Drones have revolutionized the world of videography and photography, providing the ability to capture stunning and unique aerial perspectives. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which drones are best suited for shooting high-quality video.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the top 5 video drones available today, including options across budgets and skill levels.
An Introduction to Drones for Video
Before jumping into the drones, let‘s first cover what exactly makes a drone well-suited for videography. Here are some of the key factors:
Camera Resolution and Frame Rates
One of the most important specs is the camera sensor size and resolution. Most consumer drones today can shoot video at a minimum of 2.7K resolution, while high-end models offer 5K video and beyond. Common video resolutions include:
- 4K: 3840 x 2160p
- 2.7K: 2704 x 1536p
- 1080p: 1920 x 1080p
Higher video resolutions allow capturing more detail and enable cropping and stabilizing footage in post.
The camera frame rate determines how smooth and fluid the motions in your videos will look. For general videography, 4K at 30 fps is a standard target. However, shooting in 60 fps enables smooth slow motion when edited. Some drones like the DJI Inspire 2 even offer recording at 5.2K at 30 fps.
Camera Sensor Size
Larger camera sensors can capture more light and detail. Many consumer drones use a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor which works decently well. Higher-end drones shift to much larger 1" sensors and beyond, like a 4/3" sensor on the Mavic 3.
Gimbal Stability
Having a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer is crucial for capturing smooth, cinematic video footage from a drone. This adjustable mount helps isolate the camera from vibrations and jerky movements, keeping video steady.
Flight Time
Longer flight times give you the ability to capture more footage before needing to land and change batteries. Most compact consumer drones top out at 30 minutes max flight time. Larger professional drones offer 45+ minutes.
Transmission Range
The range dictates how far you can fly before losing connection to your drone. Longer ranges of 5+ miles allow covering huge distances to film subjects from the perfect vantage point.
With those key criteria in mind, let‘s look at the top options across drone classes and budgets.
The 5 Best Drones for Shooting Video in 2023
Best Overall: DJI Mavic 3
The DJI Mavic 3 offers best-in-class performance, stability, safety features and image quality, making it the top choice for aerial videography today.
Key Video Specs
- 5.1K video resolution
- 120 Mbps bit rate
- 30 fps max framerate
- 10-bit D-log color profile
- H.265/HEVC codec
- Hasselblad 4/3 CMOS sensor
Paired with the legendary Hasselblad camera system, the Mavic 3 captures stunning detail and dynamic range in its videos and 20MP photos. It offers adjustable color profiles to match professional workflows.
The 3-axis gimbal provides incredibly steady footage even in windy conditions. Plus with 46 minutes of flight time, a 15 km transmission range and a plethora of safety sensors, you can capture gorgeous video confidently in most environments.
Priced under $3000, the Mavic 3 sits at the top end for a consumer drone but offers exceptional quality on par with most professional setups.
Best Budget Drone: DJI Mini 2
For those looking to dip their toes into aerial videography on a budget, the DJI Mini 2 packs impressive specs and performance at under $500.
Key Video Specs
- 4K UHD up to 30 fps
- 2.7K up to 60 fps
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- 12 MP photo resolution
Weighing a mere 249 grams, the Mini 2 sticks to offering impressive image quality in a highly compact and portable package.
While the sensor and processing can‘t match DJI‘s higher-end drones, the footage remains quite good with decent dynamic range. The built-in gimbal provides stable video even in windy conditions.
With 31 minutes of flight time and 4 km transmission range, you can capture great aerial clips without going too far. For those starting out, the DJI Fly app also provides useful automated flight modes like Hyperlapses.
At under $500 including a remote and extra battery, the Mini 2 gives users extremely solid bang for your buck.
Best Professional Drone: DJI Inspire 2
For professional cinematographers needing top-of-the-line aerial video capabilities, the DJI Inspire 2 is unmatched in performance.
Key Video Specs
- 5.2K video recording
- Apple ProRes codec support
- DCI 4K CinemaDNG RAW
- Replaceable Zenmuse camera system
- Micro Four Thirds sensor options
- 6K CinemaDNG and 5.2K Apple ProRes
- Dual battery system
From its robust magnesium alloy frame to dual-battery power supply, the Inspire 2 can handle demanding shoots in tough terrain. You can equip it with Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras like the Zenmuse X5S and X7 offering resolution up to 6K for mind-blowing detail.
With high capacity batteries, the drone achieves up to 27 minutes of flight time. It also packs plenty of redundancy to maximize reliability with dual IMUs, compasses and more. Obstacle detection and automated flight modes round out the pro-level feature set.
While very pricey for the average user, the Inspire 2 remains a flexible aerial filmmaking platform at the top tier of possibilities today.
Best FPV Drone: DJI FPV
DJI‘s first standalone FPV drone allows users to experience the thrill of real-time first-person flight while still capturing stabilized 4K video.
Key Video Specs
- 4K/60fps video recording
- RockSteady EIS stabilization
- 120 Mbps bitrate
- 150° ultrawide lens FOV
By integrating an ultrawide action cam-style lens, users get a uniquely immersive FPV view. Even though you are essentially flying blind through the live video feed, the drone remains easy to control thanks to simplified flight modes.
You still end up with great stabilized footage thanks to the 3-axis gimbal and EIS. You can enable a "Naked GoPro" mode by attaching an external action camera for getting maximum field of view.
The FPV also packs plenty of sensors and intelligent flight modes to avoid crashes. So both pros and newcomers can safely enjoy the first-person flight sensation and dynamic video capabilities.
Best Drone for Social Media: DJI Mini 3 Pro
With the unique ability to rotate its camera vertically, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for capturing content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Key Video Specs
- 4K up to 60fps
- 48MP photo resolution
- 10-bit D-Cinelike color profile
- 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- Vertical shooting mode
Within its ultraportable 249 gram body, the Mini 3 Pro packs impressive imaging abilities on par with much larger drones. You can capture richly detailed 48MP photos or record gorgeously cinematic videos.
The vertical shooting flips the gimbal and camera 90 degrees, making it dead simple to frame up the perfect vertical shot.
For social media creators looking to take their content to new heights, the safety features, intelligent shooting modes and compact form factor make this an ideal drone to start with.
Tips for Shooting Cinematic Drone Video
Once you‘ve got your drone picked out, here are some key tips to start capturing pro-level cinematic footage:
Practice Controlling Your Drone
Before worrying about getting great shots, focus first on being able to competently and safely fly your drone. Master taking off, landing, hovering steadily, changing direction and orientations smoothly. This builds the base skills needed to frame up the shots you envision.
Optimize Camera Settings
Take time to adjust camera settings like white balance, color profiles and resolution/framerates for your particular shooting conditions and end goal. Test different setting combinations to see what yields the ideal look.
Use ND Filters
Polarizing ND filters help reduce glare and overexposure issues when shooting in bright sunlight. This enables capturing richer colors and contrast.
Follow the Rule of Thirds
Frame up the interesting elements in your shots according to the rule of thirds for pleasing, balanced compositions. Place horizons along the upper or lower third lines.
Capture a Range of Perspectives
Vary the camera angles, distances, movements and perspectives. Alternate between wide scenic views, high angle reveals and dynamic motions flying past subjects. This adds energy and variety.
Move Slowly and Smoothly
Erratic motions can ruin footage. Practice gentle and gradual accelerations/decelerations between positions for fluid, cinematic tracking shots.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of top options for shooting professional-grade aerial videos with drones today. Balancing your budget, experience level and shooting goals, any of the models listed here have the potential to take your videography to new heights!
