One of humanity’s greatest dreams has always been to have the freedom to move around the sky like birds. Finally this dream is achievable, by choosing a good drone with camera, to make great aerial shots.
In this article we will help you to find out through tests which is the best camera drone of the 2021.
We will treat drone for all budgets and to meet the needs of every type of user. From aerial photography professionals to beginners who want a hi-tech toy to play with.
Are you looking for a TV on which to enjoy the images captured by your drone? Click here to check out the guide to the best 4k tv .
The maximum distance allowed by Italian law is 70 meters in height and maximum 200 meters in length, always with visual flight .
From July 2020 the Italian law on drone has changed, and it is better not to be caught unprepared, click here for the new directive .
Best Drones 2022
1. Asbww – Also suitable for beginners
Asbww is a GPS drone equipped with a 1080P high resolution camera . The advanced GPS system allows it to fly farther and for longer and then return to the starting point when the battery begins to run out or the signal weakens.
The risk of losing it this way is minimized. This drone weighs less than 250 grams and therefore can fly without the need for registration.
The autonomy is 32 minutes of flight thanks to the powerful battery that allows it to last much longer than other models in the same range.
The 1080P high-resolution camera can take photos and videos extremely sharp and four times clearer than 720P camera models.
The drone is 26.5 × 26.5 × 5.5cm large and weighs approximately 160 grams. It mounts metal batteries that are included and has an electric motor with radio wave remote control.
The material it is made of is PVC , it is green in color and has eight radio control channels. The control frequencies are 2475 MHz, 42455 MHz, 2479 MHz, 2460 MHz.
This drone is also suitable for beginners and there are many tutorials on the net on how to learn how to calibrate it. You need to have a minimum of preparation to be able to fly it and not lose it.
Additional batteries are everywhere and the company offers to send them free of charge to anyone who requests them.
Every time the drone changes position you have to repeat the calibration procedure because it has the built-in GPS function.
2. DJI Mini 2 – High resolution camera
DJI Mini 2 is a foldable ultralight drone that offers a range of 31 minutes of flight time. It is a device equipped with a 4K camera capable of capturing 12 megapixel images.
It weighs less than 250 grams and fits in the palm of your hand. The 12 megapixel camera has an incredible resolution and the 4K / 30 fps video guarantees a perfect view.
It has a three-axis motorized system that ensures outstanding image quality consistently smooth and jerk-free wherever you fly.
The device supports up to 10km of HD video and has interference suppression capabilities to see more clearly and fly further.
The autonomy of 31 minutes ensures enough time to take perfect photos and videos, also because the device can withstand very strong winds and fly at an altitude of 4000 meters.
Shooting is stable even when there is wind on the sea or above the high mountain forests.
DJI Mini 2 has 4x digital zoom , so you can shoot and take pictures at different distances without any problem.
The captured videos are of a professional level and can be immediately shared on social media thanks to the application of the drone that produces complete results and is equipped with filters and soundtracks.
In the package you will find the drone, the remote control, the battery, a pair of spare propellers, a type C cable, a cable with a micro USB connector, a cable with a USB C connector, a cable with a lightning connector , a pair of sticks spare parts, 6 screws and a screwdriver.
3. Sanrock U52 – Great compromise
The Sanrock U52 drone is equipped with 1080P camera and is great for beginners . The built-in camera has 90 degree adjustable angle and real-time FPV transmission.
You can see on the application what is framed by the drone and the videos are immediately saved in the micro SD card.
You can edit them immediately and upload them to social media via your smartphone.
The drone can rotate 360 ° and it is possible to define a path on the map of the application by making it fly by moving the smartphone up and down with the gravity sensor. The drone follows the direction of the phone.
It has a mode that ensures constant hovering and , when the battery is low, the transmitter will sound an alarm, in the same way as when it enters a distance greater than 100 meters.
You have to click a specific button to get it back to the base. This drone is suitable for beginners because thanks to a button it lands or takes off automatically.
4. DJI Mavic Pro
In case you don’t know, many youtubers experienced in filming have expressed themselves with super favorable criticisms and reviews towards this product , defining it most of the time the best drone on the market.
Before starting, you should know that Dà-Jiāng Innovations Science and Technology Co. is a company that despite coming from China, land usually of counterfeits and shoddy products, produces the best drones on the market. They are famous for their Phantom line, which we will see later in this list.
During our tests, we found that the DJI Mavic Pro is indeed one of the best drones produced so far .
But let’s see what makes the DJI Mavic Pro one of the best, if not the best drone on the market, and we will also see some CONS that are inevitably present.
The DJI Mavic Pro is super compact, perfect for taking stunning photos. It sounds absurd but this drone can even be folded to become the same size as a small bottle of water.
So small it means you can take it more or less wherever you want. The Mavic Pro also comes with a very special feature which is called the OcuSync transmission system.
This special transmission system provides the drone with a control range of 7km. While it can fly at an impressive speed of 64km / h, plus the range is impressive.
The DJI Mavic Pro is sold with special features such as Active Track and TapFly .
These are characteristics that ensure that your recovery will be perfect and stabilized despite the strong wind or a somewhat clumsy aerial guide, as can happen especially during the first uses.
The 4K camera also allows you to shoot at high quality.
The drone’s camera is capable of intercepting objects that it crosses along the flight and avoiding them . This feature combined with redundancy sensors makes flying exceptionally safe and reliable.
It also has vision positioning technology that works in parallel with GPS and GLONASS. To make sure the drone stays in precise position both indoors and outdoors.
Thanks to the advanced sensors and technologies you can easily control the DJI Mavic with your phone with the help of WiFi.
This feature comes in handy when you want, for example, you feel lazy and want to fly the drone directly from inside the house.
5. GoPro Karma
The second drone on our list may surprise some of you, and the reason is quite simple.
GoPro is the well-known company that has been making cameras for years. Their cameras are small and portable but powerful enough to record video at true 4K resolution.
By making their brand known around the world and ubiquitous in sporting events, GoPro has dominated the portable camera market.
And for a long time it was ahead of any competitor.
Considering their vast experience in the camera industry for people who lead “dynamic” lives, GoPro has decided to jump into the drone market as well .
The result was the launch of the GoPro Karma. Which at first aroused many doubts until several youtubes began to show the fantastic shots that could be obtained with this object.
It is important to know that this review is based on the first versions of the model, we have no doubt that over time the GoPro Karma will improve and add important features.
In our personal opinion, if there is a drone that can really think of competing with the DJI Mavic Pro, this is the GoPro Karma.
In fact, just like the DJI Mavic Pro, the GoPro Karma is extremely portable , and in addition it allows you to take respectable photos during the flight, with a good range of action of the controls.
The treble can be folded inside the drone itself, making it very easy to carry around. Karma is extremely easy to use for both experienced and novice users. Thanks to the very easy to understand user interface .
The drone is sold together with an app called GoPro Passenger. This app allows your friends to see your drone fly and at the same time control it as they wish.
Aside from the equipped camera, the GoPro Karma supports many GoPRo cameras. Options include the Hero 4, Hero 5 Black, and Hero Session. The drone includes a comfortable grip as an accessory for stable and smooth recordings .
6. DJI Phantom 4
The reason it is not in our top positions is because it is very large and certainly cannot be considered an easy-to-carry drone like the Mavic or the Karma . Other than that, this is the most professional and finished drone on the market .
For those who don’t know, the DJI Phantom 4 is perhaps the most popular drone at the moment.
In case you were wondering what leads us to call it one of the best drones on the market at the moment, keep reading this review.
The DJI Phantom 4 has the ability to take off and back on its own. This is thanks to its very precise and brilliant GPS technology.
The Phantom 4 is easy to use and comes with an app that lets you control and monitor all camera mounted operations and options in real time.
The Phantom 4’s camera is great and allows the user to shoot at 4K and 30fps. Other than that, it supports the maximum resolution of 12 megapixels for taking photos.
The camera has an impressive f / 2.8 lens that offers a wide depth of field for those who want crisp, clean and detailed images.
It is equipped with a technology called Gimbal Stabilization System , which makes images stable and precise even while the drone is moving through the air at high speeds.
Users can use the DJI director software that has an internal video editor to be able to retouch the videos just made as you wish, even adding lyrics and music directly to them.
The Phantom 4 is very aesthetically pleasing but only available in white, a feature that may displease some.
The battery is not as good as one would expect from a product in this range, and the drone itself is quite expensive.
The question at this point is: is the DJI Phantom 4 drone a good option for those who want to spend money and have a top-of-the-range product ?
Yep , actually this is one of the best we’ve gotten our hands on in recent years. It absolutely does justice to the fame created by the DJI and is a product perfected in the smallest details.
7. Yuneec Q500 4K
Let’s shift our focus a little away from the DJI , and now look at other viable options on the market.
The next proposition is the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon.
The drone is sold in an oddly large nice bag. For those who do not like the neutral white design of the DJI Phantom series , the color of the Yuneec is a nice alternative, it is in fact black and very particular.
It was one of the most aesthetically beautiful drones we were lucky enough to try.
Unfortunately this alone is not a fundamental factor to sum up a product when dealing with such a technologically advanced type of object.
As before, we will focus on what’s good before looking at the bad. So let’s see this Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon .
The Typhoon is capable of delivering completely stable and clear 4K video recording, recording sharp images, with great colors and interesting details. The 12 megapixel camera does a great job, as does the distortion-correcting lens.
The camera can also be used separately by means of a convenient support included in the package.
Unlike the controllers of other drones, that of the Yuneec Q500 4K is based on the all-in-one concept; the controller provides a first-person view of the drone, and the ability to access the camera controls directly from the screen.
The drone is sold in a large bag and has 2 batteries included ; you can buy the same model if you want without the extra battery at a lower price.
Aside from being controlled via the built-in remote control, the Yuneec can also be controlled with the Wizard remote control.
The price is competitive and it is cheaper than many rivals, this applies to both the version with and without battery.
From the looks, it may seem that the Q500 Typhoon is better than its rivals, especially for the low price it is sold for, but of course it is not lacking in flaws.
While the drone itself is quite compact, there is no way to carry it aside from the supplied bag.
Strange to say, the Typhoon does not support waypoint navigation. However, it is perfect for capturing images in real time.
8. Parrot AR.Drone 2.0
The next drone on our list is something totally different than the others.
It is perhaps one of the smallest drones for filming on the market.
But that is not all. While the other drones follow an aggressive and captivating design line, the Parrot AR.Drone 2.0 remains minimal and on a design reminiscent of a flying saucer.
We do not know how much this adds or takes away from the general aerodynamics of the vehicle.
That said, the pricing is highly competitive. It’s not a drone designed with high-end consumers like film-makers and photographers in mind, but it’s more for those who want to have fun without sacrificing quality.
Before starting to look in depth at the characteristics of the Parrot, we would like to clarify a few things.
Unlike other drones on the list that are professional or consumer-grade, the Parrot Drone 2.0 is a real toy drone.
The camera is not 4K for example, and not suitable for professional photography, but it works in real time.
It does not have physical controls, the Nvidia Shield is required to be able to physically drive it. Obviously the basic use for which it is designed is the classic one via smartphone app.
The Parrot Ar.Drone 2.0 sits halfway between a toy and an object for technology enthusiasts.
It is not a quadcopter for professionals, but rather a toy helicopter.
The incredibly simple controls make flying this drone a breeze. You can also have him do several stunts.
Despite not having a high-end camera, the 2 mounted cameras have plenty of features for you to explore and enjoy.
All the shots taken with the 2 internal cameras are saved directly on the phone app, a very useful and interesting function. The drone is also sold in a multitude of colors to choose from.
The battery obviously has a short duration.
Frequent questions
What are drones?
Drones are very cool and there is no question. They opened up incredible possibilities to free our imagination , expanding our horizons of adventure and beauty.
Today we’re going to reveal the best shooting drones you can buy in 2020.
Drones are cool but also quite expensive. Most are meant for enthusiasts or fanatics, or people who experiment a lot with video shooting.
Almost all high-end drones are equipped with cameras for taking pictures.
However, this guide will deal with both cheap drones for beginners who want to better face this new adventure and high-end products for experienced and experienced users. What follows is therefore a list of the best drones currently on the market.
Choosing a drone: ease of use, controls, functions, autonomy
In recent years, drones have become very popular and have found favor with people of all ages.
Today it is possible to shoot from above that in a not so distant time could only be done with the helicopter.
These flying devices with integrated cameras are easy to use and within everyone’s reach. They exist at all prices and for all needs, even the professional ones for which a license is required.
To fly a drone you need a remote control or an application to be installed on your smartphone.
Until recently, only high-end models could be controlled by phone, but now also mid-range and low-end ones.
For starters, however, it is preferable to use the remote control, which is a device similar to console controllers .
Sometimes the buttons can be assembled and disassembled as needed, increasing the ease of use of the appliance.
The portability of the device is integrated by a mobile application in the smartphone that allows you to take advantage of some important functions such as FPW, or First Person View.
This function allows you to see in real time what the drone films or photographs. In this case, the remote control is formed in such a way that it can be inserted using connection inputs that adapt to any telephone.
Control applications are available for iOS and Android operating systems .
Drone commands are often in English and the best known are the following.
Pitch , adjusts the forward and backward movements, Roll commands the lateral movements, Yaw rotates the drone on itself and Throttle , which adjusts the speed of the propellers to allow the device to go higher or lower.
Some more expensive drones have the Trim control , which adjusts the tilt of the aircraft to make it fly perfectly trimmed or tilted.
Someone may be frightened by the complexity of these commands, but in reality with a little practice they all assimilate in a short time.
The functions of the drones are follow mode, automatic return and headless mode. The automatic return is only present on drones with automatic GPS and stores the position to return to when it is commanded.
Headless mode depends on the front and rear of the drones, usually with a different color of the blades or with the insertion of lights.
The front and rear parts of the drones must always be recognized because all the controls are based on the orientation of the aircraft.
If the front is facing the pilot and given the command to move right, the drone will move to the pilot’s left, which is his right.
It is necessary to be able to distinguish lights and colors from a distance because it is not easy to give the right commands.
To facilitate the driving of the drones, the headless mode was born, or headless mode which, when activated, makes all movements related to the position of the pilot and not of the drone.
The follow me function is activated when the built-in GPS allows the device to remain at a fixed distance from the remote control following it in its movements.
The follow you function exploits different types of treatment using object or person recognition programs, making the aircraft follow points on a map.
The power supply of the drones is almost always done with alkaline or rechargeable batteries. The autonomy is not very high because it is around 30 minutes.
The cheapest models only fly for 10 minutes while the most expensive hardly exceed 30.
There are many factors that affect the battery life of drones and also depend on the size and weight of the device.
The pros of shooting drones
Drones allow aerial shots for amateur or professional purposes.
They are used in the video world to obtain films that previously would have been very expensive to make and would have required the use of very complex helicopters or machinery.
They are relatively cheap and affordable for everyone , moreover their use does not require special knowledge, and can be flown immediately from the opening of the box.
The cons of drones for filming
However, drones for filming make use of a technology that has not yet been fully developed , and the battery life does not allow very long filming , albeit enough for basic needs (around 30 minutes of flight).
Plus there is a learning curve for learning how to fly them correctly , although once you get past the use it is relatively straightforward .
In conclusion
The drone market is quite saturated at the moment, there are drones for hobbyists, for enthusiasts, professionals or even for children.
The thrill of flying a drone and seeing the images it captures in real time as if we were little men on board is truly priceless.
It is difficult to choose a drone that is right for us and meets all our needs.
And in the world there is still no univocal regulation regarding drones, there are no laws that regulate their use.
So the time is not yet ripe to witness the unfolding of all the potential of drones. The use of drones is also governed by some relevant laws that you should be aware of.
The main problem in optimizing drone performance right now is battery life. In fact, to have lightweight batteries that are suitable for flight, compromises must be made, and a technology that allows prolonged use over time has not yet been reached. The best drone has a flight range at the moment of 30 minutes maximum.
The drone industry is taking its first steps, so we are sure that the future will still hold exciting surprises for us.
At the moment, companies are focusing on reducing the average size of drones to increase portability and manageability.
The Go Pro Karma and the DJI Mavic Pro are the two models that come closest to an ideal drone for the future.
The next step we expect is a significant extension of battery life for products of all brands.
So far we can admire in commercials, films and television series the intensive use of drones to shoot from above, it is not uncommon to see some evocative shots of a beautiful landscape and guess behind the drone’s hand.
More and more directors and video-making enthusiasts rely on the help of quadcopters to enrich their shots.
A GoPro camera attached to a drone and the stabilization gimbal system together can work wonders and give results that a decade ago would have simply been unthinkable.
Testing many different drone models, we would have tried at least 30 in fact in the editorial office, it was not an easy task.
It took a lot of effort from our team and a great deal of work to grasp all the different nuances of use.
We have tried to give our best to give an exhaustive and in-depth point of view on drones, trying to satisfy the needs of beginners and professionals at the same time to allow you to make a choice as conscious and rational as possible.
Let’s not forget also the Xiaomi MI drones, equipped with excellent action cameras.
If you think we have left something important out, please do not hesitate to contact us. The same is true if you want to ask us for clarification, the pro-cons editorial staff is always open to any kind of confrontation.
