7 Best Camera Drones for Beginners

Whether you’re a professional videographer or just starting out with photography, one of the most popular and exciting types of camera equipment to use is a drone. This flying machine provides an entirely different camera angle and perspective than what you normally get on the ground, making your content more interesting or appealing to viewers.

If you have been looking to buy a drone for a future getaway or an upcoming event, note that quality varies depending on the unit you purchase. What are the best camera drones this 2021? Here are some well-reviewed recommendations:

#1 Mavic Air 2 4K Drone

Taking your aerial content to the next level would not be so difficult with the Mavic Air 2 in your possession. Equipped with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor, this drone captures 48MP photos with an impressive quality and speed. It has SmartPhoto features capable of intelligent scenery recognition, which automatically integrates HyperLight and HDR into one mode. The result? Optimised captures that adjust parameters for different scenes.

#2 Matrice 600 Pro

The Matrice 600 Pro (M600 Pro) is an upgraded version of the M600 model. It outperforms its predecessor with a higher loading capacity and smoother flying. This drone also comes with pre-installed arms and antennas, cutting back the total setup time. Adding more modules is easier now thanks to its improved modular design.

The airframe, along with an A3 Pro flight controller, Lightbridge 2 high-definition transmission system, is among the latest technologies offered by DJI. M600 Pro is also equipped with intelligent batteries and an efficient, energy-saving battery management system. You can fully synchronise this drone with third party software and hardware. It is naturally compatible with Zenmuse cameras and gimbals and can be a great tool for professional aerial photographers. This advanced drone also has other uses in industrial settings.

#3 Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Pro Plus

One of the most high-end drones in the market, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Pro boasts a 3-axis motorized gimbal and a 20MP CMOS sensor that spans an inch. You hardly experience any rolling distortion as this model comes with a mechanical shutter. There is also an optional remote controller with a 5.5 inch LCD screen, where you can view images under the sun.

The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 offers Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly, ActiveTrack, Draw mode, Gesture mode, and more. Draw lets you control the flight path with a fixed altitude simply by creating a route on the screen. Features and accessories to expect when buying this mode: 5.5" screen remote control, Intelligent Flight modes, a pair of 4x propellers, battery and charger (with power cable), microSD Card, micro USB cable, gimbal clamp, and a carrying case where the drone can be stored when not in use.

#4 Ryze Tello

An enjoyable drone to fly in stable weather, the Ryze Tello is fast and intuitive. It quickly responds to various inputs while still being relatively easy to fly. Despite its limited range, which enthusiasts might find constraining, as long as you can take the video quality with a grain of salt, the Ryze Tello makes for a great starter drone.

Not too pricey, straightforward design and lightweight, the Ryze Tello is perfect for first-time drone users. Battery life is impressive for its price with a maximum flight time of 13 minutes. This model is also equipped with light sensors that face downward and let the drone hover in place while carrying out different automated functions.

A 5MP camera, mounted on the nose, offers a decent image and video streaming quality. Since the video is linked directly to the user’s smartphone, connection strength tends to affect the frame rate. Streams have a limited dynamic range and are automatically compressed to a 720p HD video.

#5 PowerVision PowerEgg X

While the current drone market needs more water-proof variants in the mix, PowerVision stands out among contemporaries with its distinct aerial orb. This model is capable of flying in the rain and landing smoothly on lakes (only if you purchase the Wizard bundle). Image quality can get blurry when its plastic waterproof case is splashed with water. Where creativity is concerned, however, there is so much you can do with this drone including operating it in and letting it float upon wet surfaces.

The PowerEgg X has an adaptable modular design and you can dispatch it as a handheld gimbal camera with an independent AI camera on a tripod and manoeuvre through hand gestures. The downside is that deployment could take time since the unit is relatively lightweight and assembling the propeller arms and controller is not easy.

The drone comes with the following features: 4K footage, fixed aperture, and fixed-focus 12MP 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor. Expect decent captures under bright conditions though recording raw videos may not be possible.

#6 Mavic Mini

Getting the Mavic Mini spells value for your money. While a newer version is already out in the market, this unit is still a good bargain. Besides a quality camera with gimbal, the Mavic Mini is well-known for a number of features definitely worth having in a drone camera: QuickShots software that tracks the subject, altitude control, GPS positioning, and a controller. Because it is a mini model, camera range may be limited. However, battery life and flight time exceed expectations given its regular retail price.

Unlike its bigger counterparts, this drone has an impressive 2.7K video quality. As mentioned, due to size, camera range may be limited but all things considered, this unit is well ahead of its pack. The Mavic Mini is recommended for neophyte users who want a good balance of budget and quality. This drone is no different from a flying mobile phone camera. It works best under low wind and within a short distance.

#7 DJI FPV

Technology upgraded to levels beyond what a number of drone enthusiasts could imagine, the DJI FPV drone is a must-have for digital creatives and those passionate about aerial photography. This stunt-capable drone is built for speed and can give other FPV racing models a run for their money. The FPV can fly at a speed of 140 kilometres per hour, covering the first 100 in as little as 2 seconds.

For amateur and experienced photographers, this camera system installed in this drone produces better quality than other drones within its price range. Experts usually mount a GoPro on top and sort out the footage later. In the case of the DJI FPV, a single axis gimbal needs to connect with a software so a high quality 4K video at 60fps can be activated. With the right accessories and app to back it up, this drone offers more than just racing and fast flight.

Find the Best Camera Drones for Your Needs

Make the most of your leisurely or professional adventures with a quality camera drone. From aerial photography to work-related captures, whether you are starting a new hobby or looking to increase your productivity, there is a drone for every need.

View a wide selection of camera drones and accessories from top manufacturers at https://www.wireless1.com.au/cameras-and-drones/drones. Our drones are reasonably priced, and we offer FREE SHIPPING for all orders above $200.