Top 10 Camera Drones for Every Budget in 2024

Helping you choose

Since there are many different types of drones for various purposes and niches, from a myriad of brands for different budgets, it can be challenging to find the best drone.

In this article, we'll list ten drones with a camera you can never go wrong with and a buyer guide to help you find the best drone for your needs.

Reviews of Our Top Drones with a Camera

Read about our top 10 drone recommendations, what we like and don't like about them, and who we think each drone is best suited for. Take your needs and budget into consideration to quickly find your best match.

QuadRanger Drone: A Photography drone for beginners looking for affordability and ease of use

The QuadRanger Drone is a budget-friendly version of DJI's Mavic Air. Even though it's not an expensive drone, it comes with lots of advanced features, making it the best alternative if you're looking for a beginner drone that will remain relevant even when you become more experienced. One of the most notable features is the 720p HD high quality camera that's compatible with VR goggles through Wi-Fi.

The small drone comes with a standard controller that offers a reliable connection and convenient safety features with a press of a button. It's a folding drone with with great flight time that you can fly safely both indoors and outdoors thanks to the included propeller guards.

Features of QuadRanger Drone

Affordable price:
This drone has features that imitate the famous Mavic Air which costs 10x more. The QuadRanger Drone is obviously not as advanced as the Mavic Air, but truly succeeds in its ambition to be a budget-friendly counterpart.

Small in size:
The QuadRanger Drone is a compact foldable piece for convenient storage in your backpack or pocket during travel. The quick accessibility also makes sure you use it regularly.

Quick to start flying:
QuadRanger Drone features a one-button for takeoff, return, and landing. comes with propeller guards, spare blades, and a headless mode making it a great choice for beginners.

Built-in camera:
The built-in camera and Micro SD card slot let you record your flights in captivating detail. You can also adjust the camera's angle to shoot from different angles.

Specs

• Weight: 4.2 oz (with battery)
• Dimensions (unfolded): 10.6 x 7.7 x 2 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 4.92 x 2.95 x 1.97 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 720p HD video
• Battery: 12 minutes
• Max range: 265 feet
• Top speed: 13 mph

If you have always dreamt of owning a unique and efficient drone at an affordable price, QuadRanger is the way to go. It's an ideal and versatile drone for beginners as well as intermediate pilots, offering a risk-free learning experience.

Buy it here

DJI Mini 3 Pro - Best compact drone with advanced features

The Mini 3 Pro might be the best mini series drone from DJI. It has many advantages that make it one of the greatest DJI drones if you're willing to spend the money.

DJI drones are known for their high quality cameras, and the mini 3 doesn't disappoint. It has many intelligent flight modes and an impressive camera resolution, perhaps not like a Hasselblad camera, but ideal for aerial photography
Some of the features that would make it worth trying include:

Features of DJI Mini 3 Pro drone:

Gimbal Design:
The gimbal design is one feature that makes the Mini 3 Pro a unique piece. It features a notch and a pivot system at the top that stabilize the gimbal even when it accelerates.

Intelligent Flight Modes:
Creating cinematic footage with a DJI Mini 3 Pro is easier thanks to its extensive range of shooting modes.

Small size and light in weight:
Although this is a mini drone, it has many more features than others in its category. However, it also features a sleek, small, and light package of approximately 250 grams.

Focus track + obstacle detection:
Most mini drones use third-party software such as Active Tracks, but only the Mini 3 Pro features an Active Track built-in.

Slightly larger camera sensor:
Slightly larger sensor measuring 1/1.3. The camera sensor is coupled with approximately f/1.7 fixed aperture.

Panoramic Mode:
With panoramic mode, you can take many shots of a single region and combine them to create one large image.

Specs

• Weight: 8.8 oz
• Dimensions (unfolded): 14.3 x 2.8 x 9.9 inches
• Dimensions (folded): 3.5 x 2.4 x 5.7 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery: 34 minutes
• Max range: 7.5 miles
• Top speed: 36 mph

A perfect DJI drone for enthusiasts looking for crisp video footage and a long battery life while still being smaller than most drones. However, note that the drone doesn't come with any propeller guards so it might not be the perfect drone if you like to fly drones inside.

Buy it here

Nano+ by Autel: Best lightweight drone for risk-takers

Nano+ is a piece designed with your best interest at heart. The four automatic shooting modes enable you to capture cinematic content with ease. It has a larger sensor which allows it to perform in both well-lit and low-light conditions. It offers a great repair and replacement service that offers two replacements per year in case something happens.

Features of Nano + drone:

Superlight:
Evo Nano and Nano+ weigh only 8.8 oz which is almost the same as a smartphone. At the same time, it is small, making it easy to carry around.

Safety features:
The drone features water damage protection thanks to Autel Robotics Care. This enables you to fly confidently near lakes, rivers, mountains, and seas.

Fast Replacement:
Autel Robotics Care Services allows you to skip lengthy maintenance processes, damage assessments, and flight tests.

Flyaway Protection:
If you own a Nano & Lite Series drone, you can utilize Autel Robotics Care. This service offers benefits like verifying flyaway incidents and syncing flight data with the Autel Sky APP.

Specs

• Light in weight
• Portable
• Great camera resolution
• Three-direction obstacle avoidance
• 160Mbps/20MB/s wireless file transfer

Nano+ by Autel is a perfect option for hobbyists and creators looking for a drone that is stable and light in weight. The screen on the remote has a good frame rate and the flight time you get is impressive for a standard battery.

Buy it here

Skydio 2+: Best for autonomous flying and obstacle avoidance

Skydio 2+ gives you room to concentrate and enjoy your adventure as it does all the shooting for you. Within 20 minutes of its launch into the air, it will have over 100,000 images to choose from. With its amazing features noted below, this piece is worth your investment.

Features of Skydio 2+ drone

Professional Camera:
Skydio guarantees superior quality drone data thanks to its high-tech camera with Qualcomm's RedDragon™ QCS605 and Sony's IMX577 ½.3” CMOS sensor.

Intelligent Flying Robot:
Thanks to its 4K cameras, the drone lets you capture data from every direction with clarity and unparalleled resolution.

Skydio 3D Scan:
Adaptive scanning software automates data collection to document intricate scenes and structures with sub-millimeter GSD and maximum coverage.

Improved Ground Control:
Precise control enabling you to capture exactly what you want. It also extends your range, making it easy to operate any structure.

Skydio Autonomy Enterprise:
Offers improved capabilities for ultra-precise control and maximum situational awareness for inspection in tight spaces.

Skydio Cloud:
Enables a new pattern of independent connected flight operations by securely and effortlessly connecting Skydio drones with improved cloud services so you don't need to worry about internal storage.

Specs

• Weight: 28.2 oz
• Dimensions (with battery): 9.02 x 10.79 x 2.99 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 4k 60 HDR
• Effective pixels: 12 MP
• Battery: 27 minutes
• Max range: 3.7 miles
• Top speed: 36 mph

Thanks to its great obstacle-avoidance features and long-lasting battery, this is the best tool for adventure-loving individuals.

Buy it here

DJI Avata: Best for dynamic footage in challenging terrains

The popularity of Avata is growing by the day because it can capture unbelievably beautiful footage by twisting, speeding, and diving through difficult-to-reach areas. Its main focus is on dexterity, thanks to the propeller guards that allows you to fly safely.

You also get an impressive flight time considering its an FPV drone where the video feed and high frame rate burn a lot of juice.

Features of DJI Avata

DJI Avata drone has many great features, some of which are listed below:

03+ Transmission:
Utilizing the 2T2R omnidirectional antennas enables you to feed the compatible FPV or controller goggles. This comes with Full HD 1080p video at 100fps maximum, 50 Mbps data transfer rate, and 30ms latency.

Wide-Angle Stabilizer Video:
The Avata drones feature a 48MP 1/1.7” CMOS sensor supporting approximately 4K video at 100 fps.

Turtle Mode:
The propeller guards allow the drone to keep flying, subjecting it to several bumps and falls. However, the Turtle Mode makes landing on the back safe, and with a few taps, it can get the drone back flying

Obstacle Sensing:
The ToF depth sensor and downward binocular vision sensor collaborate to detect ground obstacles during operation. This enables you to safely fly indoor and low-altitude flights.

Specs

• Weight: 14.5 oz
• Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.15 x 7.1 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 4K/60fps video
• Battery: 18 minutes
• Max range: 6 miles
• Top speed: 60 mph

Are you an adventurous and fun-loving individual? Then this is your perfect equal and partner to capture those sweet and memorable moments.

Buy it here

Powervision PowerEgg X: Best all-weather drone with AI-enhanced camera capabilities

Are you looking for a rugged all-weather, and AI-enhanced camera drone? What if it doubled as a handheld camera? This is what Powervision PowerEgg X offers you, and more. It comes in a sleek, waterproof, egg-shaped body that makes it look and feel like a futuristic sidekick. It truly is like a companion as it has face recognition, 20-knot powerful wind resistance, and voice sync to your phone or headphones.

Features of Powervision PowerEgg X

AI Camera Mode:
The drone uses deep learning and multi-angle facial recognition for automatic professional composition when stationary.

Rugged & Waterproof:
It comes with water landing floats and waterproof housing.

Drone-Mode:
Once the propellers and arms are attached, it becomes a drone that can capture 4K60 aerial footage, even in 18-24 mph winds.

Handheld-Mode:
Thanks to the wrist straps, you can use the drone as a portable handheld camcorder.

Impressive Battery:
When using it as a handheld or AI-enhanced camera, it can serve you up to 3.5 hours.

Gesture Modes:
It features a gesture database for subject tracking, group photos, videos, and still photography.

Specs

• Weight: 30.4 oz (1.9 lb)
• Dimensions (drone mode): 18 x 18 x 4 inches
• Dimensions (camera mode): 7 x 4 x 4 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 4K at 60fps
• Effective pixels: 12 MP
• Battery: 30 minutes
• Max range: 3.7 miles
• Top speed: ~40 mph

Although attaching all the pieces is time-consuming, it becomes one of the best and most reliable drones once it is fixed. It comes with a backpack that enables you to carry all the pieces around easily.

Buy it here

DJI Inspire 2: Best for professional videographers seeking high-performance capabilities

Not all the power packed in DJI Inspire 2 is meant for recording functionality. It has also beefed up its capability enabling it to follow fast-moving objects for action footage and dramatic sports.

This is one of the more expensive models the DJI series, made for ambitious and dedicated videographers who want high quality footage and top camera quality. It's basically a flying camera.

Features of DJI Inspire 2

Advanced Obstacle Sensing:
It features a downward and forward vision system that can sense obstacles up to 30 meters away. This gives it time to navigate and protect your drone up to 34mph.

Active Track:
This mode allows it to recognize different objects, from bikes to cars and people.

Spotlight Pro:
Makes it easier to capturing complex and dramatic images.

Smart Return Home:
The downward and forward cameras records and creates an internal map as it flies. If the transmission system fails, the drone can fly home if the Smart Return Home mode is enabled.

Broadcast Mode:
With the Inspire 2, broadcasters can conduct direct broadcasts using the 1080i50 and 720p60 transmission signals.

Dual Battery Design:
If one battery fails, it will continue working using the spare battery.

Video Transmission System:
This drone features DJI’s Lightbridge technology with an actual broadcast distance of up to 4.3 miles.

Specs

• Weight: 121.3 oz (7.58 lbs)
• Dimensions: 16.8 x 12.5 x 16.7 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: Supports Zenmuse X4S, X5S, and X7 (optional)
• Effective pixels: Depends on the camera used (e.g., Zenmuse X4S has 20 MP)
• Battery: ~27 minutes (with Zenmuse X4S)
• Max range: 4.3 miles
• Top speed: 58 mph

The DJI Inspire 2 is a bit complex. We highly recommend DJI’s videos for unboxing, flight prep, and first flight.

Buy it here

DJI Mavic 3 Classic: Best for long-range flights with versatile camera settings

The Mavic 3 Classic is a high quality drone idea for capturing footage anywhere. The versatile Mavic 3 Classic's adjustable aperture (f/2.8 to f/11) and wide dynamic range make it perfect for capturing diverse scenarios in various lighting conditions. Consider it a compact and light version of the DJI Inspire.
Many think its one of DJI's best drones ever made.

Features

Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing:
Utilizes APAS 5.0 to give an all-direction sensing. This allows you to avoid obstacles in flight with a lot of ease.

Advanced RTH:
The improved RTH system is one of the automated flight modes where it plots the ideal route back home once you raise your flight to your desired altitude.

03+ Transmission:
You can view a live feed from 9.32v miles with the Mavic 3 Classic.

Precise Hovering:
Using decimeter-level accuracy when flying, it's easy to take clear airborne long-exposure and time-lapse shots.

High-Speed QuickTransfer:
You can send videos and photos to a smartphone or laptop for editing and sharing.

Cruise Control:
With a single press, the drone flies in a single set direction and ensures consistent motion for capturing smooth and cinematic footage without manual adjustments.

Specs

• Weight: 31.6 oz (1.975 lb)
• Dimensions (folded): 8.7 x 3.8 x 3.6 inches
• Dimensions (unfolded): 13.7 x 11.1 x 4.2 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: 5.1K
• Effective Pixels: 20 MP
• Battery: 46 minutes (in our tests: ~30 minutes)
• Max range: 9.3 miles
• Top speed: ~47 mph

The Mavic 3 Classic drone is a unique piece you can bring wherever you go. It is portable and easy to use, making it good for intermediate users. It's a real powerhouse for its size and packs a brutal camera.

Buy it here

iFlight Nazgul 5: Best pre-built freestyle FPV drone for both experts and beginners

We can't have a list of drones with cameras if we don't include a freestyle drone. Freestyle- and racing drones tend to require more know-how. Most people who are into this build their drones from the ground up. But iFlight Nazgul 5 ears a spot on this list for being the most reliable pre-built freestyle FPV drone. It is not only perfect for use by experts but the beginners as well.
So if this tickles your fancy check out these interesting features:

Features of iFlight Nazgul 5

Pre-installed Flight controller:
Features a popular open-source flight control software for drones called Betaflight 4.0.4. It is used in advanced drones for better flight performance and increased responsiveness.

Great FPV Camera:
iFlight Nazgul has a camera with an 11/1.8 inches sensor which is quite large for FPV cameras, this helps with better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The camera has a 2.1mm lens for a wide field of view. All in all, it's a good FPV camera for its small size.

Pre-Built:
Building this drone yourself from scratch would take about 3-5 hours and cost you about $220. Now, you get it pre-assembled and ready to fly.
Note: headset and controller not included.
Here’s a recommendation for a headset and a controller

Specs

• Weight: 22 oz
• Dimensions (folded): 6.8 × 6.8 × 1.3 inches
• Controller: No
• Camera: 0.09-inch sensor
• Battery: 7 minutes
• Max range: 3 miles
• Top speed: 118 mph

Since iFlight Nazgul 5 doesn't need to be assembled, it provides the best option for beginners and intermediary drone enthusiasts to get into drone freestyle without having to research how to build it from scratch yourself.

Buy it here

EMAX TinyHawk 3: Best Indoor Drone for Practice

The DJI Mavic 3 Classic offers skillful aerial video quality and enhanced affordability with its RC Remote Controller. The versatile Mavic 3 Classic's adjustable aperture (f/2.8 to f/11) and wide dynamic range make it perfect for capturing diverse scenarios in various lighting conditions.
Consider it a compact and light version of the DJI Inspire.

Features of EMAX TinyHawk 3

Stability:
The Emax TinyHawk is fairly stable thanks to its 4.1-inch size.

Performance:
The Emax TinyHawk is a quick and nimble drone with multiple flying modes to choose from on your controller.

Battery:
It features an advanced and improved battery compared to what Tinyhawk 2 offers. The battery lasts longer and takes a shorter time to get completely charged.

Speed:
TinyHawk 3 has a speed limit of 33.5 mph. The brushless motors also generate higher power which helps them achieve their speed with ease.

Flight Range:
TinyHawk 3 can comfortably operate outdoors with no strong wind.

Specs

• Weight: 1.1 oz
• Dimensions: 4.1 × 4.1 × 1.8 inches
• Controller: Yes
• Camera: RunCam Nano 4
• Resolution: 800TVL (horizontal lines)
• Battery: 4 minutes
• Max range: 20-30 feet
• Top speed: 33.5 mph

EMAX TinyHawk 3 has powerful brushless motors and is small, making it a perfect fit for calm outdoor and indoor activities. It's also one of the few drones that offer a complete and beginner-friendly FPV experience.

Buy it here

Buyers Guide for Camera Drones

Ever since drones became commercially accessible to the masses, their popularity has grown very fast. There is a lot we can say about drones but one thing that has stood out is their ability to capture amazing videos and images from new perspectives. This buyer's guide will give you all the tips you need in choosing the right drone.

1. Materials Used

Higher-priced drones usually come with an expectation of extended durability due to the increased investment. Less expensive drones commonly feature plastic construction. While plastic is both economical and lightweight, it may not consistently offer robust durability.

If you aim to maintain a budget-friendly approach, consider seeking out drones crafted from ABS plastic, as it boast greater toughness than standard plastic.

2. Extra Costs

Adding extra batteries can be a pricier but worthwhile enhancement that significantly enhances your aerial experience. Depending on the package, you might need to acquire camera filters or a camera itself. For capturing videos, a computer with robust video editing capabilities is imperative.

When you tally up these items, it becomes evident how a $ 1,000 drone acquisition can swiftly escalate to $1500 or beyond. When scouting for a drone that you want to get, include these additional expenses in relation to your budget.

3. Flight Time

Drones can generally fly between 5-30 minutes. But don't think that because a drone can fly for fewer minutes it's a bad or cheap drone. It obviously has to do with the power output. Fast and agile drones use more power.

When taking the time in the air into consideration, think about what it is you want to achieve with your drone. Capturing a specific shot with a camera might take some time to get right, thus requiring more battery to accomplish compared to flying for fun or freestyle.

4. Availability of Spare Parts

Anyone with car ownership experience will understand the notion of spare parts. A general guideline is that the more popular a drone model is, the easier it is to find spare parts. It's important to acknowledge that spare parts will become necessary. Because machinery wears down with use, even a small collision could damage your drone's components.

Choosing a drone with readily available spare parts reduces overall costs and increases your drone's time in the air while minimizing repair shop visits. Consider getting some spare parts along with your drone purchase so you're prepared.

Useful

Found the drone you want but don’t have a drone license?
Read about when you need a drone license and how to get one here.

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Read this article to learn more