DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone
Max flight time: 31 mins
Flight speed: 72 kph
Flight Weight: 0.907 kg
Camera: 4K UHD resolution
DJI Mavic 2 with 2x Optical Zoom
Max flight time: 30 mins
Gimbal: 3-axis gimbal technology
Flight Weight: 0.905 kg
Camera: 48 MP
Drones for Photographers / Filmmakers
For anyone obsessive about image quality, such as professional photographers, the camera specs are the most important consideration. Look for a high bitrate (Mbps) and frames per second (fps). A 4k drone camera with a 100mbps bitrate and 60fps will give you crystal clear pictures and smooth footage.
Recommended drones for photographers and filmmakers
DJI Mavic Mini Fly Combo
Max flight time: 30 mins
Flight range: 4 km
Flight Weight: 0.250 kg
Camera: 12 MP
Video: 2.7K UHD
DJI Mavic Mini
Max flight time: 30 mins
Flight range: 4 km
Flight Weight: 0.250 kg
Camera: 12 MP
Video: 2.7K UHD
Budget
Drones range from entry-level to high-end ones with all the bells and whistles. Consider what features you really need before splashing out your cash.
Usage
Think about what you’ll need your drone for. An entry-level drone will do for recreation, but you’ll need a drone capable of flying fast and long distances to film sports such as car racing.
Portability
Entry-level drones are smaller and lighter, making them easy to carry around. Higher grade drones are heavier – something to take into consideration if you’re travelling on foot.
Battery Life
Consider how long your drone can fly before needing a recharge. If you’re flying for commercial reasons, you’ll need one with a decent battery life. Always have an extra battery or two on hand.
Ease of Use
Some drones have an easy start feature to make launches simple. Drones with a ‘return to home’ button are also great for beginners as it flies back to you automatically using GPS.
Spare Parts
If you’re new to drone flying, rough landings and crashes are inevitable. Look for drones that have readily available and cheap spare parts, including propellers.
What does FPV stand for?
FPV means First Person View. FPV drones provide a live view of the flight on a mobile device or other controller. But you can take the experience to a whole new level with FPV goggles or a headset, which makes you feel like you’re sitting in the cockpit!
What’s a ‘Follow Me’ drone?
Many drones have a ‘Follow Me’ mode, which enables them to automatically follow you around using either GPS-enabled devices such as a mobile phone, or recognition technology. This allows you to capture great selfies and film your adventures from a vantage point. If you’re sporty, it’s also a great way to capture your performance so you can view and improve your technique.
What’s a gimbal?
A gimbal is a little tool that uses motors and sensors to react to any sudden motion such as tilting or pitching, keeping the camera stable and ensuring smooth footage. Higher end camera drones come with either a 2-axis or 3-axis gimbal. While the 2-axis gimbal is suitable for most purposes, the 3-axis gimbal provides the best stability, making it the ideal choice for professional-level footage.
What’s a quadcopter?
This is a drone with 4 rotors or propellers on a horizontal plane. You may also come across hexicopters, which have 6 rotors, and octocopters, which have 8.
Can I control the drone using gestures?
Most drones are controlled through devices such as your mobile phone, but there are intelligent drones that have a gesture function, enabling you to control them simply by moving your hands. These drones take off from your palm, then respond to your hand gestures while in flight. It takes some practice to master this!
Do I need a license to fly a drone?
- If you’re flying for fun (recreation), you do not need a drone licence.
- If you intend to earn money by flying your drone, you're usually required to hold a remote pilot licence (RePL) or or remotely piloted aircraft operator's certificate (ReOC).
- If your drone weighs less than 2kg, you can fly it for or at work (commercially) but there are extra rules you must follow.
- Any drone flown for commercial reasons will soon need to be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
- In the future, all drones over 250g flown for fun (recreationally) will also have to be registered.
- For more information, please visit: Know Your Drone.
Where can I fly my drone?
There’s a free app to make it easy for you to see where you can and can’t fly your drone. The ‘OpenSky’ app is available on Android and iOS, and is invaluable in helping you identify no-drone zones. In addition, there are three new approved apps being added to the CASA website. For the latest CASA-verified drone safety apps to find out where they can and can’t fly visit: Drone Safety Apps .