Top RC Drones With a Camera
Updated With New Drone Models for 2024
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.
Top RC Drones With a Camera
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-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 |
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 |
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:
- DJI Avata 2
- DJI Mini 4 Pro
- Autel EVO Nano
- DJI Air 3S
- DJI Air 3
- Autel EVO Lite+
- DJI Mavic 3 Pro
- Autel EVO II Pro 6K Version 3 Rugged Bundle
Click here for a much bigger list of drone companies to check out in the industry.
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!
DJI Avata 2
camera
4K/100fps
battery life
23 Minutes
good for
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.
Key Specs/Features
- Camera resolution: 4K/100fps
- Flight time: 23 Minutes
- Notable Attributes: Built-in propeller guard, Turtle Mode, ultra-stable video, immersive controls
DJI Mini 4 Pro
camera
4K/60fps HDR, 4K/100fps Slo-Mo
battery life
34 minutes
good for
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.
Key Specs/Features
- Weighs less than 249 g
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing for enhanced safety
- Records up to 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/100fps Slo-Mo Video
- 34-min Max Flight Time (45 minutes with Intelligent Flight Battery Plus)
- True Vertical Shooting for social media-ready shots
- Advanced FocusTrack (ActiveTrack 360°, Spotlight, Point of Interest)
- MasterShots, Timelapse, and Hyperlapse
Autel EVO Nano
camera
50MP Still Photos, 4K Video
battery life
28 Minutes
good for
Photography/Videography
The Nano is Autel’s smallest drone weighing in at 249 grams. It’s the first and only aircraft series of its size to offer an advanced obstacle avoidance system.
With the touch of a button, the Nano will rise into the air and snap a photo of you and your friends, automatically adjusting the lens so no one gets left out. Blur the background automatically for additional cinematic effect or dramatically reveal your epic destination — whether it’s the top of a mountain or your own backyard.
Recruit your Nano to automatically follow any person, animal, or vehicle so you can focus on your activities while your Nano handles the cinematic side.
It is the perfect tool for photographers and outdoor adventures!
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Key Specs/Features
- Still image resolution: 50 megapixels
- Video resolution: 4K
- Max flight time: 28 minutes
- Level 5 Wind Resistance
- Notable Attributes: Obstacle avoidance, 16x digital zoom, Dynamic Track 2.1
DJI Air 3S
camera
4K/60fps HDR, 4K/120fps
battery life
45 Minutes
good for
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.
Key Specs/Features
- Dual-Camera System (Wide-angle and 70mm tele)
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing for enhanced safety
- Record up to 4K/120fps video with HDR
- 45-min Max Flight Time
- Smart RTH and Nightscape for low-light and challenging conditions
- FocusTrack (ActiveTrack, Spotlight, Point of Interest)
- MasterShots, Timelapse, and Panorama
DJI Air 3
camera
Dual-Camera 48MP Photos
battery life
46 Minutes
good for
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.
Key Specs/Features
- Still Image Resolution: 48 megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K HDR at 100 fps
- Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
- Max Flight Time: 46-minutes
- Weight: 720 g
- Notable Attributes: O4 20km HD video transmission, dual-camera, intelligent flight modes
Autel EVO Lite+
Camera
6K
Battery Life
40 Minutes
Good For
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:
- Aircraft (including battery, propellers and gimbal cover)
- Remote Control
- Power Adapter
- Multi-Charger
- 2 Spare Batteries
- USB-C Chargine Cable
- Lightning Connector
- USB-C Connector
- Micro-USB Connector
- Spare Screws
- Shoulder Bag
- Spare Propellers
- Screwdriver
This drone is Standard Remote ID Compliant. Review Declaration of Compliance here.
Key Specs/Features
- Still image resolution: 1 inch CMOS, 20 MP
- Video resolution: 6k/30fps
- Max flight time: 40 minutes
- Notable Attributes: Forward, backward, and downward obstacle avoidance, three-axis mechanical stabilization gimbal, and software cropping to obtain a portrait screen.
Two Buying Options
DJI Mavic 3 Pro
Camera
4/3 CMOS Hasselblad
Battery Life
43 Minutes
Good For
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.
Key Specs/Features
- Still image resolution: 4/3 CMOS, 20 MP, JPEG/DNG
- Video resolution: 5.1K/50fps, 4K/120fps
- Max flight time: 43 minutes
- Max speed: 42 mph (67 kph) in S-mode
- Notable Attributes: O3+ allows for 9.3-mile transmission range, advanced RTH system, 84° FOV, auxiliary bottom light, omnidirectional binocular vision system, DJI AirSense.
Two Buying Options
Autel EVO II Pro 6K Rugged Bundle V3
Camera
20 megapixel 1" CMOS sensor capable of 6k Ultra HD Videos
Battery life
40 min
Good for
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.
Key Specs/Features
- 6K visual camera – 1/1.7″ CMOS sensor, up to 6K video at 30fps, 20MP photos
- Thermal camera – 640×512 pixel resolution, temperature range of -4°F to 572°F
- 3-axis gimbal for stabilized video and photos
- 40 minutes maximum flight time
- 15 km HD video transmission range
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing and avoidance
- Foldable, carbon fiber rugged design with IP53 weather resistance
- Top flight speed of 45mph
- Intelligent flight modes like orbit, waypoint, follow me
- Remote controller with built-in screen
- Comes with charging hub, 2 extra batteries, ND filters, propeller guards, rugged backpack
