Keith Ericksen 
Drones are becoming more and more popular. If you read the newspaper, there is a good chance you have already come across a drone shot from the skies. The fact that they are so popular, many people want to have their hands on the drones. The introduction of drones changes the way we operate our everyday business and carve a new niche in professional photography. Those who dream of being able to fly have finally been realized.
If you’re looking to have your hands on one of these best camera drones for beginners. Then be ready to fork out several hundred because these are the best of all camera drones. That being said, you can expect to achieve top-notch quality with these camera drones. While this article is geared toward beginners, hobbyists, professionals, and of course photographers. If you’re a photographer and prefer to limit your search to the best drones for photography.
I have included an in-depth guide for photographers only. In this article, you’ll find all the best camera drones for beginners from a wide range of popular brands. Some you probably already know. But there will be other drones that it’s likely you never heard of before. So, stick with us and find out what are the best camera drones for beginners.
What are Camera Drones?
For some of you who are not familiar with camera drones. These are simply called unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs. They are multi-rotor and can be commanded via a remote controller over a great length of distance. Furthermore, these camera drones are equipped with industry-grade cameras that deliver quality shots and videos with impressive details. They help shape the perspective and push the limit that we perceive the world with a ground-based camera.
As a result, these camera drones bring new possibilities that already carved their own niche in the photography field. They’re also incredibly useful for marketing, real estate, agriculture and even to serve the security purpose. There are three types of camera drones: professional-grade camera drones, HD camera drones, and lastly, action camera drones. They all offer their own advantages and disadvantages.
What should you know before you buy a new Camera Drone?
It is always a good time to buy your own camera drone. In fact, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) companies is constantly trying to impress the consumers with latest technology and upgrades. Not only the drones should have great features, they also need to be reliable and intuitive. Plus, the price tag of camera drones have dropped recently.
You can easily buy an entry-level camera drone for less than $400 like the Spark. However, if you want to jump start into professional aerial photography. The Inspire 2 will easily help you get started thanks to its Zenmuse X7 camera that is packed with a mouthwatering 24 megapixels and ultra-powerful 1″ CMOS Sensor.
There are several factors that you should consider when shopping for a brand new camera drone. They came with plethora of features and it is important to think about what is suitable for your preferences:
Flight Safety & Reliability
As the drones is becoming more and more common in today world. Safety is very important and always a key issue when it comes to buying a camera drone. You will need a camera drone that is stable, responsive and reliable. They requires an advanced flight controller that commands the drone intelligently. The smarter the drone is, the better your shiny new camera drone will be at being reliable and safe.
I recommend you to find a camera drone that is equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance system. Popular drones for beginners usually are equipped with that kind of features such as Mavic Air and Phantom 4 Pro. Even these top drones have built-in automatic return to home function that calls the drone back when the battery is low.
Imaging Systems
Drones that is equipped with good cameras are incredible powerful and have amazing capabilities to produce industry-leading image quality. The best drones that the DJI Store is selling comes in different camera quality and sizes that decides which bracket they fit in. Professional grade camera drones will have a 1″ CMOS sensor and can usually capture at least 20 megapixels. Not only they produce stunning aerial pictures, Mavic 2 and Inspire 2 can capture stills and videos at least 5.2K resolution with the capability to produce both RAW and JPEG file formats.
Most importantly, the quality of gimbal is absolutely a necessity for smooth and sharp images. Which is why I emphasizes on picking the top quality drones that provides you the best flight experience and aerial imagery. Currently there are drones equipped with 2-axis and 3-axis gimbal systems. I recommend you to go for the camera drones that uses 3-axis gimbal system.
Video Transmission Systems
Having a reliable video transmission system is very important when it comes to aerial photography. These DJI drones uses DJI GO app which lets you connect your smartphones or tablets to the quadcopter in order to view the video in real time. I recommend you to check out my best smartphones and tablets for DJI GO app, which tells you what mobile devices works the best and see what other users are saying about it.
A responsive and fast video transmission will allow you to maintain a firm control over your drone. Not only you will be able to see the images smoothly, an advanced transmission systems reduces the risk of losing connectivity and enhances the image quality in real time. Advanced transmission systems also supports dual frequency bands (2.4GHz and 5.8GHz) for resistance against interference and long distance signals.
Intelligent Modes
The best camera drones usually are equipped with smart flight features and collision avoidance detection systems. These features makes capturing beautiful shots in close quarters and hard to reach places simple and fun. For instance, when you are trying to film fast-moving objects like cars.
The Active Track feature will command the drone to follow the subject while keeping it within the frame. There are a wide variety of intelligent flight modes available on camera drones. So, be sure to check them out:
Portability
Perhaps one of the most key factor when it comes to considering what drone to buy. Portability is the new and hot feature that is trending in the UAV market. Drones like the Mavic Air and Mavic 2 features foldable motor arms that can be folded compactly around the size of a brick.
This is particularity the case for those who wants to be able to take pictures when traveling. Smaller drones makes it very easy for you to shoot on the go. Whether you are hiking, partying or on a special occasions. The foldable camera drones makes it very easy for you to capture special moments.
Availability of Service
The camera drones are quite easy to damage and can be expensive to repair. Which is why popular brands like DJI, Yuneec, and Autel Robotics provides care package that protects your drone and repairs damages so that you can get it up into the air quickly. Having a manufacturer that provides top-notch service quality is a must when it comes to shopping for a camera drone. What is more, there are insurances that also can cover the cost of your drones. For novice pilots, these services are must have.
The Ultimate Best Camera Drones for Beginners (2019)
Mavic 2 Pro / Zoom
Amazon.com | Price history for DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone Quadcopter with Hasselblad Camera HDR Video UAV Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1" CMOS Sensor (US Version) | |
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At Glance:
- DJI’s flagship consumer drone built and design for professionals and enthusiasts.
- Mavic 2 Pro uses 20MP Hasselblad Camera with 1″ CMOS Sensor.
- Mavic 2 Zoom is equipped with a 12 MP 1/2,3″ CMOS Sensors that zooms up to 4 times.
- Two drones with different lens to pick from: Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom
- Upgraded Omnidriectional Obstacle Sensors
Specifications:
- 31 Flight Minutes
- 4.9 Miles (8km) Control Range
- 45 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips for Mavic 2
- Top 10 Best Accessories for Mavic 2 Pro & Zoom
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs Mavic 2 Zoom: What’s The Real Difference?
Phantom 4 Pro
Amazon.com At Glance:
- Most popular camera drone among beginners.
- Phantom Flagship for consumer drone and favorite’s choice for Professionals.
- Phantom 4 Pro uses 20MP Camera with 1″ CMOS Sensor mounted on a 3-Axis Gimbal
- Obstacle Avoidance Detection Systems
Specifications:
- 30 Flight Minutes
- 4 Miles (7km) Control Range
- 44.7 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips for Phantom 4 Pro
Autel Evo
Amazon.com | Price history for Autel Robotics EVO Drone Camera, Portable Folding Aircraft with Remote Controller, Captures Incredibly Smooth 4K 60fps Ultra HD Video and 12MP Photos | |
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At Glance:
- Portable and Lightweight
- Autel Robotics’ Flagship for prosumer drone.
- Mounted with 12MP camera on a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer
- Obstacle Avoidance Detection Systems in front, rear and bottom.
- Can record videos up to 4K / 60 FPS
Specifications:
- 30 Flight Minutes
- 4.3 Miles (7km) Control Range
- 45 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips:
Mavic Air
Amazon.com | Price history for DJI Mavic Air Quadcopter with Remote Controller - Onyx Black | |
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At Glance:
- Ultraportable, compact and lightweight.
- Only 213mm in diagonal size, making it the smallest foldable smart camera drone.
- Mavic Air uses a 12MP camera with 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor mounted on a 3-axis gimbal.
- Obstacle Avoidance Detection Systems in front, rear and bottom.
Specifications:
- 21 Flight Minutes
- 2.5 Miles (4km) Control Range
- 42 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips
- 9 Drone Tips You Need to Know About Your DJI Mavic Air
- Top 9 Unique Reasons Why You Should Buy DJI Mavic Air
- Mavic Air vs Mavic Pro: In-Depth Comparison Guide
- Top 5 Best DJI Mavic Air Travel Cases for Beginners
- Top 6 Best Drones Like DJI Mavic Air Clones Under $100 for Beginners
- 25 Best Mavic Air Skins to Turbocharge Your Drone’s Personality
Mavic Pro
Amazon.com | Price history for DJI - Mavic Pro Quadcopter with Remote Controller - Gray | |
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At Glance:
- Portable and popular among beginners and travelers.
- 335mm in diagonal size and packed with impressive wind resistance.
- Mavic Pro uses a 12MP camera with 1/2,3″ CMOS Sensor mounted on a 3-axis gimbal.
- Uses Obstacle Avoidance Detection Systems in the front and bottom.
Specifications:
- 27 Flight Minutes
- 4 Miles (7km) Control Range
- 40 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips
- Mavic Pro vs Mavic Pro Platinum: What’s The Real Deference?
- Top 8 Best Drones Like DJI Mavic Pro Clones Under $100 for Beginners
- 12 Best Mavic Pro Accessories That You Should Buy for Your Drone
- Which Is The Right Drone for You: Mavic Pro, Platinum, or White?
- 12 Amazing Reasons to Buy DJI Mavic Pro for Beginners
Mantis Q
Amazon.com At Glance:
- Incredible portable and lightweight, only weights less than 500 grams.
- Packed with 12MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor on a stabilized 3-axis gimbal systems.
- Compact, perfect for travelers who needs a smart drone without spending too much money.
Specifications:
- 33 Flight Minutes
- 1,500 Meters Control Range
- 44 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips
- None
Spark
Amazon.com At Glance:
- Smallest DJI camera drone available.
- DJI Spark uses a 12MP camera with 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor mounted on a 2-axis gimbal.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Perfect for beginners and kids who wants to fly a simple drone
Specifications:
- 16 Flight Minutes
- 1.2 Miles (2km) Control Range
- 31 MPH Flying Speed
Guides & Tips
What is the difference between these brands that sells camera drones?
That’s a really good question that everyone should be asking when it comes to shopping for these best camera drones. While all of these camera drones are the best for beginners, hands down — no exceptions. But, there are a couple of things you should know about the difference between these brands. We know that the Autel Robotics have overall the best customer services out of all. It is U.S-based and super responsive to customers.
Yuneec and DJI are also great, but they lag a bit in providing excellent customer support service. However, if you truly want to have the full protection of your drone such as crashes, malfunction and the like. DJI offers Care Refresh package that will replace your drone if you crash at low price. Instead of having to pay another $1,000 for a brand new drone, you basically can get one for like $50 to $100 depending on what type of drone you bought.
Friendly Drone Tips for New Camera Drone Users
Now that you probably have your mind set on one of these best camera drones for beginners. I have few helpful drone guides and tips to share with you. If you want to learn how to master the arts of aerial photography to impress your friends and families. Feel free to read my guides and you will learn several useful tricks that will help you achieve these aerial shots:
- 10 Important Tips That Drone Photographers Should Know
- The Ultimate Guide to Taking Proper Care of Your Drone Batteries
- 8 Quick and Important Flying Tips for New Drone Pilots
Furthermore, you can check out our massive guide page that will tell you everything you need to know about these drones. I hope you found our article about these best camera drones for beginners helpful and insightful. If you have any questions regarding these camera drones. Please feel free to drop a comment in the comments section below. We will respond to your question as soon as possible. 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.
