Setting up a perfect shot takes more than quality equipment. But having the right tools always makes the job easier, right?
The drone market has no shortage of products for filming captivating moments. And if you want to take your storytelling to the next level - a drone is the perfect solution.
Here's our round up of the best drones for vlogging and why you should consider them.
1. DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro - Best Overall
When you’re out and about, looking for ideal drone photography and recording spots, you may need an accessible and versatile piece of gear. Let us introduce you to DJI Mini 3 Pro.
If you need a drone that makes it easy to record stories, TikToks, and quickly switch to cinematic shots, look no further. The DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro has the whole package.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 249 g (0.55 lbs) |
Dimensions | 145 x 90 x 62 mm (Folded) 171 x 245 x 62 mm (Unfolded) |
Sensor | 1/1.3” CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 48 MP |
Video Resolution | 4K (60 fps), 2.7K (60 fps) 1080p (120 fps) |
Max Range | 12 km (7.5 miles) |
Max Speed | 58 km/h (36 mph) |
Battery | 2453 mAh (Standard Edition), 3850 mAh (Flight Plus) |
Flight Time | Up to 31 minutes (Standard Edition), Up to 47 minutes (Flight Plus) |
Why is Mavic Mini 3 Pro an excellent choice for vloggers?
First off, it’s small, light, and has a sleek foldable design. So portable that you can fit the drone in one pocket, the remote in another, and be on your way.
The Mavic 3 Pro doesn’t have the highest specs in the industry. And it’s not supposed to. High-quality videos help when creating engaging vlogs and captivating reels. But you don’t need a Hollywood-level camera.
Mavic Pro 3 strikes the perfect ground for bloggers for several reasons. First, this drone falls in the sub 250 g weight category, so it doesn’t require registration or licenses. Instead of waiting for any legal procedures and certificates, you can get to work straight away. However, if you choose the Flight Plus battery - which is noticeably heavier than the standard one - the Mini 3 Pro will weigh above the registration threshold.
Much like the battery, you can also opt for an improved controller. For example, Mini 3 Pro’s default controller is just like the ones we’ve seen with the Air 2S. A handheld joystick where you place and connect your phone. But you can also get a dedicated controller with a built-in screen if you don’t want to rely on your phone’s battery.
Compared to its predecessor - the Mini 2 - the Mini 3 Pro comes with a bigger sensor and a higher-spec camera. The Mini 2 had a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, whereas the Mini 3 Pro has 1/1.3”. It also comes with a 48 MP camera for taking still photos, compared to the Mini 2’s 12 MP camera.
The Mini 3 Pro supports dual ISO, providing a high dynamic range. This means you can export full HDR footage and take care of those nasty crushed shadows and blown-out highlights easier.
While this drone supports 60 fps video recording in 4K and 2.7K, should you like to double the frame rate and take it up to 120, you can. The only trade-off is the quality, as you’d have to settle for 1080p recordings - which is still great quality for today's standard.
To back it up, the Mini 3 Pro allows you to shoot vertical videos without any trouble, making it one of the best vlogging drones currently available. The gimble rotates up to 90 degrees, letting you quickly change between vertical and standard wide shots. Cropping horizontal video footage isn’t a daunting task, but why take the extra steps when you don’t have to?
Regarding maximum transmission ranges - make no mistake, 7,5 miles is a lot. But you only get that range if there’s a clear line of sight between you and the drone. Any obstacles from the environment can hinder the transmission and give you reduced range. This is true for every drone out there. Now, what are some drawbacks to the Mini 3 Pro?
The main one we’d mention is that there’s no 10-bit color depth. This drone only supports 8-bit color depth. Additionally, while the Mini 3 Pro’s sensor is nearly twice as big as the Mini 2, it still isn’t huge. In other words, you can’t use the Mini Pro 3 for ultra-high budget productions. Although, it serves all vlogging purposes incredibly well.
2. DJI Mini 2 - Best Value For Money
We’ve compared the Mini 2 to the Mini 3 Pro in our previous segment. That’s necessary, given that both models arrive from the same series.
Yet even though the Mini 3 Pro outshines the Mini 2 with its specifications and capabilities, don’t count this contender out just yet. Let’s see why the DJI Mini 2 is still a quality vlogging drone.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 249 g (0.55 lbs) |
Dimensions | 138 x 81 x 58 mm (Folded), 159 x 203 x 56 mm (Unfolded) |
Sensor | 1/2.3” CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 12 MP |
Video Resolution | 4K (30 fps), 2.7K (30 fps), 1080p (60 fps) |
Max Range | 10 km (6.2 miles) |
Max Speed | 56 km/h (35 mph) |
Battery | 5200 mAh |
Flight Time | Up to 31 minutes |
The Mini 2 and the Mini 3 Pro have two things in common - size and weight. Both drones come just under 250 g, throwing away the need for registration and other legal hassles. They’re also similar in size, though the Mini 2 is slightly smaller than the latter. If you can put the Mini 3 Pro in your pocket with no trouble, expect the same with the Mini 2.
DJI’s Mini 2 is a noticeable step up from the original DJI Mini. It has improved wind resistance and obstacle detection. DJI has also improved the overall drone technology and propeller design, making the Mini 2 quieter.
This drone features a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor with 4K video quality. However, you can only record 4K videos in 30fps, and that’s where we see the first big difference with the Mini 3 Pro. The same goes for 2.7K videos. The Mini 2 does provide 60 fps recording in 1080p, though. DJI’s Mini 3 Pro, Air 2, and Air 2S all outperform the Mini 2 in this regard.
The same goes for still images. DJI’s Mini 2 is equipped with a 12MP camera for capturing stills. That’s not huge, especially considering the difference between a 12MP photo camera and a drone-mounted one. So you’ll hardly rely on the Mini 2 for capturing stills of breathtaking vistas.
This drone’s transmission range goes up to 6.2 miles, giving you lots of room to play around with. But again, as with all drones, it supposes a clear line of sight and no environmental obstructions.
As for speed, you can fly the Mini 2 up to a comfortable 35 mph. That’s only marginally slower than Mini 3 Pro’s 36 mph. Flight times between these two drones are also identical, providing up to 31 minutes of up-time. However, unlike the Mini 3 Pro, the Mini 2 doesn’t have the Flight Plus battery option.
Mini 2’s uses the same controller as the DJI Mavic Air 2; it connects to your phone. But that’s the only controller option; you can’t pick up a dedicated controller with a screen.
Our Mini 2 review isn’t supposed to be negative. While our comparisons to other DJI drones might draw attention to Mini 2’s drawbacks, let’s focus on why it’s on this list: the price.
Yes, this drone gives excellent value for money. It’s one of the safest investments you can make, especially when starting. The DJI Mini 3 Pro can set you back anywhere between $750 to $1000, depending on the package, addons, etc. The Air 2S’ pricing starts at $999. And the Mini 2? Around $450.
For $450, you can get a drone with nearly identical performance to the Mini 3 Pro in some areas. And if you’re interested in the Fly More combo, it’s $599.
This drone isn’t flashy and doesn’t have slow-mo or hyperlapse features. But if you have a set budget and want to get the most bang for your buck in this price range, the Mini 2 will be your top choice.
The Mini 2 was our pick for the best budget-friendly drone. That doesn’t mean “cheap,” Instead, we'll help you maximize gain within an affordable price range.
With Holy Stone, we’re looking at a low-end, but decent drone; hence the “budget option” category. And for this category, we’ve chosen Holy Stone’s HS720E model.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 495 g (1.09 lbs) |
Dimensions | 337 x 241 x 58 mm |
Sensor | Sony Sensor |
Photo Resolution | 4K |
Video Resolution | 4K (30 fps), 1080p (60 fps) |
Max Range | 990 m (0.62 miles) |
Max Speed | Unknown |
Battery | 2 x 2800 mAh (Featured in the Fly More kit) |
Flight Time | Up to 23 minutes per battery |
You may have noticed one aspect of this drone sticking out - its weight. Although a budget option, this drone weighs nearly two times the minimum registration criteria. If you want to use this drone, you’ll have to register it as per FAA’s Part 107 Regulations.
In line with the weight, the HS720E is also noticeably bigger than the Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2. It’s not exactly a “pocket-friendly” drone.
This drone features a 4K EIS (Anti-Shake) camera with a Sony sensor. EIS stands for Electric Image Stabilization, referring to technology that helps with video stabilization and blur reduction.
With drones in this price range, you’ll seldom find in-depth information on components and specifications. The HS720E is no exception. For example, we don’t know the maximum speed that this drone can reach, and such a thing is difficult to measure accurately.
HS720E’s camera can capture stills and video recordings in 4K and 30 fps. It also supports 60 fps video recordings in 1080p. You get what you pay for, right?
This model’s maximum range also doesn’t come close to our previous contenders, as it’s a different playing field. The HS720E can go up to 0.62 miles, which doesn’t seem much compared to the 7+ miles of higher-tiered drones. But that’s still a respectable distance to fly around in. Remember, this is a budget drone.
As for the pros, this model has two primary advantages. One is, of course, the pricing. You can often grab the HS720E for less than $300. And if you choose the Fly More package, you receive extra batteries. Each battery can last up to 23 minutes. So if you don’t mind quickly changing them out, you can get upwards of 40 minutes of air time with this drone.
To sum up - there are cheaper drones than the Holy Stone, but at a certain point, you're wasting money on unreliable gear.
4. DJI Mavic Air 2S
Wrapping up our top 3 drones for vlogging, let’s continue to several other options you want to consider.
Our next entry is a step-up from the previous three. It’s dedicated to experienced bloggers looking for something more robust and powerful. Something that will help you take your production to the next level - without being overkill. With that in mind, here’s a look at the DJI Mavic Air 2S.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 595 g (1.3 lbs) |
Dimensions | 180 x 97 x 77 mm (Folded), 183 x 253 x 77 mm (Unfolded) |
Sensor | 1” CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 20 MP |
Video Resolution | 5.4K (30 fps), 4K (60 fps), 2.7K (60 fps), 1080p (120 fps) |
Max Range | 18.5 km (11.4 miles) |
Max Speed | 67 km/h (42 mph) |
Battery | 3750 mAh |
Flight Time | Up to 31 minutes |
Right off the bat: yes, this is another drone that requires registration, according to FAA’s Part 107 Regulations. Although heavier than the Holy Stone HS720E, the Air 2S is more compact. Not to mention far more versatile.
So, what do you get for the starting price of $999?
First, something that neither of our previous contenders had is the ability to record in 5.4K. DJI’s Mavic Air 2S lets you record 5K videos in 30 fps, 4K and 2K videos in 60 fps, and 120 fps in 1080p video quality.
The Air 2S has a 20 MP drone camera - in other words, lower than the Mini 3 Pro. But the bigger sensor makes up for it with an even greater dynamic range. Despite the Mini 3 Pro’s dual ISO, the Air 2S features D-logging. So the lower megapixel count doesn’t hurt your shots as you’d expect.
Next, we reach the point where the Air 2S starts to shine - transmission range and speed. The Mini 3 Pro can hold its signal up to 7.5 miles; the Mini 2 - 6.3 miles. The Air 2S outshines both of them with a staggering 11.4-mile transmission range!
Granted, the occasions where you’d use this to its full extent are rare and few in between. That’s why we put a small disclaimer at the beginning.
The Air 2S’ speed is equally impressive, reaching up to 42 mph. The Mini 3 Pro and Mini 2 max out at around 35 mph.
As with the original Air 2, the Air 2S features Focus Track - DJI’s toolkit for creating captivating shots and reels. This kit features things like Active Track, Point of Interest, Spotlight, etc. This drone also supports hyperlapses and mastershots, and other amazing features; giving you access to highly cinematic shots.
Perhaps you’d like to take the Air 2S on the road and into some extreme weather. By default, most mid and upper-range drones can work up to zero degrees. But if you keep your recording sessions short and the batteries warm, the Air 2S can also withstand sub-zero temperatures.
Couple that with an incredible transmission range and advanced obstacle avoidance features, and you have a powerful drone to take into the wild.
5. Autel EVO Nano+
Autel is another huge name in the drone world, and we had to include at least one of their models on this list.
Their EVO series is as popular as DJI’s Mavic line. The EVO II models have received lots of positive feedback, and the Nano+ often gets compared to the Mini 3 Pro. Let’s see why that is and why you might consider this drone over the Mini 3 Pro.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 249 g (0.55 lbs) |
Dimensions | 142 x 94 x 55 mm (Folded), 260 x 325 x 55 mm (Unfolded) |
Sensor | 1/1.28” CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 50 MP |
Video Resolution | 4K (30 fps), 2.7K (30 fps), 1080p (60 fps) |
Max Range | 9.9 km (6.2 miles) |
Max Speed | 54 km/h (33.5 mph) |
Battery | 2250 mAh |
Flight Time | Up to 28 minutes |
The Mini 3 Pro and the EVO Nano+ fall within the sub-250 g weight class, so they don’t require registration or certificates. Drone regulations will become more strict by the end of 2023, and having something this light will become an even more significant advantage.
The Nano+ shares one of Mini 3 Pro’s desirable features that bloggers look for - a vertical shooting mode. But there’s a difference in the results that we have to talk about. First off, the Nano+ has a 50 MP camera, compared to the Mini 3 Pro’s 48 MP. In many cases, you’d consider this difference negligible. But the Nano+ falls short in framerate, as it can only record 4K in 30 fps. Conversely, the Mini 3 Pro can record 4K in 60 fps, so it takes the win. Note that while the drone is on the ground, it will only record in 720p. If not airborne, the Nano+ works in a “low power” mode, restricting high-resolution recordings.
The Nano+ provides excellent and clear image quality, even in low-light conditions. Some argue that it outperforms the Mini 3 Pro in this regard, but it depends on what you prefer. You may not like how sharp the Nano+ recordings end up or the contrast of the Mini 3 Pro.
DJI’s Mini 3 Pro also has a further extended transmission range and higher max speed, although the Nano+ cuts pretty close. You can choose between three modes - Smooth, Standard, and Sport - depending on the kind of shot you’re looking for. As expected, the Smooth option reduces the speed of all moving parts, enabling you to record more stable shots.
There’s one advantage to the Nano+ that can make or break your decision: geofencing, or lack thereof.
Geofencing helps flyers keep away from restricted or uncontrolled areas and avoid nearby aircraft. Drones featuring geofencing will automatically prevent collisions and keep you from entering these areas due to legal or other reasons. DJI drones have geofencing, while the Nano+ doesn’t. But that can be a good thing. If you happen to live near an airport, controlled or uncontrolled, you’ll face many flying problems. So a lightweight drone with no geofencing could be just what you’re looking for.
6. Autel EVO II Pro
It was a close call between this model and the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V.20. The DJI Mavic 2 was also a strong contender. Autel’s EVO II Pro has gained lots of traction and positive feedback, and we'll explain why it's a better drone for vlogging.
This model is often compared to the Mavic 3, but we’ve already provided plenty of DJI options. So let’s look at another outstanding by Autel.
Specifications
Key Specs | |
Weight | 1.17 kg (2.6 lbs) |
Dimensions | 114 x 109 x 228 mm |
Sensor | 1” CMOS |
Photo Resolution | 20 MP |
Video Resolution | 6K (30 fps), 4K (60 fps), 2.7K (120 fps), 1080p (120 fps) |
Max Range | 8.8 km (5.5 miles) |
Max Speed | 71 km/h (44.7 mph) |
Battery | 7100 mAh |
Flight Time | Up to 40 minutes |
The EVO II Pro is a heavy piece of equipment for vlogging. It’s not that light nor portable compared to the Mini 3 Pro or the Mini 2. But that weight also carries several benefits that we’ll look into.
This drone is the only one on this list that officially supports 6K video quality. But we’ve also had the Air 2S that records in 5.4K 30 fps. The actual difference isn’t as massive when you consider the exact camera resolution. The Air 2S’ 5.4K resolution is 5472 x 3978, while the EVO II’s 6K resolution is 5472 x 3976. Does the extra resolution make videos easier to edit? Yes. But the difference in resolution shouldn’t be the deciding factor here. Both drones can provide crazy-high quality shots. Look up a few YouTube videos and see for yourself.
What you should consider instead are the recorded images. The Air 2S has a slightly higher FOV than the EVO II: 88 and 82 degrees respectively. Both drones feature 1” CMOS sensors and 20 MP camera resolution. However, the EVO II has brighter colors and sharper images, like the EVO Nano+. Conversely, the Air 2S has cooler colors and not as many details on average.
One key point of difference with the cameras is that the EVO II has a variable aperture, whereas the Air 2S is fixed. This gives you more versatility and better performance in low-light environments.
The Air 2S wins in maximum flight range, but the EVO II Pro has a higher flight speed and a longer flying time. This is a heavy drone with a heavy battery, and it brings results (not to mention “street cred”).
The EVO II Pro also features more sensors for collision avoidance than any other drone on this list. It has twelve onboard sensors, two on each side of the drone. Side sensors are advantageous since that’s the most common blind spot.
As for the advanced recording features, this drone has the Follow Me option, waypoint settings, hyperlapse, and orbit.
Like we’ve seen with the EVO Nano+, the EVO II Pro also doesn’t have geofencing, which means that you take complete control and responsibility for the drone. Some flyers find this easier to work with.
The remote controller has a simple design, an antenna and a place to hold your phone. But it also features a small LCD screen that helps with several settings.
All this weight and capacity comes at a cost, though. This is by no means a beginner drone, and an EVO II can set you back upwards of $2000. Despite that, it's in high demand.
You’d need at least several months to a few years of experience in flying and recording to get the most out of it. If that doesn’t sound like you, that’s okay! Take a look at the other drones on this list; they’re far more beginner-friendly.
Best Drones For Vlogging - Summary
Flying drones is more than a hobby - it's a form of storytelling. And there's no single best drone that's going to do all the work for you. The DJI Mini 3 Pro has the best overall specs and quality of life features that will get you where you need to go. But if you have a high budget, then the EVO II is more suitable due to its features and camera quality.
Last update on 2023-03-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API This article contains affiliate links which for which the owner of the site may receive a commision.
