Best Drones for Photography and Videography
For aspiring aerial photographers and videographers, drones offer an accessible gateway to capturing stunning perspectives from above.
These compact and affordable devices provide dynamic visuals that traditionally required costly equipment such as cranes or camera dollies. As a result, drones have become essential tools for content creators across various platforms.
With a wide array of models available—often multiple from a single manufacturer—choosing the right drone can be challenging. After thoroughly testing 36 different models, we have identified the DJI Air 3S as the top choice. It delivers an exceptional combination of a high-resolution main camera, a versatile telephoto lens, and advanced autonomous flight capabilities—all within a lightweight and relatively budget-friendly design.
DJI Air 3S
The Ultimate Drone for Aerial Photography and Videography
The DJI Air 3S stands out as a top-tier drone, delivering exceptional value by combining advanced features—such as 360-degree obstacle avoidance found in the higher-end DJI Mavic 3 Pro—with dual high-quality cameras for versatile shooting.
Pricing and Availability:
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$1,599 – Adorama (Fly More Combo with RC 2)
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$1,599 – DJI (Fly More Combo with RC 2)
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$134 – B&H (Fly More Combo with RC 2)
With an impressive stated battery life of 45 minutes—confirmed in our testing—the DJI Air 3S is both user-friendly and powerful. Its dual-camera system provides enhanced creative flexibility over its predecessor, enabling a broader range of dynamic and engaging shots.
We strongly recommend purchasing the Fly More Combo, which includes the DJI RC 2 controller. This upgraded controller features a built-in display, eliminating the need to rely on a smartphone for live view and offering a significantly improved user experience.
Similar to the previous Air 3, the Air 3S includes omnidirectional obstacle sensing, but now incorporates a front-facing LiDAR sensor for superior obstacle detection in low-light environments. These advancements enhance the drone’s ActiveTrack feature, allowing it to autonomously follow and film subjects while intelligently avoiding obstacles, making it more reliable in complex settings.
The drone maintains stable flight even in moderate wind conditions, allowing users to concentrate on capturing cinematic footage. Compact and travel-friendly, the Air 3S measures just 8 × 3.5 × 3.25 inches when folded and weighs approximately 1.5 pounds—making it easy to store in a standard backpack and ideal for on-the-go content creators.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
A premium drone equipped with advanced imaging capabilities
For those seeking top-tier camera performance in a drone, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro stands out as an exceptional choice. Its primary camera features a larger Four Thirds sensor compared to our top pick, and it includes two additional telephoto lenses—70mm and 166mm equivalents—enabling more versatile shooting, especially of distant subjects.
Price:
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$3,399 from Amazon (Fly More Combo)
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$3,000 from Best Buy (Fly More Combo)
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro builds upon many of the strengths of the Air 3S, offering a significant upgrade in imaging capabilities. It features a Hasselblad-branded 24mm-equivalent wide-angle lens with a Four Thirds sensor, complemented by a 70mm-equivalent lens with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and a 166mm-equivalent lens with a 1/2-inch sensor.
Thanks to the large primary sensor, the Mavic 3 Pro captures exceptional detail and performs well across a broad range of lighting conditions. The result is superior image quality straight out of the camera, with enhanced flexibility for post-processing.
This model excels in capturing vibrant, high-resolution stills and delivers video at up to 5.1K resolution with improved color accuracy compared to competitors. While its 43-minute battery life is slightly shorter than that of our top pick, it still offers impressive flight time for extended shoots.
DJI Mini 3
An Excellent Entry-Level Drone
The DJI Mini 3 is a standout choice for those new to drone photography, offering many of DJI’s signature features—including autonomous flight modes and a versatile 4K camera capable of capturing both portrait and landscape footage—all within an ultra-lightweight frame under 250 grams.
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$419 from Amazon
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$420 from Best Buy
Ideal for beginners and casual users, the DJI Mini 3 delivers exceptional value at less than half the price of higher-end models. Despite its affordability, it boasts a 4K camera, an impressive 38-minute flight time, and a compact design that exempts it from FAA registration requirements due to its sub-250g weight.
While its camera and sensor do not match the premium quality of models like the Air 3S, the Mini 3’s f/1.7 aperture still produces commendable image quality in low-light environments.
The drone includes essential features such as flight and image stabilization, a dedicated remote controller, and intelligent flight modes that automate cinematic shots. However, it does not include obstacle-avoidance sensors, which are typically reserved for more advanced models.
For extended flights, users can upgrade to DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, which increases the flight time to up to 51 minutes. Note that using this larger battery pushes the drone’s weight above the FAA’s threshold, requiring registration.
DJI Avata 2
The DJI Avata 2 is an excellent entry point for those new to first-person-view (FPV) drone flying. Like other FPV models, it prioritizes speed and immersive footage over obstacle avoidance and traditional flight stability. However, DJI has integrated a range of software and hardware features that enhance safety and ease of use, making it notably more accessible for beginners.
Pricing:
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$1,199 on Amazon (Fly More Combo)
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$1,399 on Walmart (Fly More Combo)
While all of our recommended drones are capable of capturing high-resolution, visually compelling aerial footage, the DJI Avata 2 stands out for its emphasis on dynamic movement. Designed to deliver thrilling, high-speed visuals, this model offers a uniquely engaging flight experience that mimics the sensation of being onboard.
Now in its third generation, the DJI Avata series has matured into a practical and user-friendly FPV platform. It features a 1/1.3-inch sensor capable of recording 4K video at up to 100 frames per second. Its powerful motors allow for flight speeds of up to 27 meters per second—outpacing competitors such as the DJI Air 3S and Mavic 3 Pro. The durable plastic frame provides enhanced impact resistance, ideal for novice pilots who are still refining their control.
The recommended Fly More Combo includes an updated FPV headset, three batteries (each offering approximately 20 minutes of flight time), and a redesigned, compact motion controller originally introduced with the first DJI FPV drone. This intuitive controller simplifies the learning curve for new users. For those looking to access full manual flight capabilities, the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 is recommended for a more advanced and customizable experience.
Autel Robotics Evo Lite+
The Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ is a user-friendly drone equipped with a 6K camera and offers up to 40 minutes of flight time. Unlike DJI models, it has no reported security or privacy concerns. However, its video output may not be as sharp or vibrant as some competitors.
Price: $1,149 at Walmart | $1,149 at Adorama
For those choosing to avoid DJI due to security or human-rights considerations—or simply seeking 6K video capabilities—the Evo Lite+ is a strong contender. It features intelligent flight modes comparable to DJI drones and benefits from the Autel Sky app, which is directly accessible via the Google Play Store, unlike the DJI Fly app.
Why You Can Trust Us
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I personally tested 15 different drones across diverse environments, ranging from model-airplane fields in New York City to national forests in Colorado.
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I conducted extensive research by exploring drone forums, analyzing numerous product reviews, and consulting with experienced drone pilots to understand the features and performance metrics that matter most to enthusiasts and consumers.
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This guide also incorporates the expertise of Wirecutter editor Signe Brewster, who has dedicated hundreds of hours to flying drones and engaging with hobbyists to document the evolution of the consumer drone market.
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In alignment with Wirecutter‘s commitment to ethical journalism, I do not hold any stock or financial interest in any company or industry I report on or may cover in the future.
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As with all Wirecutter writers, I maintain full editorial independence. My product evaluations are free from commercial influence, and I am not informed of any potential business outcomes related to my recommendations.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just stepping into aerial content creation, there’s a drone tailored to your needs and budget. From the feature-rich DJI Air 3S to the ultra-accessible DJI Mini 3, each model on this list offers unique strengths—from cinematic image quality to portability, ease of use, and flight stability.
When selecting your drone, consider:
- Camera quality & sensor size
- Battery life
- Obstacle avoidance
- Weight & portability
- Budget and experience level
By investing in the right drone, you’re not just buying a gadget—you’re unlocking a whole new perspective for your creativity.
FAQ
1. Do I need a license to fly a drone?
If your drone weighs over 250g (like the DJI Air 3S or Mavic 3 Pro), yes, you’ll need to register it with the FAA (in the U.S.) and possibly pass a basic knowledge test. Drones under 250g (like the DJI Mini 3) are exempt from FAA registration for recreationa
2. What’s the best drone for beginners?
The DJI Mini 3 is ideal for beginners. It’s lightweight, affordable, and packed with user-friendly features like stabilized 4K video and smart flight modes.
3. Can drones shoot in low-light conditions?
Yes, higher-end drones like the DJI Air 3S, Mavic 3 Pro, and Autel Evo Lite+ feature large sensors and wide apertures that perform well in low-light scenarios.
4. What is the Fly More Combo, and is it worth it?
Yes, in most cases. The Fly More Combo usually includes extra batteries, spare propellers, a charging hub, and a carrying case—offering better value compared to buying accessories separately.
5. What’s the best drone for professional video production?
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro stands out for its unmatched image quality, advanced triple-lens setup, and superior dynamic range, making it ideal for filmmakers and production studios.
