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Best Camera drones in 2023

If you're looking to take your photography and videography to new heights, you'll need a quality camera drone. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start your search. Luckily, we've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best camera drones available, no matter your budget or requirements — Get ready to take your aerial photography to new heights!

We've put together a list of the best camera drones available today excluding commercial and industrial models. Below you’ll find descriptions and specifications for each drone listed here. We hope this list helps you in your search for the best camera drone for you.

Best Camera drones 2023

How did we choose these drones?

We've been working hard to find the best drones on the market today. We tested dozens of different models over the course of several months to make sure you're getting the absolute best.

In our quest to help you decide what drone is right for you, we wanted to give you some insight into exactly why we chose each model. So here it is - our list of the Top 10 Drones with the best cameras you can buy today (2023).

DJI Mavic 3 & 3 Cine

Camera Resolution
20MP
Video Resolution
5.1K
Battery Capacity
5000 mAh
Flying Time
46 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
43 mph
Max Range
15 km
Weight
895g

The DJI Mavic 3 is the latest addition to the Mavic family. This is a compact quadcopter with a built-in gimbal and not just one but two cameras. It has many improvements over the previous models. You can use it for aerial photography and videography. It has a simple design and intuitive controls. 

The video quality is excellent, even in low light conditions. The maximum resolution is 20 megapixels with a 4/3 CMOS sensor. The image stabilization and obstacle sensing systems put this drone far above others. The Mavic 3 supports up to 5.1K videos and photos. The battery life is an incredible 46 minutes.

The Mavic 3 Cine option is a professional's dream come true with 1 terabyte of internal storage compared to the 8GB on the regular Mavic 3. It also includes a 10Gbps lightspeed data cable for faster and higher quality post-production.

This premium drone comes along with a premium price tag of $2,049.00 USD with the cine option at $4,999.00

DJI Mini 3 Pro

Camera Resolution
48MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
2453 mAh
Flying Time
34 min
FAA Required
No
Max Speed
36 mph
Max Range
18 km
Weight
249g

Out of the Chinese silicon valley, DJI just released the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro. It arrived in May 2022 and redefined what DJI was doing with the ultra-light category. Previous mini models didn't offer any collision sensors but with this release, they included sensors in three directions and enabled the camera gimbal to turn to capture portrait images.

The new model weighs just under 250 grams and measures about 14.5×9×6.2 cm folded. It has upgraded sensors, improved flight performance, and new features like obstacle avoidance and automatic takeoff and landing. The battery life has an improved 34 mins of fly time. 

The camera is now sharper and clearer than before. Its maximum resolution is 4K and it offers 12-megapixel photos. The sensor size is larger compared to the previous version and allows for faster image capture. In addition, there are three different modes – Sport Mode, Intelligent Flight Control, and Smart Return Home. These allow you to control your drone manually or automatically depending on what mode you choose.

The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is priced at $999.99 USD.

DJI Air 2S

Camera Resolution
20MP
Video Resolution
5.4K
Battery Capacity
3750 mAh
Flying Time
31 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
43 mph
Max Range
12 km
Weight
595g

The DJI Air2S is the latest version of the popular mid-size DJI Air drones. It’s intended to be easy to use and relatively inexpensive. It comes with many useful features such as front and rear obstacle avoidance systems, a GPS positioning system, an integrated Wi-Fi module, and high-definition cameras.

This quadcopter weighs just 595 g and measures 18×9.7×7.7 cm folded. It has a maximum flight distance of 27 miles and can hold up to 8GB SD card. It can take photos of 20MP resolution and record videos of 5.4K quality. Probably the best feature of the Air 2S is the 1-inch sensor capable of capturing up to one billion colors. It can shoot in hyperlapse, 180°, wide-angle, and sphere modes. Basically, this drone offers all the quality perks of a larger drone plus added bonus of being compact. 

The DJI Air 2S will cost $999.00 USD.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

Camera Resolution
20MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
5870 mAh
Flying Time
30 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
72 mph
Max Range
14 km
Weight
1375g

DJI has announced the upgraded release of the Phantom 4 Pro V 2.0. The drone community thought this line of drones was to be discontinued however, they released this newer model solidifying the Phantom series in the drone market. This drone is the most powerful consumer model available today. With a maximum speed of 45 mph, it can continuously fly for up to 30 minutes. While the structure isn't as friendly as some of the other drones that can be easily folded and transported, the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is great for professional use. 

In addition to the standard features, this version adds obstacle avoidance technology. It can even avoid collisions with objects such as buildings. The camera resolution of the Phantom 4 Pro is 20 megapixels on a 1-inch CMOS sensor. It offers 4K video recording and ActiveTrack capabilities. 

The price of the Phantom 4 Pro varies depending on where you buy it but you can find it on DJI's website for $1,599.00 USD. 

DJI Mini 2

Camera Resolution
12MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
2250 mAh
Flying Time
31 min
FAA Required
No
Max Speed
36 mph
Max Range
10 km
Weight
249g

The DJI Mini 2 is a small quadcopter that weighs just 249g. This feature alone is a major attraction. Many higher-quality drones weigh over the 250g limit and thus require testing and registration for the pilots. Since the Mini 2 falls under the limit, it's attractive to professionals, travelers, and hobbyists that don't want to bother with paperwork before flying.

It features a 4K video camera, a high-quality gimbal, and includes a flight controller that helps stabilize the aircraft during flights. The DJI Mini 2 offers up to 31 minutes of flight time per charge. The camera provides 12MP photos and anti-interference technology to make sure you can fly up to 10km smoothly. 

The DJI Mini 2 is an all-around great drone that's small in size but large in quality. It's a great option for those who want a mini drone but can't get over the sticker shock of the Mini 3 Pro. You can purchase the DJI Mini 2 for an affordable $449.00 USD. 

DJI FPV

Camera Resolution
12MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
2000 mAh
Flying Time
20 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
87 mph
Max Range
4 km
Weight
795g

The DJI FPV was released in early 2021. This is good news because drone enthusiasts have been waiting for a while for DJI to release a first-person view-type drone, and now we finally have one. The FPV is the perfect combination of a camera drone and a racing drone that will make you feel part of the aircraft. 

This new model features a built-in HD video system, giving you a live view of what's happening around the aircraft. Since the FPV doesn't have a gimbal for the camera, the drone has to physically turn to turn the camera. You'll see everything from the ground up, including obstacles in front of the drone. You'll feel like you're flying through the air with power and complete control. 

The FPV also includes a range of accessories like a remote controller, VR goggles, and motion controller. These are sold separately, though. The DJI FPV will cost $999.00 USD. 

Autel Evo II Pro

Camera Resolution
20MP
Video Resolution
4-6K
Battery Capacity
7100 mAh
Flying Time
40 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
45 mph
Max Range
9 km
Weight
1191g

The Autel Evo II Pro is the premium drone that Autel has to offer. This foldable drone comes in a fun orange color which is a nice change of pace compared to most other drones. While it is a little on the heavy side for a drone, it really packs a punch in the quality department as the leader in picture quality and flight intelligence. It has the option of flying straight from the remote controller screen without having to connect to your phone. 

The 20MP camera contains Sony's CMOS sensor which provides impressive low-light images. It also allows for 4K video footage with stronger noise reduction and can record up to a billion colors. It also has an anti-collision system with sensors going in all directions. This professional drone will cost $2,500.00 USD.

Autel Evo Nano+

Camera Resolution
48MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
2250mAh
Flying Time
28 min
FAA Required
No
Max Speed
34 mph
Max Range
10 km
Weight
249g

Autel released the Evo Nano+ which is in the mini category for drones. This means it weighs in at under 250g and pilots can avoid having to get certified and register with the FAA. The Evo Nano + is also foldable and can fit almost anywhere. It's perfect for traveling and on the go whenever you need it. 

This is a great rival to the DJI Mini Pro 3 in size and quality with just a slightly smaller sensor. The Evo Nano+ also comes in a fun orange color like the Evo II Pro. With photos captured at 48 megapixels and video in 4K, the camera produces great work in all environments. An extremely wide aperture of f/1·9 provides superb image quality and excellent performance in low light situations.

This incredibly smooth flying drone also comes in four different colors. The Autel Evo Nano+ will run you about $950.00 USD.

DJI Mavic Air 2

Camera Resolution
48MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
3500 mAh
Flying Time
34 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
43 mph
Max Range
18.5 km
Weight
570g

DJI released this mid-sized drone but the camera quality and capabilities are far from average. The Mavic Air 2 was released about two years after the original Mavic Air and comes with some serious upgrades. The battery now lasts a full 13 minutes more than the original for a total of 34 minutes of fly time with less interference.

With a 48MP and 4k camera, this drone can compete with some of the best camera drones out there. This compact drone also offers smart scene technology called SmartPhoto to help capture the best photos in any environment. The Mavic Air 2 also offers an incredible 8k hyperlapse option taking your video to the next level. 

The DJI Mavic Air 2 will cost $799.00 USD.

PowerVision PowerEgg X

Camera Resolution
12MP
Video Resolution
4K
Battery Capacity
3800 mAh
Flying Time
30 min
FAA Required
Yes
Max Speed
40mph
Max Range
6 km
Weight
861g
Power Vision Store
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walmart
Ebay

PowerVision has created hands down some of the most interesting and unique-looking drones on the market. The PowerEgg X is no exception since it looks just like a white egg. With the addition of several different accessories, the PowerEgg can transform from a handheld camera to a drone with the possibility of a water landing and also capable of flying in heavy rain. It's so unique because there isn't anything else out there that can compete with it due to its waterproof ability with the added gear.

The PowerEgg X comes with AI technology like facial recognition to level up your selfie game and audio recording to sync your footage with audio. This drone is a big contender for professional videography since in good light, it can take up to 60 frames per second. 

The PowerVisio PowerEgg X will run you $899.00 USD.

What to look for on a drone?

Some specifications you should take into consideration when looking for the best camera drone are different for photography and videography. For photography, check the camera sensor size. The bigger, the better when it comes to the sensor for post-production editing.

The aperture and how many megapixels the camera will shoot at are also important when finding the best camera drones.

For video, the frames per second and resolution play key roles in the quality of your video. For both, the higher the better especially if you want to edit in post-production.

We hope the list above has been able to guide you in your search for the best camera drone that fits your needs. There are so many drones on the market today that it can be very overwhelming if you aren't sure where to begin.

If you are still undecided or even a little confused about making your decision, take a look at our article explaining the best drone brands. If you're looking for more of a hobby or toy drone, take a look at our article for the best drones under $500.  

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