A camera drone is a fun way to explore a new style of photography and video production: aerial imaging. Taking photos and making movies from high up in the air or flying a small drone through tight spaces nets a very different look than using a smartphone or handheld camera for recording.
We review all kinds of consumer drones, but the ones on this list are specifically suitable for beginners. Read on for our top picks, followed by what to look for when shopping for a starter drone.
What Is the Best Drone to Buy for a Beginner?
Drones are pretty complicated pieces of hardware. They rely on GPS stabilization and other flight assists to hover perfectly in place, as well as use radio transmitters to keep a connection between the aircraft and its remote control. They usually require a smartphone to work, too; you typically connect your phone to the drone's remote control to run a flight app and control the camera. If you're willing to spend more, you can get one with a remote that runs the control app on a touch screen.
DJI Mini 2 SE (Credit: Jim Fisher)We recommend you stick to a quality brand to get started—we've included models from Autel and DJI, and they are both trustworthy brands. We've had bad luck with some of the lesser-known budget models you see for sale online, so we don't recommend that you spend money on shoddy starters like the Holy Stone HS360.
It's worth it to spend a little more on a drone with a better camera, one that supports higher-than-1080p video and sits on a three-axis gimbal for stabilization. You should also pick a drone with an integrated GPS and a return-to-home system. Finally, if you can afford to spend a bit, an upscale model with obstacle avoidance sensors helps you avoid accidents while you learn to fly.
The Best Drones That Don't Require FAA Registration
Pilots who fly in the US, even for fun, need to register certain drones with the FAA. If you plan on flying outside, and your drone weighs 250g (8.8 ounces) or more, you need to pay a $5 registration fee to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Moreover, you must pass the Trust test, a basic online knowledge quiz. For more, read up on the rules for flying drones in the US.
How Much Does a Beginner Drone Cost?
For quality video, we recommend you budget between $350 and $1,000. On the low end of the price spectrum, the Mini 2 SE ($339) records 2.7K30 video and snaps 12MP stills. The older DJI Mini 2 ($450) ups the video resolution to 4K but is otherwise the same as the Mini 2 SE. Between the two, we recommend the 2 SE because for close to $500, you might as well upgrade to the Mini 3 ($560). That model offers HDR video, a vertical video mode, and a 38-minute battery.
DJI Mini 4 Pro (Credit: Jim Fisher)On the high end, the DJI Mini 4 Pro ($759 with a remote) features obstacle avoidance sensors and a better camera than the basic Mini 2 or Mini 3. All of the Mini series drones make a 249g weight to sidestep registration requirements, too.
The Best Drones for Pros
If you're looking for a drone that's a bit better than beginner, make sure to check out our list of the best drones you can buy regardless of skill level. Just prepare to spend a lot more.