Drone photography is everywhere these days. If you haven’t gotten into the drone game yet, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out. If you’re ready to buy your first drone but you have no idea what to look for and you feel a bit overwhelmed, here are 9 of the best drones for beginners.
Best balance of budget and features
1. DJI Mini 2 Drone ()
Announced just earlier this month, the brand new DJI Mini 2 is the company’s most portable and lightweight drone. The drone weighs in at only 249 grams — about the same as an apple — and features 4K video resolution and a 4x zoom at 1080p, plus RAW and JPEG photo capturing. It has a 31-minute maximum flight time, and can transmit video up to 10 kilometers. Beginners will love its auto take-off and return-to-home functions, and can easily take advantage of the included tutorials and quick-shot modes.
2. DJI Mavic Mini ()
This quad-copter with a three-axis gimbal is super lightweight at only 249 grams. At roughly the weight of a cell phone, this drone is so small it’s exempt from certain drone regulations around the world. That makes it a great option for the travel photographer. The built-in camera shoots 12MP photos and records video at 2.7K. Packed with flying demos, a solid native app, plenty of safety features, and a strong battery life, the DJI Mavic Mini is a great choice for the new drone pilot eager for take off.
3. DJI Mavic Mini Fly More Combo ()
Take all the benefits of the DJI Mavic Mini and add two extra batteries, a 360 Degree Propellor Guard, spare parts, spare controllers, and a handful of extra accessories and you have the perfect drone kit. Consider this bundle if you want to get even more out of your DJI Mavic Mini.
Best resolution and recording modes
4. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Quadcopter ()
Photographers who are serious about resolution will appreciate this step up in the DJI drone line. The Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 features a 20MP camera for still images and can capture video content in 4K resolution. The camera also boasts a mechanical shutter for more precise images, the ability to shoot up to 14 fps at full resolution, and a wider dynamic range than many other drones. Five intelligent flight modes make it easier to focus on the footage and let the drone do the flying while you capture stunning aerial photography.
5. DJI Mavic Air 2 4K Drone ()
This drone is a great pick for photographers who care about both portability and resolution. With a ½ inch CMOS sensor, the Mavic Air 2 shoots photos at 48MP and records video at 4K. It’s got the most accurate color rendering of the DJI models, plus panoramic and HDR modes. It also sports a few other fantastic features like 8K hyperlapse, focus tracking, and the ability to fly at up to 68 kph — a real bonus for sports photographers.
6. Parrot ANAFI FPV Drone ()
The ANAFI FPV is the perfect drone for techies. The onboard camera records 21MP images, and it can capture high-quality video at up to 4K resolution. Features like lossless zoom and a variety of flying presets make this drone a solid contender for new pilots. Designed to pack away easily into the included slim backpack, this one also comes with Cockpitglasses 3 goggles for a first-person view (FPV) as you fly.
Best inexpensive drones for the total newbie
7. RYZE Tello Intelligent Drone ()
Coming in at a much lower price point, this minimalist camera drone is a great choice for first-time users who aren’t quite ready to invest in a more robust option. Designed as an easy and safe drone for kids and adults alike, the Tello Intelligent Drone weighs only 80 grams and features a 5MP camera. You can remote control it from any cell phone and only need minimal accessories for your first take off, so this is a great choice for portability.
8. Hubsan X4 Storm Racing ()
With the second-to-lowest price and shortest maximum flight time on this list, the X4 Storm Racing drone is more of a toy than a serious drone. That said, it still features video resolution of 720P. This drone is designed for tricks and racing, so what it lacks in photography specs it makes up for with a max speed of nearly 40 kph, and the ability to do flips and barrel rolls. RC car enthusiasts will be able to take to the skies with this inexpensive and fun drone.
9. Syma X5C Quadcopter ()
Total beginners who want to get a sense of the mechanics of flying and care less about photography will love this ultra-budget friendly quadcopter. The built-in six-axis gyroscope makes precise hovering easier, and the ability to do 360-degree barrel rolls is a fun addition to the specs.
Once you’ve chosen your drone and are ready to take to the skies, follow our Beginner’s Guide to Flying a Drone to get started.
Still not sure which drone is right for you? Get in touch with our customer service team or compare models on adorama.mom.
Feature photo by Janosch Diggelmann on Unsplash
