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Top 5 photography drones that won’t drain your wallet

Top 5 photography dronesLike any technology that hits the mainstream, drones are changing a variety of industries and applications. One such area is photography. Today, drones allow for previously unattainable views and angles in imagery. As such, UAVs have become an essential tool for anyone with an interest in photography, be it for recreational use or for business endeavors. Whether you’re looking for a drone to help you achieve the best imagery, or you’re planning to integrate aerial photography into your business, finding the right drone is an important first step. The truth is that there are a number of good quality photography UAVs out there. The key to narrowing your focus is to define your specific needs and proceed from that point. The list below can help you make an informed decision as to which drone will best meet your photography needs. With that in mind, read on to discover the top 5 photography drones that won't drain your wallet.  

DJI Mavic

Though many drones packaged for aerial photography have released to market, none have dominated the field. That was until the DJI Mavic launched in the fall of 2016. This professional-grade aerial photography drone has taken the world by storm. DJI’s Mavic boasts an extremely high level of sophistication and complexity packed into a powerful and portable package. The Mavic’s main features include its 12MP resolution camera, 4K video resolution at 30 FPS, obstacle avoidance, and a sport mode that takes the drones’ top speed to 40 mph, or 65 kph. Other highlights include precise positioning through GPS and GLONASS, strong battery life, and a folding design that makes the DJI Mavic ultra portable. The Mavic has a maximum flight time of 27 minutes and is available in three options; a Base Model, Starter Bundle or a Deluxe Bundle. With kits starting at just under $1,000, the Mavic won't drain your wallet. Whichever bundle you opt for the DJI Mavic is certainly a great investment for anyone interested in photography. In addition, DJI has an industry- leading ecosystem of apps and accessories such as extra batteries and propellers, as well as commercial opportunities.  

DJI Phantom 4

Next up in our list of the top 5 best drones for photography is the DJI Phantom 4. DJI is an industry leader in drones and as such it is no surprise that the company’s products top this line up. Released in March 2016, the Phantom 4 features a host of enhancements like improved battery life, a new camera lens, and better obstacle avoidance. In terms of the camera, the Phantom 4 has a resolution of 12MP for photographs and 4K video resolution at 30 FPS, or 1080p at 120 FPS. Other improvements that the Phantom 4 has over its predecessor, the Phantom 3 Professional, are a lighter frame and an improved flying time of 28 minutes. More notable specs include an improved Vision Positioning System, quick-release propellers, and a lighting kit. A little more pricey than the Mavic, Phantom 4 base packages start at $1200.  

Yuneec Typhoon H

Despite DJI’s dominance there are other notable Drone manufacturers when it comes to the best drones for photography. The Yuneec Typhoon H is a case in point. The Yuneec Typhoon H hexacopter boasts a 360° gimbal camera that takes high definition pictures and video in 4 K Ultra HD. Key specifications include a 12.4MP camera resolution and a video resolution of 4K at 30 FPS. The Typhoon H also features a retractable landing gear and is ready to fly out of the box. The Yuneec Typhoon H also boasts a max speed of 43.5 mph (70 km/h) and an Android based controller with an integrated 7-inch display for real-time displays during flight. Base models start at $1200.  

Yuneec Breeze

In many ways the Yuneec Breeze is the perfect solution to most needs for a flying camera, particularly as an entry point into drone photography. The Breeze is controlled through your mobile device and comes with five flight modes that make it easy to pilot. The camera on the Yuneec Breeze has a 13MP image resolution and records video at a resolution of 4K at 30 FPS. The Yuneec Breeze is equipped with the flight mode and Ultra HD capabilities of Yuneec’s pricier models making it a great choice of drone for photography. Its main features include user-friendly flight modes, portability, and a quite sophisticated overall package. And with a price point just below $1,000, the Breeze is also easy on your wallet.  

Parrot AR Drone 2.0

The Parrot AR Drone has been around longer than many drone companies. The updated version of the once prolific RC aerial vehicle shows why many people still love this drone. The updated version boasts a maximum flight time of 12 minutes and a 2MP resolution camera. The Parrot AR Drone 2.0’s video resolution is 720p at 30 FPS and can stream via your smartphone or tablet. This feature allows you to easily share your favorite pictures and videos. This RC aircraft's foam frame makes it ideal for beginners who still desire professional quality results. The drone is easily piloted via a traditional joystick controller or through Parrot’s FreeFlight App. The app displays the drones speed, altitude, battery level, plus the images and video captured by the UAV. At just $250, the Parrot AR Drone is an affordable option.   If you’re looking to buy a drone for aerial photography, your experience and budget will be crucial factors. However, the quality of the drone is also important, and the five above are all a great place to start.

DJI Inspire 2 and Phantom 4 Available for Pre-Order

 INSPIRE 2 Available for Pre-Order

DJI is enhancing the imaging potential of the Inspire 2 by expanding its line of interchangeable Zenmuse cameras, which are designed for aerial imaging and communicate directly with the aircraft’s gimbal and flight controllers. For situations that require a balance between weight and image quality, the new Zenmuse X4S has a 1-inch, 20-megapixel sensor with 11.6 stops of dynamic range and a 24 mm equivalent focal length. The Zenmuse X4S offers aperture control (f2.8-11) and a mechanical shutter that cancels rolling shutter distortion. The new Zenmuse X5S has a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor with 20.8 megapixels and an incredible 12.8 stops of dynamic range. The Zenmuse X5S camera now supports 8 lenses from wide angles to zooms. It shoots 20fps continuous burst DNG RAW (20.8 MP). In the future, a handheld mount will be available for the Zenmuse X4S and X5S cameras, bringing those cameras down to the ground for more flexible filmmaking.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The U.S. retail price of the Inspire 2 aircraft is $2,999. The Inspire 2 Combo, which includes one Inspire 2 aircraft, one Zenmuse X5S, CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes License Key, is available for $6,198. Customers who order the Inspire 2 Combo before January 1, 2017 can enjoy a special price of $5,999. Inspire 2 and its accessories will be immediately available for pre-order here. Inspire 2 Combo will start shipping in early December 2016 while customers who purchase the aircraft and camera separately can expect their orders to start shipping in early January 2017.

PHANTOM 4

Phantom 4 Pro offers a powerful imaging system for professional photo and video creators as well as non-professionals who demand excellence from the camera and platform they use to pursue their creative visions. The camera now packs a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor, and almost 12 stops of dynamic range bring out levels of detail and low-light performance unprecedented in a flying camera of this size. Its mechanical shutter eliminates rolling shutter distortion in fast-moving scenes. Phantom 4 Pro can capture slow-motion 4K video up to 60 fps at a maximum bitrate of 100 mbps. In addition, the Phantom 4 Pro offers H.265 video compression, which substantially improves video quality at the same bitrate.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Phantom 4 Pro’s U.S. retail price is $1,499 with a standard controller. The Phantom 4 Pro+, which includes a Phantom 4 Pro aircraft, and a high luminance display remote controller, will be available at $1,799. Phantom 4 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro+ are immediately available for pre-order here. These products will begin shipping one week after launch.