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Drone aerial photography is, wait for it, taking off.
Whether you’re using them for recreation, to build an aerial service business, or to integrate UAS into your existing business or organization, the goal of this article is to explore the best RC drones with a camera on the market today.
Hobbyists-Photographers-Content Creators DJI Mini 5 Pro Camera | 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Flight Time | 52 Minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) Camera | 1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR Flight Time | 52 Minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus) |
Hobbyists-FPV Racing  DJI Avata 2 Camera | 4K/100fps Flight Time | 23 Minutes Camera | 4k/100fps Flight Time | 23 Minutes |
Hobbyists-Photographers-Content Creators  DJI Mini 4 Pro Camera | 4K Flight Time | 34 Minutes Camera | 4K Flight Time | 34 Minutes |
Hobbyists-Photographers-Content Creators  Skyrover X1 Camera | 1/1.32″ CMOS sensor, up to 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video Flight Time | 32 Minutes Camera | 1/1.32″ CMOS sensor, up to 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video Flight Time | 32 Minutes |
Hobbyists-Filmmaking-Photography  DJI Air 3S Camera | 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps Flight Time | 45 Minutes Camera | 4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps Flight Time | 45 Minutes |
Photographers-Hobbyists  DJI Air 3 Camera | 1/1.3"CMOS Flight Time | 46 Minutes Camera | 1/1.3"CMOS Flight Time | 46 Minutes |
Photographers-Hobbyists  Autel Nano+ Camera | 50MP, 4K Video Flight Time | 28 Minutes Camera | 50MP, 4K Video Flight Time | 28 Minutes |
Hobbyists  Autel EVO Lite+ Camera | 6K Flight Time | 40 Minutes Camera | 6K Flight Time | 40 Minutes |
Construction-Filmmaking-Marketing  DJI Mavic 3 Pro Camera | 24/3 CMOS Hasselblad Flight Time | 43 Minutes Camera | 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Flight Time | 43 Minutes |
Photography-Filmmaking-Real Estate-Inspections  DJI Mavic 4 Pro Camera | Hasselblad 4/3″ CMOS (primary), up to 100 MP stills, multi-camera system Flight Time | 51 Minutes Camera | Hasselblad 4/3″ CMOS (primary), up to 100 MP stills, multi-camera system Flight Time | 51 Minutes |
Filmmaking-Inspections-Public Safety-Agriculture  Autel EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V3 Camera | 20 megapixel 1" CMOS sensor capable of 6k Ultra HD Videos Flight Time | 40 Minutes Camera | 20 megapixel 1" CMOS sensor capable of 6k Ultra HD Videos Flight Time | 40 Minutes |
Hobbyist-Content Creators  Potensic ATOM 2 Camera | 1/2″ Sony CMOS sensor, 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video Flight Time | 32 Minutes Camera | 1/2″ Sony CMOS sensor, 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video Flight Time | 32 Minutes |
FPV-Style-Filmmaking-Content Creators  Antigravity A1 Camera | Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS sensors, 8K 360° video capture Flight Time | 24-39 minutes (based on battery) Camera | Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS sensors, 8K 360° video capture Flight Time | 24-39 minutes (based on battery) |
There are a lot of good remote control drones to buy out there, so it’s important to think about what kind of sUAS best fits your intended operation, and then to perform proper research on the best options. This article is an attempt to help you learn the bullet points of each of the most popular camera drones on the market today.
From pricing and different camera specs and handling/responsiveness to flight software and battery life, it’s important to do your research and to make sure you’re buying a drone that’s suited to your needs.
[Want to become a commercial drone pilot? Learn how to get your FAA drone license in this in-depth guide.]
All of the models in this list are ready-to-fly. After charging your LiPo battery and reading through your user manual a few times, you’re ready to power up, calibrate, configure, and then to start racking up those flight hours.
For a quick look at all the models we’ll be discussing in more detail below, here’s the full list:
Click here for a much bigger list of drone companies to check out in the industry.
Flying one of these DJI models?
We created free, model-specific training to help you skip the manual and start flying with confidence.
Enjoy!
Note #1: All specs/features are obtained from the manufacturer or retailer.
Note #2: On this list, we’ve included models available for sale on Amazon, DJI, and Autel — as Amazon, Autel, and DJI Associate partners, we earn a small commission for qualifying purchases. Please know that we’ve tested many of the models on this list, and we wouldn’t recommend anything we wouldn’t fly ourselves!
1-Inch CMOS With 4K/60fps HDR
52 Minutes (Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)
Hobbyists, Photographers, Content Creators
The DJI Mini 5 Pro pushes the boundaries of what a sub-250 g camera drone can do — packing a large 1-inch sensor, enhanced flight time, and pro-grade video capture into an ultralight, travel-ready design. Compared to earlier Mini models, it gives creators much more dynamic range, low-light capability, and storage for on-the-go shooting. Advanced transmission tech and improved wind resistance make it a reliable choice for detailed cinematic work from the skies.
4K/100fps
23 Minutes
Hobbyists, FPV Racing, Aerial Acrobatics
The DJI Avata 2 is an agile, high-performance FPV drone designed for an immersive flight experience and seamless control.
Equipped with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, Avata 2 captures crisp 4K HDR video at up to 100fps, with a super-wide 155° FOV for breathtaking visuals. Enhanced with DJI’s HorizonSteady and RockSteady stabilization, your footage stays smooth—even during fast maneuvers. Upgrade your experience with DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 for enhanced controls and 360° flips.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
4K/60fps HDR, 4K/100fps Slo-Mo
34 minutes
Travelers, Aerial Photography, Beginners to Pros
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is DJI’s most advanced lightweight drone, perfect for capturing pro-level footage with ease and portability.
Built with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, this mini powerhouse records stunning 4K/60fps HDR video and even supports 4K/100fps slow-motion. With a maximum range of 20 km FHD video transmission, ActiveTrack 360°, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing, the Mini 4 Pro makes capturing every angle a breeze.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
1/1.32″ CMOS sensor, up to 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video
32 minutes
Hobbyists, Photographers, Content Creators
The Skyrover X1 is a feature-packed mini camera drone that blends pro-style imaging with travel-friendly portability — all in an ultralight, sub-249 g package. Designed for creators who want cinematic visuals without heavy gear, it pairs a high-resolution camera and 360° obstacle sensing with one of the longest transmission ranges in its class. With vertical shooting, night modes, and intelligent flight tools, it’s built to capture content for social media, landscapes, and dynamic shots on the go.
50MP Still Photos, 4K Video
28 Minutes
Photography/Videography
The Autel EVO Nano+ is a lightweight all-around camera drone that makes aerial creativity accessible without sacrificing quality. With a 1/1.28″ CMOS sensor and 50 MP photo capability, it’s ideal for content creators and hobbyists looking for vibrant imagery and reliable flight performance in a sub-250 g package. While more modest in range and features than some higher-end models, its solid video and photo quality make it one of the most capable drones in its class.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps
45 Minutes
Travel Photographers, Aerial Video Pros, Landscape and Portrait Shooting
The DJI Air 3S is a powerhouse for versatile, pro-level travel photography, with a dual-camera system that captures both expansive landscapes and detailed portraits.
Featuring a 1-inch CMOS wide-angle and a 70mm tele camera, the Air 3S supports 4K/60fps HDR video with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, making it perfect for high-contrast scenes. Its nightscape obstacle sensing and next-gen RTH add to the creative freedom, even in challenging conditions.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Meet DJI Air 3S
Dual-Camera 48MP Photos
46 Minutes
Journalism-Filmmaking-Inspections
The DJI Air 3 drone is tailored for individuals who lead an active and dynamic lifestyle, often engaged in outdoor adventures and sporting pursuits. It occupies a desirable middle ground for professional photographers who don’t necessarily require the utmost premium camera capabilities but highly value adaptability.
Air 3 boasts the first dual-primary camera system of the Air series, embedding a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch-CMOS 3x medium tele camera in a sleek and compact body. The two cameras have the same sensor size but different focal lengths, delivering consistent image quality and more dynamic imaging possibilities.
An omnidirectional sensing system enables comprehensive environmental awareness, allowing Air 3 to detect obstacles in all directions. [2] When obstacles are detected, Air 3 can use APAS 5.0 to perform smoother avoidance movements for a safer overall flight experience. Even complete beginners can now fly with confidence and execute creative ideas with enhanced safety.
Introducing DJI Air 3
6K
40 Minutes
Hobbyist
The Autel EVO Lite+ is the perfect balance of power and portability. The Lite+ can stay in the air for 40 minutes and features cinematic flight modes and camera settings to further enhance its professional-grade camera.
With up to 40 minutes of flight time, you will have to worry about having enough battery life to get the shot you want. With Dynamic Track 2.1, your Lite+ can automatically follow any person, animal, or vehicle so you can focus on your activities.
The Autel EVO Lite+ premium combo includes:
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Autel Lite+ (Plus) | Full Set Up and Demo for Beginners
4/3 CMOS Hasselblad
43 Minutes
Construction Filmmaking Marketing
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a lightweight, highly portable prosumer drone that comes with two high-quality cameras. Compared to its predecessor, almost every aspect of it has been upgraded from the Mavic 2 Pro. The dual-camera system features a Hasselblad 4/3” sensor and a ½” Tele camera sensor that has 28x hybrid zoom.
One of the biggest upgrades in the new Mavic is that its flight time has increased by almost 50%—it can fly for 43 minutes, 12 minutes longer than the Mavic 2 Pro’s 31 minutes. The Hasselblad sensor provides a 12.8-stop dynamic range that retains more details in highlights and shadows, upgrading your work to a professional level. Advanced Active Track 5.0 and the new omnidirectional collision avoidance sensors ensure a safe and smooth flight every time.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro & Mavic 3 Classic are both Remote ID Compliant.
Hasselblad 4/3″ CMOS (primary), up to 100 MP stills, multi-camera system
51 Minutes
Photography, Filmmaking, Real Estate, Inspections
The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is a next-tier prosumer drone built for creators who want professional-grade imaging without giving up portability. Its multi-camera array includes a 100 MP Hasselblad sensor for stunning detail and flexibility, and advanced flight systems handle complex shots reliably. With standout features like extended flight times and strong AI tracking, it’s crafted for serious aerial photographers and videographers.
20 megapixel 1" CMOS sensor capable of 6k Ultra HD Videos
40 min
Videography, Inspections, Public Safety, Agriculture
The Autel EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V3 is a high-end, foldable drone with a 6K visual camera, thermal imaging camera, 40-minute flight time, and rugged carbon fiber design ideal for professional aerial photography, inspections, mapping, and search and rescue applications. It features omnidirectional obstacle sensing, a 3-axis gimbal, and an IP53 weather-resistant rating to deliver stable, high-quality aerial images and video even in challenging conditions. The bundle includes extra batteries, a charging hub, rugged backpack, and controller for maximum convenience and performance.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
1/2″ Sony CMOS sensor, 48 MP stills, 4K HDR video
32 Minutes
Hobbyist, Content Creators
The Potensic ATOM 2 packs surprising capability into a sub-250 g package, blending AI tracking and 4K HDR video with long transmission range and solid photography features. It’s not at the cutting edge of pro cinema drones, but it’s one of the best budget-friendly options for pilots who want creative tools like vertical shooting, smart modes, and reliable capture without the premium price tag.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Meet Potensic ATOM 2
Dual 1/1.28″ CMOS sensors, 8K 360° video capture
24-39 minutes (based on battery)
FPV-Style, Filmmaking, Content Creators
The Antigravity A1 is a first-of-its-kind 360° camera drone that reimagines how aerial footage is captured. Instead of a traditional forward-facing camera, it uses dual lenses to record the entire environment in ultra-high 8K resolution — letting creators reframe shots in post or experience immersive flight via goggles and motion controls. It’s not for every pilot, but for creators focused on immersive storytelling or FPV-like experiences, it’s genuinely unique.
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Meet Antigravity A1 — The 8K 360 Drone
