Best small drones for photography

As a passionate photographer, I am always on the lookout for the best tools to capture stunning aerial shots. Drones have revolutionized the way we approach photography, offering a unique perspective and endless creative possibilities. When it comes to small drones specifically designed for photography, there are several options on the market that combine portability and high-quality imaging capabilities.

Small drones are perfect for travelers, hikers, and anyone looking to capture breathtaking views from above. They are easy to carry, quick to set up, and provide impressive image quality. In this article, I will introduce you to some of the best small drones for photography, highlighting their key features and why they stand out in the crowded drone market.

My Recommendations for the Best Small Drones for Photography

When it comes to capturing stunning aerial shots, having the right small drone can make all the difference. As an avid photographer, I have extensively researched and tested various small drones to find the best options for aerial photography.

If you are looking for a compact drone that delivers exceptional image quality, the DJI Mavic Air 2 is a top choice. This drone is equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture 4K video and stunning 48-megapixel photos. Its advanced features, such as HDR video and SmartPhoto mode, make it easy to capture professional-quality shots.

• DJI Mavic Mini: Ideal for beginners and travelers, the DJI Mavic Mini is a lightweight and portable drone that still delivers impressive aerial photography capabilities. Despite its small size, it offers a 12-megapixel camera and 2.7K video recording, making it a great option for capturing scenic shots.
• Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Series: For photographers looking for a more advanced option, the Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Series offers an excellent balance of performance and portability. With a 6K camera and advanced AI capabilities, this drone is perfect for capturing detailed and dynamic aerial shots.
• Parrot Anafi: The Parrot Anafi is another great choice for photographers who value portability and versatility. This drone features a 21-megapixel camera with 4K HDR video capabilities, as well as a unique 180-degree tilt gimbal that allows for creative shooting angles.

DJI Mavic Mini

As a photography enthusiast, I have found the DJI Mavic Mini to be a game-changer in my aerial photography pursuits. This compact drone packs a punch with its 12MP camera and 3-axis gimbal, allowing me to capture stunning photos and videos from unique perspectives.

One of the standout features of the DJI Mavic Mini is its lightweight design, making it easy to transport and fly in various locations. The drone’s long battery life and stable flight performance have enabled me to focus on getting the perfect shot without worrying about technical issues.

• The DJI Mavic Mini’s intuitive controls and intelligent flight modes have made it a breeze to navigate and capture professional-quality images. Its portability and impressive camera capabilities make it a top choice for photographers looking to elevate their work with aerial photography.

My Experience with the Autel Robotics EVO Nano Series

Having delved into the world of aerial photography, I was on the lookout for a compact and powerful drone that could deliver stunning shots. That’s when I came across the Autel Robotics EVO Nano Series.

Equipped with advanced features and a sleek design, the Autel Robotics EVO Nano Series impressed me from the moment I unboxed it. The drone’s compact size and lightweight build make it easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go photography sessions.

• The EVO Nano Series boasts a high-quality camera that captures crystal-clear images and videos.
• Its intelligent flight modes, such as ActiveTrack and Point of Interest, helped me create dynamic shots effortlessly.
• The drone’s long battery life and stable flight performance allowed me to focus on getting the perfect shot without worrying about technical issues.

Parrot Anafi

When it comes to small drones for photography, the Parrot Anafi is a standout choice. I’ve had the opportunity to test out this compact and lightweight drone, and I’ve been impressed by its performance.

The Parrot Anafi features a 4K camera with a 180-degree tilt gimbal, allowing you to capture stunning aerial shots from unique angles. The drone is easy to control and offers a variety of flight modes to suit different photography needs.

• The Parrot Anafi’s compact size makes it highly portable, perfect for photographers on the go.
• Its long battery life ensures you have ample time to capture the perfect shot.
• The drone’s advanced features, such as Follow Me and Return to Home, further enhance the photography experience.

My Experience with DJI Mini 2

When it comes to compact drones for aerial photography, the DJI Mini 2 is a standout performer. I’ve had the opportunity to use this drone on various photography projects, and I must say it delivers exceptional results in a small package.

One of the key features of the DJI Mini 2 that impressed me is its lightweight design, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go photography sessions. The drone’s 4K camera captures stunning aerial shots with excellent clarity and detail, allowing me to capture breathtaking landscapes and unique perspectives.

• The DJI Mini 2’s intelligent flight modes, such as QuickShots and Panorama, have been incredibly useful in creating dynamic and visually appealing shots effortlessly.
• Its long battery life ensures extended flight time, giving me more opportunities to explore different angles and compositions from the air.

Skydio 2 Overview

Skydio 2 is an impressive small drone designed for capturing high-quality aerial photography and videography. As an avid drone enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to test out the Skydio 2 and I must say, it exceeded my expectations.

Advanced Autonomy

• The standout feature of the Skydio 2 is its advanced autonomy, powered by six 4K cameras that enable it to effortlessly navigate complex environments and avoid obstacles with precision.
• With this level of autonomy, the Skydio 2 can track subjects smoothly and capture stunning footage without the need for constant manual control, making it ideal for capturing action shots.

Overall, the Skydio 2 is a top choice for drone photography enthusiasts looking for a reliable and intelligent drone that can deliver exceptional results. Its advanced autonomy and impressive capabilities make it a standout option in the market.

Hubsan Zino Mini Pro

When it comes to compact drones for photography, the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro stands out as a reliable option. This small drone packs a punch with its advanced features and impressive camera capabilities.

Equipped with a high-quality camera that can capture stunning aerial shots, the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro offers great value for its size. Its stabilization technology ensures smooth footage, making it ideal for capturing professional-looking photos and videos.

• The Hubsan Zino Mini Pro is easy to control and offers a range of intelligent flight modes, allowing you to focus on getting the perfect shot.
• With its compact size and lightweight design, this drone is portable and convenient to carry around, making it a great choice for photographers on the go.
• Overall, the Hubsan Zino Mini Pro is a top contender in the world of small drones for photography, offering impressive performance and reliable quality in a compact package.

My Experience with the Holy Stone HS720E Drone

As an avid photographer and drone enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Holy Stone HS720E drone for photography. I was impressed by its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to transport to various shooting locations.

The Holy Stone HS720E features a high-quality camera with 4K resolution and a 5GHz transmission system, allowing for clear and smooth aerial footage. The drone’s GPS positioning and intelligent flight modes, such as Follow Me and Waypoint Mode, made capturing stunning shots a breeze.

• The drone’s battery life of up to 46 minutes provided ample time for extended photo sessions.
• The foldable design and included carrying case made it convenient to take the drone on-the-go.
• Overall, the Holy Stone HS720E proved to be a reliable and versatile tool for aerial photography, delivering impressive results.

Potensic D85: A Budget-Friendly Option for Aerial Photography

Among the best small drones for photography, the Potensic D85 stands out as a budget-friendly option that offers impressive features for capturing stunning aerial shots. This drone is equipped with a 2K camera that delivers high-quality images and videos, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to explore aerial photography.

Key Features of the Potensic D85:

• 2K Camera: The Potensic D85 comes with a 2K camera that provides crisp and clear images and videos.
• GPS-Assisted Flight: This drone features GPS-assisted flight, which allows for precise positioning and stable flight performance.
• Long Battery Life: With a flight time of up to 20 minutes, the Potensic D85 allows you to capture more footage without frequent recharging.
• Follow Me Mode: The Follow Me mode enables the drone to automatically follow and capture your movements, making it ideal for action shots.
• Easy to Control: The Potensic D85 is easy to control, thanks to its intuitive remote controller and user-friendly interface.

Overall, the Potensic D85 is a great choice for those looking for a cost-effective drone for aerial photography. With its impressive camera quality, GPS-assisted flight, and user-friendly features, this drone offers a rewarding photography experience without breaking the bank.