The best camera drones are far more than the simple toys they used to be. They're now used widely by both amateur and professional photographers because they can reach areas and shoot from angles that regular cameras can't. They allow aerial photography and videography of landscapes, buildings and events that previously required the use of a helicopter, a small plane or a crane.
The best drones have evolved greatly since the first ready-to-fly model went on sale ten years ago – and a decade on drones are now everywhere. Every drone on this list has a camera supported by a powered gimbal, which counteracts the vibration from the propellers. Sensor size is still an issue for photographers, but there are options depending on your needs. In general, the bigger the sensor, the better the low-light performance.
Piloting has also become partly optional; Tesla-like A.I. is making collision avoidance, object tracking, and automatic quick shots a common feature. The Skydio 2, with 45-megapixels of cameras devoted to its artificial brain, promises to be the most intelligent of them all but is still not in the shops.
Some drones still lack a full set of smart flying features (even if fitted with landing sensors). You need to remember not all drones can see obstacles in every direction – even if they fly in any direction!
Meanwhile, DJI Mavic Air 2 has now arrived in stores, and makes it straight into our Top 10 as the best foldable drone you can buy for the money, while the Autel EVO 2 has really made an impression.
Oh, and while we’re talking drones, it’s worth accepting that drone rules and regulations have become part of the drone operator’s life, especially commercial users for whom insurance is likely a legal requirement. In USA, Europe and China any aircraft over 250g (8.8oz) is subject to a compulsory registration scheme (and in the UK the rules now apply to any flying camera, whatever the weight, since June 2020).
