11 BEST DRONES FOR FILM MAKING 2021
Drones are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after pieces of filmmaking technology. With a little bit of training and the right equipment, you can capture professional-looking aerial footage for your next film. Drones provide a unique perspective that can be used to elevate your filmmaking and make your videos stand out from the crowd.
A drone could be the secret weapon helping you attain your cinematic vision. But with so many drones out there, one might wonder:
- What are the best drones for film making?
- How do I choose the best drone with camera that captures the best drone footage?
In this review, we’ve selected several drones with cameras that are considered the best drones for filmmakers. So whether you are aiming for best drone footage, or you are looking for the best drone for photography, this buying guide is for you. We will list the best drones for the money. We will highlight the best film-friendly drones across various budgets, including some for beginners and others for professionals. So let’s dig in to it!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE BEST DRONE FOR FILMMAKING?
1. DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO V2.0
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is a powerhouse quadcopter boasting an impressive list of features, some of which are industry firsts. Featuring a 1-inch CMOS sensor capable of shooting 20MP stills and 4K video at 60FPS, the Phantom 4 Pro is a clear upgrade from its predecessor, the Phantom 4 Advanced. It has positive reviews from filming drone enthusiasts who regard it as one of the best aerial photography drones you can buy. Users will appreciate its innovative features albeit at a steep price tag. But with an entirely new camera system, improved obstacle avoidance, and longer flight times, the Phantom 4 Pro is a worthy upgrade for any filmmaker or photographer looking to invest in their aerial videography.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 20 Megapixels (optional)
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (7 km) about 4.3 miles
- Maximum speed: (72 km/h) about 44.7 miles per hour
- Battery: 6000 mAh
- Battery life: 30 mins
- Gimbal: 3 axis
- Controller: with screen or without screen
- Supported formats: JPEG, DNG(RAW), JPEG + DNG, MP4, MOV
FEATURES
- Five directions obstacle sensing
- Quiet and safe flight
- Updated and advanced transmission system.
- Large CMOS image sensor (1- inch)
- Mechanically operated shutter with pinpoint accuracy.
- Incredible flight performance
- Intelligent flight modes
- Smart flight battery
2. DJI INSPIRE 2
If you are looking for the best of film-friendly drones then the DJI Inspire 2 is for you. The DJI Inspire 2 is an advanced camera drone with a detachable controller and a 24-megapixel camera. It is perfect for both amateur and professional filmmakers and photographers who want to capture the best footage. It is a powerful camera platform with an advanced dual-operator system and intelligent technology that boosts pilots of all levels. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to buy this drone: it can shoot 6K video, 24 MP stills, and it comes with a range of valuable features to boot.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 24 Megapixels
- Maximum resolution: 6K
- Battery: 4280 mAh Lipo 6s
- Battery life: 27 minutes
- Gimbal: Optional 3 axis
- Controller: GL6D10A
- Supported formats: JPEG, DNG, RAW, CinemaDNG, MP4, MOV, ProRes
FEATURES
- Integrated HD video transmission system
- Advanced image quality
- Systematic workflow
- Up to 30 meters of obstacles detection
- Enhanced subject tracking
- Smart flight modes
- Return-to-home feature
- Dual primary and secondary controllers
3. AUTEL ROBOTICS EVO 2 PRO
Drones have become increasingly popular over recent years. This is especially true for the action-camera drone market, where manufacturers such as DJI and GoPro have established a strong presence in a highly competitive space. One up-and-coming company that has been making waves recently is Autel Robotics and their new EVO 2 Pro. With a price tag of $1,795, this affordable camera drone is sure to take the action cam market by storm — if it’s not already done so.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 20 Megapixels (Dynamic)
- Maximum resolution: 6K
- Max Range: 5.5 miles
- Maximum speed: 45 miles per hour
- Battery: 7100 mAh Lipo 3s
- Battery life: 40 minutes
- Gimbal: More stable with 3 axis
- Controller: Dedicated with LCD
- Supported formats: JPEG, DNG, JPG, HDR, MP4, MOV, and Hyperlight
FEATURES
- 360° obstacle avoidance
- Quiet and safe flight
- Extended 9km transmission range.
- Reliable large 1- inch sensor camera
- Remote with inbuilt colored display
- Incredible flight performance with a long flight time.
- Intelligent flight modes
- High capacity battery
- Lightweight and foldable build
4. POWERVISION PowerEGG X EXPLORER
The PowerVision PowerEgg X Explorer is a small yet powerful drone. It is the little brother in PowerVision’s family of drones. Not only that, it comes with everything you need right out of the box and is easy to learn how to fly — making it ideal for both beginner and experienced pilots alike! You will enjoy all the PowerVision PowerEgg X wizard features on the top of the waterproofing capabilities and canvas bag.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 12 MP
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: ( 6km) about 3.7miles
- Maximum speed: (65 km/h) about 40 miles per hour
- Battery: 3800 mAh Lipo 3s
- Battery life: 30 minutes
- Gimbal: 3 axis
- Supported formats: JPEG, RAW, MP4, MOV, and Hyperlight
FEATURES
- It can function as a camcorder
- Can land and take off on water
- It is stable
- It can fly in rain
- It is lightweight
- Easy to use
5. PARROT ANAFI FPV
Parrot’s Anafi FPV drone is a winning combination of high-quality video and photo-taking ability, effortless control, and an affordable price tag. With a first-person view (FPV) option, you can even fly like you’re in the cockpit of an airplane!
It features a sleek design, powerful camera, and an intuitive piloting app; Anafi makes it easy to create professional-quality video content and capture stunning photos whenever you feel inspired.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 21 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: ( 4km) about 2.5 miles
- Maximum speed: (55 km/h) about 35 miles per hour
- Battery: 2700 mAh
- Battery life: 25 minutes
- Gimbal: 2- axis
- Controller: Skycontroller 3
- Supported formats: JPEG, Adobe DNG, MP4
FEATURES
- 180° vertical turn gimbal with zoom
- Can land and take off on water
- It is stable
- It can fly in rain
- It is portable
- Easy to use
6. DJI MINI 2
The Mini 2 is one of the most affordable drones on the market, and it’s perfect for people who want to start flying drones. The drone is packed with essential features for seamless flying for just $450. Unlike its predecessor, the DJI Spark, the Mini 2 is designed to be flown outdoors in windy conditions. It comes with powerful propellers that can withstand slightly stronger winds compared with those of other drones.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 12 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: ( 10 km) about 6.2 miles
- Maximum speed: (57 km/h) about 37 miles per hour
- Battery: 2250 mAh
- Battery life: 31 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis
- Supported formats: JPEG, Adobe DNG, MP4
FEATURES
- It is portable
- Easy to fly
7. POWERVISION PowerEYE
The PowerVision PowerEye is a drone unlike any other. It boasts an impressive list of features — including object detection technology, interchangeable lenses and zoom, a micro four-thirds camera, and obstacle avoidance — making it one of the most advanced consumer drones on the market.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 16.1 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (4.9 km) about 3.1 miles
- Maximum speed: (64.8 km/h) about 40.3 miles per hour
- Battery: 9000 mAH
- Battery life: 29.5 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis
- Controller: Standard
- Supported formats: JPEG, MP4, MOV
FEATURES
- Case and Batteries are included in the box
- Real-time HD video streaming of up to 5km
- Up to 30 feet obstacle detection
- Interchangeable lenses
- Simple to use
8. YUNEEC TYPHOON H PLUS
The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus is a professional-grade drone that has been designed explicitly for commercial-grade applications. What sets it apart from other drones is its ability to capture stunning, high-quality aerial footage and record it in 4K video resolution, in addition to capturing 20-megapixel stills. This makes the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus one of the best drones on the market for taking cinematic footage anywhere.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 20 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (1.6 km) about 1 mile
- Maximum speed: (48.3 km/h) about 30 miles per hour
- Battery: 5250 mAH lipo 4s
- Battery life: 28 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis
- Controller: ST16S Ground station with touch screen
- Supported formats: JPEG, MP4, JPEG + DNG
FEATURES
- Obstacle detection (advanced feature from Intel)
- 360° video and picture capture
- Up to 30 feet obstacle detection
- Intelligent and independent flight modes
- C23 4k camera with a 1-inch sensor
- 6 rotor system for enhanced safety
- Easy propeller mounting
9. WALKERA VITUS 320
The Walkera Vitus 320 defines most film-friendly drones and a true workhorse of a quadcopter. It comes with a 4k HD camera, foldable axis, AR games, and can fly for up to 25 minutes on a single charge. The Vitus 320 is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced pilots. It also has exceptional tracking abilities of up to a distance of 8 meters.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 12 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (1.6 km) about 1 mile
- Maximum speed: (60 km/h) about 37.2 miles per hour
- Battery: 5200 milliamp Hours
- Battery life: 25 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis
- Controller: Devo F8S
- Supported formats: JPEG, MP4
FEATURES
- Enhanced obstacle detection
- Portable
- Wide-angle lens with low distortion
- 3 axis gimbal
- AR games on FPV mode
10. DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
As one of the best drones, the Mavic 2 Zoom is an excellent drone for capturing aerial photography with an advanced camera capable of shooting 12-megapixel stills and 4K videos. It is also very portable, weighing just 0.24 pounds (907 g), with its dedicated controller and carrying case included. With a maximum flight time of 31 minutes, the new Zoom will give you plenty of time to capture all your shots while keeping you well within your budget.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 12 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (8 km) about 5 miles
- Maximum speed: (72 km/h) about 44.7 miles per hour
- Battery: 3830 mAH lipo
- Battery life: 31 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis (stabilized)
- Controller: Yes
- Supported formats: JPEG, MP4, DNG (RAW), MOV
FEATURES
- Obstacle detection
- Portable and foldable
- 3 axis stabilized gimbal
- Intelligent flight and filming modes
- 2x optical zoom
11. HUBSAN ZINO
Hubsan has been creating top-tier, quality drones for a number of years now, and the Hubsan Zino is no exception. Featuring a lightweight body design with an integrated body camera, the Hubsan Zino is one of the film-friendly drones on the market. In addition to this, it also comes with a 4k HD camera so you can capture crisp and clear videos at 30fps from the sky.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Camera: 21 Mega Pixels
- Maximum resolution: 4K
- Max Range: (2.5 km) about 1.6 miles
- Maximum speed: (48.3 km/h) about 30 miles per hour
- Battery: 3000 mAH lipo 3s
- Battery life: 23 minutes
- Gimbal: 3- axis
- Controller: HTO16B
- Supported formats: JPEG, MP4
FEATURES
- Intelligent battery and GPS
- Wide-angle lens with low distortion
- Enhanced 3 axis gimbal
- Advanced application
- Smart flight and filming mode
- Image tracking
FINAL THOUGHTS
Drones technology is evolving every day, and in addition to making it more fun to fly drones for personal use, it is widening the possibility to make money flying drones. Flying drones for filmmaking is just one area. There are many possibilities to fly drones for commercial use. Find out more on “How to make money flying drones”
Of course, if you’re interested in flying drones for commercial use, you might need to have a pilot license. Read on “How to Become a Drone Pilot.” You can sign up for the course here.
You might also need to register your drone with FAA. Find out about “FAA regulations on drones”
If you’re thinking of starting your own drone business, check out this article: “How to start a drone inspection business?”
Finally, you might find these links useful for drone parts and accessories and for some of the best drone deals. You might find something you like.
