Best Drones for Vlogging
Using a Drone in 2021 is quite easy. There are so many tutorials out there which can help you to learn, but there might be a little difficulty to find to good one. Hence why, I am bringing you the best drones to start your vlogging carrier with best drones.
The prices may vary by the time you are reading this article, but I believe it won’t have too much difference. Without wasting time, lets start with best drones for blogging.
Disclaimer: There are some affiliate links below and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post, but these are all products I highly recommend. I won’t put anything on this page that I haven’t verified and/or personally used.
Top Best Drones for Vlogging 2021
1. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Weight: 905g | Dimensions (folded): 214×91×84mm | Controller: Yes | Dimensions (unfolded): 322×242×84mm | Video resolution: 4K HDR 30fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 31 minutes (3850mAh) | Max Range: 8km / 5mi | Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph
The Mavic Pro from DJI changed what was possible in 2016 using the best camera drones so that a decent quality lens could be folded and carried without being too heavy or bulky. It is able to capture 4K (maximum 24Fps) and introduce a useful foldout controller that seemed more common than bulky radio controllers in their hobby era with a PlayStation.
By 2020, the folding Mavic series was divided into four parts. Mavic Mini, Mavic Air 2, Mavic 2 Zoom & Mavic 2 Pro are the cheapest to the most expensive drones available in the market. The last two drones are identical, but they are completely different. The zoom has 2 optical zoom-lens and is our favourite (with an effective focal length range of 24-48mm). This provides real creative lens compression options. The unique feature of the drone is Dolly Zoom which makes it really special.
However, there is a cost; the zoom is mounted in front of a 1/2.3” 12-megapixel camera with an ISO rating of 3200. Even at launch, this was a bit disappointing, despite the fact that 4K footage at up to 30fps and 100mbps is of excellent quality, and DJI’s software offers an excellent blend of capability and performance. The only major criticism regarding the Mavic 2 is the loss of 60fps at 4K, as well as the fact that the side sensors don’t accomplish much more than provide a false sense of security.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Very portable
- Optical Zoom (on the Zoom model)
- Great software features
- No 60fps for 4K
- Expensive
2. Autel Evo II
Weight: 1174g | Wing span (unfolded): 397×397mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 8K @ 25fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 40 minutes | Max Range: 9km / 5.5mi | Max Speed: 72kph / 44mph
Autel’s second EVO, like the Mavic 2, is available with a variety of camera options, at least in principle (supply has been spotty in its early months, but 2020 hasn’t been an easy year). Both are based on a heavy, rugged-looking (but average-feeling) orange airframe that foregoes stylish consumer-friendly design in favour of straightforward functionality. It’s a little chunkier than the Mavics, but it can fly for a longer period of time and is larger when unfurled.
While its partner app, Autel Explorer, lacks some of the elegance of DJI’s equivalents, it does provide all of the tracking tools you might want. Furthermore, it has the significant advantage of being optional: the remote features a 3.3-inch OLED screen, which means you can fly without ever attaching the phone. Another significant advantage is that the drone has omnidirectional collision sensors, which it employs in routine combat (the Mavic 2 has side-sensors, but only uses them in some automatic modes). The drone, which is intended for professional use, also lacks DJI’s big-brother geofencing.
So far, the ‘lesser’ 8K variant is the most readily available, with the 6K ‘Pro’ model following and a dual infrared-enabled version on the way. Why is 8K considered ‘lesser’? In reality, it employs the same Sony IMX586 half-inch image chip as the Mavic Air 2, although the 6K pro has an IMX383 1-inch sensor (four times the area) and can shoot 10-bit footage with variable aperture. It’s also worth mentioning that 8K has a 25fps restriction, 6K has a 50fps restriction, and 4K has a 60fps restriction.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- 8K video quality
- 48 megapixel camera
- Omnidirectional sensors
- 8K shooting is limited to 25fps
3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Weight: 907g | Dimensions (folded): 214×91×84mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 322×242×84mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K HDR 30fps | Camera resolution: 20MP | Battery life: 31 minutes (3850mAh) | Max Range: 8km / 5mi | Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph
The Mavic Air 2 arrived in 2020, bringing plenty of new features to the Mavic series that make the Mavic 2 Pro more of a niche aircraft than before, but the stills and, in low-light situations, the video remain unrivalled (without spending a good amount more and throwing portability out of the window).
Although the camera’s branding may be perceived as a gimmick given DJI’s ownership of Hasselblad, the 20 megapixel stills from the 1-inch sensor are undoubtedly superior than those with smaller sensors (including the Mavic 2 Zoom). Up to 128,000 ISO can be chosen manually, and video can be broadcast in genuine 10-bit (excellent for pro colour grading) and HDR, with a ƒ/2.8-ƒ/11 aperture.
Each pixel on the sensor is still bigger than all but the EVO II Pro on this list, so low-light stills and video look stunning. The increased detail is also helpful for surveyors and 3D mapping, both of which the Mavic handles easily thanks to connection with Drone Deploy (in fairness similar integration is available with other drones). The DJI drones’ automated fly modes, such as “Hyperlapse” (timelapse), are well-implemented and simple to understand, making the Mavics incredibly powerful creative tools when used alone.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- 1-inch sensor
- Reliable airframe
- Great software features
- Expensive
- No 60fps for 4K
4. PowerVision PowerEGG X Wizard
Weight: 860g / 1.9lb | Dimensions (egg): 178 x 102 x 102mm | Dimensions (drone mode): 427mm diagonal | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 30 minutes (dry mode) | Max Range: 6 km / 3.7mi | Max Speed: 65kph / 40mph
PowerVision is an innovative firm, as evidenced by its award shelf, and it has been creating underwater drones for as long as flying ones, so the PowerEgg X should not have come as a surprise, but it did. PowerVision’s first PowerEgg was a wonderful product, but instead of updating it, they went back to the design board. They designed an entirely new egg that could be used as a drone, a hand-held or tripod-mounted camcorder with gimbal for stability and A.I. for subject tracking, and a beach-ready drone that can land on water or fly in the rain (with the optional ‘Wizard’ kit.
Photographers will be concerned that the 4K camera does not have a bigger sensor than, eg, the Mavic, but in good light, it can shoot at 60fps – double the frame rate of the DJI, making it ideal for. Its versatility means that its arms are totally removable, yet because to the folding props, it can be set up in less time than a DJI Phantom. The AI camera mode is good, but it should feature a ‘record’ button like a typical camcorder — you have to use the app.
The waterproof mode requires connecting a housing and landing gear, which takes a minute or two and covers the forward-facing collision and object tracking sensors, but there is nothing comparable on the market, so it’s hard to criticise. This is the drone GoPro should have produced.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Waterproof & water landing mode
- Audio-sync recording option
- Camcorder mode a nice option to have
- No record button in camcorder mode
- Small image sensor
5. PowerVision PowerEGG X Explorer
Weight: 860g / 1.9lb | Dimensions (egg): 178 x 102 x 102mm | Dimensions (drone mode): 427mm diagonal | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 30 minutes (dry mode) | Max Range: 6 km / 3.7mi | Max Speed: 65kph / 40mph
The Explorer is a variant of the PowerVision X Wizard – which loses its magical waterproofing power, but saves you a piece of money, which is a good choice if you are in a fair weather environment. However, when it comes to flying abilities, the specifications are the same. You still receive the drone, controller, case, a single battery, a camcorder grip, and a tripod attachment – but without the extra battery, weatherproofing components, or canvas bag that come with the Wizard.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Audio-sync recording option
- Camcorder mode
- No record button in camcorder mode
- Small image sensor than wizard
- Lacks the waterproofing of its Wizard sibling
6. DJI Mini 2
Weight: 249g | Dimensions (folded): 38×81×58mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K 30fps (1080P@60fps) | Camera resolution: 12MP | Battery life: 31 minutes (2250mAh) | Max Range: 10km / 6.2 miles | Max Speed: 57kph / 35.7mph
With the Mavic in 2016, DJI established compact quality camera drones as something that could appeal to and be understood by regular consumers, but pricing and, more recently, weight constraints kept some consumers away. Drones above 250 g (or in most countries) now need registration and a nominal charge. The Mavic Mini solved the problem of weight in 2019, but the new Mini 2 took the wonderful design and revved it up so that it can now also attract more committed users.
The airframe is really light, but it also serves via a charger (through the USB-C port on the back), so that’s one less thing to pack and make your luggage light. It has a solid feel, and the camera is placed on a 3-axis gimbal that absorbs nearly all twists and turns in flight and allows for seamless tilting. Control is straightforward, thanks to the great new remote – range is no longer an issue (unlike the predecessor), and the controller’s battery can even charge your phone.
Video is excellent at 4K and 100Mbps, but 1080P vloggers may be more interested in the helpful (but lossy) digital zoom. The automated ‘QuickShots’ (the drone keeps the camera on you and performs a cool pre-planned swoop) are also incredibly useful; even inexperienced pilots can look like great pilots and obtain dramatic video. Still photographs are decent for the price, however they can be a little noisy in less-than-ideal lighting. The ability to process in Raw, shoot Auto Exposure Bracketed images, and create automatic panoramas all bring this drone one step closer to a heavier drone. The DJI Fly App includes good safety features and is simple and easy to understand without being too intrusive. It’s also great for sharing, with useful image processing abilities – with a 12-megapixel camera and 4K video, your creations will easily blend in with those from a high-end smartphone (but add a more interesting perspective).
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Very portable
- Registration-free in USA, China and more
- Easy-to-fly
- Raw photos
- Limited tracking features
7. Parrot Anafi FPV
Weight: 310g | Dimensions (folded): 244×67×65mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 240×175×65mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K HDR 30fps | Camera resolution: 21MP | Battery life: 25 minutes (2700mAh) | Max Range: 4km / 2.5mi | Max Speed: 55kph / 35mph
Until the Anafi came in mid-2018, Parrot wasn’t really a contender in the high-end aerial video market, but it was well worth the wait. Rather than raising cost and weight with dubious sensors (and the processing power to manage their data), Parrot leaves the business of avoiding barriers to the client. In exchange, it’s managed to make the portability and pricing manageable, which is helped by the fact that a fantastic hard-fabric zip bag is supplied with the package, allowing you to shoot just about everywhere.
The carbon-fiber body elements can feel a little cheap, but in reality, this is one of the best built frames on the market, and very easy to operate thanks to automatic take-off, landing, GPS-based return-to-home, and an exceptionally well-built folding controller with a hinged phone-grip, one that seems so much easier to operate, and so much more logical, than recent DJI contenders.
The only drawbacks are that the gimbal is only powered on two axes, relying on software to handle fast rotations, which it only performs well, and that Parrot charges extra for in-app capabilities like follow-me modes, which DJI includes as standard. On the good side, the gimbal can be rotated all the way up for an unobstructed angle that most drones cannot achieve, and the system even has zoom, which is unheard of at this price point.
A new Parrot Anafi FPV kit, which combines this drone with head-up display (‘first-person view’) goggles for a truly immersive flying experience, was just unveiled. While the inclusion of FPV may appear to be a novelty at first, the cost-effective implementation means that anyone contemplating an Anafi can afford to try it – and we honestly believe it would be a tragedy to miss!
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Very portable
- 4K @ 100Mbps with HDR
- 180° vertical-turn gimbal and zoom
- Only 2-axis control
- Some features are in-app purchases
8. DJI Mavic Air 2
Weight: 570g | Dimensions (folded): 180×97×84mm | Dimensions (unfolded): 183×253×77mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K 60fps | Camera resolution: 48MP | Battery life: 34 minutes (3500mAh) | Max Range: 18.5km / 11.4mi | Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph
The new DJI Mavic Air 2 is a magnificent technical feat, an extraordinarily competent drone that appears to be the last flying camera most people will ever need. With front, downward, and rear-facing distance sensors, the drone can recognise impediments and not only warn the pilot, but also calculate a course to avoid, say, a wall or a tree, if necessary.
This drone has a significantly longer flight time (an astonishing 34 minutes) and a greater range than the original Mavic Air. The new 4K 60fps camera, with a 48 megapixel half-inch sensor, is the major draw for photographers and videographers.
This drone receives a fully redesigned controller, which we appreciate – your smartphone slots in above the controllers, much as on top-tier drones.
As with other DJI drones, an additional “fly more” pack is available, which bundles items you truly need (case, spare batteries) – this costs more, of course, but is frequently a good investment.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Portable
- 4K shooting a 60fps
- Object avoidance with course correction
- No side or top sensors
- App could be better
9. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Weight: 1375g | Dimensions: 350x350xmm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps | Camera resolution: 20MP | Battery life: 25 minutes (5870mAh) | Max Range: 7km / 4.1mi | Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph
The Phantom was a game changer, with early models being the first to have a gimbal-stabilized camera rather than needing the user to supply their own. Because of its tough body design, it is no longer the apparent choice for beginners or consumers (for whom folding goods offer at least the same practicality), but it does have a strong use-case for the occasional expert.
If you plan on transporting the drone in the back of your car and don’t mind it taking up the majority of a specialised bag (rather than just a side pocket like the Mavic Air), the Phantom Pro 4’s latest version is highly appealing. The redesigned props for quieter flying are obviously appealing, as is the new OcuSync radio system, which allows for 1080p video on the monitors (although it will not function with the older controls).
There were fears that this drone may be discontinued, but DJI has recently verified that the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is back in production. That’s fantastic news for any drone pilot who aspires to be a true professional photographer.
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Large image sensor
- Design classic
- Subject tracking
- Size feels a little clunky
10. DJI Inspire 2
Weight: 4000g | Dimensions: 605 diagonal mm | Controller: Yes | Video resolution: 5.2k @ 24fps | Camera resolution: 20.8MP | Battery life: 23-27 minutes (4280mAh dual battery) | Max Range: 7km / 4.1mi | Max Speed: 94kph / 58mph
The Inspire 1 introduced a stunning Klingon-inspired design that keeps props out of most shots while enabling for a large, robust frame. The Inspire 2 ups the game with a magnesium hull (be cautious where you grip it) and plenty of dual redundancy for safer flight.
The battery, which both require to fly and buy around 25 minutes, depending on the camera you choose, is one of those duplicated elements. That’s fantastic, however a backup pair of batteries costs a whopping $360/£360, and the X4S camera is comparable to the Phantom. The X5S (to which you can attach a zoom lens from a Micro 4/3rds camera) is slightly better because to its larger image sensor, but flight times are reduced, making the ridiculously costly Zenmuse X7 more enticing.
The Inspire 2 also contains advanced object tracking, (optional) multi-user operation, and other professional features, making it unsuitable for casual use. Only the motors are not redundant (six would be safer).
PROS AND CONS OF DJI MAVIC 2 ZOOM
- Portable
- 4K shooting a 60fps
- Object avoidance with course correction
- No side or top sensors
- App could be better
Things to check before buying a drone camera
GPS
Toy drones don’t usually have GPS, but it’s very necessary if you’re taking images. The positioning system was created with guided missiles in mind, making it suitable for drones. Unlike a missile, the goal is to remain in the same spot rather than being driven away by the air. Not only does it make flying easier, but it also allows for an autonomous return to the take-off position if the drone loses touch with the operator, which is a helpful backup.
Controller
All controllers are not made equal. Most will have twin sticks, but at the low end, they will utilise conventional Wi-Fi with a range of roughly 100m control and video feedback with a clear line of sight. Higher-end drones employ proprietary radio systems, such as DJI’s Lightbridge, which has a range of 4000m (2.2 miles), support for master and slave controllers (allowing for a separate pilot and camera operator), and first-person-view goggles.
Camera & Gimbal
Sensor size and megapixels are important in every camera, but so is the method of vibration reduction. Cushioning or digital image stabilisation work at the low end, while the greatest systems utilise motorised gimbals to steady and level the camera on two or three axes.
Battery
Battery capacity is the primary constraint in flying drones. Higher capacity may not necessarily result in longer flying periods because overall weight (including the battery) and efficiency are factors. Minutes of flying time are a far more useful metric. Lithium batteries have a lot of power, but “Intelligent Batteries” are safer and include built-in monitors that allow you to simply check their charge.
The App
Because many capabilities, especially on higher-end drones, require you to sift through menus, the quality of the manufacturer’s free software is an important aspect of the experience. Taking the camera out of auto mode is definitely done in this manner. Cunning developers have also discovered ways to use the drone’s sensors and the app’s processing powers to create easier flying modes and great visual effects, such as DJI’s Tiny Planet selfie clip, which is just one of the “Quickshot” possibilities.