Battery: 3.7V Voltage, 530mAh li-po battery with auto cut off safety PCB
- Includes USB charging cable
- Control distance: 50 - 150meters
The Hubsan X4 H107D FPV is an advanced micro quadcopter offering HD video recording and FPV flight within the palm of your hand. This is one of the most versatile quadcopters out there that you can buy right now for such a low price!
Pros:
- It offers FPV flights at a very cheap price for the features it provides. It has adjustable speed rates. The 6-axis stabilization system allows for great handling, even in windy conditions.
- The built-in camera is capable of taking 720p HD videos and photos.
- The Hubsan X4 H107D FPV has 4 LED lights in the front and back so you can track it in low-light conditions or during night flights with ease.
- The remote control allows for controlling the quadcopter without needing a line of sight to it, this gives you more freedom to fly your drone wherever you want!
Cons:
- Underneath which makes it difficult to film during fast forward flight or if you are planning to fly your quadcopter upside down at any time.
- It doesn’t have that much power at maximum speeds if you are looking to fly outdoors in moderate winds.
- It doesn’t have a GPS based return to home function.
This drone is if you are looking for an entry-level drone with good camera quality.
The camera has got 720p HD resolution and records videos at 30 fps. It can be controlled using your smartphone or tablet via the Hubsan X4 H107D application that is installed in these devices. The drone also has headless mode, one key takeoff and landing feature which make it easy for beginners to use.
Also, read 5 Best Quadcopters For Kids in 2022 🎉🎉
Final Words
In conclusion, using a drone for photography can be a great way to capture unique and interesting shots that wouldn’t be possible with traditional equipment.
However, there are some safety considerations that must be taken into account before flying one, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with the controls and environment prior to taking off.
With some practice and patience, you can soon become an expert at using a drone for photography!
So, these are our top 5 picks for the best camera drones that are affordable and have great camera features. We hope this will help you choose the perfect quadcopter for your needs.
Other Related Questions
What is the best drone for photography?
There is no specific ‘best’ drone for photography, as different users will have different needs and preferences. However, some drones that are popular for photography include the DJI Phantom 3 Standard, Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon Quadcopter, and 3DR Solo.
What should I consider before using a drone for photography?
- Some things to keep in mind before using a drone for photography include:
- The purpose of the shoot – some drones are better suited for certain tasks than others
- Area in which the shoot will take place – rural or urban locations may pose different challenges
- Weather conditions on the day of the shoot – high winds or rain can make flying difficult or even dangerous
- Experience level of the pilot – beginner pilots should start with simple drones and work their way up as they gain experience
How safe/dangerous is it to use a drone for photography?
- Drones are generally very safe, but there are safety considerations that must be taken into account before using one.
- Use caution when flying around people or in areas with foot traffic – if your equipment fails or you lose control, you don’t want to hit anyone
- While attending flight school courses can improve your competency as a pilot, please note it will not fully prepare you for every possible scenario that may arise
- Always read the manual of any piece of equipment before attempting to use it, and familiarize yourself with the controls before flight
- Consult an expert on drone safety for additional guidance prior to operating your own drone for photography
How do I get started using a drone for photography?
The best way to get started using a drone for photography is to take a course at a flight school. This will help you gain the basic knowledge and skills needed to safely operate a drone in different environments.
You can also find helpful tutorials online that will walk you through the basics of flying and operating a drone for photography.
Once you have some experience, experiment with different shots and flying techniques in different locations – this is the best way to learn and improve your skills.
How much does it cost to use a drone for photography?
The costs associated with purchasing and operating your own drone vary depending on the model that you choose. Factors such as durability, ease/controls of operation, battery life, range, etc., should be considered when making a purchase.
Generally, renting a drone and camera equipment for a specific shoot will be less expensive than purchasing one’s own set-up.
What are some tips for shooting great photos with a drone?
Some tips for shooting great photos with a drone include:
- Start simple, then move up to more challenging shots once you have experience
- Shoot in RAW format – it’s better if you need to edit or alter your images later
- If your drone is equipped with a gimbal, use this feature to reduce camera shaking/blurriness caused by vibration of the blades
- Pack light when traveling – vibrations may cause blurriness due to jostled equipment during flights
- Know your surroundings and plan each shot accordingly – avoid flying in dense urban areas or near airports without proper clearance
- Keep a steady hand when shooting, use a tripod whenever possible for stability
What are some of the challenges associated with using drones for
- Some of the challenges associated with using drones for photography include:
- High cost, especially if you purchase your own drone and camera equipment rather than renting
- Unstable footage can lead to crashes or misidentified targets near the ground (i.e. people)
- Requirement of advance knowledge in order to operate well, coupled with steep learning curve when initially starting out
- Weather conditions on the day of the shoot – high winds or rain can make flying difficult
- Flying in dense urban areas and near airports may require additional approvals and permits, which can be time-consuming to acquire
How do I avoid crashing my drone?
The best way to avoid crashing your drone is to stay aware of your surroundings at all times – you don’t want to crash into people, buildings, power lines, etc., so keep a close eye on where you’re flying.
You should also read the manual for any piece of equipment before attempting to use it. Familiarize yourself with the controls before the flight and always consult an expert if you have any questions about how to properly utilize your equipment for photography.
Additionally, even though drones are equipped with fail-safes, it’s important to always fly within your capabilities to avoid accidents. If you’re feeling uncomfortable or unsure about a particular shot, don’t attempt it. Play it safe and have fun!