After testing and flying 17 different drones, we think the DJI Air 2 is the best value for its price tag. It combines the latest in autonomous technology with a high-end camera.
We also recommend the DJI 2 Pro and the DJI Mini 2, as these drones are very reliable and easy to fly. However, they are also prone to security issues. This guide features the best drones for both aerial photography and filmmaking in 2021.
The DJI Air 2S is our pick for the best drone in 2021. It’s got plenty of features to keep you flying for years to come, such as its portability and 1-inch sensor.
If you’re new to photography, the DJI Mini 2 is a great choice. It’s also cheaper than the Phantom 4 Pro, though it’s also wind-resistant.
Not sure which drone to buy? We’ve compiled a list of the most important things to look out for when buying a drone with a camera.
The right drone for you depends on your budget. This guide will help you pick the right model for your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for 4K video quality, then you’ll spend around $400 / £400. However, if you’re after a budget drone that can improve your flying skills, then the Ryze Tello is a great option.
If you’re after a drone that can automatically follow you, look for one with a “follow me” function. Some of the best models that have this capability include the Skydio 2 and the Air 2S.
Beginner flyers should also check out drones with automated flight modes, like DJI’s Intelligent Flight, which can pull off complex set-piece moves without the need for real flying experience.
Not only are drones illegal in most countries, they can also be easily registered with local authorities.
Raw photo support is becoming more common in smartphones, though most drones don’t support it yet. This is also less common in drones than cameras.
Table of Contents
DJI Mavic Air 2

- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It combines a powerful camera with...
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis gimbal provides 4K/60fps...
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic, fast-paced shots. Obstacle...
- 【INTELLIGENT TRACKING】: Mavic Air 2 features intuitive shooting functions that make aerial photography easier than ever....
- 【APP COMPATIBILITY】: The DJI Fly app requires iOS v10.0, Android v6.0, or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone (11 Pro...
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is a great drone for videographers wanting to shoot 4K video in a small package. Its long battery life and ability to avoid obstacles make it a good choice for those wanting to shoot in low-light conditions.
The DJI Mavic Air 2 has plenty of features to keep you busy. It features a built-in camera that automatically follows and films a subject, and it has a built-in ActiveTrack feature that lets the drone avoid obstacles while still filming.
For bird’s eye footage, I used this model. It provided me with the ability to shoot at 240 frames per second, which allowed me to create truly slow motion video. It also allows me to create truly dramatic footage.
POI 3.0 is a feature that automatically launches a drone to orbit a certain structure or large object. This feature is very useful for real estate agents.
The Ocusy nc 2.0 is capable of shooting at 10km range, which is great for me since I usually have to drive around Los Angeles to the desert. It also has the ability to follow us while driving.
For me, the weight is perfect, but it’s not too light and doesn’t blow off completely. However, the wind makes the footage a bit shaky.
The Mavic Air 2 is a great portable drone that packs a lot of punch. In terms of portability, it’s smaller than the original model, but still packs enough power to be considered a powerful drone. One thing that I like about DJI is that they always try to optimize each component.
DJI Mini 2

- PACK LIGHT, FLY FREE: at less than 249 g, it weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand. compact and...
- OCUSYNC 2.0 VIDEO TRANSMISSION: mini 2 supports up to 10km of hd video transmission and has excellent anti-interference...
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: with a max battery life of 31 minutes, dji mini 2 grants more than enough time to compose the perfect shot....
- 4X ZOOM: there’s no need to get so close for your dream shot. 4x digital zoom makes it safer and more convenient when...
- QUICKSHOTS: with just a few taps, dji mini 2 automatically records and shoots professional-level videos to share directly on...
If you’re just getting started with drone photography, then the DJI Mini 2 is a good option. It has a low-cost camera and a 4K camera, but it still comes with collision avoidance features.
This video drone has a built-in folding mechanism that allows it to be easily folded up to a size that’s about the size of a person’s hand. It has plenty of features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Instead of just talking about the new features, here are some of the differences between the original Mavic Mini and the Mini 2. These differences were most apparent during windy conditions.
The OccuSync 2.0 has a better range and is more stable. The Mini 2 can now reach up to 40% further in dense areas, which is much better than the original Mini 1.
The Mini 2 has a brand new remote controller that is much improved. One of my favorite features is the improved phone mount. The Mini 1 has a bad design that prevents larger phones from mounting properly. The Mini 2 has a great design that works seamlessly with both smartphones and aircraft.
The controller now has a return to home button and a normal / sport selector switch. This makes it easier to locate the return to home when trying to call someone.
Both the Mini 1 and Mini 2 have the same physical accessories, except the propeller guard and the battery.
One thing I do not like about the updated version is the removable soft padded case, which is similar to a camera bag or a binocular bag. Also, the case is a bit more durable than the original one.
If you already own the original Mini, then this is the best value for money. It’s super easy to fly due to its self-correcting stabilization, and it’s also built to last.
Autel Robotics EVO II
- 💡【AUTEL ROBOTICS USA AUTHORIZED】We are the longest and largest distributors of Autel Robotics. Over the years, we have...
- 🏆【2023 NEWEST AUTEL EVO 2 PRO V3 - EXCEPTIONAL IMAGE QUALITY】With Son-y's new 1-inch CMOS image sensor, Autel EVO II Pro V3...
- 🏆【AUTEL NEW MOONLIGHT ALGORITHM 2.0 & 12-BIT IMAGE】Equipped with Autel NEWEST Moonlight Algorithm 2.0 system, the V3 camera...
- 🏆【HYPER-LAPSE PHOTOGRAPHY IN 6K】You can enjoy your favorite moments at any time flying with Autel EVO 2 pro V3, free from...
- 🏆【MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE OFFERS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES】Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance with 12 visual sensors equipped with...
If you’re avoiding the DJI brand due to safety concerns, or simply want a longer battery life, then the Autel Robotics EVO II is the drone for you. It has autonomous features that are similar to those of the DJI drones.
Although we prefer the DJI controller, we still prefer the quality of their drones.
Last year, I bought a drone that blew up all over the place due to the wind. If the wind was strong enough, it would take it away. With the EVO 2, I can fly it with normal winds.
This remote is great for taking videos while flying in the wind, it doesn’t seem to move around as much as the small one. It is also very easy to keep an eye on while flying.
The EOV 2 pro is a great drone for a return to home. It lands within inches of the center landing pad. It has crystal clear 6k video and is easy to use with out losing quality. It also allows me to fly in areas that I could not or would not hit.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro

- Equipped with a Hasselblad L1D-20c camera with a 20MP 1” CMOS Sensor, the Mavic 2 camera drone lets you capture gorgeous aerial...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 907G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots, 8GB internal storage, SD card...
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2.0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse, Low-Noise Design, Adjustable Aperture, HDR Photos
- The standard remote controller offers up to 135 minutes of battery life on a full charge. Use with the DJI GO 4 App on your...
- DJI GO 4 App requires iOS 10.0.2, Android 5.0 or above. Compatible devices include: iPhone 11 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS Max, XS, XR,...
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is a mid-range camera that takes advantage of the Air 2’s many features. It features a 1-inch image sensor and a longer battery life.
DJI owns the rights to the brand name and the camera technology. Its flagship product, the Mavic Pro, is equipped with 4K video and 20-megapixel photos.
I have owned many drones and have been using the Phantom 2, Phantom 3, Phantom 4, Phantom 1 Pro, and now the Mavic 2 Pro. It is the best quality camera I have ever seen.
I’m not exactly sure what year they are from, but I can’t help but feel that they are from the future, as their technology is mind-boggling.
I have owned a few drones from DJI but the Pro Mavic 2 is something special. If you’re in the market for a new camera, this is worth every cent and more.
My work has included various types of video production, photography, and land surveillance. Some of these include YouTube videos, wedding films, and dolphin watching.
Some people might not realize that drones are also used for video. They are capable of taking off and flying over pretty landscapes.
The 1″ sensor on this camera is simply stunning. Its still larger than most smartphones and it does an incredibly good job with low-light shooting.
It can go anywhere between 5 and 10 miles from the controller. Ive never even taken it closer than that. Im not afraid to ask for help if needed.
I won’t say that the battery life is bad, just that its not as good as it used to be. I will say that its not as bad as it used to be and that its not as bad as it used to be. I’m also looking forward to the new Mavic Pro 3 because it’s going to be the best drone that I have ever used.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

- Powered by a 1/2.3-inch 12MP sensor with up to 4x zoom, including a 2x optical zoom (24–48 mm), 4 the Mavic 2 Zoom camera drone...
- Up to 31 minutes flight time, 44 mph max speed, 905G takeoff weight, 3-axis gimbal for steady shots, 8GB internal storage, SD card...
- Functions include ActiveTrack 2. 0, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing, Hyperlapse, Low-Noise Design, Adjustable Aperture, HDR...
- The standard remote controller offers up to 135 minutes of battery life on a full charge. Use with the DJI GO 4 App on your...
- What you get: DJI Mavic 2 Zoom, Intelligent Flight Battery, Gimbal Protector, Remote Controller, 3x Propellers (Pair), Battery...
The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is an excellent choice for videographers and aerial photographers who need to work from distances. It borrows from the same design and features as the Mavic 2 Pro but with a removable Hasselblad camera that can zoom up to 4x.
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro’s built-in optical zoom doesn’t allow for wide-screen filming options, so if you want to get the same effect, just crop the videos to get the same effect.
The new Mavic 2 Zoom has everything that a professional drone should have. It features a brand new zoom feature that allows it to be used with various applications.
The package was small enough to fit in a carry case, but sturdy enough to hold the multi-rotor transmitter and propellers. The build quality of the transmitter is good.
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Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API