Camera drones have revolutionised the way we capture photos and videos. Advanced technology and cutting-edge features on camera drones have made it possible for anyone to capture stunning aerial footage that was once only possible for professional filmmakers and photographers.
In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most popular camera drones available today, touching on their features, specifications and capabilities. We will cover a range of drones from different manufacturers and at different price points, including entry-level drones for beginners, mid-range drones for enthusiasts, and high-end drones for professionals.
Whether you are a hobbyist who wants to capture beautiful aerial footage, a property agent looking to showcase a property, or a filmmaker searching for a new dimension to your work, there is a camera drone out there for you.
Here are some of the most popular and capable camera drones on the market today.
1. DJI Tello
The DJI Tello is a small and lightweight drone designed for beginners and young pilots. Weighing just 80 grams, the Tello is easy to manoeuver and can be flown indoors or outdoors. It features a 5-megapixel camera capable of capturing 720p HD video, and has a flight time of up to 13 minutes. The Tello can be controlled using a smartphone app, and also has programmable features that allow you to customise your flight experience.
- Weight: 80 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 13 minutes
- Camera: 5-megapixel camera capable of 720p HD video
- Range: 100 meters
- Max Speed: 8 m/s
Buy now from S$149 on Lazada Shopee
2. DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is a compact and powerful drone that packs a lot of features into its small size. Weighing only 249 grams, the Mini 2 can fly for up to 31 minutes and has a range of up to 10 kilometres. It features a 12-megapixel camera capable of capturing 4K/30fps video and can reach speeds of up to 16 meters per second. The Mini 2 also includes intelligent features such as QuickShots and ActiveTrack, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a portable drone that can produce professional-quality footage.
- Weight: 249 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
- Camera: 12-megapixel camera capable of 4K/30fps video
- Range: 10 km
- Max Speed: 16 m/s
Buy now from S$400 on Shopee
3. BetaFPV Cetus Pro
FPV (First Person View) drones can be terrifying to use but also give you terrifyingly good footage and an unforgettable experience. Before you spend thousands on a DJI FPV drone, get a BetaFPV Cetus Pro to get a hang of the controls and develop your FPV flying skills. Built to be virtually indestructible with all-round propeller cages and propeller guards underneath, this drone will take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’. A controller and goggles are included for this low price so it’s very hard to say ‘no’.
- Weight: 46 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 7 minutes
- Camera: 12-megapixel camera capable of 4K/30fps video
- Range: 80 m
- Max Speed: 16 m/s
Buy now from S$305 on Lazada
4. DJI Mini 2 SE
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a more affordable version of the popular Mini 2 drone. It features a similar compact design, weighing 249 grams, and can fly for up to 30 minutes with a range of 6 kilometres. The camera is a 12-megapixel sensor capable of recording 2.7K/30fps video. The Mini 2 SE also has GPS and downward vision sensors for improved stability and control.
- Weight: 249 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes
- Camera: 12-megapixel camera capable of 2.7K/30fps video
- Range: 10 km
- Max Speed: 14 m/s
Buy now from S$499 on Lazada Shopee
5. Autel Robotics EVO NANO+
The Autel Robotics EVO NANO+ is a small and portable drone that packs a lot of features into its compact size. It has a 4K camera with a 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 4K/60fps video and 20-megapixel photos. The drone has obstacle avoidance sensors on all sides, making it easy to fly and manoeuver even in tight spaces. It also includes intelligent features such as QuickShots and ActiveTrack, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a portable drone that can produce professional-quality footage.
- Weight: 249 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 28 minutes
- Camera: 50-megapixel camera capable of 4K/60fps video
- Range: 6 km
- Max Speed: 15 m/s
Buy now from S$1,044 on Lazada
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6. DJI Avata
The DJI Avata gives you one of the most immersive FPV experiences of any drone on the market today. This agile palm-sized model has an inbuilt propeller guard so it simply bounces back from accidental contact and keeps flying. Its design allows the AvAta to squeeze into the smallest spaces safely, capture the footage it needs and return to you unscathed.
- Weight: 410 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 18 minutes
- Camera: 48-megapixel camera capable of 4K@30/50/60fps
- Range: 10 km
- Max Speed: 27 m/s
Buy now from S$1,399 on Lazada Shopee
7. DJI Mini 3
The DJI Mini 3 is a compact, ultra-lightweight camera drone featuring an extended battery life, stunning 4K HDR, and True Vertical Shooting 12. This drone has a gimbal tilted at a large angle, camera supporting vertical mode, 3-directional obstacle avoidance, ActiveTrack Mode, O3 transmission system, and a new remote controller with built-in screen. It combines powerful imaging performance with intelligent features, allowing even beginners to create cinematic footage effortlessly.
- Weight: 248 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 51 minutes
- Camera: 12MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera capable of 4K@30fps
- Range: 10km
- Max Speed: 16 m/s
Buy now from S$799 on Lazada Shopee
8. DJI Mini 3 Pro
The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone is the upgraded version of the DJI Mini 3 and designed for those who value image and video quality above other factors. The 48MP camera can capture images in much greater detail at 60fps. It can also fly further with its 12km transmission range. However, the tradeoff is a slightly decreased flying time of 47 minutes (which is still huge!) compared to the DJI Mini 3’s 51 minutes.
- Weight: 249 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 47 minutes
- Camera: 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS camera capable of 4K@60fps
- Range: 12 km
- Max Speed: 16 m/s
Buy now from S$1,099 on Lazada Shopee
9. DJI Mavic 3 Pro
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is a high-end drone designed for professional photographers and filmmakers. It has a Hasselblad camera with a 4/3 CMOS sensor, capable of capturing video at an astounding 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps. The Mavic 3 Pro can fly for up to 43minutes at a time for incredible recording opportunities, especially when coupled with its 15 km range. It also includes advanced features such as Hyperlapse and ActiveTrack, making it a versatile tool for anyone looking to capture stunning aerial footage.
- Weight: 958 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 43 minutes
- Camera: Hasselblad camera capable of 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps
- Range: 15 km
- Max Speed: 20 m/s
Buy now from S$2,999 on Lazada
10. DJI Air 2S
The DJI Air 2S is widely regarded as one of the best all-round drones. It comes packed with 5.4K video for amazing Mavic-level video but in a foldable frame. The 20MP 1-inch sensor will prove more than enough for all your everyday aerial videography. Its low-light capabilities make the Air 2S your all-day companion.
- Weight: 595 grams
- Flight Time: Up to 31 minutes
- Camera: 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, Hasselblad Camera
- Range: 12 km
- Max Speed: 10.5 m/s
Buy now from S$1,479 on Lazada Shopee
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