Drones have become an indispensable tool in the world of photography, providing stunning aerial perspectives and dynamic shots that were once only achievable by professional filmmakers with access to helicopters and planes.

As drone technology advances, these flying cameras are becoming more affordable, user-friendly, and equipped with incredible features, making them a go-to gadget for hobbyists and professionals alike. In this guide, we’ll focus on the top 10 drones for photography in 2024, revealing the models that excel in capturing breathtaking images from the sky.

As versatile as they are, drones are taking photography to new heights, revolutionizing the way we capture memories and see the world. Choosing the right drone for photography, however, can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-growing options available in the market.

There are several factors to consider before making a purchase—flight time, camera resolution, stability, and ease of use to name a few—ultimately aiming to strike the perfect balance of quality, performance, and value.

When it comes to selecting the best photography drone, one must consider the camera specifications, including the resolution, sensor size, and lenses. Moreover, the drone’s stability plays a crucial role in obtaining clear, sharp images, so aspects such as the quality of its gimbal—responsible for stabilizing the camera—and the drone’s ability to handle winds are critical elements.

Additional factors, like battery life and flight range, also come into play, depending on your specific requirements and intended use.

To make your decision-making process easier, we spent hours researching and testing models from various manufacturers, rigorously evaluating them based on their image quality, stability, ease of use, and overall value.

The result is our list of the top 10 drones for photography in 2024, each offering unique benefits to meet the diverse needs of photographers and videographers. Keep reading to find the perfect drone to elevate your creativity and capture awe-inspiring visuals from above.

Top 10 Drones for Photography in 2024

In our quest to find the best drones for photography, we have carefully reviewed numerous options. Below is our handpicked list of the top 10 drones that will elevate your photography skills to new heights in 2024.

Loiley 1080P FPV Drone

The Loiley 1080P FPV Drone is a great buy for beginners and professionals alike who want a user-friendly and portable photography drone.

Pros

• Easy to use and beginner-friendly features
• Good quality HD 1080P camera with adjustable angle
• Compact and lightweight design for easy transport

Cons

• Battery life could be longer
• Not ideal for heavy wind conditions
• Requires some learning curve for advanced features

Our experience with the Loiley 1080P FPV drone has been enjoyable as it’s perfect for photographers looking for a user-friendly, versatile, and portable option. The drone offers several features that make it accessible for beginners and kids, such as one-key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and headless mode.

We also appreciate the smart app control, which allows for custom flight routes, voice control, gesture selfies, and other fun functions like 360° flips and adding music.

The HD 1080P camera on this drone produces stunning photos and videos, with the ability to adjust the angle up to 90 degrees remotely. The upgraded hover system and optical flow positioning technology make the drone more stable during shooting.

We enjoyed the Wi-Fi real-time transmission, which allowed us to quickly share our captured moments with friends and family.

One thing we love about the Loiley Drone is its portability. The foldable and lightweight design makes it easy to fit in a backpack or pocket, and it’s under 250g, exempting it from FAA registration. This mini drone became our go-to companion during outdoor adventures and explorations, allowing us to capture incredible aerial shots.

While the two rechargeable batteries included extending the flight time to around 25-30 minutes, we did find ourselves wishing for longer battery life when trying to capture that perfect shot. Fortunately, the batteries are easy to charge and replace. The drone’s build is lightweight, so it struggles in heavy wind conditions, and the learning curve for some of the advanced features can be steep for absolute beginners.

We had an excellent time using the Loiley 1080P FPV Drone, and we believe it’s an investment worth making for those looking to capture stunning aerial photography with a beginner-friendly and portable option.

Bokigibi Drone with 1080P HD FPV Camera

An excellent drone for beginners, delivering fantastic ease of use, portability, and a quality camera for capturing precious moments.

Pros

• Easy to learn and use, even for beginners
• Portable and lightweight design
• High-quality 1080P HD camera

Cons

• Short battery life per battery (15-30 minutes)
• Limited advanced features for experienced users
• No GPS functionality

We recently tried the Bokigibi Drone with a 1080P HD FPV Camera and found it to be a perfect choice for beginners and kids venturing into the world of aerial photography. It was incredibly easy to learn and operate, owing to features such as one-key takeoff/landing, headless mode, and altitude hold. It’s also very portable, allowing us to carry it along on various outings without any hassle.

The adjustable 1080P HD camera allowed us to capture sharp and high-framerate photos and videos, which we instantly shared with friends and family, thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi real-time transmission. While we enjoyed the overall experience, it would be great to have a longer battery life per charge. The drone comes with two batteries, each lasting between 15-30 minutes, so you may need to consider investing in extra batteries if you’re planning a full day of flying.

For experienced drone users, the Bokigibi Drone may lack some advanced features and GPS functionality. However, it provides excellent value for its price range, especially to those just starting in aerial photography.

We recommend the Bokigibi Drone for anyone looking to enter the world of drone photography without breaking the bank.

Ficinto Drone with Camera for Adults and Kids

The Ficinto Drone is an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts seeking stunning photography and engaging flight experience.

Pros

• 1080P FHD Camera with adjustable lens
• Easy to operate with various features
• Long battery life and safety design

Cons

• Might not be suitable for advanced users
• Requires a learning curve for beginners
• Limited range compared to high-end drones

We recently tried the Ficinto Drone with Camera for Adults and Kids and found it to be an enjoyable and user-friendly drone for photography enthusiasts. This compact drone is equipped with a 1080P FHD camera and a manually adjustable 90° lens, making it perfect for capturing high-quality images and videos.

The Ficinto S17 drone sets itself apart for beginners as it offers numerous features like gesture photo, video recording, trajectory flight, gravity sensing, and much more. Allowing a seamless flying experience for even the most novice users. It’s worth noting that there may be a learning curve in mastering its controls, but with a bit of practice, we found it quite intuitive.

Safety is a priority with this drone, as it comes with four extra propeller protection covers and a foldable design for easy storage and travel. The inclusion of 2 batteries is a bonus, offering up to 24 minutes of flight time, which we found more than enough for most outdoor activities. However, advanced users might crave a longer range than its 100-meter remote control distance.

The Ficinto Drone with Camera is an excellent choice for those looking to dip their toes into aerial photography or seeking an engaging flying experience. Its user-friendly interface, high-quality camera, and safety features make it perfect for both adults and kids.

Just keep in mind it has a limited range and that some practice may be needed for absolute beginners.

Hanmilt 4K Camera Drone

We highly recommend the Hanmilt 4K Camera Drone for its strong performance, stability, and bonus features that make it perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Pros

• Impressive 4K camera and 5 GHz FPV transmission
• Brushless motor for stable flights in strong winds
• GPS-enabled intelligent flight modes

Cons

• Slightly steep learning curve for beginners
• Limited gesture control options
• Can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces

After getting our hands on the Hanmilt 4K Camera Drone, we were impressed by its advanced features and performance. The 4K camera with 5 GHz FPV transmission delivered stunning images and smooth, wide-angle videos – even when flying in high-speed or strong-wind conditions.

Moreover, the brushless motor made a significant difference in-flight stability. The drone could maintain its position and height even when faced with strong winds, making it easier for us to capture those perfect shots.

What we loved most about the Hanmilt 4K Camera Drone were the GPS-enabled intelligent flight modes. The GPS follow me, waypoint flight and point of interest flight made it easier for us to focus on capturing great footage while the drone followed a predetermined path. Additionally, the GPS auto-return feature provided peace of mind, as we didn’t need to worry about losing our drone due to a low battery or lost signal.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the learning curve for operating this drone may be challenging for beginners. It took us some time to familiarize ourselves with all the features, but once we got the hang of it, we were amazed by its capabilities.

While the drone offers gesture control, we found the options to be quite limited compared to other drones on the market. Still, the basic gestures for taking photos and videos worked well, and we were able to capture some great selfies.

Maneuvering the drone in tight spaces can be tricky, making it more suitable for open areas. But this minor drawback doesn’t overshadow the overall performance and capabilities of this drone.

The Hanmilt 4K Camera Drone is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, feature-rich drone specifically designed for photography enthusiasts.

With its advanced features, stability, and 46 minutes of total flight time, you’ll have no trouble capturing stunning aerial images and having an enjoyable flying experience.

ROVPRO E58 Drone with 1080P HD Camera

We recommend the ROVPRO E58 Drone for beginners and kids seeking a foldable, easy-to-use quadcopter with decent image quality.

Pros

• Easy to fly, suitable for beginners and kids
• Foldable and portable design
• Comes with 1080p HD camera

Cons

• Not very durable, delicate propellers
• Motor prone to malfunction
• Limited camera quality

As photography enthusiasts, we found the ROVPRO E58 Drone to be an excellent pick for beginners and kids who want to explore aerial photography without investing in a high-end drone. The foldable design makes it easy to carry, and its lightweight nature ensures easy maneuverability.

What sets this drone apart is its user-friendly features, such as the one-key start/landing, altitude hold, and headless mode. Having tried it ourselves, we appreciate how the drone’s stability in the air made it convenient for capturing clear shots and smooth videos.

However, we did notice a few downsides while testing the ROVPRO E58. The propellers felt somewhat fragile and were prone to breakage upon impact. Additionally, while the 1080p camera provided decent image quality, it wasn’t as impressive as higher-end models. We also found that the motor could malfunction at times, affecting the drone’s performance.

The ROVPRO E58 Drone is a solid choice for aspiring aerial photographers who are just starting or those looking for a more affordable option.

Its user-friendly features and portability make it an enjoyable and accessible drone for beginners, but keep in mind its limitations in durability and camera quality.

TizzyToy Drone with 1080P FPV Dual Cameras

Our experience with the TizzyToy Drone has been enjoyable, offering user-friendly features and a solid camera for beginners and experienced users alike.

Pros

• Easy to learn and use
• High-definition 1080P camera
• Impressive stunts and functions

Cons

• Not as advanced as professional-grade drones
• Limited range compared to higher-end models
• App control might not appeal to all users

We tried out the TizzyToy Drone and found it incredibly beginner-friendly thanks to its intuitive features and instructional video. The one-key takeoff/landing and altitude hold made it a breeze to fly, and we were pleasantly surprised by how steady it hovered in the air.

The built-in 1080P camera was impressive, capturing high-quality photos and videos during our test flights. We had a great time exploring the fancy stunts, like the 360° flip and programmed flight course option. The drone intelligently followed our guidance, making it a fun experience overall.

The battery life was another highlight, with two rechargeable batteries included, giving us around 36 minutes of total flight time. We appreciated the low battery reminder, ensuring we didn’t lose the drone during use. However, it’s essential to mention that while perfect for casual users, the TizzyToy Drone might not meet the needs of professionals or those seeking more advanced features and a more extended range.

The TizzyToy Drone with 1080P FPV Dual Cameras is an excellent choice for beginners, kids, or anyone looking to experience the joy of flying a drone without breaking the bank.

The user-friendly functions, impressive camera, and engaging flying experience make it a worthwhile addition for any budding hobbyist.

DEERC D20 Mini Drone for Kids

The DEERC D20 is an excellent choice for beginners, delivering a fun and user-friendly drone with solid photography capabilities.

Pros

• Easy-to-use features for beginners
• 720P HD Wi-Fi camera for photos and videos
• 20-minute flight time with two rechargeable batteries

Cons

• Not suitable for windy conditions
• Inconsistent app performance
• Limited flight range

We found the DEERC D20 Mini Drone to be an excellent match for those new to drone flying and photography. With its one-key start/landing function, altitude hold, and intuitive controls, it’s easy to operate and snap captivating aerial photos and videos using the inbuilt 720P Wi-Fi camera. Additionally, the two included rechargeable batteries provide up to 20 minutes of flight time, which is quite impressive for a drone in this price range.

However, the D20 does have its limitations. We experienced some difficulties controlling the drone during windy conditions, as it seems to be more suitable for calm weather. Also, we noticed that the performance of the dedicated app is not always as smooth as one might hope, with occasional lag disrupting the user experience. The flight range on this drone is relatively short, which restricts exploration and photography opportunities.

That being said, the DEERC D20 Mini Drone offers some engaging features like 3D flips and waypoint flying – aspects that can enhance your flying experience and add to the excitement. Additionally, voice control and gesture selfie capabilities make snapping pictures and videos a breeze, literally putting control in the palm of your hand.

If you’re a beginner looking to explore drones and aerial photography, the DEERC D20 Mini Drone offers a fun, easy-to-use, and affordable option.

While it does have some limitations, the overall user experience and the value for the price make it a great investment for those seeking to learn the ropes.

Hiturbo 1080P Camera Drone for Beginners and Kids

This Hiturbo foldable drone is a versatile and fun entry-level option for both beginners and kids, providing enjoyable features with user-friendly controls.

Pros

• Easy to use for beginners and kids
• 1080P camera for quality photography and videography
• Comes with two batteries for extended flight time

Cons

• Requires WiFi connectivity for certain features
• The remote control range is limited to 328 feet
• Occasional calibration of the gyroscope needed

Our experience with the Hiturbo 1080P Camera Drone for Beginners and Kids has been nothing short of impressive. This foldable remote control quadcopter comes equipped with a 1080P camera that allows users to capture stunning aerial footage with ease. The camera is adjustable, enabling pilots to target key areas of interest for unique perspectives.

The drone’s ease of use is perfect for beginners and kids alike, as we found it simple to master the basic controls. The intuitive remote control and smartphone app give users multiple control options, while the drone’s altitude hold, 3D flip, and headless mode features add a layer of excitement to the flight experience.

One of the most appealing aspects of this drone is its ability to stay in the air for an extended period, thanks to the two included rechargeable batteries. Each battery provides about 12 minutes of flight time, which can be extended by simply swapping them out on rotation. This allows for a longer and more fulfilling experience in the air.

The need to connect the drone via WiFi for certain features, such as video capturing and voice control, can be slightly inconvenient. Additionally, we found that the limited remote control range of 328 feet might restrict exploration for more adventurous pilots. Lastly, the gyroscope calibration is necessary from time to time for stable control, especially after crashes.

We recommend the Hiturbo 1080P Camera Drone for Beginners and Kids as a great starter drone.

Its user-friendly controls, quality camera, and extended flight time create an engaging flying experience for individuals looking to explore the world of aerial photography and videography

Tmyes 4K Camera Drone for Adults and Kids

This Tmyes drone is perfect for beginners and advanced users, providing a fantastic photography and flying experience.

Pros

• Stunning 4K UHD adjustable camera
• Multiple cameras for unique angles
• Powerful brushless motor, 4 wind resistance levels

Cons

• Indoor hovering may require practice
• Charging is required before the first use
• Not suitable for very young children

Flying the Tmyes drone has been a remarkable experience for us. The 4K UHD camera delivers high-resolution images and videos, allowing us to capture beautiful aerial shots. With a 90° adjustable camera and 110° FOV lens, we can confidently say that this drone will meet your photography expectations.

The additional cameras placed at different angles, including one at the bottom, have enabled us to capture unexpected images from unique perspectives. These make the Tmyes drone perfect for creating standout aerial photography. The built-in optical flow positioning system allows for precise indoor hovering, but beginners might need some practice to master this feature.

One of our favorite aspects of this drone is the powerful brushless motor, offering stability and speed during flight. Thanks to its four wind resistance levels, we’ve been able to fly the drone in windy areas, such as the beach. The brushless motors stay quieter and last longer than brushed motors, providing an ideal flying experience.

The Tmyes 4K camera drone is great for both beginners and experienced flyers, offering stunning aerial photography and a powerful flying experience.

With its sleek design and carrying case, you’ll have the freedom to take your drone anywhere you wish. Be prepared to capture great memories with this easy-to-use, feature-packed drone. Make sure to check it out and start flying today!

NEHEME NH525 Foldable Drone

The NEHEME NH525 is a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced drone enthusiasts alike, offering remarkable camera quality and user-friendly features.

Pros

• 1080P HD adjustable camera with real-time FPV transmission
• Equipped with safety features and ultra-long flight time
• Beginner-friendly with one-key takeoff and landing

Cons

• May struggle with live feed quality outdoors
• Requires some practice to control it smoothly
• Video display not included with the drone package

We recently had the pleasure of trying out the NEHEME NH525 foldable drone and were thoroughly impressed with its performance. This compact and portable drone is equipped with a 1080P HD camera that captures stunning images and videos while providing real-time FPV transmission, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the flight experience.

Safety is a primary concern with drones, and the NEHEME NH525 does not disappoint, providing propeller guards and two intelligent batteries that ensure up to 26 minutes of flight time. The control distance reaches 100 meters, giving us the freedom to explore vast landscapes without worry.

As beginners ourselves, we appreciated the simple controls and user-friendly design. Features like one-key takeoff and landing, headless mode, and speed adjustment options made it incredibly easy for us to master drone piloting basics.

Although the drone performed well for us overall, we noticed some minor issues with live feed quality when flying outdoors. This is something new users should be aware of, but it doesn’t severely impact the overall experience. Additionally, the drone requires some practice to control smoothly and does not come with a separate video display.

The NEHEME NH525 foldable drone is an excellent choice for individuals looking to invest in an affordable, high-quality drone for photography.

Both beginners and experienced pilots will find value in the features and performance of this drone.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best drone for photography, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we will outline some of the essential features and aspects that you should look for when selecting a drone.

Battery Life

One of the most important aspects to consider is the battery life of the drone. A longer battery life will allow you to capture more shots and spend less time charging the battery. Aim for a drone that offers at least 20 minutes of flight time, although some high-end models may provide more than 30 minutes.

Camera Quality

The quality of the camera is crucial in capturing stunning aerial photographs. Look for drones with a camera that has a high resolution (12 megapixels or more), high dynamic range capabilities, and the ability to capture RAW files. Also, consider options designed for photography, such as adjustable camera settings and lens filters.

Flight Stability

A stable drone is essential for capturing sharp, blur-free images. Look for drones with a robust GPS to help maintain stability in various conditions. Additionally, a gimbal – a stabilizing mechanism that keeps the camera steady during flight – can lead to better image quality.

Easy to Use

If you’re new to drone photography, choose a drone with an easy-to-use controller and interface. User-friendly drones often come with a dedicated app, allowing you to control settings easily and view real-time footage on your smartphone or tablet.

Portability

Drones can range considerably in size and weight. If you plan to travel with your drone, consider a compact model that can easily fit in a backpack. Lightweight drones are also more comfortable to carry and store.

Safety Features

Finally, safety features are essential, especially for beginners. Look for drones with obstacle avoidance sensors, automatic return-to-home functions, and geofencing technology. These features can help prevent accidents and protect both your drone and the people around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camera features to look for in photography drones for 2024?

In 2024, the best camera features to look for in photography drones include high-resolution sensors, adjustable aperture, and flexibility in ISO settings. Look for at least a 20MP camera, preferably larger, as high-resolution images are essential for professional photography. A drone that offers RAW or DNG output is also highly recommended, as this allows for more post-processing flexibility.

Which DJI drones are highly recommended for photography in 2024?

In 2024, the top DJI drones for photography are the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, DJI Mavic 3, and DJI Air 2S. These drones offer a great balance of image quality, flight time, and advanced features, making them suitable for various photography applications.

How to find affordable photography drones in 2024?

To find affordable photography drones in 2024, we recommend checking deals during special events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon Prime Day. You can also visit local stores or online shops with a reputation for offering discounts on drones. Additionally, consider buying a certified refurbished or used drone, as they often come at a lower price.

What are the top drones for still photography in 2024?

The top drones for still photography in 2024 include the Autel Robotics EVO Lite, DJI Mavic 3, and Parrot Anafi USA. These drones excel in capturing high-quality, sharp images with excellent dynamic range, and their cameras feature gimbal stabilization, ensuring shake-free images.

Which drones excel in photogrammetry?

Drones that excel in photogrammetry include the senseFly eBee X, Delair UX11 Ag, and Parrot Anafi USA. These drones are designed specifically for accurate geospatial data collection, featuring high-resolution cameras, long flight times, and the ability to utilize RTK/PPK GNSS receivers for precise positioning.

What are the best long-range drones for photography in 2024?

In 2024, the best long-range drones for photography include the DJI Mavic 3, Autel Robotics EVO Lite, and Skydio 2. These drones offer excellent flight time, with some capable of reaching up to 40 minutes per battery charge. Additionally, their reliable transmission systems enable an extended range, allowing you to capture images from greater distances.