Keith Ericksen 
The best smart camera drones are quickly becoming popular in several industries, especially for aerial photography purposes. These drones are outfitted with advanced GPS modules that encompass stability, precision, and ease of flight controls for the best experience. If you’ve been looking to get your hands on one of these smart camera drones. Then read more to find out what are the top 12 best smart camera drones for beginners.
Before we dive into the details, I want to briefly touch the surface about what the smart camera drones are really are. If you’re new to the world of drones and don’t know that much about quadcopters and fancy stuff. I’ll cover the basics of the smart features that these camera drones incorporate. Without further ado, let’s get to the details.
What Are The Smart Camera Drones?
By the definition, a smart camera drone usually is outfitted with GPS / GLONASS feature that enables intelligent flight modes. This is a unique feature that allows the camera drones to perform intelligent flight modes such as Follow Me, Orbit Mode, and several other advanced functions. For instance, a DJI Mavic 2 Pro is capable of tracking the subject without losing contact while recording the footage. This allows professionals and beginners to get creative and innovative with how they market their content for promoting their drone business.
There is a wide range of smart camera drones. Obviously, professional-grade camera drones are capable of performing a multitude of intelligent flight modes. But there are also some smart camera drones that can be bought at an affordable price tag which are equipped with GPS / GLONASS module. They’re capable of performing simple intelligent modes like Follow Me and doing a 360-degree point of interest.
What Features Do Smart Camera Drones Have?
A lot. I’m not kidding. Smart camera drones come with plenty of features such as intelligent flight modes and in some cases, they’re outfitted with vision sensors and obstacle avoidance sensors to provide optimal flight paths. Popular smart camera drones such as Phantom 4 Pro and Mavic Air are packed with a ton of features that beautifully capture aerial footage and lowers the photography skill bar for beginners.
This means it’s very easy to produce stunning photography in the sky with drones. Aside from all the benefits that smart camera drones bring to the table. They’re simple, easy to use, and comes with a bunch of automated features focused on making the flying experience pleasant.
Top 12 Best Smart Camera Drones of 2019
Phantom 4 Pro
On the top of the best smart camera drones, DJI Phantom 4 Pro is the ultimate choice for beginners. It’s outfitted with 20MP camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, featuring 1-inch CMOS sensor. This flying beat packed superior control distance up to 4.3 miles and has a maximum flight time of 30 minutes.
Professionals and beginners like this smart camera drone the most because it encompasses the appealing design. It’s packed with a ton of impressive features. Intelligent flight modes, camera options, advanced obstacle avoidance feature, and more. The Phantom 4 Pro is one of the smartest camera drones that are super easy to fly even for beginners with no prior flying experience.
With the Phantom 4 Pro drone, you’re looking at the following key specifications:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 4.3 miles
- Flight Time: 30 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 4KUHD @ 60 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Maximum Flying Speed: 44.7 miles per hour.
- Beginner Mode: Yes
Mavic 2 Pro
The second best and popular smart camera drone that recently launched in August 2018 is the Mavic 2 Pro. This quadcopter comes with a number of improvements such as upgraded ActiveTrack 2.0 for an intelligent flight experience. Thanks to its built-in 360-degree obstacle avoidance feature, it can detect and adjusts automatically to create optimal flight path without the need of a remote pilot.
Furthermore, the Mavic 2 Pro / Zoom comes with an improved flight battery up to 31 minutes of flight time. Plus, it uses the brand new OcuSync 2.0 which increases the maximum remote control distance to 8,000 meters or 5 miles. There are two different types of Mavic 2 models, you can learn more about the difference between the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom. Aside from that, the Mavic 2 Pro is a popular choice for beginners and professionals.
The Mavic 2 Pro comes with impressive key specifications that dominate the categories of best smart camera drones:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 5 miles
- Flight Time: 31 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 4KUHD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Maximum Flying Speed: 44.7 miles per hour.
- Beginner Mode: Yes
Mavic Air
DJI Mavic Air is another popular smart camera drone with a much more affordable budget. It doesn’t come with fancy features that top-end professional camera drones has such as 360-degree obstacle sensors. But, the Mavic Air has frontal, rear and bottom sensors that provides intelligent flight paths which makes it easy for beginners to operate with ease.
With a built-in 12MP camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer, it provides impressive stability and smooth video footage. One of the main features that make the Mavic Air quite a popular drone for beginners is its integrated HDR technology. It provides better HDR toning for more coloring, details, and of course, better overall quality. If you’re the kind of person who wants an easy smart camera drone that does all the work for you, the Mavic Air is the right choice.
While the Mavic Air is the third most popular option for beginners, it has somewhat lower flight time and maximum flying speed to make up for its mouthwatering camera capabilities and intelligent flight modes:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 4.3 miles
- Flight Time: 21 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 4KUHD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Maximum Flying Speed: 42.5 miles per hour.
- Beginner Mode: Yes
DJI Spark
Of course, if you’re new to world of drones but you don’t want to spend too much money on it. The DJI Spark is another popular alternative option to the wide selection of smart camera drones. Starting with a price tag of $359, this mini-sized quadcopter comes with 12MP camera mounted on a 2-axis gimbal stabilizer. It can capture and produce stills at 4KUHD resolution setting. But, when it comes to recording the videos, it captures and store at 1080P HD at 30 frames per second.
This quadcopter normally isn’t used for professional drone services since it lacks the capabilities to produce 4KUHD videos. However, if you’re a traveler and runs a travel blog like me. You definitely might want to check out the DJI Spark. This quadcopter is a great choice for those travel bloggers, tourists, and beginners who want to master aerial photography. Plus, they go nicely and bring your blogs to life.
At the price tag, the DJI Spark drone is going for, you are looking at the following key specifications:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 2 miles
- Flight Time: 16 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Maximum Flying Speed: 35 miles per hour.
- Beginner Mode: Yes
Parrot Bebop 2
Aside from the popular DJI drones for beginners, I want to introduce the Parrot Bebop 2. This lighting fast FPV drone don’t have built-in obstacle avoidance sensors. But it features GPS module that provides incredible stability and precise flight controls. If you’re looking to race the drone around and capture footage with impressive smooth footage, this mid-sized bird surely packed the punches for beginners and racers.
You even can purchase the complete Parrot Bebop 2 FPV package to jumpstart your flight experience. Aside from that, the Parrot Bebop 2 has a built-in 14MP camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer. Its aerial perspective is somewhat limited compared to advanced smart camera drones because it is locked onto the body framework. However, as a remote pilot of Parrot Bebop 2, you’ll have at least three ways to command the quadcopter using a remote controller, hand-held device, and finally FPV headset.
The Parrot Bebop 2 comes with surprising key specifications that make it quite a popular smart camera drone for beginners:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 1.4 miles
- Flight Time: 25 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Maximum Flying Speed: 37.2 miles per hour.
- Beginner Mode: Yes
Contixo F24
Introducing the Contixo F24 drone, a recently launched smart camera drone featuring innovative design that looks like a baby version of the popular DJI Mavic Pro. You definitely will want to check this new drone out for several reasons: it’s affordable, packed with 1080P HD camera, has impressive flight time up to 30 minutes and a maximum remote control distance up to 1,000 meters. Most of the smart camera drones within the price range don’t attain these key specifications that Contixo F24 drone boasts.
If you have never flown a drone before, you will be impressed with the Contixo F24. Mainly because it is made of durable alloy metal that makes it tough and resilient against impacts. You don’t have to worry about accidentally crashing the drone since it is built to last for a long time. Plus, its camera is optimized which means it can deliver the video to your hand-held devices flawless for the best FPV experience.
Although the Contixo F24 is relatively new, this smart foldable camera drone brings a lot of fresh changes including longer flight time, better durability and more features. That being said, it has above the average key specifications than most of the best drones under $300 which is quite an impressive feat:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 1,000 Meters
- Flight Time: 30 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 4KUHD
- Intelligent Flight Modes
TOPE TE-F360
Another smart foldable camera drone that is worth checking out is the TOPE TE-F360. This brand new smart camera drone comes with durable design and foldable motor arms that follows the concept of portability and compactness. If you are traveling around the world and want to be able to fully experience the world has to offer. The TOPE TE-F360 is a great camera drone packed with high quality image resolution and features.
Thanks to the dual GPS / GLONASS positioning feature, this drone has one of the best stability and precise flight controls out of all smart camera drones under $200. It’s also integrated with an intelligent flight battery which provides a maximum flight time of 25 minutes and has a maximum remote control distance of up to 1,000 meters. Although it has slightly lower flight time compared to the Contixo F24 drone, it has an affordable price tag which makes it popular among beginners.
That being said, the TOPE TE-F360 drone comes with the following key specifications:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 1,000 Meters
- Flight Time: 25 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 1080PHD
- Intelligent Flight Modes
Potensic T35
The Potensic T35 drone makes it to the list of the top 12 best smart camera quadcopters for beginners. On the first impression, it does look like a clone of DJI Phantom 4 Pro although it’s packed with awesome features that makes it one of the best smart camera quadcopter. Thanks to its optimized camera, it has the ability to deliver a 1080P HD resolution setting both flawless and with great control distance.
Furthermore, the Potensic T35 drone has a maximum flight time of 15 minutes and can be operated up to 300 meters. Even though so it has lower aerial capabilities compared to the TOPE TE-F360 and Contixo F24 drones. The Potensic T35 drone is the perfect choice for beginners who are just starting off. Not to forget to mention that the Potensic T35 comes with plenty of juicy features that make flying heck a lot funnier.
To compare with the rest of best smart camera drones, the Potensic T35 drone fares exceptionally well:
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 300Meters
- Flight Time: 15 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 1080PHD
- Intelligent Flight Modes
HS120D GPS
As we climb into an affordable price range of the best smart camera drones, I want to introduce you the HS120D GPS drone. This is a recently launched quadcopter that became popular among beginners. It comes with the latest upgrades like the newly and improved foldable remote controller that encompasses superior control distance and improve flight time. The HS120D GPS drone has maximum flight time of 18 minutes and can be flown up to 300 meters.
At the price tag that the HS120D GPS drone is going for, it does surely pack the punches. Automatic takeoff, landing, smart return to home function, follow me mode, orbit mode, aerial stunts, and more. This quadcopter also comes with built-in landing gears to support soft landing that minimizes the impact when it is time to end the flight session. Personally, I prefer to pick HS120D over HS110D drone for a number of good reasons.
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 300Meters
- Flight Time: 18 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 1080PHD
- Intelligent Flight Modes
Ryze Tello
If these price tag of the smart camera drones scared you away. Don’t fret because I made sure to include even more affordable smart camera drones that doesn’t cost more than $100. The DJI Ryze Tello is a great option and one of the best entry-level camera drone. Unlike most of the drones that you see, the Ryze Tello comes with the ability to perform flip in eight different directions. Most of the drones only can flip in four ways which makes the Ryze Tello an extremely popular drone for beginners.
On top of that, you can learn how to program and code your own custom flight paths. Originally, this mini-sized quadcopter is designed for kids who are majoring in STEM. But it makes a great toy for adults who are interested in flying the drones and learning how to program. On the side note, the Ryze Tello comes with a built-in 5MP camera that beautifully captures aerial shots in great detail. It even has built-in proximity sensors that automatically avoid objects in its flight path.
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 100Meters
- Flight Time: 12 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 1080PHD
- Proximity Flight Sensors
WiMiUS DR10
An alternative option to the DJI Tello drone is the WiMiUS DR10. This is one is aerodynamically designed to maximize airflow for best flight control and stability. It also comes with built-in 2MP camera that delivers quality aerial footage. Although, the DR10 drone comes with plenty of features that encompasses beginner-friendly modes. Such as altitude hold function, automatic takeoff / landing and return to home function.
If you’re looking for a simple smart camera drone packed with durability and the ability to handle wind resistance with ease. The WiMiUS DR10 is the best choice due to the smooth and gradual learning curve. Plus, its price tag is incredibly low for a high-quality smart camera drone. This is definitely an entry-level quadcopter that is worth checking out yourself.
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 100Meters
- Flight Time: 12 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 720HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 720PHD
SS41 The Beetle
Finally, we’ve reached to the final quadcopter of the top 12 best camera drones for beginners. Introducing the SS41 Beetle drone. This is one of the most affordable drone outfitted with GPS / GLONASS module. Thanks to the inclusion of that module, the SS41 Beetle drone is one of the easiest quadcopter featuring precise and stability flight controls. Furthermore, it has unique and innovative design that makes it different apart its competitors.
The SS41 Beetle drone is a recently launched quadcopter that has intelligent flight capabilities. While it doesn’t exactly have state-of-the-art intelligent flight modes, the SS41 Beetle drone can perform Follow Me and 360-degree orbit mode. This makes the SS41 Beetle drone a perfect choice for training beginners. If you’re vying to become an aerial photographer, then this is definitely the best camera drone for beginners without spending too much money.
- Maximum Remote Control Distance: 100Meters
- Flight Time: 16 Minutes
- Video Resolution: 1080HD @ 30 FPS
- Image Resolution: 1080PHD
- Intelligent Flight Modes
Conclusion of Top 12 Best Smart Camera Drones
To conclude my top 12 best smart camera drones for beginners, I want to share my final remarks with you. Out of all these drones, you should choose one based on your preferences and what needs you are looking for. If you want to have a smart camera drone that delivers quality aerial footage and can withstand moderate to heavy winds. You would be better off shopping these professional-grade camera drones.
However, if you’re simply checking out the smart camera drones and don’t want to spend too much money. The SS41 Beetle drone and Ryze Tello both are great options. They’re simple, easy to use, durable, and provide a lot of fun. Remember, flying the smart camera drones isn’t all about being able to masterfully capture aerial footage. But it’s also about being able to fly without having to worry about controlling the drone. Best of all? Features, features, and ton of features.
If you’re new to the drones and want to learn more about it. I have assembled an ultimate guides & tips page consisting of the best guides all around this website. You will also get the opportunity to learn more about the best drones to shop around for beginners. So, feel free to check it out. If you have any questions regarding the best smart camera drones. Please feel free to drop a comment in the comments section below. Happy flying and fly smart!
Keith Ericksen
Hello, welcome to UAV Adviser! My name is Keith Ericksen. I am a commercial licensed drone operator. Flying and talking about the drones is my passion. Whether it is toy-grade to professional-grade quadcopters. On my leisure, I enjoy socializing with friends, play video games, hiking, traveling and reading. If you have a project that needs our drone services, please contact us via Hire-A-Pilot page.
