Until recently, aerial photography (and videography) was a costly proposition requiring helicopters, airplanes, or build-it-yourself rigs. Thanks to inexpensive drones this is no longer true, and it's not surprising that so many photographers have discovered drone photography and the unique perspectives it can provide.

All of the products in this guide fall into the 'buy and fly' category, meaning they require no extra components or customizations. Our picks are ready to fly right out of the box or with minimal assembly. Options range from personal 'selfie' drones to advanced models capable of producing Hollywood-grade photos and video.

Our pick: DJI Mavic 2 Pro

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro is our top pick for professionals or enthusiasts aiming to capture the highest quality imagery possible with a small, foldable, compact drone that can be taken anywhere. The first consumer-grade drone to feature a Hasselblad camera, the 20MP 1"-type CMOS sensor also takes advantage of Hasselblad's Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology to ensure increased color accuracy.

This model includes DJI's very robust OcuSync transmission system, a 3-axis mechanical gimbal to stabilize the camera, and the 10-bit Dlog-M color profile as well as 4K 10-bit HDR video support. It can capture UHD 4K/30p, 2.7K/60p, and HD/120p footage with a 70° Field of View, and video can be recorded using either H.264 or H.265 codecs at up to 100Mbps. Quickshots settings including Hyperlapse, plus an improved Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) which detects obstacles on all sides of the aircraft and enables it to fly around them, allowing the pilot to focus on capturing stellar footage.

The Mavic 2 Pro is ideal for most professionals and serious hobbyists interested in creating crisp, clear, detailed imagery. Professional cinematographers may want to look at an Inspire while those looking to get a close up of an object from a distance might prefer the Mavic 2 Zoom.

Alternate pick – most travel-friendly: DJI Mavic Mini

The DJI Mavic Mini is our top pick for users for whom portability and fun outweigh absolute image quality. This affordable, ultra-compact model is small enough to be a true 'take anywhere' drone. Despite its small size it boasts 30-minute battery life and includes a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable video recording.

It can record 2.7K/30p video using a 40 Mbps codec, generating pleasing video footage, though photos are limited to Jpeg format. The Mini includes several of DJI's QuickShots settings including Dronie, Rocket, Circle and Helix.

Between its minuscule size, long battery life, and pleasing photos and video, the Mavic Mini should meet the needs of most casual users and travelers. If getting the absolute best image quality possible is your top priority, however, take a look at our top pick with a larger image sensor.

We considered all of the drones below when selecting our winners. Choosing the right drone is a very personal choice that depends on the specific combination of factors that matter most to you, so take a look at all the drones for a detailed breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses.

  • Our pick: DJI Mavic 2 Pro
  • Alternate pick: DJI Mavic Mini

Also, Consider:

  • Autel EVO
  • DJI Inspire 2 + Zenmuse X7
  • DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
  • DJI Mavic Air
  • DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
  • DJI Phantom 4 V2.0
  • DJI Spark
  • Parrot ANAFI
  • Skydio 2
  • Yuneec Mantis G
  • Yuneec Typhoon H3

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

20MP, 1"-type CMOS sensor | 3-axis gimbal | 4K/30p video

What we like:

  • Outstanding image quality for photos
  • DLog-M gamma for video
  • H.265 support

What we don't:

  • Best 4K video comes from cropped region of sensor
  • No 4K/60p video
  • Extra batteries are expensive
The Mavic 2 Pro is a compact, foldable drone that's ideal for travel but features a professional-grade camera, and it’s the first consumer-grade DJI drone to incorporate a Hasselblad camera and its proprietary Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology. It’s roughly a half-inch larger and weighs slightly more than its predecessor, the Mavic Pro Platinum, but its aerodynamic airframe reduces body drag by up to 19%.
The Mavic 2 Pro can fly at speeds of up to 44 mph (70.8 km/h) in Sport mode and remain in the air for up to 31 minutes. It includes 10 sensors located on all sides of the aircraft, enabling it to automatically detect obstacles in its path and help prevent collisions. The improved Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) allows the aircraft to analyze its surrounding environment, and fly around obstacles without stopping. Additional batteries, which are also compatible with the Mavic 2 Zoom, cost $159 each.
The improved Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) allows the aircraft to analyze its surrounding environment, and fly around obstacles without stopping.
Built around a 20MP, 1"-type CMOS sensor, the camera has a FOV of about 77°, equivalent to a 28mm focal length, with a F2.8-11 aperture range. DJI has incorporated Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) technology into the camera to ensure increased color accuracy, and the camera can capture both Jpeg and Raw images.
For video, the Mavic 2 Pro offers a 10-bit DLog-M color profile and 4K 10-bit HDR support. It captures up to 4K/30p, 2.7K/60p and 1080p/120p resolutions using either H.264 or H.265 codecs up to 100Mbps. However, to get the best quality 4K video you need to shoot with a center crop of the sensor which results in narrower 55° FOV. Noticeably missing are the 4K DCI format and support for 4K/60p recording.
The controller features joysticks that are removable and an onboard LCD screen keeps you updated on critical aircraft data including battery life and flying mode. Dual Remote Controller mode makes it easy for two people to fly the Mavic and film aerial footage collaboratively with the purchase of an additional remote at $399. The Mavic 2 Pro introduced a new HyperLapse feature designed to capture the passage of time, and includes four settings to do so: Circle Mode, Course Lock, Waypoint, and Free Mode.
The Mavic 2 Pro is a very capable portable drone that will appeal to both enthusiast and professional users. It features superior color and image quality, up to 4 stops higher than the Mavic Pro, and offers up Intelligent Flight Modes and additional obstacle avoidance sensors that allow pilots to easily capture and create sophisticated footage and effects. However, videographers needing the best 4K quality while maintaining a wide FOV, or 4K/60p recording, may wish to research other options.