Flying a top aerial photography drone is the only way to capture stunning landscapes. Here are the best drones for aerial photography, each having 4k cameras.
These top aerial photography drones also have super smooth stabilization, first person view and intelligent flight modes. Also, many of the below drones have excellent automatic and manual camera settings.
These UAVs have great cameras for drone photography and all have an excellent range of lens filters available.
The aerial photography drones featured here have low prices and are affordable to most.
Without doubt, they are the best aerial photography drones on the market today.
Along with having great cameras, these photography drones have the best safety features and many intelligent flight modes to make aerial photography so very easy.
This makes them the best drones for photographers.
10 Best Aerial Photography Drones With Prices
These are the best photography drones from DJI, Yuneec, Walkera and Autel.
- DJI Mini FlyCam
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro
- Mavic 2 Zoom
- Yuneec Mantis Q
- Mavic Air 2 (New)
- Mavic Pro photography drone
- DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2
- DJI Inspire 2
- Yuneec Typhoon H
- Autel Evo photography drone
Below, we take a quick review of each of these best drones for photographers, highlighting their best features along with prices.
Aerial Photography Drone Prices
These top aerial photography drones prices start at USD $399 and upwards. Many of these drones are being used professionally for aerial filming and photography.
The top end aerial photography drones can also be used for photogrammetry and surveying.
Aerial Photography Tips And Camera Settings
If you are new to aerial photography or would like to take your aerial filming and photography to the next level, then the following 2 articles will help you immensely.
Aerial Photography Camera Tips and Best Settings
Mavic Mini FlyCam Aerial Photography Drone
The new Mavic Mini is the latest top aerial photography drone by DJI. This palm sized drone really packs in some tremendous drone and camera technology. The price is so low that the Mavic Mini has to be the best value aerial photography drone on the market.
This Mavic Mini FlyCam drone was designed specifically with a weight of exactly 249 grams (8.78 ounces), which in many countries will exempt it from flight regulations.
For example, in the United States and Canada, you can fly the Mavic Mini as a hobbyist without the need to register this drone with the government.
In Japan, the Mavic Mini weight is 199 grams (7.019 ounces). In Japan, Unmanned Aircraft / drone regulation start with any airplane, rotorcraft, glider or airship over 200 grams.
DJI named this new drone as the “Mavic Mini FlyCam” meaning a miniature flying camera.
Now, let’s take a look at the Mavic Mini GPS, camera, autopilot modes and more. To find out out all about the tremendous features of this latest quadcopter, then read our full Mavic Mini Flycam review, which also includes some excellent videos.
Mavic Mini Main Features
- 30 minutes flight time
- Dual GPS & GLONASS satellite navigation
- 249 grams (8.78 ounces) weight
- Max speed of 29 mph (46.8 km/h) flying in Sports mode
- Wind speed resistance of 17.9 mph (28.8 km/h)
- Max video transmission distance is 2.48 mile (4 km)
- New C-Mode (Cinesmooth) flight mode
- 4 quick shot autopilot modes (Rocket, Dronie, Circle Helix)
- Top quality camera
- Return To Home safety features
Mavic Mini Aerial Photography Drone – Very Affordable
This latest mini quadcopter only released in October 2019 is really affordable. You can find the latest Mavic Mini prices, along with the best Mavic Mini Combo bundle available right now on the below links.
Mavic Mini Combo deals direct from DJI.
Mavic Mini Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
The Mavic Mini FlyCam has the following autonomous quick shots flight modes, which make capturing great aerial photos very easy. These quick shots allow you to concentrate on capturing aerial film or photos with the Mavic Mini flying autonomously.
- Rocket: Ascend with the camera pointing downward
- Dronie: Fly backward and upward, with the camera locked on your subject
- Circle: The Mavic Mini circles around the subject
- Helix: Fly upward, spiraling around your subject
Mavic Mini Aerial Camera Features
The Mavic Mini camera uses the latest 3 axis gimbal and camera technology to guarantee smooth, super stable footage. The filming output is absolutely stunning for such a tiny and light weight drone.
The Mavic Mini supports 12 megapixel aerial photos and 2.7k Quad HD videos.
Quad HD (QHD) is the resolution is around since 2015. It gets its name from being four times sharper than 720p HD.
The Mavic Mini has the new C-Mode (Cinesmooth) technology for exceptionally smooth flying, which is great when filming.
Mavic Mini Camera Specifications
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Pixels: 12 million
- Lens FOV: 83°
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Electronic Shutter Speed: – 1/8000s
- Still Image Size: 4:3 (4000 × 3000)
- Still Image Size: 16:9 (4000 x 2250)
- Max Video Bit Rate: 40 Mbps
- Photo Format: JPEG
- Video Format: MP4 (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC)
Mavic Mini ISO Range
- Video: 100 – 3200
- Photo: 100 – 1600 (auto)
- Photo: 100 – 3200 (manual)
Mavic Mini Still Photography Modes
Single shot
Interval – JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s
Mavic Mini Video Resolution
2.7k: 2720 × 1530 at /25/30p
FHD: 1920 × 1080 at 25/30/50/60p
Mavic 2 Pro And Zoom Photography Drones
The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom editions are in the running for the very best drone for photographers.
The Mavic 2 series have some major advancements over other drones on the market including it’s predecessor the Mavic Pro. The Mavic 2 is faster, quieter and can fly further. Obstacle sensing is now on all 6 sides with front and back collision avoidance technology, allowing the Mavic 2 to fly around obstacles.
The only difference between the Mavic 2 Pro and the Mavic 2 Zoom is the camera. So I have separated the specification on these aerial cameras below.
Below, we look at the Mavic 2 GPS, Cameras and Autopilot modes. To find out more on these new DJI quadcopters just released, then read our full Mavic 2 review, which also includes some terrific videos.
Mavic 2 Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom have the following autonomous Intelligent Flight Modes which make capturing great aerial photos so very easy;
- ActiveTrack 2.0
- Hyperlapse
- Quick Shots
- Points Of Interest (POI 2.0)
- Waypoint navigation
- Cinematic mode
- TapFly
Mavic 2 Pro Aerial Camera Features
1 Inch CMOS Sensor – The new 1 inch CMOS sensor has an active sensing area four times more effective than the original Mavic Pro. The large sensor also means better performance in low light environments with a more extensive ISO range, max ISO lifted from 3,200 to 12,800.
10 Bit Dlog-M Color Profile – The Mavic 2 Pro supports a 10 bit Dlog-M color profile, which yields higher dynamic range for more flexibility in the grading room.
The system records over 1 billion colors (compared to the 16 million colors from traditional 8 bit color coding technologies) and retains more in-depth detail in both highlights and shadows. This allows you can capture the subtlest gradations at sunset or sunrise.
HDR Video – With 4k 10 bit HDR (High Dynamic Range) support, the Mavic 2 Pro can be plugged into a 4k television with HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and it will immediately play back footage with the right color tones.
Adjustable Aperture – The Mavic 2 Pro has an f/2.8 to f/11 adjustable aperture, which deliver outstanding image quality in high and low light environments. When shooting in low light, set the aperture to f/2.8 to allow more light in and to capture bright and clear photos. When shooting in well lit environments, set the aperture to f/11 to lower the shutter speed and make your videos smoother.
H.265 Codec For Higher Image Quality – The Mavic 2 Pro records 4k video at a higher bitrate with advanced H.265 compression. Videos in H.265/HEVC codec maintain 50% more information than videos in H.264/AVC, creating high-quality videos with better-preserved details.
Mavic 2 Pro Aerial Drone Camera Specifications
- Sensor: 1” CMOS
- Pixels: 20 million
- Lens FOV: 77°
- Aperture: f/2.8 to f/11
- Electronic Shutter Speed: 8 – 1/8000s
- Still Image Size: 5472 × 3648
- Max Video Bitrate: 100 Mbps
- Color Mode: Dlog-M (10 bit), support HDR video (HLG 10 bit)
- Photo Format: JPEG and DNG (RAW)
- Video Format: MP4 / MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)
Mavic 2 Pro ISO Range
- Video: 100 – 6400
- Photo: 100 – 3200 (auto)
- Photo: 100 – 12800 (manual)
Ad: Check out this superb DJI Mavic 2 Pro deal on Amazon.
Mavic 2 Pro Still Photography Modes
- Single shot
- Burst shooting: 3/5 frames
- Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) – 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV Bias
- Interval – JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s and RAW: 5/7/10/15/20/30/60s
Mavic 2 Pro Video Resolution
- 4k: 3840 × 2160 at 24/25/30p
- 2.7: 2688 x 1512 at 24/25/30/48/50/60p
- FHD: 1920 × 1080 at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p
Mavic 2 Zoom Aerial Camera Features
The Mavic 2 Zoom aerial drone camera will allow you to capture everything from wide angle to mid-range shots giving your aerial photography and videography new creative perspectives.
12 Megapixel, 4 x Zoom, 2 x Optical Zoom – This new Mavic 2 Zoom camera is powered by a 1/2.3 inch 12 megapixel sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm).
48 mm Telephoto Lens – Compared to a 24 mm wide angle lens, the 48 mm telephoto lens compresses your perspective, enhancing the parallax effect for a classic cinematic look. A telephoto lens has a long reach, allowing you to photograph a subject, which is far away. It will magnify the subject in your frame.
Lossless Zoom – When shooting Full HD video, 4 x lossless zoom (including 2 x optical zoom) gives you a closer view of faraway subjects, making unique scenes more accessible to capture at a distance. This option also helps you maintain a safer distance from buildings, vehicles, animals, and people.
Quick and Accurate Focus – The hybrid auto-focus on the Mavic 2 Zoom combines phase and contrast detection for higher focus accuracy with an increased focus speed of up to 40% more than before. The auto-focus tracking system makes subjects appear clear and sharp when zooming in and out.
Zoom During Flight – Dolly Zoom is a new QuickShot for the Mavic 2 Zoom, giving another creative perspective to your videography. Dolly Zoom automatically adjusts focus when flying, adding an intense, warping visual effect to your video.
When flying manually, you can also set proper focus speed values for even more creative shot options.
Super Resolution Photos – The Mavic 2 Zoom has a new Super Resolution feature, which is a major plus when capturing vivid details in landscape photography. When taking a picture with a 24 mm equivalent field of view, the camera will capture and patch nine photos with its telephoto lens, resulting in a 48 megapixel super resolution photo.
Compared to ordinary panoramas, the super resolution photos retain the original look of the shooting targets with a more accurate composition.
H.265 Codec For Higher Image Quality – The Mavic 2 Zoom also records 4k video at a higher bitrate with advanced H.265 compression. Videos in H.265/HEVC codec maintain 50% more information than videos in H.264/AVC, creating high-quality videos with better-preserved details.
Mavic 2 Zoom Camera Specifications
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Pixels: 12 million
- Lens FOV: 83°
- Aperture: f/2.8 (24 mm) to f/3.8 (48 mm)
- Electronic Shutter Speed: 8 – 1/8000s
- Still Image Size: 4000 × 3000
- Max Video Bitrate: 100 Mbps
- Color Mode: D-Cinelike
- Photo Format: JPEG and DNG (RAW)
- Video Format: MP4 / MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265)
Mavic 2 Zoom ISO Range
- Video: 100 – 3200
- Photo: 100 – 1600 (auto)
- Photo: 100 – 3200 (manual)
Mavic 2 Zoom Still Photography Modes
Single shot
Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames
Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) – 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV Bias
Interval – JPEG: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s and RAW: 5/7/10/15/20/30/60s
Mavic 2 Zoom Video Resolution
4k: 3840 × 2160 at 24/25/30p
2.7k: 2688 × 1512 at 24/25/30/48/50/60p
FHD: 1920 × 1080 at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p
Mavic 2 Aerial Photography Drone Prices
The Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom have the following prices.
- Mavic 2 Pro – USD $1599.00
- Mavic 2 Zoom – USD $1349
Direct From DJI
As with all DJI drones, you also have the excellent option of buying the Mavic 2 direct from DJI
This first video shows you the tremendous aerial filming and photography output from the Mavic 2. This Mavic 2 video is absolutely stunning. The Mavic 2 flies and films super smooth.
Yuneec Mantis Q Fun Aerial Photography And Filming Drone
In August 2018, the Yuneec Mantis Q was introduced to the World. This is a fun drone which films tremendously. Here are some of its tremendous features, including intelligent flight modes. We will also look at its camera specifications.
Yuneec Mantis Q Features
- Small and foldable
- 33 minutes flight time
- Sport mode speed of 44 mph (70 km/h)
- Under 1 lb weight (453 grams)
- Voice Control
- Waving Hand Gestures
- Face tracking and detection
- Launch from hand or ground
- Superb indoor positioning system (IPS)
- Electronic Image Stabilization
Mantis Q Aerial Photography Drone Price
The Mantis Q aerial photography drone price is excellent at USD 499.99 direct from Yuneec.
Mantis Q Intelligent Flight Modes
- Journey mode – the quadcopter will fly upwards on a linear path and then return automatically
- Points Of Interest (POI) – select and object or person and the Yuneec Mantis Q will circle this object automatically
- Orbit – Flies a circular path around you, keeping the camera trained on you the whole time
- Follow Me Tracking – uses it’s visual system to track the selected object
Mantis Q Camera Features And Specifications
- Sensor: 1/3.06 inch COS
- Photo Format: JPEG / JPEG + DNG
- Upward tilt to 20 degrees
- Downward tilt to 90 degrees
- View Field: 117°
- Equivalent Focal Length: 21.5 mm (0.85″)
- Video Format: MP4 / MOV
- Image Stabilization: 3 axis EIS
- ISO Range: 100 – 3200
- Electronic Shutter: For Photo Mode: 8s-1/8000s / For Video Mode: 1/30-1/8000
- Exposure Compensation: 0, ±0.5, ±1.0, ±1.5, ±2.0, ±2.5, ±3.0
- White Balance: Auto, Lock, Sunny, Cloudy, Fluorescent, Incandescent
- Scenery Modes: Nature, Saturation, RAW, Night, Soft
- Metering Mode: Spot Metering, Center Metering, Average Metering
- Photo Modes: Single Shot, Face Detection, Gesture Control
- Downloading Speed: 1 MB/s
Mantis Q Still Image Resolution For Aerial Photography
- 4800 x 2700 pixels (16:9)
- 4160 x 3120 pixels (4:3)
Video Resolution
4K: 3840 x 2160 @ 30 fps
1080P: 1920 x 1080 @ 30 fps or @ 60 fps (with image stabilization)
720P: 1280 x 720 @ 60 fps (with image stabilization)
New Mavic Air 2 Aerial Photography And Filming Drone
The new Mavic Air 2 released in April 2020 and it is perhaps the best value drone on the market when comparing its technology to price and competition.
Here are just some of the Mavic Air 2 aerial photography drone features;
- Up to 34 minutes flight time
- Fly in winds up 24 mph (38 km/h)
- Video transmission of 6.2 miles (10 km)
- 48 megapixel camera
- Take photos up to 8k
- Uses HDR and color optimization technology
- New SmartPhoto mode to take vivid photos.
- Shoot 4k video @ 60p
- Slow motion video @ 240 fps and in HDR
- Front and backward obstacle detection and avoidance
Intelligent Flight Modes
- 2 Active Track Follow Me Modes – Trace and Parallel
- Spotlight Mode – keeps you in the center while you fly.
- Points Of Interest – automated flight paths to a fixed point
- 6 Quickshots – Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Boomerang and Asteroid
Mavic Air 2 Aerial Photography Drone Camera
- Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS
- Pixels: 12 and 48 million
- Lens FOV: 84°
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Focus Range: 1 m to ∞
- Color Profiles: D-Cinelike, Normal
- Max Bitrate: 120 Mbps
Mavic Air 2 ISO Range
Video
- Video: 100 – 6400
Photo (12 MP)
- Photo: 100 – 3200 (auto)
- Photo: 100 – 6400 (manual)
Photo (48 MP)
- Photo: 100 – 1600 (auto)
- Photo: 100 – 3200 (manual)
Mavic Air 2 Still Photography Modes
- Max Photo Resolution: 48 MP (8000 x 6000)
- Single shot: 12 MP and 48 MP
- Burst: 12 MP 3/5/7 frames
- AEB: 12 MP 3/5 frames at 0.7 EV Bias
- Timed: 12 MP 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60 seconds
- SmartPhoto: Scene Recognition, HyperLight and HD
Mavic Air 2 HDR Panorama
- Vertical (3 x 1): 3328 x 8000 pixels (Width x Height)
- Wide (3 x 3): 8000 x 6144 pixels (Width x Height)
- 180º Panorama (3 x 7): 8192 x 3500 pixels (Width x Height)
- Sphere (3 x 8+1): 8192 x 4096 pixels (Width x Height)
Mavic Air 2 Video Resolution And Frame Rates
- 4k Ultra HD: 3840 × 2160 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
- 2.7k: 2688 × 1512 24/25/30/48/50/60 fps
- FHD: 1920 × 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120/240 fps
- 4k Ultra HD HDR: 3840×2160 24/25/30 fps
- 2.7k HDR: 2688 × 1512 24/25/30 fps
- FHD HDR: 1920 × 1080 24/25/30 fps
Mavic Air 2 Price
The Mavic Air aerial photography and filming drone is priced at USD 799 for the standard or USD 988 from the Mavic Air 2 Combo, which includes accessories.
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Best Mavic Air 2 Deal on Walmart.
Mavic Air 2 Combo deal direct from DJI.
Mavic Air Reviews
You can find our full DJI Mavic Air 2 review here, which includes it’s specifications.
DJI Mavic Pro Photography Drone
The Mavic was the first fold up aerial photography drone from DJI.
With a 4k UHD camera, obstacle avoidance, super stable flight stability, intelligent flight modes for filming and safety, this makes the Mavic Pro the most advanced drone you could ever fit into your backpack or shoulder bag.
The Mavic Pro has the following autonomous flight modes to make filming with this 4k drone very easy.
Mavic Pro Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
- Active Track (Trace, Profile, Spotlight)
- Trace – Follow behind, in front or circle a subject
- Profile – Fly alongside a person or object
- Spotlight – The Mavic is trained on an object while you fly
- Gesture Mode
- Tap Fly Mode
- Terrain Follow Mode
Mavic Pro Aerial Photography Drone Camera Specifications
- Sensor – 1/2.3” (CMOS), Effective pixels:12.35 M (Total pixels:12.71 M)
- Lens FOV: 78.8° 28 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.2 with distortion of < 1.5% Focus from 0.5 m to ∞
- ISO Range: 100-3200 (video)
100-1600 (photo) - Shutter Speed: 8s -1/8000s
- Max Image Size: 4000×3000
- JPEG and DNG
Still Photography Modes
- Single shot
- Burst shooting: 3/5/7 frames
- Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV Bias
- Interval
Mavic Pro Video Camera Resolution
Here are the full video recording modes of the Mavic Pro;
- 4k UHD: 4096 × 2160 24p
- 4k UHD-1: 3840 × 2160 24/25/30p
- 2.7k: 2704 × 1520 24/25/30p
- FHD: 1920 × 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/96p
- HD: 1280 × 720 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p
Note: Read more in this excellent article entitled Mavic Pro Highlights and FAQs which shows you around this very high tech portable 4k UHD video drone.
The DJI Mavic Pro is super easy to fly even in strong winds and films beautifully. It can be used for aerial filming, site surveying and 3D photogrammetry.
Mavic Pro Aerial Photography Drone Prices
There are some exceptional offers for the DJI Mavic Pro and you can find Mavic Pro offers around the USD 900 on Amazon.
Now, here is a terrific DJI Mavic Pro 4k video of NYC, which really shows off how great this quadcopter both for aerial photography and filming.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2 Photography Drone
The Phantom 4 Pro V2 aerial drone captures 20 megapixel still shots and stunning 4k UHD video. This 4k aerial drone has many intelligent flight modes, which allow the drone to fly autonomously so you can work the 4k video camera.
The Phantom 4 Pro V2 has exceptional flying stability giving you the sharpest of 4k video.
Another, great feature of the Phantom 4 Pro V2 is that it can detect obstacles in 5 directions. This collision avoidance technology in the Phantom 4 Pro V2 uses Vision, Ultrasonic and Infrared sensors. It really is terrific technology.
Flying a drone and working the camera at the same time can be quite difficult. While it is terrific to have a 4k drone, you still need to be able to concentrate on your video filming angles and shots. This can be very difficult and it is the best reason to own a 4k drone with autonomous flight modes.
Phantom 4 Pro V2 Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
The Phantom 4 Pro comes come with all the following autonomous and intelligent flight modes which make filming very easy.
- Active Track (Profile, Spotlight, Circle)
- Draw Waypoints
- TapFly
- Terrain Follow Mode
- Tripod Mode
- Gesture Mode
- S-Mode (Sport)
- P-Mode (Position)
- A-Mode (Attitude)
- Beginner Mode
- Course Lock
- Home Lock
- Obstacle Avoidance
- Narrow Sensing
These modes work with the obstacle sensing and vision positioning technology which means, that while you are concentrating on getting great 4k aerial film and still photos, you won’t crash into something. You can read further and watch videos of all the Phantom 4 Pro Intelligent Modes here.
The Phantom 4 Pro V2 was re-released in January 2020 and has some terrific new features;
OcuSync 2.0 – The Phantom 4 Pro V2 is equipped with the DJI OcuSync 2.0 transmission system, which also allows the drone to connect to DJI Goggles wirelessly. The Phantom 4 Pro uses DJI Lightbridge. Phantom 4 Pro V2 has a longer video transmission distance.
Propulsion System – The Phantom 4 Pro V2 also features an upgraded propulsion system, with FOC sinusoidal driver ESCs and 9455S quick release propellers, which reduce noise and make the drone more aerodynamic.
Remote Controller – The remote controller of the Phantom 4 Pro V2 cannot be used with other Phantom series drones.
You can read the full Phantom 4 Pro V2 review here, which includes terrific videos. Review cover the Phantom 4 Pro V2 features, specifications and answers the most frequently asked questions.
Phantom 4 Pro Aerial Drone Camera Specifications
One of the outstanding features of the Phantom 4 is it’s very comprehensive camera settings which give you great flexibility when it comes to your photo shoots.
Sensor: 1’’ CMOS (Effective pixels: 20 million).
Lens: FOV 84° 8.8 mm/24 mm (35 mm format equivalent) f/2.8 – f/11 auto focus at 1 m – ∞.
ISO Video Range:
- 100 – 3200 (Auto)
- 100 – 6400 (Manual)
ISO Photo Range:
- 100 – 3200 (Auto)
- 100- 12800 (Manual)
Mechanical Shutter Speed: 8 – 1/2000s
Electronic Shutter Speed: 8 – 1/8000s
Image Size
- 3:2 Aspect Ratio: 5472 × 3648
- 4:3 Aspect Ratio: 4864 × 3648
- 16:9 Aspect Ratio: 5472 × 3078
PIV Image Size
- 4096 × 2160 (4096 × 2160 24/25/30/48/50p)
- 3840 × 2160 (3840 × 2160 24/25/30/48/50/60p)
- 2720 × 1530 (2720 × 1530 24/25/30/48/50/60p)
- 1920 × 1080 (1920 × 1080 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p)
- 1280 × 720 (1280 × 720 24/25/30/48/50/60/120p)
Still Photography Modes
- Single Shot
- Burst Shooting: 3/5/7/10/14 frames
- Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB): 3/5 bracketed frames at 0.7 EV Bias
- Interval: 2/3/5/7/10/15/20/30/60s
This Phantom 4 aerial drone has the following ultra high definition videos shooting resolutions.
H.265
- C4k: 4096 × 2160 24/25/30p @100 Mbps
- 4k: 3840 × 2160 24/25/30p @100 Mbps
H.264
- C4k: 4096 × 2160 24/25/30/48/50/60p @100 Mbps
- 4k: 3840 × 2160 24/25/30/48/50/60p @100 Mbps
It has a max video bitrate of 60 Mbps. Photos formats in JPEG and DNG (RAW). With video you can save in MP4 / MOV ( MPEG – 4 AVC / H.264 ).
Phantom 4 Pro Aerial Photography Drone Price
The DJI Phantom 4 is a terrific quadcopter and it is the 1st choice for many professional aerial photographers. There are also some terrific Phantom 4 v2 bundle offers available at the moment with prices as low as USD $1600 on Amazon.
However, there is also Phantom 4 Standard and Advanced aerial drones with starting prices around the USD $800 mark.
Here is a terrific video showing you the Phantom 4 Pro aerial drone filming in low light. It sure films with exceptional quality.
DJI Inspire 2 – Best Photography Drone
The DJI Inspire 2 is without doubt the best drone for aerial photography and filming on the market today. No other aerial photography drone comes close. Top Hollywood Producers sing the praises exceptional cinematic film from the Inspire 2.
In fact, a short film called ‘The Circle‘ was created in full, using the Inspire 2, where both aerial and ground shots were filmed with this quadcopter.
The Inspire 2 is also perfect for sports action filming. The Inspire 2 is presently being used to film the WRC (World Rally Championship). So it is the perfect drone for fast action filming.
Inspire 2 Aerial Photography Drone Features
- 4.3 mile FPV
- Supports control over 4G network
- Dual battery with 27 mins max flight time
- Super stable flight and very agile
- Dual IMU and dual Barometer
- Max speed 58 miles per hour in just 4 seconds
- Self-heating technology to fly in low temperatures
- New image processing system
- Record 5.2k footage in CinemaDNG RAW and Apple ProRes
- New handheld camera mount for ground filming
- Superb X5S and X7 cameras
- Live stream broadcast mode
- Obstacle avoidance in 2 directions
- Detects obstacles 98 feet (30 meters) ahead
- Accurate indoor hovering and positioning
- Smart return to home feature
- Many autonomous flight modes
Inspire 2 Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
The intelligent flight modes on the Inspire 2 which make aerial photography and filming so much easier on the Inspire 2 include;
- Spotlight Pro
- Profile Mode
- QuickSpin
- TapFly
- ActiveTrack
The Inspire 1 was a revelation. It was the first film making drone in the world to integrate an HD video transmission system, 360° rotating gimbal and a 4K camera, as well as the simplicity of app control. The Inspire 2 takes everything that was good about the Inspire 1 aerial drone and improved on it.
The top of the range Zenmuse X7 and X5S cameras make the Inspire 2 the best drone for photographers and filmmakers around the globe.
The image processing system CineCore2.0 has been upgraded to CineCore2.1, while recording video at up to 6k in CinemaDNG or RAW and 5.2k in Apple ProRes when used with Zenmuse X7 camera.
The Inspire 2 flies from zero to 50 mph (80 km/h) in just 5 seconds and hits a maximum speed of 58 mph (94 km/h).
A dual battery system prolongs the flight time to a maximum of 27 minutes (with an X5S), while self-heating technology allows it to fly even in low temperatures.
An upgraded video transmission system is now capable of dual signal frequency and dual channel, streaming video from an onboard FPV camera and the main camera simultaneously, for better pilot and camera operator collaboration.
Inspire 2 Aerial Drone Camera Features
CinemaDNG
- 6k (6016 × 3200, 16:9) 30 fps 12 bit, 4.44 Gbps
- 5.2k (5280 x 2972, 16:9) 30 fps 12 bit, 4.20 Gbps
- 4k (3944 × 2088, 16:9) 60 fps 10 bit, 3.86 Gbps
Apple ProRes
- 5.2k (5280 × 2160, 2.4:1) 30 fps (422 HQ)
- 4k (3840 × 2160, 16:9) 30 fps (4444 XQ, no alpha)
H.264 / H.265
- Built-in 3D noise reduction, 3 DLUT color management technology, advanced sensor correction
- H.264/AVC BP/MP/HP Level 5.1: 4k 60 fps, 100 Mbps;H.265 MP Level 5.1: 4K 30 fps, 100 Mbps
Stills
- JPEG/DNG/JPEG + DNG 10 fps in burst 24 MP
- DNG 20 fps continuous burst 24 MP
Inspire 2 Aerial Photography Drone Price
The Inspire 2 is by far the best aerial photography drone on the market today. This exceptional quality comes with a price for all that technology. The quality from the Inspire 2 cannot be matched by any other drone on the market and for the same price.
Now, there are tremendous Inspire 2 bundles, which are great value. Starting as low as USD 2,889 for the Inspire 2 without a camera. For the Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X5S bundle which includes extras and accessories, the price starts around the USD 4,998. The Inspire 2 with top Zenmuse X7 camera bundle which also includes extras, starts around the USD 5,998 price.
NOTE: Everyone in the industry knows that the Inspire 2 is by far the best drone for aerial photography. If you really need the very best quality of filming including having have the need for a lot of post production editing, then the Inspire 2 is the only drone for photographers.
There are no Inspire 2 bundles available on Amazon anymore. So the best place to view the latest prices on this top drone is to visit the DJI Inspire 2 page.
Our next video comes from the very picturesque New Zealand, which the Inspire 2 aerial drone films perfectly.
Yuneec Typhoon H Plus Aerial Photography Drone
The Typhoon H Plus aerial photography and video drone is the latest multirotor from Yuneec.
It is fast with a top speed of 31 mph (50 km/h) and a flight time up to 28 minutes. The maximum altitude is set to 1640 feet (500 meters).
It is equipped with six rotors, a 360 degree gimbal camera and retractable landing gear. It is also very easy and safe to fly with the latest collision avoidance sensing system.
The Typhoon H Plus is equipped with a 1 inch 4k camera, a PX4 based flight controller and flight modes including Follow Me, Point of Interest and Curve Cable Cam. All the key internal components of the Typhoon H Plus now have improved protection against electrical influences and, along with the PX4 controller and 6-rotor design, ensure maximum reliability.
Typhoon H Plus C23 4K Camera Aerial Photography Camera
The C23 wide-angle camera is included with the Typhoon H Plus as standard and delivers high quality photographs and videos from the air. The 1” CMOS sensor takes still images up to 20 megapixels and captures video up to 4k at 60 frames per second, and also has improved low-light performance as well as an increased dynamic range.
Typhoon H Plus C23 4k Aerial Camera Specifications
- Sensor Size: 1 inch CMOS
- Effective Pixels: 20 Megapixel
- Camera Lens: F2.8
- View Field: 91º
- ISO Range: 100 – 6400
- Shutter Speed: 4 – 1/8000s
- Photo Format: JPEG, JPEG + DNG
- Photo Modes: Single, Burst (3/5/7), Interval (5/7/10/15/20 seconds) Panorama
- Photo Resolution: 3:2 (5472 x 3648) / 4:3 (4864 x 3648) / 16:9 (5472 x 3080)
- Video Format: MP4
- White Balance: Lock, Daylight, Cloudy, Automatic, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Sunrise
- Exposure Mode: Auto and Manual
- SD Card: 120 GB
H.264 Video Resolution
- 4096 x 2160 & 3840 x 2160 & 2720 x 1530 (24/25/30/48/50/60 fps)
- 1920 x 1080 & 1280 x 720 (24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps)
H.265 Video Resolution
- 4096 x 2160 & 3840 x 2160 (24/25/30 fps)
- 2720 x 1530 (24/25/30/48/50/60 fps)
- 1920 x 1080 & 1280 x 720 (24/25/30/48/50/60/120 fps)
Typhoon H Plus Autonomous Modes For Aerial Photography
The following autonomous flight modes make the Yuneec Typhoon H very easy to film with. This allows you to concentrate on getting the best video.
- Orbit Me: Flies a circular path around you, keeping the camera trained on you the whole time
- Point Of Interest: Select a subject and Typhoon H will orbit that subject autonomously
- Journey: The multirotor will go up and out, as far as 150 feet and capture the perfect aerial selfie
- Curve Cable Cam: Program an invisible route for this drone to fly along. The Typhoon H will fly between preset coordinates while independently controlling camera position
- Follow Me / Watch Me: Follow Me ensures that this multirotor moves along with you. Watch Me tells it to follow you while always pointing the camera at you wherever you go
Sonar Collision Avoidance System
The Typhoon H Plus stops automatically if it encounters obstacles through the use of its front facing ultrasound sensor. The Typhoon H Plus is also available with Intel® RealSense™ technology.
This technology uses 3D and depth measuring technology allowing the the anti-collision system to recognize objects, movements and distance. This allows the Typhoon H Plus to react independently and effortlessly avoid obstacles in its vicinity.
Yuneec Typhoon H Plus Aerial Drone Price
The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus drone price starts at USD $1799 direct from Yuneec USA.
This price includes;
- ST16S smart remote controller
- 1-Inch sensor camera
- Intel RealSense technology
- Travel backpack
- 2 flight batteries
- 10 propellers
- Charging accessories
FPV Goggles For Typhoon H Plus
Yuneec have their own goggles called the Skyview FPV goggles.
The Skyview FPV goggle has a 5 inch (12.7 cm) display and features a 75.5° field of view. The aspect ration is 16:9 giving you a terrific FPV experience.
This next video shows you 4 aerial filming samples from the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus. This drone really outputs stunning aerial video.
Autel Evo Photography Drone
The Autel Evo aerial photography drone is a very easy to fly quadcopter, even indoors or at low altitudes. The EVO has a tremendous flight time of 30 minutes and a 4.3 mile (7 km) video range.
With Dynamic Track, Obstacle Avoidance and 3D Mapping technology, EVO takes safety and stability seriously.
EVO includes a remote controller which houses a 3.3-inch OLED screen providing you with critical flight information or a live 720p HD video feed letting you see the camera view without the need for a mobile device.
Obstacle Detection And Stable Indoor Flying
The Evo has an integrated advanced computer vision systems providing forward obstacle avoidance and rear obstacle detection. The bottom facing sensors allow for more accurate landings and stable indoor flights.
Autel Evo Aerial Photography Drone Price
You can find Autel Evo on their above web page at a low price of around USD 1049.
Autel Evo Aerial Drone Camera Specifications
The Autel Evo is equipped with a powerful aerial camera on a 3-axis stabilize gimbal, which records video at 4k resolution up to 60 frames per second and a recording speed up to 100 Mbps in H.264 or H.265 codec. Using real-glass optics EVO captures stunning aerial photos at 12 megapixels with a wide dynamic range for more details and color.
- Resolution: 4k/12 MP camera
- FOV: 94°
- Video: 60 fps video
- Sensor: Sony CMOS 1/2.3″ sensor
- Aperture: F2.8
- Image Processor: Ambarella H2
- Supported SD Card Types: Micro-SD Card up to 128 GB Class 10
- File Formats: Photo: JPG, RAW, JPG+RAW
Autel Evo Aerial Camera Modes:
- Single Shot
- AEB – 3/5
- Burst Shooting – 3/5/7/14
- Time Lapse – 2/5/7/10/20/30/60
Autel Evo Video Resolution
- 4k 3840 x 2160
- 4k+ 4096 x 2160
- 2.7k 2720 x 1530
- 1080P 1920 x 1080
- 720P 1280 x 720
Video Frame Rate: 240, 60, 48, 30 and 24 frames per second.
Now to finish off this post, here is a some footage and testing of the Autel Evo with the film maker stating that the Autel Evo camera is much on par with the Phantom 4 Pro. That’s pretty impressive.