Our Top Picks
Drones have been a popular gadget ever since their introduction. Nowadays, you’ll find these in the hands of photographers and videographers, both amateur and professional. It allows them to get stunning shots from different angles that would not have been possible with regular cameras.
Drones have become super simple to fly, manage and take your desired shots. The unique perspectives and breathtaking footage that these drones provide are something to applaud. However, the camera technology in drones has come a long way – better sensors, better video resolutions, improved stabilization, etc., paired with smart flight controls.
Lets’ get into the top 5 drones that will rule 2022!
1. DJI Air 2S
The DJI’s new drone comes with a high-quality camera in a compact frame. They have managed to stick a 1-inch sensor in the DJI Air 2S, which helps provide a noteworthy improvement in image quality and dynamic range compared to the other drones on the market.
This drone model is much more compact than the previous and other drones out there. It fits an awful lot in just a slim frame. It has swiftly incorporated Active Track and avoidance sensors, allowing the drone more nuanced control.
Features
- 595 grams
- 31 minutes battery life
- 20MP
- Comes with a controller
- 4K video resolution
- 68kph/42mph max speed
Pros
- 4K video, HDR
- Portable
- 1-inch sensor
- An improved A.I.
Cons
- Pricey
- The App can be slightly confusing
- There are no side sensors
2. DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Cine
The DJI Mavic 3 is an advanced machine that can lift both a 24mm EFL main camera and a secondary camera which helps in providing a ‘hybrid zoom.’ Although some might find it a little too complex, the 20-megapixel camera is amazing, bringing professional features such as aperture, exposure, and adjustable ISO.
It can hover for up to 45 minutes. The folding form factor is old-fashioned but is more portable than most and has a price set for true professionals. This line is for experts who require ProRes 422 HQ format video that can hold up to 1 TB SSD to store compressed video.
Features
- 895 grams
- 46 minutes battery life
- 20 MP + 12 MP
- Comes with a controller
- 1k video resolution
- 68kph/422.5mph
Pros
- Dual camera system for zoom and wide
- A great 60fps live video feedback
- The main camera has a 4/34ds sensor
Cons
- A normal looking telephoto
3. Autel EVO II
Compared to Mavic 2, Autel EVO II offers a range of different cameras – although both are built around a heavy, rugged-looking orange airframe that offers practicality for the user and is consumer-friendly. The Autel EVO II is slightly thicker than the Mavic and can fly longer.
It has omnidirectional collision sensors, which it uses in normal flights. Available in 8K video – this will be more than enough for experts.
Features
- 117 grams
- 40 minutes battery life
- 48MP camera resolution
- 72kph/44mph
- 8K video resolution
Pros
- Omnidirectional sensors
- 48-megapixel camera
- 8K video quality
Cons
- 8K shooting is limited to 25fps
4. PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard/Basic
It is known as the best waterproof and A.I. camera drone. It can be used as a drone, a hand-held or tripod-mounted camcorder, using the gimbal for stability and A.I. for subject tracking. In addition, the ‘Wizard kit is a beach-ready drone that can land on water or fly in the rain.
The 4K camera doesn’t come with a bigger sensor. However, it can be 60fps, double the frame rate of the DJI phantom. The waterproof model comes with two attachments that take a while and cover the tracking sensors.
Features
- 860 grams
- 30 minutes battery life
- 12 M.P. camera resolution
- 6km / 3.7mi
- 4K video resolution
- 65kph/40mph
Pros
- Waterproof and water landing mode
- Audio-sync recording option
- Camcorder mode is a great option to have in a drone
Cons
- There is no record button given in the camcorder mode
- Small image sensor
5. Parrot Anafi FPV
The Parrot Anafi FPV is a great foldable drone best for travel. It is user-friendly, and thanks to its automatic take-off, landing, GPS-based return-to-home, and exceptionally well-built folding controller that comes with a hinged phone-grip, it is all the easier to operate. It has one of the best frames in the market.
Features
- 310 grams
- 25 minutes battery life
- 21MP camera resolution
- 55kph/ 35mph
- 4K video resolution
Pros
- Very portable
- 180 vertical-turn gimbal and zoom
- 4K @ 100Mbps with HDR
Cons
- It slows only 2-axis control
- Some features are only in-app purchases
Take Your Pick
When purchasing a camera drone, one should always look for the following: GPS, controller, camera and gimbal, battery life, the App, and the overall bundle. These play an important part in determining what the drone is like and what use you’ll get out of it.
Now that you have the top camera drone in 2022 – what’s your pick?