Explore the best compact drones for travel photography in 2021 and capture stunning aerial shots on your adventures.
1. Introduction
DJI has announced the Air 3S, an updated version of our current top pick. We’ve added information to the What to look forward to section and will be testing it soon. Drones are becoming increasingly popular for aerial photography and videography, offering unique perspectives that were previously only achievable with expensive equipment such as cranes or dollies. With dozens of different drone models available, it can be challenging to find the right one. After test-flying 33 drones, we’ve concluded that the DJI Air 3 is the best option for aerial photos and videos due to its high-quality main camera, useful telephoto camera, and latest autonomous technology in a relatively affordable package.
1.1 Best Drone for Aerial Photos and Videos
– DJI Air 3 offers impressive value, combining 360-degree obstacle avoidance with two fantastic cameras. It is easy to fly, has a long battery life, and is equipped with two cameras, providing options for varied and interesting shots. The Fly More combo includes the DJI RC 2 controller, which is a marked improvement over the standard controller, making it the best package to purchase.
1.2 A Drone with All the Bells and Whistles
– DJI Mavic 3 Pro offers the best cameras in a drone, with a larger sensor and two telephoto lenses for capturing distant subjects. It can capture vibrant, detailed still images and video at up to 5.1K resolution, making it a top choice for high-quality footage.
1.3 An Impressive Entry-Level Drone
– DJI Mini 3 is a fantastic starter package for those new to drone photography, offering a 4K camera, long battery life, and compact build. While it lacks obstacle-avoidance sensors, it provides all the important features needed for video drone, making it a great option for personal use.
1.4 A Thrilling, Ready-to-Fly FPV Drone
– DJI Avata 2 is designed for speed and agility, creating footage that makes the viewer feel as if they are riding onboard. It is equipped with a 4K camera and motors that can propel it at high speeds, making it a great choice for immersive footage.
1.5 Expert Advice and Criteria for Selecting Drones
– The author, a staff writer covering games and hobbies for Wirecutter, has been covering drones since 2022 and holds an FAA part 107 license. The criteria for selecting drones include quadcopter design, crash-avoidance sensors, high-quality camera, three-axis gimbal, long battery life, and autonomous modes. These criteria are essential for evaluating the performance and capabilities of drones.
2. Factors to consider when choosing a compact drone for travel photography
When choosing a compact drone for travel photography, there are several factors to consider. One important factor is the size and weight of the drone. Since you’ll be traveling, you’ll want a drone that is compact and lightweight for easy portability. Look for a drone that can easily fit into your luggage without taking up too much space or adding too much weight. Additionally, consider the battery life of the drone. You’ll want a drone that has a long enough battery life to capture all the shots you need without needing constant recharging.
Another factor to consider is the camera quality. Since the main purpose of the drone is for photography, you’ll want a drone with a high-quality camera that can capture sharp, clear images. Look for drones with at least a 12-megapixel camera and the ability to capture 4K video for the best results. Additionally, consider whether the drone has a three-axis gimbal for stabilizing the camera, as this will ensure smooth and steady footage.
If you’re planning to use the drone in different locations, consider the drone’s autonomous modes. Look for a drone with fail-safe return-home mode, which automatically brings the drone back to the launch point if it loses contact with the controller. This feature is important for ensuring the safety of your drone, especially in unfamiliar or remote locations. Additionally, consider any other autonomous features that may be useful for capturing unique shots while traveling.
In summary, when choosing a compact drone for travel photography, consider factors such as size and weight, battery life, camera quality, and autonomous modes. By carefully considering these factors, you can find a drone that is well-suited for capturing stunning aerial shots during your travels.
3. The top 10 compact drones for travel photography in 2021
If you’re an aspiring aerial photographer or videographer, having a compact drone for travel photography can provide you with stunning perspectives that would otherwise require expensive equipment such as cranes or dollies. With dozens of different models available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, after test-flying 33 drones, the DJI Air 3 has been identified as the best compact drone for travel photography due to its high-quality main camera, useful telephoto camera, and latest autonomous technology.
Top Picks for Compact Drones for Travel Photography
1. DJI Air 3: This drone offers impressive value, combining 360-degree obstacle avoidance with two fantastic cameras, making it the top choice for travel photography.
2. DJI Mavic 3 Pro: If you want the best cameras in a drone, the Mavic 3 Pro is equipped with a larger sensor and additional telephoto lenses for capturing more distant subjects.
3. DJI Mini 3: An impressive entry-level drone, the Mini 3 offers DJI’s autonomous features and a 4K camera in a compact, lightweight build, making it ideal for travel photography.
4. DJI Avata 2: Designed to emphasize speed and agility, this FPV drone captures immersive footage, perfect for creating dynamic travel videos.
5. Autel Robotics Evo Lite+: For those concerned about security or seeking a 6K camera, the Evo Lite+ offers a 40-minute flight time and autonomous options similar to DJI drones.
These compact drones are ideal for travel photography, offering high-quality cameras, obstacle avoidance, and impressive flight times. When choosing a compact drone for travel photography, consider factors such as camera quality, obstacle avoidance, battery life, and autonomous modes to ensure you capture stunning aerial shots during your travels.
4. Comparing and contrasting the top 10 compact drones
When it comes to compact drones, there are many options to choose from, each with its own set of features and benefits. The DJI Air 3S is an updated version of the top pick, offering a high-quality main camera, a useful telephoto camera, and the latest autonomous technology. On the other hand, the DJI Mavic 3 Pro provides the best cameras in a drone, with a larger sensor and additional lenses for capturing more-distant subjects. Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 3 is an impressive entry-level drone, offering autonomous features and a 4K camera in a compact, lightweight package. Lastly, the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ is a good alternative for those concerned about security or human-rights issues, offering a 6K camera and 40 minutes of flight time.
Top 10 Compact Drones:
1. DJI Air 3S
2. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
3. DJI Mini 3
4. Autel Robotics Evo Lite+
Each of these drones has its own unique features and capabilities, making it important for consumers to carefully consider their individual needs and preferences before making a purchase.
5. Conclusion
After thoroughly testing and reviewing 33 different drones, we have concluded that the DJI Air 3 is the best drone for aerial photos and videos. It offers impressive value, combining 360-degree obstacle avoidance with two fantastic cameras. The DJI Air 3 is easy to fly, has an ample 46-minute battery life, and is equipped with two cameras, providing options for more varied and interesting shots than its predecessor.
Our Recommendations:
– The DJI Air 3: Best drone for aerial photos and videos
– The DJI Mavic 3 Pro: A drone with all the bells and whistles
– The DJI Mini 3: An impressive entry-level drone
– The DJI Avata 2: A thrilling, ready-to-fly FPV drone
– The Autel Robotics Evo Lite+: An alternative for those concerned about security or human rights issues with DJI drones
We have considered various criteria, such as quadcopter design, crash-avoidance sensors, high-quality camera, three-axis gimbal, long battery life, and autonomous modes, while selecting these drones for testing.
Our expert, who holds an FAA part 107 license and has flown a dozen different drones for testing purposes, has provided valuable insights and recommendations based on extensive experience and research.
In conclusion, whether you are an aspiring aerial photographer, videographer, or a professional in need of high-quality aerial footage, we are confident that our recommendations will help you find the best drone to suit your needs.
In conclusion, compact drones are an excellent choice for travel photography due to their portability and high-quality imaging capabilities. They offer a convenient and efficient way to capture stunning aerial shots while on the go, making them essential equipment for any travel photographer.