We consider the DJI Air 2 one of the very best consumer drones on the market, so we’re particularly excited about the release of the new DJI Air 3. This new model offers a cadre of useful updates, from extended battery life to quieter flights. Here’s a look at DJI’s new flying machine.

DJI Air 3 drone at a glance

• Two camera array includes a wide-angle and a telephoto lens
• Each camera offers a 1.13-inch CMOS sensor
• Up to 48 minutes of flight on a charge
• 48-megapixel photos and 4K/60P footage with both cameras
• Object avoidance in every direction
• $1,099 for the drone and controller
• Weighs 1.59 pounds

What’s new in the DJI Air 3 drone? Let’s start with the cameras

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This $1,099 drone offers a very similar form factor to other DJI folding drones in recent years. The camera represents one of the biggest differentiators when it comes to setting the Air 3 apart from its siblings. The Air 3 offers a pair of imaging devices, including its standard wide-angle camera as well as a 70mm (equivalent) telephoto camera to provide a very different look to your photos and footage. The wide-angle camera offers a maximum aperture of f/1.7, while the telephoto camera opens to f/2.8. That wide-angle camera offers more than a full-stop advantage over the model found on the Air 2S.

Both cameras in the Air 3 come toting 1.13-inch sensors. That’s a small-but-noticeable uptick from the one-inch sensor found in the Air 2S. The Air 3 can also capture 48-megapixel still images while the Air 2S capped out at 20 MP. Instead of the 5.3K maximum video resolution offered by the Air 2S, the Air 3 promises 4K footage at up to 100 fps with no crop.

The Mavic 3 Pro offers a more advanced triple-camera design with a 4/3 Hasselblad main camera, but that craft also costs just less than double what you’ll pay for the Air 3.

DJI Air 3 design

All of these folding DJI drones should look very familiar by now. DJI has been using this basic setup since the Mavic line first debuted. That’s not a knock against the product. The folding design works very well and doesn’t need a lot o fussing. DJI claims the Air 3 can detect obstacles in all directions, which means you can fly it in more complicated settings, like through trees or even larger indoor spaces, if you’re qualified to do so.

The upgraded battery can now provide up to 46 minutes of flight time on a single charge. Of course, that number will vary wildly depending on your flying style and the environmental conditions. But that flight time number continues to grow with new models, and we’re always glad to see that. Still, we almost always recommend getting the Fly More bundle if you buy a new DJI drone because it offers a discount on extra batteries (which you’ll need) and the upgraded controller (which you may want).

Who should buy the new DJI Air 3 drone?

This remains a sweet spot in the DJI lineup. It’s more advanced than the Mini Pro and the older Air 2S, but it’s still roughly half the price of the flagship Mavic 3 Pro. The second camera is a very welcomed addition, but it’s only going to come in handy if you have plans to use it. For many beginners, one main camera is enough, but this is a nice option for someone who is more advanced (or hopes to get there soon).

The drone itself costs $1,099, but there are several Fly More options available for purchase right now. The $1,349 bundle includes a pair of extra batteries, the advanced battery charging hub, a shoulder bag for carrying everything, and more. Move up to the $1,549 version, and you get those same accessories, except you’ll also get the DJI RC 2, which integrates a 5.5-inch HD screen directly into the device.

We’re looking forward to flying DJI’s new drone as soon as review units become available.

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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.

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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

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If you’re in the market for a drone, Amazon currently has two of DJI’s most popular offerings on sale for $100 (or more) off of their regular prices. The weather is nice right now, and it’s a great time to get one of these little crafts into the sky to make some aerial photography or video footage. Or just use it to wear out your dog.

DJI Air 2S $849 (was $999)

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This relatively tiny folding drone sports a pretty impressive camera with a large 1-inch sensor to maximize photo and video quality. The camera sits on DJI’s excellent gimbal, which allows for smooth footage and sharp images, even when the drone is on the move. It can capture 5.4K video or more traditional 4K at up to 60 fps.

The drone has obstacle sensing tech that monitors every direction around the craft, so it’s a solid option for someone learning how to fly. It can automatically avoid crashes, which can be costly. Once you’re done flying, it folds up to about the size of a water bottle and weighs just 1.3 pounds, so it’s very easy to bring along as part of a larger camera kit. This is an excellent option for people just getting serious or even high-end pros looking for a secondary craft to keep in the bag.

If you want the Fly More combo, which comes with extra batteries and props, as well as some other goodies, that’s on sale for $1,109 (down from $1,299)

DJI FPV Combo $899 (was $999)

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If you want a true first-person view experience, this drone comes with an advanced headset and controller that give you precise control and a cockpit-level view of what the drone itself sees. This kind of drone is excellent for pulling high-speed maneuvers or precise camera movements that offer a truly cinematic look. The FPV setup takes some getting used to, but you’ll save $100 with this deal, so you’ll have some extra cash left over for replacement propellers in case it takes some time to navigate the learning curve.

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When it comes to consumer-grade drones, it doesn’t get much better than DJI’s Mavic line. Now, the company has upped the camera ante on its flagship Mavic offering with the triple-cam Mavic 3 Pro. It offers many of the same flight features as its other Mavic pals, but its triple camera array adds another level of flexibility when it comes to aerial content creation. Here’s what you need to know about the new DJI Mavic Pro 3 drone (currently up for pre-order).

DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone at a glance

• Three total cameras, each with different focal lengths
• Main camera: Hasselblad 4/3 20MP camera with a 24mm equivalent lens
• Medium tele camera: 70mm equivalent 48MP camera with an f/2.8 aperture
• Telephoto camera: 166mm equivalent 12MP camera with an F/3.4 aperture
• Up to 43 minutes of flight time
• Apple ProRes support in each camera (in Cine version)
• Video transmission up to 15 km
• 5.1K video up to 50 fps or 4K video up to 120 fps
• Upgraded Pro Cine model offers 1TB of built-in storage
• Object avoidance in every direction
• Price: $2,199

DJI’s new flagship Mavic

As the $2,199 price suggests, this represents the high-end of DJI’s consumer offerings. It relied on a very familiar folding form factor you’ll recognize from the standard Mavic 3, but the more advanced camera adds roughly two ounces of weight to the Mavic 3 Pro. The Pro 3 also promises three fewer minutes of flight time per charge than the standard Mavic 3 due to the extra weight. If you’re buying a drone at this level, however, you’re almost certainly going to want to buy extra batteries and bring them with you anyway.

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Three cameras on a drone?

The big differentiator for the Mavic 3 Pro comes in the form of its camera array. It has a trio of imaging devices, all with their own unique specs and use cases.

The primary camera is a relatively familiar Hasselblad device with a Four Thirds sensor and a 24mm equivalent field of view. In addition to the main camera, the Pro 3 also offers two imaging devices with longer lenses. The medium telephoto camera offers a 48-megapixel resolution with a 70mm equivalent lens. It has a relatively fast f/2.8 aperture and a 1/1.3-inch sensor. The longest telephoto lens more than doubles the equivalent focal length to roughly 166mm. That extra length comes at a cost, however, because it offers a smaller 1/2-inch sensor and an f/3.4 aperture.

The cameras offer a variety of digital and optical zoom functions, depending on which one you select. But that flexibility opens the door to truly cinematic effects like dolly zooming, where the subject stays relatively static, but the background appears to close in or fall away depending on how you perform the maneuver.

Video specs

While we’re excited about the prospect of the high-quality 20-megapixel stills coming out of the main camera, the video capture features are the big draw here. All three cameras can shoot in Apple’s ProRes format. The main camera can shoot in 5.1K at up to 50 fps or 4K at up to 120 fps. It also now shoots in 10-bit D-Log M color mode to provide a very versatile and easily color-graded file that excels in tricky situations.

Even the other cameras with longer lenses can still pump out 4K footage at up to 60 fps, so you can get smooth, buttery footage no matter which imaging device you select.

Flight features

Beyond the imaging specs, the drone itself offers just about everything the already excellent Mavic 3 does. The Mavic 3 Pro gets 43 minutes of flight time on a single battery and employs an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system that’s very handy for operators at every level. That comes heavily into play when you’re using one of the many automated flight modes that guide the drone along predetermined paths without the pilot having to perform the precision maneuvers.

DJI Mavic 3 Pro price & release date

The base model DJI Mavic 3 Pro comes in a package with the radio controller for a total cost of $2,199, but unless you’re planning to buy all of your accessories separately, that’s probably not the version you’ll want to purchase. The $2,999 Fly More Combo adds a pair of extra batteries, a battery charging hub, a set of neutral density filters (pretty essential for cameras with fixed apertures), a carrying case, and more.

For $3,889, you’ll get the Fly More Combo, but step up to the DJI RC Pro controller, which offers a more advanced screen and more precise controls. Finally, $4,799 steps all the way up to the Cine version of the Mavic 3 Pro, which includes a built-in 1TB SSD for storage and Apple’s Pro Res support.

We have had the new Mavic Pro 3 for a few days now, and we’ll have a full review in the coming weeks.

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DJI is known for pushing boundaries on its drones, and that continues to be the case with its latest release. The new Inspire 3 is the company’s only cinema-grade drone, putting it at the top of DJI’s lineup. It’s packed full of advanced features such as 8K video, FPV camera, nine visual sensors, and high-precision positioning technology. It can simulate the movements of a crane, cable cam, or dolly, while still offering epic aerial footage. For cinematographers who need the absolute best in drone footage, the Inspire 3 promises to be quite an excellent solution.

What is the DJI Inspire 3?

To be clear, this drone is not for the average consumer like the Mavic 3. It is a drone designed for top-level movie and television productions. As a result, it demands a price to match. At $16,499, it costs more than many used cars. In fact, it’s $6,500 more than the 2000 Mazda Miata we recently bought. But for high-end productions and cinematographers who need exceptional aerial shots, the Inspire 3 has a lot to offer.

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DJI Inspire 3 camera

DJI’s drones typically feature impressive cameras, and that is certainly true in the Inspire 3. It is built around a full-frame Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, which DJI says is the lightest version of that camera ever. It also gets DJI’s CineCore 3.0, which is the company’s latest image processing system. As a result, the camera is capable of up to 8K 25fps CinemaDNG video and 8K 75fps Apple ProRes RAW video. And the S&Q mode offers internal recording of up to full-frame 4K/120fps ProRes RAW video without cropping.

The X9-8K Air camera also supports dual native ISO. DJI explains that “at full-frame 30fps and below, it offers EI 800/4000, supporting the 24fps commonly seen in film productions and the 25fps used in commercial and television productions.” If shooting at above 30fps, EI 320/1600 is available. In all, the X9-8K Air will cover 14 stops of dynamic range, making it easier to capture complicated, high-contrast lighting situations and opening up possibilities in post.

The camera on the Inspire 3 utilizes DJI’s DL mount. As a result, it’s compatible with an 18mm f/2.8 lens as well as a “new telephoto lens specially made for 8K aerial cinematography.” Full-frame 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses are also compatible. And the camera gets the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) for accurate, authentic colors. These colors will match ground-based devices from DJI, such as the Ronin 4D, to streamline editing workflows. Finally, it comes with the DJI PROSSD 1TB, which offers up to 1100 MB/s of write speed and 900 MB/s of read speed and can connect directly to a computer using a USB-C cable.

Inspire 3 drone details

On top of the impressive camera specs, the drone itself is extremely advanced. DJI says that it is completely redesigned from the Inspire 2. The Inspire 3 features nine visual sensors. That means it can detect obstacles in all directions. And obstacle detection is now customizable. Horizontal, upward, and downward obstacle sensing can operate independently of each other. You can also manually set obstacle alert ranges. And even when obstacle avoidance is turned off, you can view the distance from an obstacle in real time and receive an audio alert when the obstacle is within a predetermined range.

The Inspire 3 integrates RTK positioning technology, which is used in architectural and surveying industries and offers centimeter-level accuracy. This makes for more stable flight but also allows for more precise route planning.

Location information is powered by the integrated 3 GNSS System (GPS + Galileo + BeiDou) system and built-in dual-layered ceramic RTK antennas. There’s no need to mount anything else in order to get precise positioning. And they also provide the drone with internal orientation, so there’s no need to perform a compass calibration in most situations.

Inspire 3 flight modes

The new location feature enables the Waypoint Pro function, which allows for highly customizable flight-route and shot planning. There are two options associated with Waypoint Pro: Repeatable Routes and 3D Dolly. The repeatable Routes feature allows for the creation of precisely repeatable flights, maintaining parameters such as altitude, speed, gimbal angle, and camera settings. This opens up lots of possibilities, including the option of creating long-duration timelapses to show transitions from season to season, for example.

The 3D Dolly feature can simulate a crane, cable cam, or dolly. It allows drone pilots to create an aerial motion path where they can then move the drone back and forward along the path. The pilot retains full gimbal control and can adjust speed on that path as well. The 3D Dolly feature makes the drone significantly more versatile in the types of shots it can get.

The Spotlight Pro feature relies on machine-learning algorithms to provide single-object recognition and tracking. That means the pilot can focus on flying while the camera gimbal automatically stays on the subject, opening up much more complex shots.

Upgraded transmission

DJI also improved transmission in the new O3 Pro Transmission. It enables a range of 9.3 miles with one controller or 7.5 miles in dual-controller mode. The live feed offers quality up to 1080p 60fps with an ultra-low latency of 90 ms. Or, if you reduce the transmission range to three miles, you can get a 4K 30fps live feed, which is a first.

Drone design

The Inspire 3 is relatively lightweight and portable. It weighs 8.8 pounds and features a transformable frame. All sensors, cameras, and storage card slots are seamlessly integrated into the body for a more streamlined look. The new design supports Tilt Boost, which allows for an obstruction-free 80-degree upward angle view when the landing gear is lowered.

The drone also features new hot-swappable TB51 intelligent dual batteries. These provide a flight time of up to 28 minutes. And the Inspire 3 can fly at speeds up to 58 miles per hour.

Inspire 3 pricing & availability

The new DJI Inspire 3 will start shipping at the end of June but is available for pre-order now for $16,499. The combo includes the DJI Inspire 3 Aircraft, Zenmuse X9-8K Air Gimbal Camera, RC Plus remote controller, 6x TB51 Intelligent Battery, Charging Hub, PROSSD 1TB, Trolley Case, 3x Foldable Quick-Release Propellers (Pair), Lens Carrying Box, RC Plus Strap, and more. There will be no shortage of accessories available for purchase as well, including the new DJI DL 18 mm F2.8 ASPH Lens for $1,299.

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Drone maker DJI is pushing heavily in the first-person view (FPV)  flight world, as is evident with its most recent announcement. The company has released new FPV goggles—the DJI Goggles Integra—as well as a new FPV controller, the RC Motion 2. DJI designed both peripherals for the smaller of its two FPV drones, the DJI Avata. The goggles will also work with the O3 Air Unit and Digital FPV.

The Avata is already a very beginner-friendly drone. It’s absolutely tiny and, as a result, is more maneuverable than the larger DJP FPV. The new goggles and flight controller aim to improve the flying experience even more thanks to better ergonomic designs, specifically an integrated battery in the Goggles Integra to do away with annoying cables.

DJI Goggles Integra details

The most significant design change of the DJI Goggles Integra is the built-in battery. The battery is now part of the headband itself, meaning there is no cable connecting the headset to a battery. That should make for a much better experience. Despite the addition of the battery, DJI promises that the Goggles Integra are “light, balanced, and incredibly comfortable.” They weigh 14.5 ounces, which is slightly heavier than the Goggles 2 Headset, but those don’t have a built-in battery. 

The Goggles Integra offer up to two hours of operating time, so you’ll have plenty of time in the air. There are two 1080p Micro-OLED displays with a brightness of 700 nits and a 100 Hz refresh rate. And they are TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certified, meaning they will result in less eye strain during long flights. DJI utilized its O3+ video transmission with 30 ms latency and SyncSmooth to keep the video and Integra displays in sync, resulting in smooth playback to reduce eye strain and motion sickness. 

The Integra features built-in GPS, so you can fly without connecting a smartphone. But, if you do connect your phone, you can share what you are seeing with others by connecting to the DJI Fly app. They also provide 6.2 miles of range.

Perhaps the main downside of the Goggles Integra is that the smaller design doesn’t work with glasses. To solve this, DJI includes 11 pairs of lens inserts that range from -8.0 D to  +2.0 D, taking the place of your glasses. You can also adjust the IPD (Interpupillary Distance) between 56 and 72mm. 

Goggles Integra pricing & availability

The DJI Goggles Integra are available for purchase today for $499.00. The new headset is also available as part of the DJI Avata Drone Explorer Combo, which includes the DJI Avata drone, Goggles Integra, RC Motion 2, and all the other accessories you need to get in the air and stay there longer for $1,278.00.

RC Motion 2 details

Along with the Goggles Integra, DJI has introduced an update on its original RC Motion controller. The RC Motion 2 uses the same motion-sensing technology as the first RC Motion, meaning you can control the Avata drone with slight movements of your wrist. What has changed is an updated accelerator with a reverse function. It now supports vertical, backward, and sideways flight. That should make it easier to change direction and land the drone.  

The RC Motion 2 also features an improved joystick. It protrudes from the remote slightly, stead of the flush design on the original model. The new design offers better tactile control and more traditional operation. On the side of the RC Motion 2 is an Fn dial for changing camera settings. You can adjust ISO, shutter speed, and other parameters all on the controller itself. 

RC Motion 2 pricing & availability

The new RC Motion 2 is available for purchase now for $239.00. Like the Goggles Integra, the controller is also included in the DJI Avata Drone Explorer Combo. You’ll also get the RC Motion 2 as part of the DJI Avata Drone Pro-View Combo, which includes the DJI Goggles 2, among other accessories, for $1,428.00.

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The DJI Ronin 4D camera aims to create a truly all-in-one cinema camera experience. It marries a lens, camera, and gimbal system with plenty of processing power and a full suite of audio capture options. Now, DJI has made the Ronin 4D platform even more versatile with the Ronin 4D Flex. This upgrade separates the gimbal and camera module from the body of the camera itself. An operator can hold the much lighter gimbal setup while the larger camera body that handles all the image storage and processing sits in a backpack or with another person.

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The cable that connects the gimbal to the main body is two meters long. The handheld portion weighs just under four pounds and is compatible with DJI’s dual handgrips. That allows creators to put the camera in places it wouldn’t fit before when it was just one massive unit.

Despite the extended reach, the extension cable can handle lossless video transmission up to 8K. It can simultaneously accommodate a high-res monitor preview, so there’s essentially no functionality loss at the cost of this new convenience. It also still works with DJI’s accessories, including the LiDar focus module, the control wheels, and the follow focus.

Have we heard of this before?

If you follow the cinema camera world, you probably recognize this concept from something similar Sony did with its $50,000 Venice camera. Sony offers an extremely pricey extension system called Rialto, which achieves a similar effect. The DJI rig differentiates itself in several ways, but it’s a lot cheaper than the Sony system. The DJI Ronin 4D checks in just under $7,000, and the Flex extension adds just $979 to that cost. Obviously, the Sony system offers more flexibility (and unmatched low-light performance), but that’s a huge price difference. If the DJI matches your production needs, you could save a ton of cash.

Beyond the new Flex system, DJI also now offers an Apple ProRes Raw license for the Ronin 4D. It costs $929 and allows the camera to capture footage in Apple’s proprietary raw format.

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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.

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DJI sure has been busy lately, with nearly an announcement a month for the second half of last year. It seems to be continuing that trend into 2023, as it has announced a new gimbal. The new DJI RS 3 Mini is a compact and lightweight gimbal intended for compact mirrorless users who travel or simply want easier single-handed use. It takes many of the same and much-loved features of the RS 3–such as DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm and OLED touchscreen–but packs them into a smaller and more affordable package.

DJI RS 3 Mini size & capacity

The most impressive thing about the RS 3 Mini, as the name suggests, is just how small it is. It weighs just 1.9 pounds and measures only 12.7 x 7.7 x 3.9 inches. For comparison, the RS 3 weighs 2.8 pounds and measures 16.1 x 10.2 x 7.7 inches, making the RS 3 mini 40 percent smaller. It’s also a whopping 50 percent smaller than the RS 3 Pro. The compact size and weight will make it much easier to toss in a bag when traveling. And it will just make it easier to hold when recording, so you can focus on the shot and not how tired your arm is getting.

Despite weighing so little, the RS 3 Mini can support up to 4.4 pounds. It’s compatible with a wide range of mirrorless camera and lens combinations, including the Sony A7S3 and 24-70mm F2.8 GM lens, Canon EOS R5 and RF24-70mm F2.8 STM lens, or Fuji X-H2S and XF 18-55 mm F2.8-4 lens. And DJI says that the motor is strong enough that it won’t need rebalancing, even if the lens extends as it zooms.

DJI RS 3 Mini features

DJI has recently been focused on putting out high-quality gear that is accessible to more than just professionals. The RS 3 Mini is another step in that direction, as it utilizes much of the same impressive tech found in the company’s higher-end gimbals. For example, it features DJI’s 3rd generation stabilization algorithm, which is also found in the RS 3 Pro. This algorithm provides professional-level image stabilization, resulting in smooth footage even if the user is running or shooting at a low angle. And it supports 360-degree rotation imaging for really dynamic shots.

Wireless connectivity

Also carried over to the RS 3 Mini is the Wireless Bluetooth Shutter function. This allows you to pair the gimbal to your camera wirelessly and then control video recording and camera capture functions on the gimbal itself. And, with compatible Sony power zoom lenses, you can even control zoom via the gimbal. All of this allows for wireless connectivity, resulting in less fuss and less risk of wires getting caught or otherwise ending up in the way.

Like other DJI stabilizers, this new offering connects to the Ronin app. With the app, you can easily access intelligent shooting functions such as timelapse, panorama, and pre-set track recording. It opens up the possibilities of types of shots quite a lot.

Vertical video

One unique feature of the RS 3 Mini is native vertical shooting. The new gimbal takes advantage of a dual-layered quick-release plate. It can be attached to a vertical arm for vertical shooting without any additional accessories. And the gimbal rotation isn’t limited at all in vertical mode. You’ll get the full range of motion no matter which way you are shooting. It will make it much easier to produce social media-ready content right out of the camera. The stabilizer also comes with a newly designed upper plate with a curved placement guide to keep the camera secure.

Pricing & availability

The DJI RS 3 Mini is available for purchase now through authorized dealers for $369.

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