The best camera drones in 2024: take your photography & video to the skies

DJI Mini 4 Pro
(Image credit: Future)

It's amazing to think that a few years ago camera drones were little more than novelty toys for gadget-heads; now they’re a creative tool few photographers or filmmakers want to go without.

There are choices for amateur and professional, offering a choice of creative angles and unique perspectives that simply wouldn’t be possible with any other camera. Of course, the possibilities have always been exciting – what makes it practical, and what is the right choice?

When we look at a camera drone, we're looking for the right balance of price, camera capability, and practicality. That last category is affected in most countries, including the UK and USA, by laws that make it easier to operate drones under 250g (0.55 pounds).

If you're looking for high-quality results, you'll need to look for larger image sensors and perhaps even the ability to record using cinema-grade codecs like ProRes. These can be hard for most people to work with though. More important are the essentials – a gimbal to keep the camera stable and a good battery life.

AI is also a key factor for shooting, with many drones having different levels of subject tracking that can greatly ease getting a good flowing shot, while safety is a factor bolstered by collision sensors, though these can come at a price.

UPDATE Oct 15: As I type the DJI Air 3S has been launched around the world – trust me that will replace the Air 3 in this guide very soon as it has almost all the same qualities plus a bigger image sensor on the main camera and some low-light goodness in the form of Lidar collision sensors (that said its predecessor is, of course, available for a bit less.)

The Quick List

Adam Juniper with a drone
Adam Juniper

Adam has been looking at cameras and gadgets since long before drones arrived, so he dived into the flying tech with enthusiasm, building several of his own before off-the-shelf possibilities emerged. He is not just our resident expert on all aspects of camera drones and drone photography, but the author of several books on the subject including bestsellers The Complete Guide to Drones and The Drone Pilot's Handbook.

Best drones in 2024

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Best drone overall

Editor's Choice

(Image credit: Future)

1. DJI Mini 4 Pro

A full set of pro functions in an ultra-light drone

Specifications

Weight: 249g
Dimensions (folded): 148x94x64mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 298x373x101mm
Controller: Yes
Video resolution: 4K @ 100fps or 60fps HDR
Camera resolution: 48MP
Battery life: 34 minutes
Max range: 20km / 12.4 miles
Max speed: 58kph / 36mph

Reasons to buy

+
All-round collision sensors
+
Good-quality AI for orbiting etc.
+
Camera switches to optical portrait mode
+
4K 60fps shooting capability
+
Up to 200fps slow-mo

Reasons to avoid

-
Light drones subject to gusts
-
Priced to match Pro drones too
-
Fly More kit doesn’t include filters
Buy it if:

You want the ultimate power under 250g: The weight limit has a big impact on where you can fly and this drone is the best equipped in the weight category.
You want great range: The excellent range also means control is reliable at more normal distances.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for the best value: There are a lot of features here, and you can get away with less while still capturing high-quality content.
You want true telephoto: If you want to zoom, then only digital zoom is on offer with this drone.

This drone's predecessor, the DJI Mini 3 Pro, had a massive effect when it arrived in May 2022 – it redefined what DJI was doing with the ultra-light category, bringing some collision sensors and a 4K 60fps camera which could physically rotate to vertical mode (a feature still not equalled by much bigger craft).

Under 18 months later, the Mini 4 Pro finished the job, making the collision sensors omnidirectional (all-round) and adding 10-bit D-Log M video and waypoint programmable flights while keeping under the magic weight. It can also do HDR at a full 60fps rather than the 30fps limit of the Air 3 Pro.

The Mini 4 Pro also sports DJI's updated O4 radio system which offers up to 20km (over 12 miles) of theoretical range or, more importantly, top-notch reception in sensible operational distances. The updated DJI RC 2, as seen with the DJI Air 3, is an option, which feels very pro in hand, giving the choice of a model with a screen to save the (fairly minimal) fuss of connecting a phone). In some markets (start chanting "USA, USA...") there is also a choice of batteries if you don't mind pushing the weight limit, meaning you can go from the already decent 30 minutes to over 40 (again, always take these with a pinch of salt – it depends on conditions and flying style). You should note, though, that the drone will know about the weight change, and can alert authorities.

The message of the Mini 4 Pro is that DJI will not let the weight restriction prevent creatives from achieving their goals. The inevitable downside is the pricing, which is quite a lot closer to the company's higher-end models than other ultralights. If you want to save, there is the less-expensive DJI Mini 3, which lacks the collision sensors and some of the output options, but will capture similar video and stills for the average user.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesHigh resolution, 10-bit video, with rotating camera, mission planning★★★★★
DesignEfficient styling but simple to use★★★★★
PerformanceFlawless performance within wind parameters★★★★★
ValueA good price for all the features, but there are cheaper ultralights if you can compromise★★★★

Read more: DJI Mini 4 Pro review

Best drone for flexibility

DJI Air 3S drone flying against blue sky

(Image credit: Future)

2. DJI Air 3S

Dual camera drone for switchable zoom makes this hard to beat

Specifications

Weight: 724g
Dimensions (folded): 214×101×89mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 266×325×106 mm
Controller: Yes
Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps
Camera resolution: 50MP + 48MP
Battery life: 45 minutes
Max range: 20km / 12.4 miles
Max speed: 75kph / 47mph

Reasons to buy

+
Dual-cameras offer creative choice
+
All-round collision sensors for safety
+
4K 100fps slow motion
+
Long-range and long battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
HLG and D-Log M 4:2:0 best output
-
Smaller sensor than Air 2S
Buy it if:

You want a true telephoto: Digital zoom is one thing; the option to switch to a dedicated lens is another – the Air 3S gives you a tele at a price which isn't eye-watering.
You want a great all-rounder: The drone balances features, a bit of extra size for stability, great range and performance against a sensible price.

Don't buy it if:

You want to stay under 250g: While the drone is relatively light and easily portable (earning it EU C1 certification), it is still 724g.
You shot 5K video on the Air 2S: OK, this one is niche, but the old 2S – two generations ago – had 5K video (but no tele lens). Personally, I'd take two 4K 10-bit cameras every time!

The DJI Air 3S is more or less perfect. The only real problem is that, if you're based in America, it's not that easy to get hold of unless you order from DJI directly (which you can, no problem) – you might have to go for the older DJI Air 3. That's still a great drone, but...

The Air 3 brings a new, bigger 50-megapixel 1-inch sensor for the 'main' camera, which is 24mm EFL, and keeps a 48-megapixel 1/1.3-inch camera for the 70mm EFL f/2.8 tele lens. Compared to a typical one-camera drone this massively increases your creative capabilities – for example tracking people or moving subjects. It's also great for survey jobs with a bit more safety.

DJI have modernised everything and boosted convenience; the drone boasts 42GB of internal storage so if you forget a MicroSD card you're not in trouble. It skips around the air with impressive confidence, feeling a lot more assured than a 'Mini' sized drone (though, of course, it is nearly 3 times the weight). Low light is impressive,

Something that has been worrying in the past with different-sized sensors has been how the optics blend together, but this question seemed not to present itself in my tests. What I did notice was how impressive the dynamic range was, and the 100-12,800 ISO range is the tip of the iceberg; DJI has even added a new low-light collision sensing system with Lidar which makes crashing that bit harder (I didn't manage it in my testing).

Think of this as a more affordable Mavic 3 Pro which is also more modern and, in some ways, actually better! As well as eclipsing its bigger, heavier cousin with goodies like Lidar, it also gets AI subject tracking and even Waypoints, plus excellent battery life. Why spend more?

If you want to do occasional survey work, and perhaps get some images, then I found the 4x zoom looked very impressive and, honestly, this drone seems to aggressively eat into the use-case for the Mavic 3.

Read my full review of the Air 3S with sample clips

(If you're looking to buy in the USA, I recommend the DJI store; if you need to buy from Amazon, then you'll have to choose the Air 3 – check my review)

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesDual camera system, waypoints, >40 flight time, and new collision sensors that work in the dark★★★★★
DesignExcellent cameras and capable of shooting 10-bit video and D-Log M★★★★★
PerformanceDJI say there is 14 stops of dynamic range and I certainly felt like it★★★★★
ValueThis doesn't seem a lot more than the Mini 4 Pro for much better tech; well worth doing an online test for!★★★★★

Read more: DJI Air 3 review

Best follow-me drone

(Image credit: Future)

3. HoverAir X1

A drone that can follow you and take video without any help

Specifications

Weight: 125g
Dimensions (folded): 127x86x31mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 127x145x30mm
Controller: Smartphone via app
Video resolution: 2.7K @ 30fps, 1080p HDR
Camera resolution: 4MP
Battery life: 11 minutes
Max range: 30m
Max speed: 25.2kph / 15.8mph

Reasons to buy

+
Rotors inside a safety cage
+
Brilliant folding design
+
Automatically follow you and records

Reasons to avoid

-
Needs a phone for first use
-
Not ideal for younger kids
Buy it if:

You want a drone that can fly itself: The HoverAir X1 is designed to follow you using AI, and it does its job very well.
You're looking for something fun: The genius of the X1 is how safe it is and how little effort it is to fly; even a phone as controller is optional.

Don't buy it if:

You're expecting a high workload: The drone can only record to its in-built 32GB storage; no memory cards.
You want 4K video: The drone maxes out at 2.7K, more than good enough for sharing but perhaps not exactly broadcast quality.

This might not be ideal for younger kids without a bit of parental supervision, and it's certainly not the cheapest toy, but it's not too pricy either compared to many on this list and it does offer a very different take on drones that I found very compelling. It's one I've added to my collection, and it's one I find the whole family can enjoy.

When I first tried it, this drone surprised me with its sensibly safe design, and by how the AI could simply follow me, taking off and landing on my own hand. After initial set up, I didn't even need my phone to do it – there is a combination of a speaker inside so voices reassure you that you've asked for the right thing and simple buttons on the frame.

Think of it as an angel on your shoulder which can be passed between family members and follow them running, cycling, or undertaking any activity. An unusual drone, but amazing.

Choosing this drone does involve making a slight compromise when it comes to flight time and range; you can choose to fly it with your phone (wi-fi range) or just let the drone do the flying, but the resolution and flight time doesn't match even most ultralights. That said, it's not only cheaper and smarter but the caged propellors are notably safer than other drones.

NOTE: The new DJI Neo is seriously competitive against this drone in terms of specs and battery life. I've tried both and written my thoughts on whether I'd still buy the HoverAir X1 or the DJI Neo in this category, and as the firmware evolves you can bet I'll be keeping my attention on this.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesSubject tracking and remote-less operation★★★★★
DesignUltra-light folding cage ★★★★★
PerformanceAI tracking great, though battery could be longer★★★★
ValueSomething of a matter of opinion★★★★

Read more: HoverAir X1 review

Best-value drone

(Image credit: Adam Juniper / Digital Camera World)

4. DJI Mini 3

A great choice for the beginner, and often found cheaply

Specifications

Weight: 248g
Dimensions (folded): 148x90x62mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 251x362x72mm
Video resolution: 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps
Camera resolution: 48MP
Battery life: 31 minutes (2,250mAh)
Max range: 10km / 6.2 miles
Max speed: 57kph / 35.7mph

Reasons to buy

+
Very portable
+
Registration-free in USA, China, and more
+
Easy to fly
+
Raw photos

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited tracking features
-
Feature enthusiasts should go for the Mini 4 Pro
-
No collision sensors
Buy it if:

You want a 4K ultralight: This might be all the drone you ever need; it can capture 4K video from a 48-megapixel image sensor while staying under the 250g threshold.
You're balancing cost and quality: Despite the low weight, DJI's tech copes well with light gusts and offers value and portability.

Don't buy it if:

You want collision sensors: DJI has kept the price down by not fitting collision sensors on this drone, although it can still land itself.
You want 60fps at 4K: While you still get the optics on the Mini 4 Pro, the camera has a more limited range of frame rates and is H.264 only, not H.265.

DJI defined camera drones as we understand them today way back in 2016 with the first Mavic. It was so usable that drones clearly became a consumer-friendly product and soon after the restrictions started to emerge around the world.

Using a drone over 250g suddenly required registration, an online exam and a small fee in most countries, though by 2019 DJI's Mavic Mini had solved the weight issue. Because so few people love bureaucracy, and drone tech has progressed so well, it is no longer just a drone, but a whole category – ultralight. It is the obvious weight category for beginner drones, but there are also some surprisingly high-end options (like the Mini 4 Pro) and, in between, a sensible balance of capability and cost.

Knowing that history is useful because it explains why, even though the Mini 3 Pro is now superseded, this drone has a '3' in its name – it is essentially a lower-cost version of that, with the key feature removal being the collision sensors. In other words, a drone which was at launch in late 2022 verging on miraculous, became a lot more price more accessible.

You get all the key goodies of the Mini 4 Pro, including the 1/1.3-inch rotating camera for vertical format (selfie mode), and even the ability to shoot RAW images at up to 48 megapixels. Video is saved at 100Mbps, so looks excellent, though it does stop at 30fps (or 60fps at 2.7k). The automated ‘QuickShots’ (the drone keeps the camera on you and performs a cool pre-planned swoop) are also very handy; beginners can look like pro pilots and get dramatic video.

Given that the Mini 3 Pro only had partial collision sensors anyway (front and back), the Mini 3 not Pro was an excellent value choice (collision sensors can actually be very annoying). Now the DJI comparison is against the Mini 4 Pro which at least has more useful all-round sensors, but, again, while they have their uses when travelling sideways, a good pilot shouldn't need them.

The drone also still has GPS and downward vision sensors for landing, so auto return to home and other 'standard' features are available, and the older 'O2' radio system is rated for 6.2 miles/10km – so still perfectly adequate when flying legally.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Features4K at 30fps video, rotating camera, option of Plus battery★★★★
DesignTypical DJI usability and choice of controllers★★★★★
PerformanceBrilliant, even in some gusts★★★★★
ValueThe price is very appealing if you don't need 4K at 60fps★★★★★

Read more: DJI Mini 3 review

Best premium drone

(Image credit: Future)

5. DJI Mavic 3 Pro / Pro Cine

The most powerful folding drone money (and plenty of it) can buy

Specifications

Weight: 958g / 963g
Dimensions (folded): 221x98x95mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 348x291x108mm
Controller: Yes
Video resolution: 5.1K:HDR @ 50fps
Camera resolution: 20MP + 12 MP
Battery life: 46 minutes (5,000mAh)
Max range: 15km / 8 miles
Max speed: 68kph / 42.5mph

Reasons to buy

+
Triple camera system for zoom and wide
+
Main camera has a Micro Four Thirds sensor
+
Excellent 60fps live video feedback

Reasons to avoid

-
Average-looking telephoto
-
ProRes video is recorded onto unswappable memory
Buy it if:

✅ You want triple-camera power: The power afforded by the zoom cameras gives serious pros options even where airspace restrictions can hamper them.
✅ You want all the features DJI offers: This is a flagship, so you'll find all-round collision sensors, subject tracking and mission planning.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You just want one MFT camera: DJI has catered for you with a Mavic 3 Classic; that still gives you the excellent Hasselblad camera, but leaves a smaller hole in your wallet.
❌ You don't need survey-level zoom: The 7x zoom might not be what you're hoping for; seriously look at the Air 3 as a money-saving alternative.

The Mavic 3 Pro is a powerful machine, capable of lifting a triple-camera system based around a 24mm EFL main camera and two secondary cameras (at 70mm EFL and 166mm EFL) that serve to provide a “hybrid zoom.” If the approach hadn't already been adopted – almost certainly – by your phone it might seem a bit confusing and it is a little strange at first but the excellent 20-megapixel main camera
brings the pro features of adjustable ISO, exposure, and, crucially, aperture.

The secondary cameras are less impressive, but they still represent a notable improvement over the original Mavic 3's dual camera system. The Medium Tele is f/2.8 and the tele ƒ/3.4 so you'll get the best imagery from the 'Hasselblad' (main camera – and ProRes video with the Cine option – but the other cameras don't give you the same camera system (unlike, say, the swappable Inspire 3). You can opt to switch between lenses, or have the computer create a long digital zoom (again, like a phone), all the way to 28x, though you'll see the jumps at 3x and 7x (again, like a phone).

If you own an iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro you'll understand what it's like to have a 3-lens camera and the worst sensor on the telephoto lens. It's still better than not having one but, inevitably, it occasionally makes you want for more!

Nevertheless, the Mavic 3 will do the job in a lot of situations, and it can do it for much longer too; hovering for up to 43 minutes, which means it can cover over 15 miles in a flight – not too shabby for survey missions either. Some might see the folding form factor as belonging to consumer territory, but that’s an old-fashioned perspective in the drone world and amongst clients; this is an aerial camera that (while being over most weight limits) is more portable than most and certainly priced for professionals.

The Mavic 3 Pro Cine is a variant exclusively for those requiring ProRes 422 HQ format video which also holds onboard a 1TB SSD to store the uncompressed video it can capture, and ships with the DJI RC Pro, a controller with a built-in screen. The video needs to be downloaded directly from the drone as the SSD is fixed.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesAcross the Pro & Cine models is a lot of choice★★★★★
DesignExcess is kept to a minimum despite a MFT main camera★★★★★
PerformancePowerful machine and impressive battery★★★★★
ValueThe Cine variant with on-board 1TB is pricey★★★★

Read more: DJI Mavic 3 Pro review

Best drone for creative control

(Image credit: Future)

6. Autel EVO Lite+

Folding mid-weight drone with 5.4K video and adjustable aperture

Specifications

Weight: 835g
Dimensions (folded): 210x104x85mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 430x517x85mm
Video resolution: 5.4K @ 60fps, 4K @ 60fps
Camera resolution: Lite: 50MP / Lite+: 20MP
Battery life: 38 minutes
Max range: 12km / 7.4mi
Max speed: 64.8kph / 40.5mph

Reasons to buy

+
5.4K 
+
Adjustable aperture
+
Night mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Props can get in shot when flying fast 
-
Plasticky controller
-
Subject tracking could be better
Buy it if:

You want aperture control: With so many drones having fixed aperture, including this drone's obvious competitor the Air 3, the ƒ/2.8-ƒ/11 aperture is a feature that offers a point of differnce.
You want to capture video over 5K: Some editors prefer to crop from 5.4K video, and the EVO Lite+ makes that possible.

Don't buy it if:

You love wide-angle footage: The lens is 29mm, which some people may feel is too narrow for their tastes.
You want superior subject following: The following system in the EVO Lite+ is not quite up there with the DJI Mavic series.

Looking at the word of drones it's easy to think there is only one contender, DJI, but the EVO Lite+ shows that another company can approach things in quite a different way and the result is a drone that, for a good few photo and video enthusiasts, is probably the right choice, especially now that it's price has settled a little since launch.

Despite the name, the EVO Lite+ is not Autel's most lightweight offering – that is the Nano, which is their contender against the DJI Mini 3. It's better thought of as a smaller version of their main EVO drone (If the naming seems weird, it helps to remember that the Mavic and EVO, at about 900g, came first and a lot of drone companies still think of the 'about 900g' as the normal size and everything smaller as the difficult miniature offerings in part forced on them by regulators!)

Anyway, as I said, the EVO Lite and Lite+ (for there are two choices with different cameras) are reasonably meaty drones with a choice of colors and reassuringly sprung arms that make quick setup in the field a breeze. The standard controller seems very console-inspired, but that wasn't actually an issue for me, instead makes it comfortable.

I like to think of this as a drone for folk who believe a little more in specs than digital solutions. The new DJI Air 3 abandoned the 1-inch sensor, but this drone (at least the Lite+ edition) offers it, with lovely big 2.4um pixels, and 5.4K video has its uses. The camera also has a 29mm EFL lens which is a matter of taste, but not as wide angle as most drone cameras.

Admittedly 10-bit video would be better than just a flat profile, and the subject following is a little more limited than DJI's, but low-light performance is excellent and I love the fact I can tweak all the settings.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesGood resolution, although it lacks the dual-camera system of the Air 3★★★★
DesignNot 'light' but easy to travel with★★★★
PerformanceDecent battery, impressive camera and night modes★★★★★
ValueThe price is very appealing if you want creative control★★★★

Read more: Autel EVO Lite+ review

Best budget drone

(Image credit: Future)

7. Potensic Atom

A cheap ultralight drone that still packs a stable 4K camera

Specifications

Weight: 240g
Dimensions (folded): 88x143x58mm
Dimensions (unfolded): 300x242x58mm
Controller: RF + Phone
Video resolution: 4K @ 30fps
Camera resolution: 12MP
Battery life: 32 minutes
Max range: 6km / 3.7 miles
Max speed: 57.7kph / 36mph

Reasons to buy

+
3-axis gimbal-stabilized camera
+
Level 5 wind resistance
+
Subject tracking and waypoints
+
4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
DJI Mini 4K has slightly better video quality 
Buy it if:

✅ 4K stable video on a budget: This isn't a pricey drone, but it has a 3-axis gimbal, like all good camera drones.
✅ You want a lot of features: If you want access to the kinds of features DJI puts on its mid & high-range drones, but want to pay entry-level prices, this is the drone for you.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want an established pro brand: Potensic has been around a while, but it’s generally been a little more consumer-focused.
❌ You want to use filters: There doesn't seem to be the option to fit an ND filter.

Potensic has been making drones for quite a while, but until recently hasn't really worried the market leaders. Until the Atom, its strategy seems to have revolved around getting products out for the family fun / toy market. The Atom, though, really caught me by surprise when I tried it.

On opening the very elegant box, I discovered a drone with a build quality and styling that seemed to owe a fair bit to the DJI Mini 2 (and all the drones DJI have based on that airframe, including the current Mini 4K).

So, with DJI standing still on airframes in this category (though innovating with the DJI Neo), the Atom actually gave itself a lead by arriving at a point when DJI hadn't decided to offer 4K video in their cheapest drone. That has now, finally, been corrected with the Mini 4K (probably because of this Potensic). DJI, though, still have a relatively restrictive feature set on their entry-level drone. There is no option for waypoint mission planning, for example, so a geekier mindset might find the Potensic offers more.

DJI, I think, worry that some aren't to be trusted with this tech and, as a bigger brand facing a lot of legal challenges, are cautious about the features they make widely available.

There are no such limitations on the Atom, which also has a very clever controller design. It accommodates a phone in an extendable body design – even my iPhone Pro Max in a case, the result looks a bit like a Nintendo Switch when in use. The app is good, and the drone's batteries charge either via individual USB-C socket or (if you get a Fly More Kit) using a charging hub.

It feels like Potensic has taken everything it has learned, as well as a good look at what's around there, and successfully moved upmarket without pulling its prices all the way up too. That's a very tempting choice. On the strength of this, I don't see it being an economy brand for long.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Features4K camera, extensive app features including subject tracking★★★★★
DesignStyling folding airframe, clever controller, decent app★★★★
PerformanceSharp video, effective 3-axis gimbal ★★★★★
ValueGreat prices, especially in the Fly More kit★★★★★

Read more: Potensic Atom review (or the cheaper, non-stabilized Atom SE review)

Best drone for cinema

(Image credit: Future)

8. DJI Inspire 3

Most powerful money-no-object drone

Specifications

Weight: approx 4kg (depending on lens)
Dimensions (folded): 176x710x501mm
Dimensions (unfolded): Width 695mm (gear up)
Controller: Up to 3 controllers inclduing focus op
Video resolution: 8,192x4,320 px / 8K @ 75fps
Camera resolution: 8,192x5,456 px (44.6MP)
Battery life: 28 minutes (2 x 4,280 mAh)
Max range: 15km / 8 miles
Max speed: 94kph / 58mph

Reasons to buy

+
8K cinema-grade camera
+
Option to have seperate camera operator
+
Precise RTK repeatable routes

Reasons to avoid

-
Costly
Buy it if:

✅ You want to use interchangeable lenses: Despite the price, this is still one of the cheaper and easier ways to do that.
✅ You need reliable broadcast-quality output: The Inspire series is established.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You just need good video: Nine times out of ten you can get what you need with a Mavic 3. There was a time people bought the Inspire 1 because it was cool; things are different now.
❌ You are regularly working alone: Although you can pilot the Inspire 3 alone, it can do more with a crew.

The Inspire 3, with the required accessories, will set you back the same amount of money as a small car, but for the cinematographers it is aimed at, it'll be worth it. It could even save a bit compared to jibs and dollys, though it does have a bit more downdraft! The accuracy of repeatable routes can be centimeter-level thanks to built-in RTK compatibility.

As for cameras, the detachable unit has its own name: the Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera. Perhaps more will come later? It can rotate 360 degrees beneath the drone's airframe, and can be operated by one pilot – with the assistance of AI subject framing if they choose – or a pilot and one or two camera operators.

This is serious professional stuff, which will only record to DJI's own costly SSD cards (the same as used with its Ronin cinema cameras). Editing will require crunching a lot of numbers, but the results are spectacular, and the dual-native ISO full-frame imaging sensor certainly gets the results you'd expect for the investment.

Read more: DJI Inspire 3 Review

Swipe to scroll horizontally
FeaturesInterchangeable lens, optional RTK positioning★★★★★
DesignGorgeous, though delicate in places★★★★
PerformanceFast, powerful, though battery life could be better★★★★
ValueThis is very expensive, although production costs are lower than many pro setups despite dual batteries★★★★