The Best Drones in 2021

Most suitable drones for aerial filmmaking

Are you planning to buy a drone, your mind is thinking of the best you can buy. Well, we have used many of these aerial filmmaking drones, tested them, flown them, and analysed the shots taken by them to arrive at what we consider to be the best drones in the market at the moment. The drones on this list are ideal for both professionals and beginners who need a drone for their aerial shot. The list is a comprehensive one, and you will find something that matches your taste.

Before diving into the list, it is appropriate to talk about drones a little. In the past few years, the quality of drones produced has increased significantly in terms of gimbals, cameras, battery life, and the flying technology that makes them suitable for the purpose. In the past aerial images and videos required special professional equipment, but those days are long gone as you can take the same shots with drones that cost only as much as mirrorless or DSLR cameras.

When buying a drone, the thing you have to worry about is not just the brand of the drone; you also have to consider the type of drone you are buying. Drones are just like cameras, and they offer multiple options in terms of variety for you to choose from. Most times, it is all about reaching a compromise. For example, drones can be heavy or light. While light drones may avoid regulations on registration, which means more freedom, they are difficult to handle in windy situations. On the other hand, heavy drones are more stable and have better shooting, but they cost more.

If you are planning to get a drone, one of the best brands you can get is a DJI product. They offer incredible options which are why our top drone is a DJI product. There are several alternatives out there when it comes to DJI drones. That said. It is time to dive into the list of the top drones in the market at present.

DJI Mavic Air 2

This is the best drone in the market now for most people. It is incredible by all the standards.  It is an improved version of the Mavic Air. This drone is the best all-round for hobbyists and beginners. It is like the Mavic 2 Pro mini version and can shoot great 4K/60p video. It also has several shooting features, a flight time of 34 minutes which is incredible, ½ inch sensor which ensures that its ISO performance is topnotch and it has a slow-mo feature for 1080p video at 240fps.

It also has a new controller, the Ocusync 2.0 connectivity that has a range of as far as 10km and also ensures that the drone signal to the DJI Fly App is more stable and far better. It has multiple automated modes for Quick Shots as well as subject tracking.  All these features make it ideal as it is right in the midrange price list, better than the basic DJI Mavic Mini and less costly than the Mavic 2 series. The drone weighs 570g, has a battery with 3,950 mAh, a controller range of 10km, and camera resolution of 12MP.

DJI Mavic 2 Pro

When it comes to premium drones, this is one of the best you can get.  There are several reasons that make this particular drone an amazing product, these include, the ease of flying it, its large sensor, a foldable design which makes it easy to carry with you when travelling as it is portable. Unless you are very particular about portability or zoom, this drone provides all-round excellence in capacity for those who want a drone with better quality than what Mavic Air 2 offers. It has one inch 20 MP sensor that can shoot 4K video at 30fps and shoot Raw stills as well. You can even adjust the aperture, switching it between f/11 and f/2.8. This means you don’t have to bother yourself too much about ND filters.

The Mavic 2 Pro doesn’t just boast of an amazing skill set, flying the drone is also incredibly easy, and the controlling is intuitive as it can be done with the app. It has several flight and shooting modes that make it exceptional when it comes to shooting cinematic shots. It can also deliver professional-grade and quality images, but beginners will find it equally useful and efficient.  If you do not require optical zoom, this is the perfect drone for you as long as you can afford it.  The drone has a maximum control range of 8km, a camera resolution of 20MP and its battery capacity is 3,950 mAh. It also weighs 907g.

DJI Mini 2

This is one of the best drones that beginners can get, and it offers 4K videos too. It is the predecessor of the Mavic Mini and effectively builds on it by solving one of the issues of the Mavic Mini, which is its inability to capture 4K video. Beyond that, it also offers several fantastic features. As the name suggests, this drone is very portable, with an ultra-compact design similar to what the original Mavic mini has, which makes it one of the two smallest DJI drones. The Mini 2 has a new controller that effectively increases its range. This is due to the Ocusync 2.0 feature added to it. With Mini 2, users are guaranteed to have an exceptional flying experience.

It has the QuickShot modes that are on the Mavic Mini. These modes are ideal for the beginner as it allows the drone to perform moves that are already programmed into it. However, the Mini 2 has othe4 modes for professional snappers as it now includes raw photo shooting, with the 4K video also comes the better 100mbps bit-rate. While it might not be the biggest step up from its predecessor, the Mavic Mini, it still offers incredible options and is the best compact drone in the market. The drone weighs 249g, has a controller and has a camera resolution of 12MP. Its range of 5.8 GHz varies between 10km to 6km based on peculiar factors, and it has a battery capacity of 2250mAh.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom

We are not done with DJI products. This one is a fantastic flyer with optical zoom. In appearance, it is similar to the Mavic 2 Pro. But there is one significant difference – it has a very obvious camera system. Like the Mavic 2 Pro, it is also very portable as it has the foldable design and they both come with excellent features and specifications.  The Mavic 2 Zoom has a 12MP resolution, smaller than the Mavic 2 Pro’s 20MP resolution, but it has a 24-48mm optical lens. It’s these lenses that makes it totally different from Mavic 2 Pro and also useful. With the optical lens, users can shoot closeup shots of different subjects, including people without interfering with them. Shots can be captured while still maintaining the legal distance of 50 metres.

Due to the fact that its sensor is smaller, it’s image quality cannot match that of Mavic 2 Pro. Its aperture is also fixed at f/2.8. Despite this, the images and videos are more than good for professional use. Its biggest strength is in its Zoom lens.  The lens unlocked the creative potential of any shot you take. It has a pretty great range top with minimal distortion. The drone can be controlled through the app and is the intelligent flight mode that can be found in a DJI drone. This includes Hyperlapse and Active Track. The drone can fly for up to 30 minutes decent by any standards and fits perfectly into the concept of a drone with a zoom. The drone has a range of 8km, a battery capacity of 3,950 mAh, camera resolution of 12MP and weighs 905g. It comes with a controller,

Pros

• It is very simple to fly with intuitive controls.
• It has a 24-48mm optical zoom lens.

Cons

• It has a 12MP sensor which is quite small.
• It as noise problem when over ISO 100

DJI Mavic Mini

If you are not looking to shoot 4K video, this is an ideal choice for any beginner who just wishes to capture quality area shots. This drone is the predecessor of the Mini 2 and remains on sale, offering those who are interested in owning a portable and affordable drone the chance to own this one. Despite not having 4K video, it offers incredible quality. But when accompanied with the Mini 2, it doesn’t have raw photo capture, no Ocusync 2.0 connectivity that will improve range, and lesser mode. But it is still a competitive drone with better features than most drones that are in the same weight category.

However, it doesn’t have active object tracking and is without the follow me function. But if you are just getting into aerial capturing, both videography and photography, the Mavic mini remains an amazing option. The price is quite low at the moment with the introduction of a new model out; the price will likely fall further and don’t be surprised to discover that it is a super bargain. It weighs 249g and has a battery capacity of 2600 mAh. Its camera resolution is 12MP, and it has a 5.8 GHz range.

Pros

• It has a compact design that is collapsible.
• The video capture is incredibly stable.

Cons

• It does not have object tracking or follow me mode.
• It does not have 4K video and cannot capture the 2.7K video at 60fps.

Ryze Tello

This extremely affordable flyer is the ideal way for beginners to start their drone flying experience. It is lightweight, affordable and simple, lightweight and affordable. In fact, this drone is designed to give first-time flyers a fun drone flying experience. While it may look extremely cheap, it offers plenty of amazing features that will impress any buyer. It has a battery capable of lasting as much as 13 minutes of flying which is perfectly reasonable by any standards; its downward-facing light sensors ensure that the Tello can hover in one place, performing some of the automated tricks inbuilt into it as modes.

The image quality produced by the 5MP camera mounted on its nose is certainly below par by regular standards, but you could not expect much more from the camera. It has a very limited dynamic range, and you may notice compression artifacts when using it to stream 720p HD video. The video shot by this camera is beamed straight to your phone, which means the connection has to be topnotch throughout the whole thing because a drop in the strength of the connection will affect the frame rate.

However, the app is quite simple and easy to use, making it possible to pilot the drone in the most straightforward way. The kind of way that a beginner will get in a matter of minutes. There is a twin-stick setup on the screen which is extremely responsive. Don’t expect too much from it in terms of range though, it has 100m theoretical range, but when you start using it, you will see that 30-40m appears more realistic. But the Short range is not a bad thing at all especially if you consider the lightness of the Tello which makes it possible for the slightest breeze to blow it off course, thus, it looks better to have it in your view at all times.

The Ryze Tello is basically a fun drone that you can comfortably fly on a clear and calm day; it is fast and zips along rapidly while reacting effortlessly to any input in an intuitive manner. But its limited range makes it somewhat restrictive to use. However, if you do not mind having a choppy video, it is the best drone for beginners in the market. It has a weight of 80g and comes with an optional Controller the Camera resolution is 5MP, and it can fly for up to 13 minutes. The range of the controller is 100m.

Pros

• Its flight controls are very responsive.
• It is a compact, portable and lightweight drone.

Cons

• Video transmission can be especially when the connection drops.
• Its featherweight makes Unstable in breeze or wind.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

This is a great option to consider for professionals looking for a strong, powerful, and stable quadcopter. Its size and weight of 1375g mean it doesn’t have the foldable Mavic 2 Pro’s exquisite convenience, but it has a 20Mp one-inch sensor like the Mavic 2 Pro. Another thing that stands it out is that it has a mechanical shutter which means there is no need for a rolling shutter. It also promises a higher and much better 4K frame-rate than you will get from a sibling. The great handling of this drone combines well with the 30 minutes flight time it offers, making it very worthy of consideration if you want to capture some high-quality aerial images and video especially in challenging and difficult weather that the Mavic 2 Pro might not be able to cope in.

It is heavy at 1375g and has a Controller. The Camera resolution is 20MP, and it has an incredible battery capacity of 6000mAh. The range of control is 8km.

Pros

• It has a big 1-inch 20MP sensor.
• It is a strong, fast and Sturdy drone.
• It can capture 4K/60p video at 100Mbps.

Cons

• It is very bulky and Large, lacking portability.
• It is more expensive than Mavic 2 Pro.
• It is more complex to use than the foldables.

PowerVision PowerEgg X

The name might remind you of food, but this is a drone, and the PowerEgg X is a very good flyer. What makes it unique is that it is waterproof and given that the drone market is filled with drones that do not fancy exposure to water, it has the distinctive ability to land seamlessly on lakes and fly perfectly in the rain. It has plastic housing to make it waterproof, and this invariably affects its Image quality, but the fact that you can even operate it in and make it float on wet stuff gives you limitless options in terms of creative potential and what you can achieve when handling this fantastic drone.

It also has an incredibly versatile and amazing modular design. You can deploy the PowerEgg X as an autonomous AI camera and a handheld gimbal camera. All you have to do is to mount it on a tripod, and you can easily control its movement and flight with your hand-gestures.

However, this adaptable setup is not without its disadvantage, which in this case is the fact that deployment is slower. With the adaptable setup, it is lightweight, but you have to consider the fact that you will need to remove the protective casing that covers the camera and make it waterproof, add the arms of the propeller and set up the controller. All of these will take some minutes.

The quality of the image isn’t exceptional either. But the PowerEgg X produces average and detailed 4K video when used in bright conditions. However, its fixed aperture and the fixed-focus 1/2.8-inch 12MP CMOS sensor cannot compete with the Mavic drones produced by DJI. The drone is also incapable of recording Raw video formats as at now.

Still, if you want short and sharp video sequences captured in bad weather, this drone is a great option for you to try out. PowerEgg X weighs 522g, and it has a Controller. The Camera resolution is 12MP with a battery capacity of 3,800 mAh. The control Range is 6km.

Pros

• It is waterproof so it can float on water and fly in the rain.
• It can be converted into a camera that is handheld, making it adaptable.

Cons

• Its Image quality is not exceptional and doesn’t match up with what its rivals have.
• It does not have the capacity to shoot Raw video.

Parrot Anafi

This is the perfect drone to describe as small but mighty. It is a tiny, bug-like, lightweight drone that is capable of shooting some of the best quality images around when it comes to drones. It has a camera that has the unique ability of a vertical range of 180 degrees, enabling it to shoot images directly above – something that no drone is capable of doing. Parrot Anafi also possesses a 2.8x zoomable lens without any reduction in image quality.

It is a truly fantastic choice for those who love to take selfies because it has features that make this fun and possible. Parrot Anafi has a Follow Me mode that will track your movements, and automatically adjust to take shots from angles that are more photogenic. It also has SmartDrones modes – Orbit, Boomerang, Parabola, and Tornado – these modes enable the drone to fly around you in arcs and circles.

The one issue that this drone has is that it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance. Thus, it is quite difficult for new users and won’t be recommended usually. Another issue is the fact that not all flight modes are easily accessible, some are locked in as in-app purchases that you will have to buy after paying for the drone itself.

It has a weight of 320g and comes with a Controller. Its Camera resolution is 21MP with a Battery capacity of 2700mAh.

Pros

• It is capable of shooting 4K UHD video at 60fps.
• It has a one of a kind 180-degree vertical camera.

Cons

• It doesn’t have obstacle avoidance.
• It has in-app purchases for flight modes.

DJI Mavic Pro

The DJI Mavic 2 Pro has replaced this drone, but it remains one of the best drones available for consumers, and it comes at a cheaper cost now. Before the DJI Spark, this drone was DJI’s smallest drone, but the small size is nothing because it is capable of performing as well as the larger drones.

It has a gimbal-mounted camera which is rare for small drones, and it is capable of capturing high-quality photos and video when the lighting is good in low light. Its sensor size presents a problem, and low light shooting is trickier. The Mavic Pro can go as fast as about 40 mph and has a battery capable of going for about 20 to 25 minutes.

It has a remote control that allows you to see what the drone is seeing on your phone and it has a range of more than four miles, which means you can see capture videos and stills comfortably with no fear of a dropping connection. It has a weight of 734g and comes with a Controller. Its Camera resolution is 12.5MP with a Battery capacity of 3830mAh. It has a control range of 4.3 miles.

DJI Inspire 2

This is the drone for pros, and its price and spec will show you that. It has a weight of 3440g and comes with a Controller. Its Camera resolution is 30MP with a Battery capacity of 4288mAh. It has a control range of 7 miles.