Racheli Cooper, Chief Editor.
Introduction to our Guide to the Best Drone for Filming
You're reading our guide to the best drone for filming!
The advent of drone for videography has made it possible to do safer and more cost-effective shooting sessions. It brought in a much easier way to shoot stunning vistas, wide horizon shots, and architectural perspectives. Best of all, more recent advancements in imaging technology have led to the production of drones equipped with state-of-the-art cameras capable of shooting in the highest possible resolution for use in both still imaging and videography or cinematography.
However, as we are so fond of saying, no two brands are ever alike regarding features and capabilities. So if you’re currently in the market for a drone for cinematography or videography, then we recommend sticking around and reading through today’s list of the best drone for filming.
Our List of the Best Drone for Filming
- DJI Mavic 3 – best for professional filmmakers (editor's choice!)
- DJI Air 2S – best for intermediate filmmakers
- DJI Mini 3 Pro – best starter drone for filming
- Drone X Pro – best affordable pro-grade drone
- Shadow X Drone – best for hobbyists and casual filmmakers
- Raptor 8K Drone – best affordable beginner drone
- Tactical X Drone – best for outdoor videographers
Best Drone for Filming Comparison Table
Note: Prices are subject to change over time. Please click the links to check for current pricing.
Specifications | DJI Mavic 3 (Editors Choice!) | DJI Air 2S | DJI Mini 3 Pro | Drone X Pro | Shadow X Drone | Raptor 8K Drone | Tactical X Drone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Camera | 4K @ 120fps | 5.4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps | 720p HD | 1080p HD | 8K @ 30fps | 1080p HD |
| Flight Time | 45 minutes | 31 minutes | 45 minutes | 10 minutes | 10-12 minutes | 25 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Range | 12 km | 12 km | 12 km | 80-100m | 50-70m | 8 km | 300m |
| Max Speed | 72 kph | 68 kph | 68 kph | Unknown | Unknown | 72 kph | Unknown |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs | 1.3 lbs | 0.74 lbs | 0.3 lbs | 0.15 lbs | 3.6 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Size | 8.5 x 3.6 x 3.3 inches | 7.7 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches | 5.5 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches | 5.3 x 2.6 x 1.4 inches | 6.7 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches | 17.7 x 16.5 x 9.8 inches | 11.4 x 11.4 x 4.3 inches |
| Features | ActiveTrack 4.0, 3D obstacle sensing, Smart Controller 2.0 | 3-axis gimbal, MasterShots, OcuSync 3.0 | QuickShots, 3-axis gimbal, OcuSync 3.0 | Altitude hold, 3-speed modes, Headless mode | 6-axis gyro, Altitude hold, One-key takeoff/landing | Object avoidance, Follow-me mode, Return-to-home | 3-speed modes, Altitude hold, One-key takeoff/landing |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5/5 | 4.9/5 | 4.9/5 | 3.5/5 | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
1. DJI Mavic 3 – Editor’s Choice!
Best for Professional Filmmakers
Key Features
- Telecamera pro mode which supports manual parameter adjustments and raw footage;
- Smart Return feature which allows users to fly the drone to a designated altitude; the drone later finds a safe and efficient route back to its own home port, thanks to both traditional and advanced RTH technology;
- Adjustable aperture for any sort of scene, even dimly-lit environments;
- Wider field of vision enables users to capture more footage per frame;
- Compact construction as it only weighs around 13 grams and the lens is around 22mm;
- Vision-detection auto focus (VDAF) technology paired with multiple vision sensors to use distance data and maximize focus speed; and
- FHD high frame-rate transmission for 1080p / 60fps live feed – the first in the DJI catalog to be able to do so.
This is the best drone for videography due to its highly advanced features. It's optical zoom, digital imaging, aerial photography, and moving footage makes it perfect for professional filmmakers to generate the best quality footage possible. Equipped with Hasselblad camera technology as well as an omnidirectional obstacle sensor, it provides users with a more meaningful drone imaging experience. However, this is not a drone for novices; this device is best used by those who have more extensive experience in drone photography or cinematography.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing of this best drone for videography.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with DJI Mavic 3 as the best drone for cinematography, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying DJI Mavic 3 only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Mavic 3 discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
2. DJI Air 2S
Best for Intermediate Filmmakers
Key Features
- One-inch CMOS sensor;
- Maximum weight of 600g – slightly heavier than some of DJI's models, but still within the lightweight category;
- 7.1 x 3 x 3.8 inches folded and 7.2 x 3 x 10 inches;
- Maximum of 30 minutes flight and shooting time on a single charge;
- 3,500mAh rechargeable battery;
- Three shooting modes: sport, positioning, and cine;
- Superior aviation features:
- Advanced pilot assistance system;
- ADS-B aviation technology; and
- Maximum flight speed of up to 68kph;
- Maximum video transmission range of 12km;
- Maximum video resolution of up to 1080p (FHD); and
- Frame rate of up to 120fps,
We believe the DJI Air 2S is one of the best drone for cinematography due to its compact nature and stunning visual clarity. It can squeeze through spaces and shoot footage without much interference. It is an optimized edition of DJI's most advanced drones to date as it offers improved safety features and new tweaks to the built-in camera and flight capabilities. Its amazing transmission range and the startling clarity of its visual capabilities make it an excellent choice for shooting cinema-grade footage.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing of this best drone for videography.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with DJI Air 2S as the best drone for cinematography, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying DJI Air 2S only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Air 2S discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
3. DJI Mini 3 Pro
Best Starter Drone for Filming
Key Features
- Tri-directional obstacle sensor;
- Records up to 4K/60fps video and 4K/30fps HDR video;
- Maximum flight time of 34 minutes;
- True vertical shooting feature;
- FocusTrack with three modes;
- MasterShots; and
- Timelapse
This is the best drone for filming especially for beginners who can benefit from having a powerful but user-friendly drone. It can breeze through spots and angles that make for great cinematography. Much like the original DJI Mini 3, the Mini 3 Pro boasts of a tri-directional obstacle avoidance system, a much-improved sensor that works very well in good light, increased aperture on the lens to F/1.7, and infinitely better video capture features. This makes it the best drone for filming for extensive outdoor aerial cinematography.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing of this best drone for filming.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the DJI Mini 3 Pro as the best drone for filming, you can return it within 14 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying DJI Mini 3 Pro only from their official website. This way, you can avail DJI Mini 3 discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
4. Drone X Pro
Best Affordable Pro-grade Drone
Key Features
- High-resolution Visual Technology – Capture high-resolution stills up to 12 megapixels and record high-definition videos at 120 frames per second;
- Slow Motion Mode – This enables users to get a high-definition slow-motion review of their footage which allows them to pinpoint key details or areas for editing from raw; and
- Panoramic Mode – This allows users to capture 360-degree images from the air by simply clicking a button on the controller.
Foldable and lightweight, this reasonably priced drone is a godsend for both professional and amateur filmmakers. Aside from an extensive range of motions that will enable users to shoot from even the most unlikely angles, the Drone X Pro offers high-precision image capture technology for both stills and moving footage.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing on the best drone for filming.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with Drone X Pro as the best drone for filming you can return it within 30 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying Drone X Pro best drone for cinematography only from their official website. This way, you can avail Drone X Pro discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
5. Shadow X Drone
Best for Hobbyists and Casual Filmmakers
Key Features
- Several pre-programmed flight / shooting modes;
- Surprisingly durable construction; and
- Blow-by-blow slow motion mode for review
The Shadow X Drone is the darling of amateur cineastes – and for good reason. Those who want to learn the basics of cinematography and motion picture camera work will love how different pre-programmed shoot modes will help them get a feel of how to shoot action sequences or panoramic presentations.
Pricing
Click here to check the current discounted pricing of this best drone for videography.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with Shadow X Drone as the best drone for videography, you can return it within 30 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying Shadow X Drone only from their official website. This way, you can avail Shadow X Drone discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
7. Raptor 8K Black Drone
Best Affordable Beginner Drone
Key Features
- Increased flight time compared to similar models;
- Flight speed of around 12 meters a second;
- Tri-axis gimbal stabilizer;
- 720p maximum image resolution;
- Panorama mode; and
- Built-in anti-collision system.
The Raptor 8K Drone is a precision-engineered drone that can be safely used by filmmakers in or out of doors, making it a great choice for the best drone for videography. This particular drone was crafted to have exceptional stability in flight, as well as high-resolution imaging technology for clear, richly detailed footage.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing of this best drone for filming.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with the Raptor 8K Drone as the best drone for filming, you can return it within 30 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying Raptor 8K Drone best drone for filming only from their official website. This way, you can avail Raptor 8K Drone discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
7. Tactical X Drone
Best for Outdoor Filming
Key Features
- Portable construction. The Tactical X Drone can easily be folded thanks to jointed arms and flexible blades. This lightweight device is also easily portable;
- Gravity sensor. This feature enables both beginners and experts to fly their drones and use them to shoot impeccable footage almost straight out of the box;
- High-definition imaging technology. The Tactical X Drone records videos at 120 frames per second and has a still image resolution of 12 megapixels;
- Long-lasting battery capacity. Unlike most drones, the Tactical X Drone lets you shoot up to fifteen minutes of active footage without needing to recharge.
The Tactical X Drone is an ideal companion for filmmakers. It is a compact, state-of-the-art aerial photography/videography device that relies on an advanced gyroscope system for exceptional stability in flight. It also has high-resolution imaging technology for clear, richly detailed footage.
Considering the price point, the Tactical X actually does offer value for money in the sense that it actually stays in the air longer than most budget-friendly models and the image quality is almost as good as that of the bigger players in the market.
Pricing
Click here to check current discounted pricing of this best drone for filming.
Money-back guarantee
If you are not satisfied with Tactical X Drone as the best drone for cinematography, you can return it within 30 days after purchase to get your money back.
Where to Buy It?
We recommend buying Tactical X Drone only from their official website. This way, you can avail Tactical X Drone discount code and get the product for less than the usual price.
Other Stores
Best to avoid reseller sites like that of Amazon, Facebook Marketplace and eBay for possible fake products and refund policy issues.
Why Is Getting the Best Drone for Filming Important?
While shooting drone videos may be more of a hobby for some people, drone videography has become a vital aspect of live-action and documentary filmmaking, and even has certain uses in the field of digital animation. But why has drone videography become such a necessary part of multimedia production?
For one thing, unlike conventional film or digital cameras, drone cameras can shoot high-quality images more accurately and can do so from great distances or heights, as well as unusual angles.
Drones make it possible to capture aerial action like test flights, fly-bys, and even dogfights without endangering the safety of camera operators or requiring the use of additional manned aircraft just for a shoot. In the case of documentaries and travel shows, drones give clear aerial views of specific areas that would not be possible if film crews just depended on terrestrial shooting.
This last aspect is particularly useful in animation, especially productions that combine digital animation with live-action footage. Drone-shot views also help in plotting maps for production.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Use the Best Drone for Filming
Regardless of whether you're a professional drone videographer or an amateur filmmaker/documentarian, there are seven key points you need to take into consideration before delving into using a drone for cinematography. These are the following:
- Orient yourself about the flying regulations in your location of choice – Given the recent brouhaha about China-made drones being used by the Chinese government to spy on foreign nations, many countries have taken the precaution of imposing flying regulations for drone users. In which case, it pays to check if the country you're shooting in has specific requirements or restrictions about drone use. Once you've complied with the regulations, things ought to be okay;
- Prepare a shot list – No, you should not just shoot willy-nilly once you get a drone up in the air: that's both imprudent, wastes a great deal of flight time, and finding the best footage will be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Having a prepared shot list allows you to manage your time well and get the shots that you want; it also allows you to know beforehand the weather and terrain conditions in the area you want to shoot in;
- Wait for golden hour – Lighting can make or break your footage – and that's easily manageable on a static film set; in the air, however, not so much. If you can wait for golden hour, do so: it will give you the best natural lighting for your videos and you won't need any special equipment;
- Practice makes perfect – Just because you have a drone doesn't mean you'll be able to shoot perfect footage from the get-go. Using a drone properly takes practice, so we recommend putting in flight hours and getting expert advice from a more seasoned drone pilot before you head out into the field;
- Know your drone's flight modes – Flying your drone manually is well and good, but these devices are preprogrammed, so to speak, with intelligent flight modes that can make things easier for you. We suggest playing with these for a bit so that you'll know which mode would be best to use for a shoot;
- Shoot your footage in 4K – From a video editor's standpoint, shooting footage in such high resolution gives you plenty of wiggle room without compromising visual clarity; and
- Don't rush the flight – Many novice drone videographers think that keeping the drone at a fast clip lets them cover as much ground as possible. While it does in one way, it's not advisable if you're shooting for details. Slower flights capture as much detail as possible, with the additional benefit of producing truly breathtaking views of a location. Also, slower flying decreases the possibility of crashing the drone.
How Did We Choose the Best Drone for Filming?
In order to determine the products that made the cut for this list, we took into consideration the following factors during testing:
- Camera – As much as possible, the best drone for filming needs to be equipped with a high-definition video camera that can shoot in 1080p. In top of the line models, this could be even better: a 4k high-definition camera is basic in these models and usually comes with a 20 megapixel sensor;
- Stabilization – Image and flight stabilization are key if you want to shoot amazing videos without the sort of shaking that makes viewers seasick even if they're watching from a couch at home. We considered models that have gimbals with tri-axis stabilization along with any features that can keep vibrations to a bare minimum;
- Flight Time – The longer your drone stays up in the air, the more footage you'll have for production even if you end up doing some serious editing. Ideally, a drone for filming should be able to stay up in the air for around 30 minutes;
- Video Feedback – To be the best drone for filming, video feedback is important. This means actually watching the footage as your drone shoots. This can be done through a screen built into the controller, FPV glasses, or Bluetooth linkage with your mobile phone in some models; and
- Intelligent Flight Modes – These preprogrammed features make it possible for the drone to fly even as you focus on framing shots and ensuring image quality – something you won't be able to do if you're manually flying the drone. This also enables you to fly the drone in specific directions without it crashing.
Conclusion to our Guide on the Best Drone for Filming
Now to wrap up this guide on the best drone for filming;
Our team of experts carefully tested the items presented in today’s listicle review to ensure that readers will have a sterling selection to choose from when it comes to the best drones for filming.
Please note that, in the interest of getting authentic high-quality products, we recommend that you shop for the best drone for filming through their official websites where you may also get great discounts for multiple purchases. Beware of purchasing from marketplace sites claiming to be resellers so to avoid issues with refunds and returns in the future!
FAQ
Do I need to get a clearance prior to using a drone for filming?
This is dependent on your location, as drone use regulations tend to differ from one country to another. That said, we recommend checking in with your local aviation authority to know what requirements are necessary for drone flight, especially if the drone will be used to capture visual footage of a specific area.
Do drones for filming have to cost an arm and a leg?
Not necessarily; some of the drones featured in today’s list are actually reasonably priced. However, remember that the drones we specifically mentioned as appropriate for seasoned drone users or professionals may cost much more than those that amateurs can use.
What’s the minimum resolution I need to look for in a drone for videography?
As stated earlier, a high-definition camera is one of the hallmarks of a good drone for videography, particularly one that shoots at 1080p. More advanced models can go as high as 4K high definition.
Is a shot list necessary when using a drone for filming?
Yes, having a pre-planned shot list allows you to manage your time better and get the shots that you need without spending hours outdoors.
What happens if a drone goes out of range?
When a drone exceeds its range and loses its connection to the remote controller, the user may lose control over the drone. Many drones, such as those manufactured by DJI, have a built-in “Return-to-Home” (RTH) safety feature that triggers when the connection is severed, allowing the drone to return to its takeoff location or a specified home point using GPS data. To avoid potential issues like crashes or flyaways, ensure the RTH feature is set up correctly and the drone has a robust GPS signal.
Is it illegal to fly a drone over private property?
The ability for drones to fly over private property depends on local, state, and national laws and regulations that may govern such activities. Generally, it's best for drone operators to avoid flying over private property without the consent of the property owner to respect privacy rights and avert potential legal complications. Some areas have specific rules about drone flights over private property, while others defer to existing privacy laws. Always check your local regulations and obtain the required permissions from property owners to ensure compliance and maintain privacy.
How loud are drones?
Drone noise levels vary depending on the size, type, and model of the drone. Generally, consumer drones produce noise levels between 70 and 100 decibels (dB), with smaller drones being quieter and larger or more powerful drones being louder. Noise can be affected by factors such as flight speed, altitude, and propeller design. Some manufacturers are developing quieter drones and noise-reducing technologies to minimize noise pollution.
What are some ways to make your drone quieter?
To reduce drone noise, you can try the following methods: use low-noise propellers, maintain and balance propellers regularly, adjust flight speed and altitude, use vibration dampening materials on the drone's frame, avoid aggressive flight maneuvers, and keep your drone's firmware updated to ensure optimal performance
How to livestream from your drone?
To livestream from your drone, follow these steps: 1) Ensure your drone has a camera and is compatible with live streaming, 2) Connect your drone to your smartphone or controller with a compatible app, 3) Select the livestreaming platform (e.g., YouTube, Facebook), 4) Configure the streaming settings (resolution, frame rate), 5) Obtain necessary permissions if required, and 6) Start the livestream while maintaining a stable internet connection during the flight.
If you've read all the way through this best drone for filming guide, we are grateful. We have reviewed all these products in detail, feel free to check them out;
- DJI Mavic 3 Reviews
- DJI Mini 3 Pro Reviews
- DJI Air 2S Reviews
- Drone X Pro Reviews
- Shadow X Drone Reviews
- Raptor 8K Drone Reviews
Saundra Norton is a freelance tech writer and Gadget Reviewer at Pixoneye.com, the leading destination for customer ratings and reviews of consumer products. With over 9 years of experience in the tech industry, Saundra is a skilled writer and reviewer who is passionate about exploring new gadgets and emerging technologies. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where she earned a degree in Computer Science and developed a deep understanding of the digital landscape.
As a freelance tech writer and Gadget Reviewer, Saundra is responsible for researching and reviewing the latest consumer products to provide readers with insightful and helpful content. She is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends in tech and is passionate about helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. Saundra is also an avid traveler and coffee connoisseur, with a dream of visiting the Arctic someday. Join our community today and discover the best consumer products with Pixoneye.com.
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