Best overall		Potensic P5 FPV		SEE IT
Best for beginners		EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone		SEE IT
Best for children		Best indoor drone for children Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone		SEE IT

Indoor drones might sound like an odd concept. Flying machines make their homes in the open skies where there’s room to roam and no ceiling fans to contend with This outdoor limitation is no longer the case. Not only are drones today more accessible to the average consumer, but some of the best drones are specifically designed for indoor use. The increase in options is great for people looking to capture birds-eye views of intimate gatherings, family photos, or other fun content. Indoor drones aren’t just for casual users either. For example, professionals who need views of hard-to-see crevices to determine problems may get great use out of these devices. Other indoor drones are suitable for use as toys for children over a certain age who have a curious and creative soul. We looked at a variety of these interesting machines to find the best indoor drones thus far.

• Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV
• Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone
• Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone
• Best budget: Tello Quadcopter Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

How we picked the best indoor drones

As fellow photographers and videographers, the writers at Popular Photo took safety, battery life, and camera quality into consideration wherever that was applicable. It was important to include camera-less indoor drones as well since many parents and drone enthusiasts don’t have the same motives for getting an indoor drone. Finally, we tried to look at different price ranges that still provided the best possible quality in their bracket.

The best indoor drones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV

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Why it made the cut: Potensic is known for manufacturing great drones at affordable prices, and the P5 FPV is no exception. Featuring a 2.7K camera and three different speed modes, indoor drone enthusiasts are sure to be pleased. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 40 minutes
• Dimensions: 14.9 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches
• Weight: 6.6 ounces

Pros:

• Lightweight
• 5G Wifi camera 
• Inexpensive
• Useful companion app

Cons: 

• Propeller guards are sold separately

The Potensic P5 FPV is a budget-friendly drone for travelers, enthusiasts, or even indoor drone flyers. Weighing only 6.6 ounces and featuring three speed modes, both beginners and advanced-level users will have plenty of options for what they do with this drone. Another bonus? Its battery can last up to 40 minutes depending on use, and its 2.7K camera takes high-quality pictures and captures great video. 

The Potensic Fly App allows users to guide the drone and access its features, such as trajectory flight, takeoff, and gravity control. It also includes 5G Wifi capabilities and can be controlled at a distance of up to 656 feet—more than any indoor drone enthusiast will need. Note that you will need to buy propeller guards separately for improved safety when flying inside. 

Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone

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Why it made the cut: The EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone is designed for those new to indoor racing and FPV. It’s fast yet safe and comes in a comprehensive kit that includes everything a beginner drone user needs to start flying immediately.

Key features:  

• Flight time: 3-5 minutes
• Dimensions: Not provided
• Weight: 1.2 ounces

Pros:

• Can fly with the remote or FPV goggles
• Built-in propeller guards
• Includes FPV goggles 
• Compact and lightweight

Cons: 

• Short flight time
• Pricey

The EMAX EZ Pilotis a great drone for beginners looking for something they can use around the house. It has a compact and lightweight design so that you can worry less about crashing in smaller spaces. The drone comes with a simple controller design to ensure that users will quickly get the hang of how to best use the drone.  It also comes with FPV goggles which serve as a great introduction to first-person view (FPV) flying.

The EZ Pilot is ideal for beginners because of the flight modes and features. It has three experience level modes, with level one allowing you to fly the drone with a single stick. You won’t need to figure out which stick makes the drone move in which direction. Level two ups the difficulty slightly and lets you fly with two sticks, though it does have a self-leveling feature to keep things simple. Level three introduces the options for flips and tricks for even more fun.

Being a small drone in the whoop category (tiny drones), it will have limited battery life; 3-5 minutes in this case. Batteries are cheap, though, so you can easily buy a few backups to keep fly time going. The drone itself is a bit pricey considering it’s meant for beginners, but it is durable and has built-in propeller guards, so it should survive plenty of crashes. 

Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone

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Why it made the cut: With three speed modes, protection guards for all propellers, and a lightweight design, this drone balances the joy of a flying toy while also keeping children safe. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: 6-7 minutes per battery
• Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.12 x 1.25 inches 
• Weight: 7.8 ounces

Pros:

• For use indoors and outdoors
• Sturdy build 
• Built-in propeller guards
• Easy for children to use
• Very affordable

Cons: 

• Doesn’t come with a camera
• Batteries need to be changed and charged consistently

Both children and adults will enjoy flying the Cheerwing U46S mini drone. With its safety features and intuitive controls, the Cheerwing is a great first drone for anyone who has an interest in using drones as a hobby. It has just enough safety features to keep everyone happy and can be safely used indoors.

It comes with a 2.4GHz control system, altitude hold mode that keeps the drone flying at a predetermined altitude, and a low battery warning that lets users know to bring the drone back to its home position so it won’t get lost. This Cheerwing also includes an emergency stop feature in case things get rough. Don’t let the lack of a camera turn you away from this drone. It’s simply one fewer component you’ll need to take care of—something any parent or beginner will definitely enjoy.

Best budget: ​​Tello Quadcopter Drone

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Why it made the cut: Powered by DJI, the Tello Quadcopter Drone includes a 5MP camera, a lightweight design, and can fly up to 17mph. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for indoor use. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 13 minutes
• Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.7 x 2.1 inches
• Weight: 7.94 oz

Pros:

• 5MP camera for great shots
• Lightweight and sleek design
• Can be used with a compatible controllers 
• Can be used with a corresponding app

Cons: 

• Dedicated controller must be purchased separately

The Tello Quadcopter Drone is a great budget indoor drone made for beginners. It features a 5MP camera with electronic image stabilization that will ensure you’ll get great shots every time, and can provide up to 13 minutes of flight time per battery. Users can choose to control the drone fully with a smartphone app and share their footage with friends and family on social media. 

More comfortable with a remote? No problem! This indoor drone can be used with a compatible remote control, though you do need to purchase that separately. It can be controlled manually or using intelligent flight modes as well. Programmers and coders can also experiment with Scratch programming that can be used to fly this drone.

Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

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Why it made the cut: An industry leader, DJI’s Mini 2 is an excellent choice for professionals who need to shoot indoors and crave something more affordable than the Mavic line.

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 31 minute
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 11.3 x 2.2 inches (unfolded with propellers)
• Weight: 8.78 pounds

Pros:

• 12MP still photos and 4K video
• Foldable
• Intelligent modes
• Stable flight

Cons: 

• A bit bulky for indoor use

The DJI Mini 2 is a well-rounded drone that will work for indoor and outdoor flight. It has level five wind resistance and a max altitude takeoff of 4,000 meters, making it stable in the air regardless of the conditions or where you are located. The downward sensors and GPS help with indoor flight. However, it does not have obstacle detection, so adding propeller guards would be advisable. Nevertheless, it is a great choice for professionals who shoot indoor and outdoor events. 

With a 12MP camera and 4K capabilities, you won’t ever get dud photos from this device. Professionals can also easily transfer photos from the drone onto their phones or tablets for maximum efficiency, which clients are bound to appreciate. Additionally, the drone takes great panoramic photos, is easy to control, and includes templates for days when your creativity could use the assistance. The best part? It’s a foldable drone that you can easily transport to and from gigs.  

Things to consider before buying the best indoor drones

The best way to decide whether or not to buy a potentially expensive item, such as an indoor drone, is to consider why you’d like to buy one. For example, a professional photographer has completely different needs than someone who wants to buy an interesting and cool toy for their child. Below we help you sift through questions that can help you start on your journey to make the best choice for yourself or a loved one.

Safety features

Flying a drone indoors was once a huge no-no. As a responsible indoor drone operator, you should still pay attention to your surroundings as you use your drone. However, manufacturers have added more safety features that can help you focus on capturing great photos. Every brand is different, but there are some standard features you can expect nowadays. Some indoor drones offer automatic hovering, which allows a drone to stay in place when the battery is about to die. You can also look for drones with a return to home feature. This feature allows you to push a button so the drone can return to the “home” area you designate.

Propeller guards are also essential in indoor drones, especially for novice users. These guards will protect walls and objects in your home and people that may be inside as well.

Range

Depending on your potential use, you may not need a drone that can fly the highest or farthest. Amateurs, children, and teens may simply be happy to have a working drone that takes cool indoor pictures. Likewise, if you strictly use your drone for indoor settings, the range may be irrelevant. On the other hand, professionals or people who intend to use a drone for something more serious or in more varied settings may need to consider a drone with a long range. Some drones have a radius as far as seven miles, which is not necessary for someone strictly flying a drone in a small indoor space.

Camera quality

Decreasing costs and increasing competition mean that you can expect decent camera quality even in inexpensive drones. You can find even children’s drones at a reasonable price with cameras that take 1080p or even 4K, videos and photos. Amateurs may be surprised to find that the inexpensive indoor drone they purchased actually takes decent photos, and professionals can rest assured that better quality no longer necessarily means breaking the bank.

Control features

Drones require a controller that can help you guide them in the right direction. These use radio signals that help you tell the drone where to go. Some models may include a screen that lets you see your footage as you take it live. Drone controllers without a built-in screen may require you to download a separate app that allows you to fly in FPV (first-person view) using your phone. Being able to see your live view is helpful if your drone goes out of sight, as you’ll still be able to see where it is and what the surroundings are to avoid crashing. However,any cheap indoor drone controllers don’t include this feature and paying extra just to see your footage on an external controller may not be necessary, depending on your intentions. 

Drone controllers without a built-in screen may require you to download a separate app that allows you to fly in FPV (first-person view). No matter what type of controller and drone you have, you’ll be able to do the same basic things, such as turning your drone right or left, moving it forward and backward, and deciding how fast your drone should go. Other common extra controls include one-button landing and takeoff, altitude hold, and occasionally flips.

Smart drone—or not?

Many camera drones offer GPS that helps the user control the drone destination, set a home location, or even plan routes that allow a drone to work without supervision. Smart drones may include extra sensors that help them find obstacles and avoid them. Other uses for these sensors include setting up your drone to follow someone so you can focus on different tasks.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best indoor drones

• Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV
• Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone
• Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone
• Best budget: Tello Quadcopter Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

Indoor drones allow users to fly, race, and take interesting pictures and videos in the comfort of their homes. They also give an edge to professionals who want to find new points of view to make their clients happy. So if you’re looking for something safe to use in the home, to give to a child or teenager as a gift, or even an option for a professional indoor drone, these options should help you choose.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best indoor drones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for Beginners		DJI Mini 2		SEE IT
Best Foldable		DJI Mavic 3		SEE IT
Best Cheap		DJI MIni SE		SEE IT

DJI is one of the most well-known and sought-after brands for drones. Amateurs of aerial photography and big-budget commercial projects alike utilize the company’s diverse range of offerings. A drone is a great way to capture beautiful overhead perspectives that would be impossible without access to a hot air balloon or helicopter. They allow you to expand the possibilities of your creative projects. Read on to learn more about the best DJI drones. 

• Best overall: DJI Air 2S
• Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2
• Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3
• Best FPV: DJI FPV drone
• Best budget: DJI MIni SE

How we picked the best DJI drones 

In selecting products for this guide, we focused on price, camera quality, ease of use, and flight time when making our suggestions. In most cases, cost, quality, and usability are connected in DJI drones. An inexpensive model is often for beginner drone pilots who are not producing professional-level content, while pricier models feature better camera specs and are better for more experienced users. 

The best DJI drones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: DJI Air 2S

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Air 2S has exceptional video quality packed inside a compact, foldable body.

Key features

• Video resolution: 5.4K/30fps
• Image resolution: 20 megapixels
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 595 g

Pros: 

• Four-way obstacle avoidance detection
• 31 minute flight time
• 3-axis gimbal with a 22mm F/2.8 fixed-aperture lens

Cons: 

• Struggles in windy situations

We named the DJI Air 2S the best DJI drone overall because it pairs high-end video specs with a compact, foldable body size—a perfect combo for a high-end consumer drone. Automated flight modes such as cinematic shots and hyperlapse make it easy to create beautiful, shareable video content without pro-level flying skills. In addition, its obstacle avoidance detection system gives the pilot peace of mind while the drone is in action. It can capture video up to 5.4K/30fps, and pro-level video shooters will appreciate 10-bit D-Log and HLG capture for increased color grading functionality. The 20 megapixel 1″-type CMOS sensor and 22mm F/2.8 fixed-aperture lens offer an 88-degree field of view. On the photo side, it can shoot RAW or JPEG and stitch together a variety of panoramic shots. 

Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini 2 is an easy-to-fly, sub-250 gram drone with 4K video capabilities. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 4K/30fps 
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 249 g

Pros: 

• Sub-250 gram weight means no need to register with the FAA
• 4K video capabilities with zoom 
• 31 minute flight time 
• Five quick shot modes

Cons: 

• Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors
• Lacks intelligent flying modes 

A best drone for a beginner, the DJI Mini 2 is a foldable, palm-sized drone that can still shoot 4K video and capture Raw photos. Since the drone is under 250 grams, you don’t need to register it with the FAA before getting started if you are a recreational pilot. The Mini 2 features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor, a 24mm F/2.8 fixed aperture lens, and a camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth shots. Although it lacks intelligent flying modes, QuickShot modes like rocket and circle allow users to capture pre-programmed motions with the drone with minimal effort. Unfortunately, DJI has omitted obstacle avoidance sensors to keep the weight and price of this drone on the low end, so although it has a decent battery life, you will want to keep a close eye on it while it’s in the air. 

Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mavic 3 has a foldable body, making it great for travel, with dual lenses that will appeal to pro-level users. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 5.1K/50fps 
• Image resolution: 20 megapixels
• Flight time: 46 minutes
• Weight: 895 g

Pros:

• Incorporates Hasselblad’s exceptional color rendering 
• Dual controller support
• 10 obstacle avoidance sensors  

Cons: 

• Disappointing sensor on the zoom camera
• High price point

The DJI Mavic 3 pairs excellent camera specs with a portable, foldable body, making it the best foldable drone and ideal for a high-level user looking for something easy to travel with. This new version of the Mavic has an extended flight time of 46 minutes, longer than many other options. In addition, the newly improved Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing makes this thing nearly crash-proof. 

Photographers and videographers alike will appreciate the high-end specs in the Mavic 3. It has dual cameras, providing a nice range of focal lengths for different shooting situations, though they have very different specs. One is a 4/3 CMOS, 20 MP Hasselblad with a 24mm equivalent lens. It has an aperture range of f/2.8-f/11, can shoot JPG and RAW, and integrates Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution tech, making for beautiful color accuracy when shooting. In addition, it can shoot up to 5.1K/50fps video. The tele camera has a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and is capable of 12MP photos. The lens is 162mm, and it has an additional 4x zoom. Unfortunately, the tele camera can only take JPG files, and the video resolution is a lower 4K/30fps.

Best FPV: DJI FPV Drone

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Why it made the cut: The DJI FVP drone features intuitive flight modes that make this an acceptable tool for new users and seasoned FVP fliers. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 4K/60fps
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 20 mins
• Weight: 795 g

Pros: 

• Three flying modes for different experience levels
• Excellent stabilization
• Emergency brake and hover feature

Cons: 

• Expensive 
• If you crash, you will need to send it in for repairs

DJI makes the intuitive FVP style of flying slightly more accessible to beginners with the DJI FVP drone. FVP flying is unique in that the drone control is from the pilot’s perspective, meaning you see what the camera on the drone sees for a more immersive flight experience. Previously only available to fliers who had knowledge of radio frequencies and the ability to build their own rig, this drone opened the style of flying up to a wider demographic. In fact, DJI helps users ease into the FVP experience with three different flying modes geared for different comfort levels. 

The DJI FVP drone features intelligent flight modes, DJI’s RockSteady EIDS gimbal, and comes with a pair of DJI Goggles V2. In addition, it has obstacle avoidance sensors on the front and bottom of the drone and an emergency brake feature on the drone’s controller—a much-appreciated feature because if you crash, you will likely be sending this drone back to DJI for repairs. 

The image and video quality of this DJI FVP drone allow you to capture video at 4K/60fps and stills as 3840×2160 JPEGs. It’s not as high as other options, but you can still capture great-looking footage.

Best budget: DJI MIni SE

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini SE is an inexpensive model from a trusted brand, making it a great tool for the drone-curious who aren’t looking to break the bank with a purchase. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 2.7K/30fps 
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 30 minutes
• Weight: 249 g

Pros: 

• Sub-250 gram weight means no need to register with the FAA
• 30 minute flight time
• Great for beginners
• Affordable price

Cons: 

• No 4K video capture or RAW photos
• Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors 

This foldable, palm-sized drone is one of the best DJI drones for beginners because of its small size and its low price point. Since it weighs under 250-grams, you can use it without registration with the FAA as long as it is for recreational purposes only. It lacks obstacle avoidance sensors but does have two vision positioning sensors so that it can hover in place. The 12 megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor supports 2.7K/30fps video capabilities and JPEG photos. The drone has a flight time of 30 minutes and can travel up to 2.5 miles. Although it lacks some of the high-end controls and creative features found in other drones in this guide, you simply can’t beat the price. 

Things to consider before buying the best DJI drones

Rules and regulations

New and seasoned drone operators alike should be aware of the rules and regulations in their region for flying drones. For example, in the United States, all drones over 250 grams must have registration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Because of this, if you are buying your first drone, we’d recommend looking for something under 250 grams.

Regardless of size, all drone pilots need to be aware of no-fly zones before taking off. There are also different limits for how high you can fly your drone based on air space rules, so familiarize yourself with those. And, if you are doing anything other than just flying for fun for yourself, different restrictions apply. Any commercial activity, which the FAA defines broadly, requires you to pass a test to be an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot. 

Features

Even just DJI drones come with quite a range of features. Therefore, deciding on how you plan on using the drone and which features are most important to you is essential. For example, if you want to focus on just photography, you may want to pick something different than someone who is a videographer. 

Battery life and flight time

For almost all drone pilots, battery life and flight time will be one of the most important things to look at. This is especially true if you plan to travel with your drone or have limited access to power for charging batteries.

Tracking and flight modes

Different levels of drones will offer different types of flight modes and tracking. For example, a higher-end drone with tracking will be necessary if you want to take footage with the camera following the action. 

Camera specs

If you plan to use your drone for video or photography, the camera’s specs in the drone will be important. Looking at the resolution, exposure settings, frame rate, zoom options, video quality, and more will help you ensure the drone meets your documenting needs.

Device Range

Another important consideration is how far your drone can fly while still being within range of the transmitter. A lower range will probably be acceptable if you only fly for fun. But, if you are flying in situations where you need the drone to cover greater distances, getting a drone with a far range will be helpful.

Where you will use your drone

If you plan to travel extensively with your drone, a foldable model might be the best option to consider—especially if you plan to bring your drone along for hikes or bike rides. You can easily pack foldable drones in a backpack and still fit other items, which is important for adventures. Obstacle avoidance features may also be more important in some locations, such as cities versus wide-open fields.

Budget

When shopping for a DJI drone, your budget will play a significant role in determining what drone is suitable for you. As with most gear, the price of your drone is dependent on things like features and size. For example, a drone that shoots 4K footage, has a high-quality lens, and long-range operating distances will cost more than a drone under 250 grams without those features.

Experience level

Although drones have become more widely available for novice users, and there are even kid-friendly drones, they do come with a learning curve. Depending on your experience level and how you intend to use your drone, you should also consider the potential for accidents and losing the device. 

Finding a balance between your budget and risk will help you fly more comfortably. Spending money on the highest-end drone only to crash it right away because you are new to flying is far from ideal. However, DJI offers protection plans, which could be a good option, especially for the more expensive versions.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DJI drones

• Best overall: DJI Air 2S
• Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2
• Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3
• Best FPV: DJI FPV drone
• Best budget: DJI MIni SE

The best DJI drone for you will depend on your skill level, budget, and how and where you intend to fly it. A lower-cost DJI drone will likely include less advanced features and be better for amateur fliers. In contrast, more expensive drones will feature higher-end features like 4K and higher video, advanced stabilization, and longer flight times. Keep these things in mind when shopping for your DJI drone.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best DJI drones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If you’ve been itching for a new drone, the DJI Air 2S, which DJI released in 2021, is still one of our favorite drones. And right now, you can save 20 percent on this popular and highly capable drone for Amazon Prime Day when you opt for the Fly More Combo. This is one of the lowest prices we’ve seen on this drone ever, so if you’ve been considering picking up a new aerial machine, now would be a great time to do so.

DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo $1,039.00 (was $1,299.00)

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The Air 2S is one of the best drones for most people, especially those who are dedicated to improving their aerial photography. It features a one-inch sensor and is capable of 5.4K/30fps and 4K/60fps video. It’s stable and easy to fly and comes with a handful of intelligent flight modes to make things easier as you learn your way around the drone. If you are just getting started, the Fly More Combo is a fantastic combo even when full price. It comes with an ND filter set, spare controller control sticks, a gimbal protector, a shoulder bag, extra propellers, and extra batteries.

More DJI Prime Day deals

• DJI Action 2 Dual-Screen Combo $299.00 (was $399.00)
• DJI Action 2 Power Combo $235.00 (was $299.00)
• DJI Mini 3 (DJI RC) $609.00 (was $699.00)
• DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Gimbal Stabilizer $149.00 (was $159.00)
• DJI Osmo Mobile SE Intelligent Gimbal $99.00 (was $109.00)

Even more Prime Day deals to shop

• CleverMade storage
• GoPro cameras
• Sony cameras and lenses
• Samyang and Rokinon lenses
• Kodak and HP portable printers
• PNY memory cards
• Arzopa portable monitors
• Polaroid cameras and printers
• FLIR thermal cameras
• Nixplay digital picture frames
• Loupedeck editing consoles

The post Save $260 on the DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo during Prime Day appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera		SEE IT	A good camera drone with plenty of features.
Best for beginners		Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners		SEE IT	Fully programmable while still being straightforward to fly.
Best for video		CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone		SEE IT	Two camera angles for unique perspectives and quality video recording.

Drones aren’t just for the military or incredible wildlife documentarians anymore. In the past decade, drones have become widely accessible and have mostly taken the place of toy airplanes or toy helicopters. Today, drones have become a favorite among photographers, videographers, kids, and anyone who just wants to fly a cool toy. They’re fun, sleek, and stimulating. Drones can be pretty expensive. While there are extreme cases of $300,000 drones (good lord), most higher-end drones fall around $1K-$2K. For novice flyers or those watching their budget, this can be off-putting. Luckily, there are lots of great budget options available. While they might not be as fancy and advanced as their more expensive counterparts, there are several options that are stable, easy to use, and offer a great user experience. Here are some of the best drones under $100 so you can take flight.

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

How we chose the best drones under $100

The writers and editors at Pop Photo have decades of experience in just about every genre of photography and photography-adjacent topics. When selecting the best drones for under $100, we wanted to make sure to find quality options that still had decent features and were easy to fly, despite the low price point. Stability in the air and battery life were important factors as well. Lastly, we tried to select drones that fit various use types and user preferences.

The best drones under $100: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: With a variety of features, this budget drone has a bit of everything in a perfect mid-size model with a 1080p FPV camera and lots of easy-to-use in-app controls.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 4.70 inches
• Weight: 5.3 oz
• Recording Modes: 120° FOV 1080P

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Easy to use remote
• Great for beginners
• 1080p video capabilities

Cons:

• Not wind-proof
• Phone app asks multiple permissions; may be too intrusive for some users

The Holy Stone is the holy grail when it comes to the best drones under $100. It features a pre-set button that allows for flips in any direction and a landing feature that assists novice flyers, so you don’t crash your new toy.

It also has a 1080P FOV 120° HD FPV camera with altitude hold for great images, tons of mobile control features in the app like voice control and gravity sensor control, and multiple speeds. And it comes with two batteries for a total of 20 minutes of flight time.

The app is easy to use, and the mid-size body makes for a perfect user experience. However, some customers didn’t like how seemingly invasive the app can be; it may be too intrusive for some.

Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: This lightweight and easy-to-use drone is ideal for beginners because it’s simple, stable, lightweight, and controlled via an app. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 3.86 x 3.66 x 1.61 inches
• Weight: 2.82 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Stable
• Takes good 5 MP photos and videos

Cons:

• Not great for dark/nighttime use
• Not suitable for windy conditions
• Limited to 99 ft altitude

With intuitive controls and an easy-to-use app, this drone for beginners is super simple to use while learning how to fly properly.

The high-capacity battery offers 13 minutes of flight time, which is excellent at this ultra-low price point. In addition, you can record 5 MP pictures and videos with EZ Shots and easily share them on social media from your smartphone. This drone is also fully programmable with Scratch, an MIT-developed coding system that teaches kids how to program.

At under 3 oz, it’s super lightweight, which is a double-edged sword. It won’t be suitable for windy conditions, and we don’t recommend using the drone in low light conditions or at nighttime. All in all, it’s a great starter drone that doesn’t offer a ton of frills but will help take good bird’s eye photos and videos and get you started with drone flight control. 

Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids

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Why it made the cut: Get your kids in on the drone fun with this remote-controlled quadcopter with several LED light-up features, quick and easy pairing with the included remote, and 3D flips that make flying cool.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 5 x 6.22 x 1.65 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Flight time: 16-18 min

Pros:

• Automatic pairing
• Easy to control
• One key controls
• Colorful LED lights for fun night flying
• Safety guards

Cons:

• No camera

This simple drone for kids is all about the coolness factor while still teaching your kids how to fly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a camera, so it’s more suitable as a gift for little ones looking to dip their tiny toes into the world of drones.

Since accidents happen, it’s helpful that outside safety guards protect the propellers. In short: this thing is hard to break. The remote is kid-sized for small hands, and you won’t have to rely on an app for use. It’s stable, easy to control, and comes with four LED lights with seven color effects on the motors, making for cool lighting effects. These lights are also great for night use. 

The “push to flip” feature creates fun drone flips in the air, an exciting thing for kids and adults alike. The drones can last for up to 18 minutes of flight time with 360° rotation and feature one-key landing/taking-off with three different speed adjustments to make learning to fly super accessible for any age. 

Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone

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Why it made the cut: This WiFi-enabled, foldable, palm-sized FPV drone features a 720P HD Camera, Altitude Hold, up to 12 minutes of use, and live video that stays steady without needing any assistance. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 6.39 x 4.59 x 3.76 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 Pixels

Pros:

• 720P HD Camera
• Compact and foldable
• 3D flips
• Variety of pre-programmable options
• App is clear and syncs well

Cons:

• Phone holder may not be suitable for all phones
• Could have longer battery life

A great starter drone or toy for more seasoned flyers, this mini drone fits in the palm of your hand and weighs next to nothing. The controls are extremely easy to use, no matter your experience. In addition, it has several pre-set controls, such as one-button landing, that make flying a breeze.

It can be controlled via mobile phone or remote control and includes a Headless Mode, so you never get disoriented. This mini drone also features a built-in 720P high definition FPV Wifi Camera, which takes quality aerial photos. The foldable design means it is compact and space-saving while stored, yet sizable enough for stability while in flight. The battery lasts up to 12 minutes, which isn’t long but is impressive for its size.

Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

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Why it made the cut: Take incredible aerial videos with this 1080p HD video drone that’s tiny, easy to take on the go, and offers a whopping 40 minutes of flight time.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 9.29 x 8.31 x 2.83 inches
• Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Video Output Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Pros:

• Up to 40 minutes of flight time
• Foldable and compact
• Protective guards
• Dual cameras / Optical flow positioning
• App supports Apple & Android

Cons:

• Included instructions are confusing
• “Follow me” function is sometimes wonky 

This HD FPV video drone with altitude hold has a little bit of everything for a budget model. It features a switchable front camera and bottom optical flow camera so you can have live images looking straightforward and simultaneously a good shot of what’s happening below. The two camera angles help capture a whole scene from different angles.

You get tons of features, including auto-hover, one-key take-off and landing, one-key flip and roll, “follow me,” and more. It’s super simple and easy to use, making it a good option for beginners and kids.

The best part? You get up to 40 minutes of flight time, which is one of the longest we’ve seen at this price point. It’s also so compact that you can easily take it in a backpack for hikes.

Things to consider before buying the best drones under $100

We’ll give it to you straight: for under $100, you can get a quality, easy-to-use drone, but don’t expect frilly features and tons of bells and whistles. Before you buy a drone, just be sure to look out for a few key features, such as the ones below. 

Video capability

Do you intend to use the drone for photography or video? Since several options under $100 include video, you might as well look for drones with that feature and practice taking photos and videos on a model you won’t be as worried about damaging.

RFT

RTF stands for Ready to Fly. That means the model comes ready to go and doesn’t require any more tools, hardware, or setup. There are lots of RTF drones under $100.

Battery charge time to flight time ratio

Look for drones that offer longer flight times with reasonable battery charge times, so you can fly often and for more extended periods without having to wait hours for just 5 minutes of flying. Many cheaper drones have shorter flight times, so one way to combat this issue is to purchase a few extra batteries.

Stability

Look for features that keep your drone stable. Since most cheap drones are made with lightweight plastic, they might not be as good at remaining stable in windier conditions. Look for language like “Altitude Hold” in the description, which means it analyzes and works with the air pressure to hold its position in flight.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drones under $100

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

Budget drones make quadcopter flying more accessible to novice flyers, kids, or anyone who just wants to dip their toes into the world of drones. If you’re looking for fun aerial picture taking and want to learn how to use drones without shelling out hundreds of dollars, these drones under $100 will give you a high-quality experience at a great price point.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best drones under $100 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Autel Evo Lite +		SEE IT
Best for photography		DJI Mavic 3		SEE IT
Best budget		Holy Stone HS720E		SEE IT

Since hitting the mainstream market, drone technology has come a long way, resulting in some very impressive drones for real estate photography. It seems like a distant memory when capturing aerial imagery amounted to something only marginally better than duct-taping a GoPro Hero 3 to an RC car with propellers. Nowadays, drones come equipped with a wide range of advanced features. And as drones have become more feature-rich over the years, so have their uses from a commercial standpoint. 

Drones have made aerial cinematography accessible to the general public by making the hobby affordable and safe. Users can fly mostly worry-free, allowing them to get more and more creative with the applications of their equipment. Now drones are used for everything from inspecting miles of pipeline and tall structures, extended search and rescue missions, and perhaps what they are most known for, cinematography and photography. Whether you are a seasoned pilot or a complete beginner, it is easy to get lost in the options available when looking to purchase a new drone. So if you are looking for the best drones for real estate photography, then you have come to the right guide.

• Best overall: Autel Evo Lite+
• Best for photography: DJI Mavic 3
• Best premium: Parrot ANAFI Ai
• Best for beginners: DJI Mini 3 Pro
• Best budget: Holy Stone HS720E

How we chose the best drones for real estate photography

Most of the assignments drone pilots are hired for when it comes to real estate will fall into one of two categories: capturing compelling assets to be used in the sale of the land or home or showcasing a property’s amenities to aid in booking a vacation rental. For this reason, we primarily graded each of the drones on this list on their ability to capture still images. Camera quality, sensor size, and gimbal quality were all important considerations. We also looked at flight modes that may aid in capturing a property’s details, especially for those who may be new to the genre. 

The best drones for real estate photography: Reviews and Recommendations

Best overall: Autel Evo Lite+

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Why it made the cut: Out of all the drones we reviewed, the Autel Evo Lite+ packed the most bang for the buck and is one of the best drones for real estate photography out there. It has superb image quality backed with raw image support and exceptional flight time.

Specs

• Camera: 20 MP 
• Video quality: 6K at 24/25/30fps
• Max flight time: 40 minutes
• Onboard storage: 6 GB

Pros

• ISO Expandable up to 48000 with Night Mode
• Large 1” CMOS Sensor
• 6K video
• Outstanding hyperlapse performance
• Obstacle detection

Cons

• Bulky design has portability issues
• No LOG profile for video

The Evo Lite+ is the latest offering from Autel Robotics in their drone lineup. It packs a 1″ CMOS sensor capable of 6K video, giving you awe-inspiring footage. With a top-end ISO of 48000, this drone is one of the best cameras on the market in its class. A max flight time of 40 minutes ensures you have plenty of time to capture every angle of your subject. 

This Autel Robotics drone has three-way obstacle sensors for safe flying. So if the property you are working at has many trees, you won’t have to worry as much. And it has a maximum flight range of 7.4 miles, so you can fly while trusting that your drone and radio will always have a strong connection. 

It’s a bit of a double-edged sword, but Autel drones don’t come with geographically based flight limits like DJI drones. That makes it easier to fly in certain areas. But it also means you risk breaking FAA rules and putting airplane pilots in danger if you aren’t careful. So always check local regulations before you lift off the ground and keep your eyes open for low-flying aircraft in the areas as well.

You get 6 GB of storage on the drone itself, which is enough for most photography needs. But if you want to shoot video, especially 6K, you will want to get a microSD card. 

Best for photography: DJI Mavic 3

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Why it made the cut: In the latest from the Mavic lineup, the drone now boasts two cameras on the same gimbal, giving pilots more creative freedom. And the 20 MP camera ensures your still photos are top-notch for clients. 

Specs

• Camera: 20 MP
• Video quality: 5.1K at 24/25/30/48/50fps
• Max flight time: 46 minutes
• Onboard storage: 6 GB

Pros

• Huge 4/3 CMOS sensor
• Larger frame and weight for better stabilization
• Omni directional 
• Very stable in flight

Cons

• Battery life seems embellished
• Very expensive

DJI has been an industry leader for many years regarding drone technology. In DJI’s latest offering from the Mavic lineup, the Mavic 3 carries the industry’s first-ever dual-camera system in a cinedrone. The primary camera is a micro 4/3 from Hasselblad with a focal equivalent of 24mm. The second camera is a ½” telephoto camera with a focal length equivalent of 162mm. 

The raw image formats and image bracketing capabilities make the Mavic 3 a photographic powerhouse compared to any other drone of its class. The bracketing is especially useful for real estate applications. It will allow your drone photos to more closely match your interior shots if you are someone who uses HDR. While the video isn’t quite up there in the 6K range, the Mavic 3 shoots a maximum of 5.1k at 50fps for pilots who require more from their drone’s video abilities. 

The consensus related to DJI’s listed flight time is that 46 minutes feels a bit embellished. However, the actual flight time is still around the 40 minutes mark, which is a respectable flight time for a drone of its size and weight. And that 40 minutes of flight time is much better than the measly 15-20 minutes of flight time offered a mere ten years ago. Plus, if you are strictly taking still photos, 40 minutes should be plenty of time to get the winning shots.

Best premium: Parrot ANAFI Ai

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Why it made the cut: The Parrot ANAFI Ai tiptoes a fine line between professional and enterprise-level use. It’s undoubtedly the most expensive drone on this list and fits a particular real estate drone work category that no other drone offers on the professional-level market.

Specs

• Camera: 48 MP
• Video quality: 4K at 48/50/60fps
• Max flight time: 32 minutes   
• Onboard storage: None

Pros

• Open source drone for lots of customizability
• 4G connectivity provides stable connection with remote
• Ability to program flight plans
• Six-axis stabilization for sharp images

Cons

• Very expensive
• Tech specs of hardware leave a lot to be desired

The Parrot ANAFI Ai offers features that no other drone on the market does. If your real estate aerial photography business requires 3D telemetry mapping of properties or structures on the property, then this is the drone for you. It’s also an open-source drone, so that you can tailor it to your needs.

The ANAFI Ai is also unique in its 4G connectivity, allowing you to operate the drone from any distance. You still need to pay attention to FAA regulations, though, so you won’t fully be able to take advantage of that in most situations. Perhaps the biggest plus of the 4G connection is that the drone will remain connected to the remote even when it is behind obstacles. If you are flying on a heavily forested property, location with prominent terrain features, or somewhere with other buildings, that connectivity is a huge asset. 

Regarding camera specs, you get a 48 MB camera. It has a Quad Bayer sensor that provides 14 EV of dynamic range when in HDR 10 mode. Unfortunately, the video quality is only 4K at 60p, which is lower than significantly cheaper drones. Still, its unique use case and specific target market set it in a class of its own.

Best for beginners: DJI Mini 3 Pro

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Why it made the cut: At a lower price point than its bigger brother, the Mavic 3, along with easy flight modes, the Mini 3 Pro is a perfect drone for beginners to get started with.

Specs

• Camera: 48 MP
• Video quality: 4K at 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
• Max flight time: 35 minutes
• Onboard storage: None

Pros

• Easy to use
• Feature-rich for the price
• Vertical video
• Flight modes ideal for beginners

Cons

• Additional batteries and equipment can be pricy 

DJI has been paving the way in the drone industry, and a Mini 3 Pro is one of the easiest drones to get started with drone flying. Since its inception, DJI has perfected its flight stabilization technology, making flights smooth and easy to control. Its drones also have a return-to-home failsafe, so you can worry less about losing control. 

The Mini 3 Pro has a 48 MP camera capable of producing raw images, giving you more control over exposure adjustments. And you can bracket with this drone, so your exterior aerials will match your camera photos if you like HDR images. Plus, the pre-programmed intelligent flight modes help you get excellent shots even if you are new to flying.

For those wanting to create videos, the Mini 3 Pro has 4K 60fps video capabilities. Video footage is smooth and stable, even if you are contending with some wind. And the drone’s camera can rotate 90 degrees, allowing for uncropped vertical video and photos. It truly opens the doors for creators, even if they are new to flying drones. 

Best budget: Holy Stone HS720E

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Why it made the cut: Simply put, for the price, this drone packs a punch for anyone looking to get into drones. With its long battery life, excellent 4K video, and effective image stabilization, the Holy Stone HS720E more than earns its place as our best affordable drone for real estate.

Specs

• Camera: 8 MP
• Video quality: 4K at 30fps
• Max flight time: 23 minutes per battery
• Onboard storage: None

Pros

• Good quality 4K video
• Good battery life
• Electronic image stabilization works well
• Includes GPS and smart flight modes

Cons

• Batteries are slow to charge
• Photo quality could be better

For those who want to get started with drone photographs for their real estate work without a huge investment, the Holy Stone HS720E is a fantastic choice. It comes with two batteries that provide 23 minutes of flight time each, giving you a total of 46 minutes in the air. That’s more than enough to get plenty of shots of a listing. It also comes with a quality case to protect your drone when traveling between shoots.

The HS720E only has an 8MP camera for stills, which is quite a bit lower than the more expensive options on this list. But the images are surprisingly good for such a budget drone, and with a little editing, they are even better. Plus, you can manually adjust ISO and white balance should you want to. It’s also capable of 4K 30fps video, which is rare for a drone of this price.

Though it doesn’t have a gimbal, the HS720E features electronic stabilization, which is very effective. It also is capable of intelligent flight modes such as Follow Me and Point of Interest. And the drone is fitted with GPS, enabling an auto return-to-home feature, providing more peace of mind. Keep in mind that it is over the 250g limit, so you will need to register this drone.

Things to consider when shopping for the best drones for real estate photography

Image quality

We judge a real estate drone by its ability to capture quality media for real estate agents, property managers, and homeowners. That media helps connect their property to potential buyers and can have a significant impact. And the quality of a drone primarily comes down to its camera. 

Regarding camera specs, there is a fine balance between marketing fluff and what numbers hold up in the real world. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the image sensor, the better the image quality. We have been conditioned to look at the megapixel count as a marker of how good an image will be. While this is true to some extent, it doesn’t paint the whole picture. 

Megapixel count refers to pixel density on the sensor. But to put that value in perspective, it also helps to know the size of the pixels. Pixel size is commonly depicted in micrometers (μm). The larger a pixel is, the better its ability to soak up the light required to generate an image. That is why a larger sensor with a lower megapixel count can outperform a much smaller sensor with a higher pixel density. Using these numbers paired with other features will assist us in choosing the best camera drone for our needs. When looking for the best drones for real estate photography and videography, you’ll also want to look at the minimum and maximum aperture, ISO limitations, shutter speed capabilities, raw support, and bracketing options. 

Video capabilities

Although still photography is currently the leading feature that drives drone sales for real estate, you should not ignore video either. In today’s age, video is one of the most powerful tools anyone can use when making a purchasing decision. Given the right property with the right features and amenities, a pilot’s ability to shoot stunning videos could be what separates it from the competition and pushes a buyer to make a move.

With each new iteration of drones, manufacturers push camera specs related to a drone’s ability to capture slow-motion video. However, we are concerned with a camera’s resolution over its frame rate. A high-resolution camera that captures ultra-high-definition video or better is more important than a camera’s ability to slow that footage down. After all, our subjects in this field are primarily stationary, and when slow motion is preferred, simply flying at a slower speed can deliver a similar effect.

Max flight time

Short flight times are one of the biggest problems that still plague the drone industry. Luckily drone manufacturers have improved this time through battery improvements and increased motor output with lower electrical requirements. Simply put, if a drone allows you to stay in the air longer, you have more opportunities to capture better assets. Sure, you can circumvent this by carrying multiple batteries with you on a shoot, but if a drone’s flight time is up against the clock of a setting sun, the time it takes to do a battery swap can be detrimental to the outcome of an assignment. 

Equipment dependability

Anyone who has flown a drone a handful of times has likely experienced the sheer panic that ensues when a radio transmitter loses connection with the drone’s radio receiver. Luckily, a heightened awareness of these issues has forced manufacturers to implement safety features such as a return to home and a complete failsafe (full shutdown of a drone’s flight systems to prevent harm/damage). 

It certainly is exciting to think that these little flying machines can travel well beyond a reasonable distance. Still, the fact of the matter is, depending on your location, it could be illegal to fly your drone outside of a direct line of sight. Also, a failsafe that far off could put that costly investment straight into the ground without any hopes of recovery. While manufacturers have their own propriety transmitting technology, you can loosely use a drone’s maximum travel distance to gauge the signal strength, hinting at its overall reliability.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drones for real estate photography

The right drone is an asset for real estate agents looking for new ways to add value to listings and drone enthusiasts striving to earn income. Narrowing in on your budget, desired features, and quality needs will help ensure you end up with one of the best drones for real estate photography for your needs.

The post The best drones for real estate photography in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Potensic A20W Drone for Kids		SEE IT	An ideal mix of features at a reasonable price.
Best for teenagers		DJI Mini 2		SEE IT	An impressive camera and great flight stability.
Best budget		Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone		SEE IT	A fun drone in a tiny package with a low price.

The best drones for kids aren’t simply toys anymore. Those unwieldy plastic crafts still exist at super low prices, but there are better options out there. Many have become easier to fly, better at handling crashes, and many even have cameras to allow kids to dip their toes into drone photography. Many of the best drones for kids are considered toys, but they can be a blast to fly. They can also be a great introduction to STEM learning. We’ve also included a few higher-level drones for those who may be above the curve in drone control skills or want to get more serious about drone photography. Either way, drones are a great excuse to get outside and explore or a way to keep the kids busy inside on rainy days.

• Best overall: Potensic A20W Drone for Kids 
• Best for teenagers: DJI Mini 2
• Best for teenagers runner-up: DJI Mini SE
• Best mini: Holy Stone HS210 Mini RC Drone
• Best with camera: Ryze Tech Tello – Mini Drone Quadcopter
• Best budget: Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone

How we chose the best drones for kids

The writers and editors at Popular Photography have decades of experience in nearly every genre of photography and have covered about every major camera and drone brand on the market. We looked at a variety of features when selecting the best drones for kids. Since we are a photography-focused site, we mainly chose drones with cameras for kids. Safety was also a primary consideration, so features like propeller guards and safe and beginner-friendly flying modes were important. We factored in battery life and charging time as well. Lastly, features like flips and other special maneuvers were looked at, as those will maximize the fun for kids.

The best drones for kids: Reviews & recommendations

Best overall: Potensic A20W Drone for Kids 

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Featuring a 720p camera, stable flying, and easy flight controls at an affordable price, the Potensic A20W is the best overall drone for kids.

Specs:

• Camera: 720p HD photos and video
• Max flight time: 21 minutes via three batteries
• Control type: Remote control and/or smartphone app
• Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.1 x 1.25 inches

Pros

• Easy to use flight controls
• Stable flight
• Good propeller guards
• Affordable

Cons

• Smartphone and app required to use the camera

The Potensic A20W, also called the Firefly, is a great all-around drone for getting kids started with flying drones. It has a 720p HD camera for recording photos and taking videos. Although the camera is not exceptional in quality, it can serve as an introduction to drone photography and videography. In addition, it comes with a 2.4G WiFi remote control, which can connect to a smartphone via an app, allowing for a real-time FPV experience.

The A20W has one-button take-off and landing and headless and altitude hold mode for easier flying. When paired with a phone, it also has Gravity Induction mode, which allows your child to control the drone by tilting the phone. For being such a small, inexpensive drone, it is very stable to fly. And it has good propeller guards to protect both the drone and people from getting hurt.

Best for teenagers: DJI Mini 2

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Why it made the cut: Though more than just a toy, the DJI Mini 2 balances quality and price, making it a good fit for teenagers. With a 12mp camera, 4K video, and a 3-axis gimbal, your teen will be able to create beautiful content without breaking the bank.

Specs:

• Camera: 12MP JPG/RAW photos, 4K/30 fps video
• Max flight time: 31 min
• Control type: Remote control
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches

Pros

• Excellent camera
• Great stabilization for smooth video
• Extremely stable flight
• Good battery life

Cons

• A bit pricey

DJI is one of the best-known drone companies in the game. While most of their drones are geared towards professionals, the DJI Mini 2 is a nice bridge between toy drones and more professional–and expensive–options. The Mini 2 is still lightweight enough not to require registration with the FAA but has a range of 6.2 miles and can fly at elevations as high as 13,123 feet above sea level. Of course, these capabilities mean that certain FAA regulations will come into play, so be sure to familiarize yourself and your teen with the rules before lifting off. 

The Mini 2 has an impressive camera capable of 4K video and 12MP RAW images. In addition, it has a 3-axis gimble, meaning video footage will be incredibly smooth and steady. Flying is also highly stable, even when there is some wind, making it easier to control. Built-in GPS and smart flying modes make flying easy as well. For example, Return to Home mode brings the drone back more easily, and Cine mode results in slower speeds for easier control. While it may be on the pricey side for a teen, the stability and controls of this drone should reduce crashes. And, DJI offers a protection plan should you want that. 

Best for teenagers runner-up: DJI Mini SE

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini SE is like the little sibling of the Mini 2. It features the same 3-axis gimble and light, foldable body but does have lower camera specs. The price is also lower, making it more approachable for use with teens or experienced kids.

Specs:

• Camera: 12MP JPG, 2.7K/30 fps video
• Max flight time: 30 minutes
• Control type: Remote control
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches

Pros

• Extremely stable flight
• Good battery life
• Great stabilization for smooth video

Cons

• Can’t handle too many crashes

DJI’s Mini SE is very similar to the more expensive Mini 2; the camera quality and price are the main differences. You still get the highly stable flight and impressive wind resistance of the Mini 2. The 30-minute battery life and small size are also the same. Also, like the Mini 2, the SE has a 2.4/5.8GHz Dual Frequency system in the remote, providing a reliable signal even when flying at the far end of its range. 

The camera in the SE is still 12MP, though it can only take JPG images. The video quality is a lower 2.7K, though it still has a 3-axis gimble for smooth recording. The range of the SE is also lower. It can only fly 2.5 miles from the controller, but that should still be enough for your teen. It is also far enough that you should know FAA regulations. The SE is a good amount cheaper than the Mini 2, so if your teen is newer to drone flying, this may be the better option.

Best mini: Holy Stone HS210 Mini RC Drone

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Why it made the cut: The Holy Stone Mini RC Drone comes with features that make it easier and safer to fly, such as auto-hovering and headless mode, and strong propeller guards. The battery life is also better than many kids’ drones at 21 minutes.

Specs:

• Camera: None
• Max flight time: 21 minutes via three batteries
• Control type: Remote control
• Dimensions: 3.15 x 3.15 x 1.18 inches

Pros

• Easy to use flight controls
• Small and lightweight
• Doesn’t require a smartphone
• Good battery life

Cons

• No camera

With its easy-to-use flight controls, Holy Stone’s HS210 mini drone is an excellent introduction to drone flying for kids. Auto-hovering mode allows kids to work on turns and speed changes without also thinking about altitude. And the addition of headless mode means that it doesn’t matter which direction the drone is facing, the directional controls will always be the same. It has a range of 164 feet and an expected battery life of 21 minutes, longer than most comparable drones.

This mini drone also has fun additions like the ability to make 3D flips and fly in circles, which kids will be sure to love. In addition, it can launch and land with one button or launch by being thrown in the air. There is also an emergency land button, a nice safety feature. And, for parents’ peace of mind, there are good propellor guards to prevent any serious damage.

Best with camera: Ryze Tech Tello – Mini Drone Quadcopter

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Why it made the cut: This DJI-powered drone features a 5MP camera with 720p video. It is also fully programmable for those kids who want to try their hand at coding. And although it doesn’t have the highest quality camera on the list, the price is much more reasonable and kid-friendly.

Specs:

• Camera: 5MP and HD 720p video
• Max flight time: 13 minutes
• Control type: Smartphone or remote control (purchased separately)
• Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.6 x 1.6 inches

Pros

• Programmable
• Easy for beginners
• Good camera
• Preprogrammed image modes for easy photos and videos

Cons

• Dedicated controller must be purchased separately

The Ryze Tech Tello is a fantastic introductory drone for kids with a camera. While the camera isn’t the most impressive, it does produce really nice 5MP images and 720p HD videos. It has electronic stabilization for smoothing out video nicely as well. In addition, it is very stable in flight and is even capable of 8D flips and bounce mode for bouncing off your hand. It can also start by simply throwing it in the air.

One of the unique things about the Tello is that it is programmable in different coding languages, including Scratch, Python, and Swift. You can even program synchronized acrobatic performances if you know others with the same drone. It is a great way to introduce coding to kids in a fun, approachable way.

Best budget: Syma X20 Mini Pocket Drone

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Why it made the cut: The Syma X20 is a tiny drone perfect for beginners but is still a blast to fly for those with some experience. It has stable and easy-to-use flight modes, such as headless and auto-hover, and two different speeds.

Specs:

• Camera: None
• Max flight time: 5 minutes
• Control type: Remote control
• Dimensions: 4.13 x 4.13 x 0.98 inches

Pros

• Very stable in flight
• Extremely small
• Affordable
• Easy to fly

Cons

• Battery does not come out
• Short flight time

The Syma X20 is a pocket-sized drone for beginners. The small size makes it possible to fly inside, ideal for entertaining your child on those rainy or extra cold days spent inside. In addition, the LED light on the drone makes it fun to fly at night or in dark rooms as well.

The X20 has a six-axis gyro for stability and is very straightforward to fly. It has one key take-off and landing, headless mode, and auto-hover. The drone can go back to the position it took off from for landing, which can be helpful when the battery is low or if it is out of control. It can also do a 360-degree continuous roll, a sure way to entertain. The battery doesn’t pop out, so you can’t swap out batteries to prolong the short flight time, but charging takes less than an hour. 

Things to consider before buying the best drones for kids

Safety features

Let’s face it, kids flying drones can be a bit scary unless safety features are in place. Luckily, most drones for kids have guards around the propellors so that if they run into someone (or something), it won’t cause any cuts or damage. Of course, some will be more robust than others, so choose which makes the most sense for your child. Some drones will also have emergency stop buttons on the controller, which could be important. 

Drone controls

Drones, even kids’ drones, may use a variety of different controllers for flying the device. Some require a smartphone to plug into a controller, so you may want to steer clear if your child doesn’t have regular access to one. FPV drones, or first-person view, involve flying from the drone’s perspective, usually through a headset. Some headsets require a phone, and some do not. On the other hand, many kids’ drones use a dedicated controller that doesn’t require a phone, which may be better. Be sure to verify what type of controller is included before purchasing a drone for your kid.

Flying modes

Flying modes can change the difficulty of flying your drone. Of course, not all drones will have the full range of modes, but there are two to look for if you want an easier introduction to flying a drone. 

First, altitude mode or auto-hover mode keeps the drone at a stable height on its own. It allows kids to practice turning and changing speeds without crashing into the ground. Second, headless mode means that the drone always responds to the remote control’s directions, no matter which way the drone is facing. For example, left always turns the drone left, even if it is facing the opposite direction as you. Headless mode is an excellent tool for beginners.

Battery life

Battery life is an essential thing to look at. Most parents have probably been in a situation where the battery of their child’s new toy died, and tears resulted. Nothing is worse than getting their new drone up in the air only to have it unexpectedly need charging five minutes later. Be sure to check the expected battery life of the drones you are considering to at least be prepared.

Drone rules and regulations

Lastly, even though the majority of the best drones on this list are small (drones under 250 grams don’t need registration) and basic enough to make the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone rules mostly irrelevant, it is still good to familiarize yourself with them. No-fly zones and flight restrictions will apply for the higher-end drones we included as they are capable of higher, longer-range flights. The FAA has a complete list of regulations on its website.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drones for kids

While there are many different kids’ drones available, the Potensic A20W Drone is a well-rounded option perfect for many. It has a decent camera so that children can experience a taste of drone photography and FPV flying, is stable in the air, and has ideal beginner flight modes. Plus, you get 21 minutes of flight time between the three included batteries. 

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Best for beginners		DJI Mini 2		SEE IT	If you’re just learning how to fly drones, this easy-to-operate yet equally high-tech pick has all the functions you need to capture stunning footage.
Best for professionals		DJI Air 2S		SEE IT	With a one-inch image sensor, FocusTrack technology to keep your subject in focus, and a seven mile video transmission range, this pick will take your high-flying photo and videos to the next level.
Best budget		Holy Stone HS510		SEE IT	For those that are new to drones or want to try them out without a huge investment, this pick still offers features like 4K video recording and GPS at a lower cost.

From state parks to national news broadcasts, drone photography and videography is becoming a regular activity, giving us glimpses of our world that were once reserved for the birds. But even if you’re a skilled photographer, incorporating a drone into your work is an entirely new skill set. Fortunately, the best drones for beginners can be easy to use, with safeguards like automatic landings to protect against crashes. Still, finding the right drone with the right set of features can be even more daunting than that first flight.  But chin up! Here’s what you need to know when shopping for a flying camera that looks down. 

• Best overall: DJI Mini 2 
• Best for travelers: Parrot Anafi 
• Best budget: Holy Stone HS510
• Best for professional photographers and videographers: DJI Air 2S
• Best for kids: Potensic A20W Drone for Kids

How we picked the best drones for beginners

Price and ease of use were two primary considerations in selecting products for this list of best drones for beginners. The in-flight stability was also important, as beginner drones should be easy to control in the air even with some wind. We also considered camera quality and video recording capabilities. Lastly, we looked at flight modes and features like GPS and obstacle detection.

The best drones for beginners: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: DJI Mini 2 

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini 2 is a lightweight but easy-to-fly drone capable of 4K video and 12MP photos. 

Specs

• Camera: 4K/30fps video, 12 megapixels stills
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 8.78 ounces

Pros: 

• Doesn’t need to be registered with the FAA
• 4K video capabilities with zoom 
• Long flight time
• Stable in the air, even with some wind

Cons: 

• No obstacle avoidance sensors

With a maximum flight time of 31 minutes and Level 5 wind resistance that can withstand gusts up to 25 mph without knocking the camera off-kilter, this DJI drone is built to help you get the shot—even from the top of a 13,000-foot peak. A 3-axis gimbal responds to the turbulence, ensuring that the camera captures steady 12mp photos or 4K video. 

But what makes this one of the best drones for beginners is just how easy it is to use. On the piloting side, it features automatic takeoff, accurate hovering, and a system that will send the drone back down to you when the battery gets too low. On the photography side, the camera automatically starts recording with just a few clicks. Additionally, the DJI Mini 2 drone supports 10km of HD video transmission that syncs to your app for nearly instant editing or sharing. At less than 250 grams (8.8 ounces), the small drone weighs about as much as an apple. It’s also a foldable drone that can pack into the pocket of your climbing pack. So, hit the trails and head on up—the views always get better the higher you go. 

Best for travelers: Parrot Anafi

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Why it made the cut: The Parrot Anafi is a foldable drone that comes with a padded case, ideal for those traveling with a drone. The unique 180-degree tilting camera lets you film action above the camera.

Specs

• Camera: 4K HD video, 21 megapixel stills
• Flight time: 25 minutes
• Weight: 1.56 pounds

Pros: 

• Very compact when folded down
• Camera can tilt 180 degrees
• Comes with a nice case
• Built-in zoom

Cons: 

• No obstacle detection
• A little challenging to fly

Either of the DJI drones listed above could work well for travelers, but the Anafi drone is the best drone for beginners for those on the go, parroting similar camera steadiness seen in the DJIs—3-axis stability—while showcasing features all its own. Its gimbal can support 180 degrees of tilt, and at one pound and a half and 9.4 by 6.9 by 2.6 inches, the Anafi is a portable,  foldable drone that packs nicely into its case.

The Anafi is also technologically robust, shooting in 4K with an f/2.4 wide-angle aspheric lens that offers 2.8x digital zoom and captures 21mp photos. The 4km transmission range means the drone can travel a long distance from you, and the battery provides an ample 25 minutes of filmed flight time, recharging in 1.5 hours via a USB-C cord.

Best budget: Holy Stone HS510

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Why it made the cut: The Holy Stone HS510 is a capable yet affordable drone with 4K Ultra HD video and GPS.

Specs 

• Camera: 4K HD
• Flight time: 16 minutes per battery, 32 minutes total
• Weight: 8.8 ounces

Pros: 

• Comes with two batteries
• Built-in display on the remote
• Small enough to not require FAA registration
• 4K video

Cons: 

• Only has single-axis stabilization
• Camera angle can only be adjusted manually

You don’t have to throw money away to find the best drone for beginners, especially not when you consider the features that come in the HS510. For example, this Holy Stone drone can record 4K Ultra HD video with a 120-degree wide field of view. In addition, it is compact, foldable, and lightweight enough that you don’t need to register it with the FAA.

You will lose some features in this budget drone compared to the more expensive DJI options. For example, it only has a 1-axis gimble, so the video smoothness won’t be exceptional. And the camera angle has to be adjusted manually, so once it’s in the air, there is nothing you can do if you don’t have it pointed the right way. But it does have a dual GPS module which allows for more accurate tracking and modes like Follow me and Smart Return Home, something you don’t get with the lower-end DJI models.

Best for professional photographers and videographers: DJI Air 2S

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Air 2S has a compact body with stunning 5.4K video and 20-megapixel photos.

Specs

• Camera: 5.4K/30fps video, 20 megapixel stills
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 1.3 pounds

Pros: 

• Four-way obstacle avoidance detection
• Good flight time
• 3-axis gimbal for stable video
• High quality video and photo

Cons: 

• Controller isn’t foldable

The Air 2S is a DJI drone that gives you even more than the Mini 2. But, as the premium pick for the best drone for beginners, it costs more than twice as much (almost $1,000 vs. under $500). For that extra money, you get two kilometers (1.24 miles) of additional video transmission (up to 12km of range), 10k digital zoom, 5.4K high-definition video, and a 10-bit Dlog-M color profile that lets you capture the world in all its glory.

The DJI Air 2S camera also records photos at up to 12.6 stops for detailed original images and features intelligent HDR that automatically merges multiple shots. Other smart technology includes tracking that lets you better follow a subject on the move and environmental sensing that helps prevent you from flying the drone into walls and trees.

Best for kids: Potensic A20W Drone for Kids

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Why it made the cut: The Potensic A20W is an affordable mini drone that still has video capabilities and stable flying. It’s a great way to introduce kids to drone flying and videography.

Specs

• Camera: HD 720p video and photos
• Max flight time: 21 minutes via three batteries
• Weight: 14 ounces

Pros

• Stable flight
• Simple flight controls
• Propeller guards for safety
• Affordable

Cons

• Smartphone and app required to use the camera

If you want to introduce your child to drone flying and drone photography, the Potensic A20W is a great option. Though the camera quality isn’t near the professional level, it does have an HD 720p camera for both videos and photos. In addition, the included remote has 2.4G WiFi which allows you to connect via an app for even more controls.

With one-button take-off and landing and headless and altitude hold modes, the A20W is easy to fly, even for those completely new to drone flying. It also has Gravity Induction mode when using a smartphone, which allows you to control the drone by tilting the phone. It is very stable to fly for such a small, inexpensive drone. And, since this is designed for kids, the sturdy propeller guards are a welcome sight to protect the drone, your home, and other people.

What to consider when shopping for the best drones for beginners 

Whether you need a long-range drone to fly far away or a drone with a longer flight time to capture more footage, you can find the right drone for you. The best drones for beginners can shoot in 4K and travel four miles away. They can also land on their own or track a subject automatically. But not all drones are the same. Here are some key features to consider when shopping for the best drones for beginners. 

Do you need a beginner drone with a longer flying time to set up the perfect shot? 

On average, drones can only fly for about 20 minutes, with the range spanning between five minutes and 30-plus minutes. Lightweight batteries simply don’t exist to support more sustained work in a flying device. The flight time you need depends on whether you’re looking to send the drone up for a quick aerial shot of the family barbecue or whether you need some time searching for the right panoramic of an alpine lake. 

Do you need a drone with a long range?

A drone’s range is determined by the quality of the radio transmission, which is essentially the invisible connection between you (or the controls) and your drone. While some drones can only travel a few dozen meters away from the base, some of the best drones for beginners are capable of shooting high-definition video from more than seven miles away. 

What kind of camera should your beginner drone have? 

The bird’s-eye angle alone all but guarantees that drones will capture amazing video and take compelling photos, but the onboard technology could make it a certainty. The best drones for beginners can shoot in crystal-clear HD video (8K is possible with top-of-the-line models) and produce 20-plus megapixel photos. Many camera drones also feature zooming and panoramic modes to let you see clearly both near and far. Camera drones with gimbals are designed to keep the lens steady by activating motors on different axes as the drone flies through the air. 

 What kind of control are you looking for? 

While some drones come with their own controllers, other drones can be flown using a sync-ed smartphone. The handheld controllers are more reliable and provide a more accurate response than smartphone controls, but they can also have a steeper learning curve or add to the price point—or may only be available as an accessory purchase. Other control features also exist. Some drones can take off and land with the press of a button, while others automatically come back to you or land safely when their battery is low. In addition, you can find drones that sync with virtual reality headsets, drones that can lower at the sound of your voice, and ones that can take photos with the wave of your hand. 

Related: Everything you need to know about buying your first drone.

Do you want a smart drone?

Most of the best drones for beginners are enabled with a GPS that allows for some amount of autopiloting. But others are also equipped with sensors that read the environment and help the drone avoid obstacles on its own. Some drones are also designed to track a moving subject, taking the controls—and the worry—out of your hands,  which lets you focus on finding the perfect shot.

FAQs

The final word on shopping for the best drones for beginners 

From the best drones for pros to the best drones for kids to the best drones for your buck, you can find many different drones that will work for your particular needs. High-definition video, autonomous features, and easy-to-use controls are all attainable, even without spending a grand for the truly top-of-the-line model. Shopping for the best drones for beginners is a matter of matching the feature set you desire to the best product to help you capture the most eye-catching footage from way up high.  

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Drone enthusiasts know that the DJI Mavic Air 2/2S is equipped with a great camera, but there’s a catch: it can only shoot flat footage. For those wanting a 360-degree view on their flight, Insta360 recently released the Sphere, a 360-degree drone camera that allows creators to capture crazy footage by attaching the dual camera to the drone and then adding the desired effects after the flight.

One of the challenges of recording such footage is the requirement that the drone pilot have deft mastery of their aircraft to create the dramatic dives, swoops, twists, and turns. Insta360 Sphere now puts that ability in the hands of less-experienced drone operators by capturing every angle with the ability to add effects during the editing process.

Related: Best drones under $100

How the Insta360 Sphere works

Mounted on a DJI Mavic Air 2/2S drone, the Sphere captures 360-degree 5.7k footage as the craft flies. The operator does not need to execute any maneuvers to capture unique perspectives. Piloting the drone forwards and backwards more than suffices as the Sphere does all the heavy lifting.

This is what video shooters call an “invisible” camera. Ordinarily, a 360-degree camera will capture the drone in its field of view, which requires extensive editing in post-production to remove. The Sphere employs a pair of cameras—one facing out from the top of the craft and the other pointing down from the bottom, attached to the drone with a locking mechanism. This arrangement cuts the drone from the image completely. 

“Insta360’s proprietary dynamic stitching algorithm makes the whole drone (including the propellers) disappear automatically, leaving the user with glorious, uninterrupted shots,” the company writes. 

Insta360 claims the Sphere won’t disrupt the drone’s GPS signal nor remote control. This is a worthy highlight, as a previous product, the One R Aerial Add-on, blocked the Mavic 2’s GPS signal, which made flying considerably more challenging for amateurs.

Editing Insta360 Sphere footage

Insta360 employs its proprietary image stabilization system, FlowState, which is also used in other products such as the One X, X2, and Go 2. FlowState promises to reduce shakes and vibrations, even in windy conditions. 

Intuitive framing tools allow you to readjust the angle and direction of the camera in post-production using either an app or your desktop. You also have the ability to create multiple edits from the same flight using the video captured by the Sphere and the drone’s own camera. With just a tap, the software can simulate complex aerial cinematic techniques like daredevil barrel rolls and dolly zooms with a simple command.

How to buy the Insta360 Sphere

The Sphere is now available on the Insta360 website for $429.99. Those who want the Memory Card Kit, which comes with a 64-gigabyte MicroSD card, will pay $439.99.

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The sub-250 gram drone market is flooded with flying toys, but today’s launch of the DJI Mini 3 Pro is giving us a travel-friendly aerial marvel with 3-way obstacle avoidance, a bigger and brighter camera, and a flight time beyond 40 minutes. The Mini 3 Pro punches well above its weight class with some seriously impressive performance and a few clever tricks. In our tests, we found the tiny drone’s endurance, versatility, and image quality a strong step up from the Mini 2, but whether or not it deserves the “Pro” label is up in the air.

What’s New?

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Folded, the Mini 3 Pro is about the size of a soda can, but despite its diminutive footprint the drone sports six binocular optical sensors that can identify obstacles in front of, behind, and below the aircraft. Feeding the Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS 4.0), the sensors allow pilots an almost worry-free flight experience with obstacle avoidance on par with DJI’s larger and pricier drones.

Small drones typically have dismal flight times thanks to their tiny batteries, but the Mini 3 Pro breaks the 30-minute barrier with the stock battery pack. A new, larger “Plus” battery, (not available in all countries), pushes endurance past 40 minutes but nudges the drone above the 249-gram weight limit. 

The Mini 3 Pro’s camera is brighter than its predecessor and can produce still images with four times the resolution, and the gimbal that holds it can now pivot the camera 90 degrees into portrait mode which allows for vertical videos without cropping.

With the Mini 3 Pro, DJI is introducing a new controller as an option to the stock RC-N1 controller. The DJI RC is an all-in-one unit with a 5-inch screen shining at 700 nits.

Size Matters

Related: The best drone for beginners

In the United States, the FAA requires that drones 250 grams and heavier be registered for recreational flight. Sub-250 gram drones are exempt from registration rules as research has shown that the tiny drones pose far less safety risk to people on the ground. Many countries restrict drone use for drones over 250 grams. You’ll need to do some homework before you fly in other countries, but as a general rule, drones under 250 grams enjoy a greater measure of freedom. It’s worth noting that any accessories, such as prop guards or the Plus batteries, push the Mini 3 Pro above the 250-gram mark.

Along with the regulatory freedom the Mini 3 Pro enjoys, the drone’s compact size, relatively quiet motors and props, and svelte weight make it a great choice for ultralight travelers and those looking to drone on as unobtrusively as possible. 

Flying the Mini 3 Pro

For a featherweight drone, the Mini 3 Pro is remarkably agile in the air. In calm air, it launches, flies, and hovers with the assuredness of a larger drone. When the breezes kick in, the little drone does buffet, but the GPS-based control system does an admirable job keeping it steady. DJI claims the Mini 3 Pro can endure for 34 minutes and 47 minutes with the two battery types, but our real-world tests brought less enthusiastic, but still impressive, times. In our numerous flights, the stock battery gave just over 30 minutes of normal flying. Outfitted with the Plus battery, it lingered aloft for about 40 minutes. 

We enjoyed almost flawless obstacle avoidance with only one instance where the sensors failed to detect tree branches. With larger obstacles in good light, the APAS 4.0 system functions perfectly, guiding the drone around trees and structures smoothly. The small drone and controller maintain a solid radio link in busy environments, and the 1080p live view from the drone never froze—the controller’s solid radio link was confidence-inspiring. One challenge we noticed with the Mini 3 Pro is its visibility. Maintaining visual contact was difficult due to its small size and light grey color, something you should consider when flying in crowded places and on sunny days.

Big Little Camera

The Mini 3 Pro features a new camera that can capture up to 48-megapixel Raw still images with a 24mm F/1.7 lens in front of a fairly small 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. The fixed F/1.7 aperture is over twice as bright as the Mini 2’s F/2.8 lens, which translates into better low-light performance. The 48MP DNG images the camera produces are exclusive to a single-shot mode that combines multiple frames to quadruple the native resolution and increase dynamic range. In the standard, bracketed, burst, timed, and panorama modes, the camera produces 12MP Raw + JPEG files. Native image quality isn’t spectacular given the small sensor and optics involved, but the improved dynamic range and fidelity of the camera are far beyond other drones in this class.

For video, the Mini 3 Pro can shoot HDR 4K at up to 30 frames per second and standard 4K up to 60 FPS with a bit rate of 150 Mbps. This is a big step up from the Mini 2’s max output of 4K/30 at 100 Mbps.

In a clever move that improves the Mini 3 Pro camera’s utility, the gimbal is mounted at the very front of the aircraft allowing for an upward tilt of 60 degrees, a whopping 25 degrees more than the Mini 2 and at least 20 degrees more than any other DJI consumer drone. Combined with the pivot function that allows for vertical shooting, the Mini 3 Pro can capture unique perspectives not possible with previous drones.

This Kid’s Pretty Sharp

The Mini 3 Pro is controlled via the DJI Fly app, and like its larger siblings, it can leverage its optical sensors to perform a number of autonomous flight video modes including Intelligent Return To Home, Mastershots, Quickshots, Hyperlapse, Spotlight 2.0, and POI 3.0. In a big step up from the Mini 2, the Mini 3 Pro can also track subjects from behind or from the side using Active Track 4.0 making those epic selfie action shots easier than ever. 

Configurations Galore

DJI has opted to make the new Mini 3 Pro available in a variety of kits depending on the controller (or lack of) buyers desire:

• Mini 3 Pro without a controller + single regular battery and spare props: $669 US
• Mini 3 Pro with RC-N1 Controller + single regular battery and spare props: $759 US
• Mini 3 Pro with DJI RC Controller + single regular battery and spare props: $909 US

Instead of including the drone in the Fly More Combos of the past, DJI is offering up two Fly More kits based on the two different batteries available in most countries. Each kit consists of two batteries, a charging hub, two sets of spare props, and a clever shoulder bag that can hold the drone, controller, and up to three batteries.

• Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit: $189 US
• Mini 3 Pro Fly More Kit Plus: $249 US

Buyers can pre-order the Mini 3 Pro and Fly More kits now, but DJI is hoping to avoid supply chain headaches by holding shipments until they have sufficient supply to meet pre-order demand. So in an effort to be equitable to all, DJI expects to ship these items later this summer.

Conclusion

For those who bristle at FAA registration and enjoy flight and imaging performance that challenges larger drones, the Mini 3 Pro is a satisfying gadget that is anything but toy-like, but the bulging price tag and delayed delivery dulls the shine of this smart little quadcopter. 

What we like

• Registration-free in US and Canada
• Incredibly tiny
• Smooth obstacle avoidance
• Best-in-class images and video
• Pivoting and upward-gazing gimbal
• Fun intelligent flight modes
• Choice of two controllers
• Extended flight time with Plus battery
• Very quiet

What we don’t

• Expensive compared to other sub-250 gram drones (with DJI RC controller and Fly More Plus kit the price hits $1,158 US)
• Image quality that isn’t “Pro” level
• Delicate (to be expected for something that weighs 249 grams)
• You won’t get it until later this summer

Additional samples

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After launching in Southeast Asia and South America last month, the new DJI Mini SE is finally available in the US for $299. It’s an upgrade-with-a-lower-price to DJI’s previous entry-level consumer drone, the original DJI Mini, although the internals and camera are the same. It isn’t a replacement for the DJI Mini 2, which remains in the Mavic family lineup for $449. 

DJI Mini SE drone details

The DJI Mini SE’s most important feature is its weight: under 250g (8.8oz). For US drone pilots, this means that you are exempt from some regulations when flying recreationally and, at least for the time being, don’t need to register for Remote ID. (Crash your drone into the 7 World Trade Center and you’re still going to have to deal with the police). 

The DJI Mini SE is small and portable. Since it shares the same body design, its dimensions are identical to the Mini 2. When folded, it’s 138mm x 81mm x 58mm (5.43” x 3.19” x 2.28”). Open with the propellers on, it’s 245mm x 289mm x 56mm (9.65” x 11.38” x 2.2”). 

Since the Mini SE is just an original Mini with a new design for $100 less, the camera on the 3-axis gimbal remains the same. It’s got a full-frame equivalent focal length of 24mm and shoots 2.7K footage (2720 x 1530 pixels) at 24, 25, or 30 frames-per-second or full HD (1080p) footage at up to 60 fps. Stills clock in at 12MP. 

Similarly, the Mini SE doesn’t have the Mini 2’s upgraded controller—it’s got the same foldable one as the original Mini remote. 

With a full charge, the Mini SE can stay in the air for 30 minutes and zip about at almost 30 miles-per-hour. It can livestream HD video back to your smartphone from 2.5 miles away. A small bit of wind shouldn’t bother it: it’s capable of flying in roughly 20 mile-per-hour winds, or a “fresh breeze” on the Beaufort scale. 

The cheapest way to get flying

The Mini SE is the most affordable drone DJI has ever sold. Compared to the Mini 2, you mostly sacrifice video quality (2.7K vs 4K) and range (2.5 miles vs 5 miles)—although the Mini 2 also has a nicer controller—to save $150. Both are under that 250g limit so, as long as you aren’t flying commercially, are free from most regulations. 

If you’re mostly interested in flying a drone the Mini SE might be the perfect choice for you. However, if you’re looking for high quality footage, you might regret not spending the extra $150 dollars on the Mini 2. 

And, of course, if you’ve got more of a budget, the $999 DJI Air 2S is our favorite drone at the moment. 

When is the DJI Mini SE available? 

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