1 - DJI Air 2S

DJI's new drone combines a pro-quality camera with a compact frame

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 595g

● Dimensions (folded): 180×97×77mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 183×253×77mm

● Controller: Yes

● Video resolution: 5.4K: 5472×3078 @ 24/25/30 HDR

● Camera resolution: 20MP

● Battery life: 31 minutes

● Max Range: 18.5kmMax Speed: 68kph/42mph

PROS

✔ 5.4K Video, HDR

✔ 1-inch sensor

✔ Ever-better AI

✔ Portable

CONS

❌ No side sensors

❌ App can be distracting

❌ Price bump from Air 2

Non-camera devices with cameras on them, such as drones, tend to be held back by having annoyingly small sensors. So congratulations are due to DJI for sticking a 1-inch sensor in the DJI Air 2S, providing a significant upgrade in image quality and dynamic range compared to a lot of other drones on the market. They’ve done it before, with the larger Mavic 2 Pro, but this is – theoretically – a step down the range. We’re not so sure.

The Air 2S is much more compact than that drone, or any other drone with a 1-inch sensor (sit it next to a Phantom 4 for a real comparison). The DJI Intelligence systems are also coming on apace, with Active Track and avoidance sensors giving the drone more nuanced control than ever over its own trajectory. It’s a huge achievement how much fits into this drone’s slim, redesigned chassis.

THE VERDICT

The DJI Air 2S may not be the smallest or cheapest drone, but it is the smallest and cheapest drone to offer a professional grade camera paired with a host of advanced features. For beginners and advanced flyers alike, this is the best drone you can fly right now.

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2 - DJI Mavic 3 / Mavic 3 Cine

The most powerful folding drone money (and plenty of it) can buy

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 895g

● Dimensions (folded): 221x96x90mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 348x283x108mm

● Controller: Yes

● Video resolution: 5.1K:HDR 50fps

● Camera resolution: 20MP + 12 MP

● Battery life: 46 minutes (5000mAh)

● Max Range: 15km / 8 miles

● Max Speed: 68kph/42.5mph

PROS

✔ Dual camera system for zoom and wide

✔ Main camera has 4/34ds sensor

✔ Excellent 60fps live video feedback

CONS

❌ Average looking telephoto

❌ Missing firmware at launch

The Mavic 3 is a powerful machine, capable of lifting both a 24mm EFL main camera and a secondary camera which provides a “hybrid zoom.” This can be a little confusing at first, but it’s best thought of as an excellent 20 megapixel camera which brings the pro (at least in drones) features of adjustable ISO, exposure and, crucially, aperture . The zoom has a notably lower res 12-megapixel half-inch sensor attached at a fixed ƒ/4/4, so Is more of a scouting accessory and surveying tool than an Inspire 2 with the right lens.

Nevertheless, the Mavic 3 will do the job in a lot of situations, and it can do it for much longer too; hovering for up to 45 minutes. Some might see the folding form factor as belonging to consumer territory, but that’s an old-fashioned perspective in the drone world and amongst clients; this is an aerial camera which (while being over most weight limits) is more portable than most and certainly priced for professionals.

The Mavic 3 Cine is a variant exclusively for those requiring ProRes 422 HQ format video which also holds onboard a 1TB SSD to store the uncompressed video it can capture, and ships with a “DJI RC Pro” (controller with built in screen).

THE VERDICT

The DJI Mavic 3 is by far the most accessible way to capture professional aerial quality photos and video. It’s expensive, and somewhat unpolished at launch, but that doesn’t stop it from being the best drone by a wide margin.

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3 - DJI Mini SE

In terms of real cameras, the Mini SE is a flying bargain

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 249g

● Dimensions (folded): 180×97×84mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 159 x 203 x 56mm

● Controller: Yes

● Video resolution: 4K 30fps (1080P@60fps)

● Camera resolution: 12MP

● Battery life: 30 minutes

● Max Range: 3.5km / 2.17mi

● Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph

PROS

✔ Side-steps registration fees

✔ GPS and Altitude Hold

✔ Mini SE (slightly) better in wind than predecessor

CONS

❌ JPEG stills only

❌ No forward collision sensors

The best way to think of the DJI Mini SE in terms of quality is as a flying smartphone camera from a mid-range device. That, though, is a high standard these days, certainly far higher than toy drones and their shaky video because this drone can hover perfectly thanks to its onboard sensors and has a 3-axis mechanical stabilizer for its camera.

Tech enthusiasts might feel that the 2.7K video resolution isn’t enough for them, but family members (and anyone watching socially shared versions) would be hard pressed to spot the difference against 4K. The drone also scrapes in beneath the 250g registration barrier and has a much more welcoming entry price than anything else DJI offers, making it a perfect gift. Software-wise the app is intuitive and includes auto land, return to home and some cool orbiting effects which will be sure to earn likes.

THE VERDICT

If you’re a beginner looking for something small to start off with or an amateur just looking to up your selfie game, then the DJI Mavic Mini SE is an excellent choice. Not only is it affordable, but it also comes with plenty of features that make it easy to use and difficult to crash. The DJI Mini SE is also much easier to fly right out of the box, as you won’t have to register it or apply for a license thanks to its light weight of 249 grams.

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4 - Autel EVO Nano

Folding super-lightweight drone with anti-collision vision system

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 249g

● Wing span (unfolded): 260×325mm

● Video resolution: 4K @ 30fps

● Camera resolution: 48MP

● Battery life: 28 minutes

● Max Range: 10km / 6.2mi

● Max Speed: TBC

PROS

✔ 3-way obstacle avoidance

✔ Under 249g registration limit

✔ 1/2in image sensor

CONS

❌ Autel’s history of delayed launches

❌ The 50MP “Nano+” version has a larger sensor

The EVO Nano has been a long time coming since it was first announced by Autel sometime before the Mavic 3. Whether it has made an effective spoiler for DJI’s new flagship or ended up starting to go sour because of that very launch tactic is a question for others, but what we can say is that pre-orders are now being seriously taken by trustworthy retailers.

That means it should very soon be possible to take delivery of a drone light enough to stay under the registration rules in FAA airspace, for example, while being equipped with a half-inch image sensor and front, back and base collision sensors. Filmmakers will appreciate that Autel’s investment in radio has gone into their Skylink tech, meaning the live preview is now 2.7K30 even at the full 10km. YouTubers will love the ability to record ambient sounds from their base microphone (i.e. the phone on their controller, to narrate their flight) and all creators will appreciate the SuperDownload feature; wireless transfer of images and videos to a nearby smartphone at 160 MB/s.

THE VERDICT

We really love this drone! The little Autel Evo Nano has impressed so much in so many areas that it’s a must-have for anyone looking for a small lightweight drone capable of shooting astonishing hi-res footage on a regular basis. A genuine contender for one of the very best drones of 2022.

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5 - Autel EVO II

With 8K video, this might be more than you need!

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 1174g

● Wing span (unfolded): 397×397mm

● Video resolution: 8K @ 25fps

● Camera resolution: 48MP

● Battery life: 40 minutes

● Max Range: 9km / 5.5mi

● Max Speed: 72kph / 44mph

PROS

✔ 8K video quality

✔ 48 megapixel camera

✔ Omnidirectional sensors

CONS

❌ 8K shooting is limited to 25fps

Like the Mavic 2, Autel’s second EVO is offered with different camera choices, in theory at least (supply has been erratic in its early months, but then 2020 hasn’t been an easy year). Both are built around a heavy, rugged-looking (but average feeling) orange airframe which eschews sleek consumer-friendly design for simple practicality. It’s a bit chunkier than the Mavics, but it can fly for longer and is bigger unfolded).

While Autel Explorer, it’s partner app, lacks some of the polish of DJI’s equivalents, it does bring all the tracking options you might want. Moreover it has the huge advantage of being optional: there is a 3.3-inch OLED screen in the remote meaning you can fly without connecting the phone at all. Another big plus is that the drone has omnidirectional collision sensors which it uses in normal fight (the Mavic 2 has side-sensors, but only uses them in some automatic modes). Intended for professional work, the drone also lacks DJI’s big-brother geofencing.

So far the ‘lesser’ 8K model is the one widely available – with the 6K ‘Pro’ model following and the dual infrared-enabled version to come. Why is 8K ‘lesser’? In fact it uses the same Sony IMX586 half-inch imaging chip as featured in the Mavic Air 2, while the 6K pro sports IMX383 1-inch sensor (that’s four times the area) and can output 10-bit footage and a variable aperture. It’s also worth noting that 8K is limited to 25fps; 6K to 50fps and 4K to 60fps.

THE VERDICT

The Autel EVO II is, for most serious videographers, the best folding drone money can buy, comfortably knocking the ageing Mavic 2 series off its flagship spot thanks to its more capable airframe, better flight time and, of course, headline-grabbing 8K video. The software is excellent for most professional purposes, and in many respects easier to navigate than that of the market leader.

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6 - DJI Mavic 2 (Pro or Zoom)

The now retired Mavic 2 is a potential bargain

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 905g

● Dimensions (folded): 214×91×84mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 322×242×84mm

● Controller: Yes

● Video resolution: 4K HDR 30fps

● Camera resolution: Pro: 20MP Zoom: 12MP

● Battery life: 31 minutes (3850mAh)

● Max Range: 8km / 5miMax Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph

PROS

✔ 1-inch sensor (Pro)

✔ Reliable airframe

✔ Great software features

CONS

❌ Model being depreciated after arrival of Mavic 3

❌ No 60fps for 4K

Given DJI’s ownership of Hasselblad the camera branding of the Pro model might be seen as a gimmick, but the 20 megapixel stills from the 1-inch sensor are unquestionably far better quality than those from smaller sensors (including the Mavic 2 Zoom). Manual controls allow up to 128,000 ISO to be selected and video can be output in real 10-bit (great for pro colour grading) and in HDR, and there is a ƒ/2.8-ƒ/11 aperture – only the new Mavic 3 (and pro drones like the DJI Inspire 2) allow adjustable apertures. For stills photographers operating in daylight, a good deal on a Mavic 2 Pro might be better than a Mavic 3.

The range of automated flight modes in the DJI drones, like ‘Hyperlapse’ (timelapse) are all well-implemented and easy to learn, making the Mavics very effective creative tools when operated alone. These features are also on offer for the cheaper Mavic 2 Zoom, but it has the potentially more enjoyable zoom lens. Unlike the Mavic 3, it’s optical zoom (not a long one) and adds “Dolly Zoom” to the list of automated visual effects. It’ll stand out in your media feed if nothing else!

THE VERDICT

When it comes to shooting high definition 4K aerial video, the DJI Mavic 2 Pro is one of the very best equipped drones on the market. Its superb 2x zoom function provides excellent depth of field and extra scope to shoot from further away, while its omnidirectional obstacle avoidance is a boon for flying in confined areas. If videography is your thing, then this might be the drone for you.

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7 - PowerVision PowerEgg X Wizard/Basic

Best waterproof drone and best A.I. camera drone

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 860g / 1.9lb

● Dimensions (egg): 178 x 102 x 102mm

● Dimensions (drone mode): 427mm diagonal

● Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps

● Camera resolution: 12MP

● Battery life: 30 minutes (dry mode)

● Max Range: 6 km / 3.7mi

● Max Speed: 65kph / 40mph

PROS

✔ Waterproof & water landing mode

✔ Audio-sync recording option

✔ Camcorder mode a nice option to have

CONS

❌ No record button in camcorder mode

❌ Small image sensor

PowerVision is certainly an inventive company – as its awards shelf will testament. It has been making underwater drones as long as flying ones, but the PowerEgg X is a white egg which can be used as a drone, a hand-held or tripod-mounted camcorder making use of the gimbal for stability and A.I. for subject tracking, and – in the optional ‘Wizard’ kit – a beach-ready drone which can land on water or fly in the rain.

Photographers will rightly worry that the 4K camera doesn’t have as bigger sensor as, for example, the Mavic Pro, but in good light it’s capable of 60fps – double the frame-rate of the DJI, making it great for action. It’s adaptability means it’s arms are completely removable but, thanks to the folding props, setup takes no longer than a DJI Phantom. The A.I. camera mode is good, but it would really benefit from a ‘record’ button like a traditional camcorder – you need to use the app.

The waterproof mode means attaching a housing and landing gear which does take a minute or two, and covers the forward-facing collision & object tracking sensors, but there is nothing on the market that can touch it so it’s hardly something to complain about. This is the drone that GoPro should have made.

THE VERDICT

The PowerEgg X Wizard is a surprisingly good drone to fly and provides a great deal of stability in the air thanks to the large propellers. Image quality is good, if not outstanding. The lack of Raw video formats may put off some professional videographers, though photographers will be pleased to know that Raw stills can be captured in DNG format. But it’s the waterproof housing and floats for landing on water that make this unique drone stand out from the crowd.

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8 - DJI Mini 2

The best drone for the beginner

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 249g

● Dimensions (folded): 38×81×58mm

● Video resolution: 4K 30fps (1080P@60fps)

● Camera resolution: 12MP

● Battery life: 31 minutes (2250mAh)

● Max Range: 10km / 6.2 miles

● Max Speed: 57kph / 35.7mph

PROS

✔ Very portable

✔ Registration-free in USA, China and more

✔ Easy-to-fly

✔ Raw photos

CONS

❌ Limited tracking features

DJI defined compact quality camera drones as something which could appeal to and be understood by everyday consumers with the Mavic in 2016, but price and, more recently, weight limits kept some consumers away. Drones over 250g (or operating them) now require registration and a small fee in most countries. The Mavic Mini solved the weight issue in 2019, but the latest Mini 2 has taken that already miraculous design and souped it up so it can now attract more serious users too.

The airframe is stunningly light, yet is also the charger (via the USB-C socket at the back) so that’s one less thing when traveling light. It feels strong, and the camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal that absorbs nearly all twists and turns in flight, and can be tilted smoothly. Control is simple, via the excellent new remote – the range is no longer a worry (unlike with the predecessor) and the controller’s battery can even top your phone up too.

Video is better in 4K and 100Mbps, or vloggers happy with 1080P might be more interested by the useful (but lossy) digital zoom. The automated ‘QuickShots’ (the drone keeps the camera on you and performs a cool pre-planned swoop) are also very handy; beginners can look like pro pilots and get dramatic video. Still photos are excellent for the price, though can be a little noisy in anything less than good light. Having the option to process in Raw, and shoot Auto Exposure Bracketed shots, plus automated panoramas, all makes this drone a solid step closer to a heavier drone. The DJI Fly App has good safety features and is clear and easy to read, without being overbearing. It is also excellent for sharing with useful image processing features – in fact with a 12-megapixel camera and 4K video your creations will easily mix with those from a high end smartphone (but add a more interesting perspective).

THE VERDICT

If you are looking for an entry level drone at a reasonable price – and one you can fly pretty much anywhere – this is for you.

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9 - Parrot Anafi FPV

The foldable Anafi is the best drone for travel

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 310g

● Dimensions (folded): 244×67×65mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 240×175×65mm

● Video resolution: 4K HDR 30fps

● Camera resolution: 21MP

● Battery life: 25 minutes (2700mAh)

● Max Range: 4km / 2.5mi

● Max Speed: 55kph / 35mph

PROS

✔ Very portable

✔ 4K @ 100Mbps with HDR

✔ 180° vertical-turn gimbal and zoom

CONS

❌ Only 2-axis control

❌ Some features are in-app purchases

Rather than push up prices and weight with sensors of questionable use (and the processing power to handle their data), Parrot leave the business of avoiding obstacles very much to the customer. In exchange, though, it's managed to keep the portability and price manageable, helped by the fact a great hard-fabric zip case is included so you’ll be able to shoot just about anywhere.

The carbon-fiber elements of the body can feel a little cheap, but in reality this is one of the best built frames on the market, and very easy to operate thanks to automatic take-off, landing, GPS-based return-to-home, and an exceptionally well-built folding controller with a hinged phone-grip, one that seems so much easier to operate, and so much more logical, than recent contenders from DJI.

The only niggles are that the gimbal is only powered on two axes, relying on software to handle sharp turns, which it only does quite well, and that for some reason Parrot charge extra for in-app features like follow-me modes that DJI include as standard. On the plus side, that gimbal can be turned all the way up for an unobstructed angle most drones can’t manage and the system even features zoom, unheard of at its price point.

A Parrot Anafi FPV kit is available (and the version we recommend), which combines this drone with head-up display ('first-person view') goggles for a fully immersive flying experience.

THE VERDICT

Chasing the top spot in the global drone market, Parrot’s Anafi had to be pretty special, and it was, with still-unmatched features like the full 180-degree tilt on the gimbal and batteries with built-in USB charging ports. The addition of FPV might seem frivolous fun at first, but it actually improves things from a photographer's perspective as well as being a great deal of fun. The addition of some long-requested software features are just the icing on the cake.

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10 - DJI Mavic Air 2

A still excellent folding drone sometimes found as a bargain

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 570g

● Dimensions (folded): 180×97×84mm

● Dimensions (unfolded): 183×253×77mm

● Video resolution: 4K 60fps

● Camera resolution: 48MP

● Battery life: 34 minutes (3500mAh)

● Max Range: 18.5km / 11.4mi

● Max Speed: 68kph / 42mph

PROS

✔ Portable

✔ 4K shooting a 60fps

✔ Object avoidance with course correction

CONS

❌ No side or top sensors

❌ App could be better

The new DJI Mavic Air 2 is a stunning technical achievement, an incredibly capable drone that – for most people – might look like the only flying camera they’d ever need. With front, downward and rear-facing distance sensors, the drone is capable of identifying obstacles and not just warning the pilot, but also plotting a course to avoid, say, a wall or a tree if needed.

This drone offers much longer flying time (an impressive 34 minutes) and better range than the original Mavic Air. But the real appeal to photographers and videographers is the new 4K 60fps camera, which packs a 48 megapixel half-inch sensor.

This drone gets a completely redesigned controller, which we rather like – with your smartphone slotting in above the controllers, just like you would find on top-end drones.

As with other DJI drones an extra “fly more” pack is available which bundles stuff you really need (case, spare batteries) – this costs more, of course, but is often a wise investment.

Do note that the more recent DJI Air 2Soffers significant advantages, albeit at a higher asking price.

THE VERDICT

The Mavic Air 2 is a serious upgrade from the Mavic Air, with an excellent set of features and impressive performance for this price.

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11 - DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

A fine choice for serious photographers and filmmakers

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 1375g

● Dimensions: 350x350xmm

● Controller: Yes

● Video resolution: 4K @ 60fps

● Camera resolution: 20MP

● Battery life: 25 minutes (5870mAh)

● Max Range: 7km / 4.1mi

● Max Speed: 72kph / 44.7mph

PROS

✔ Large image sensor

✔ Design classic

✔ Subject tracking

CONS

❌ Size feels a little clunky

The Phantom was a revolutionary product, its earlier versions including the first drone to feature a gimbal-stabilized camera rather than requiring the user to supply their own. Its rugged body design means that while it’s no longer the obvious choice for beginners or consumers (for whom folding products offer at least the same practicality), there is a strong use-case for an occasional professional.

If you’re going to be putting the drone in the back of your car, and don’t mind it taking up most of a specialist rucksack (rather than just a side pocket like the Mavic Air), then the Phantom Pro 4’s latest update is very tempting. Redesigned props for quieter flight are definitely pleasing, and the new OcuSync radio system that makes 1080p video possible on the monitors is a plus (though it won’t work with the older controllers).

There were concerns that this drone was going to be discontinued, but DJI have now confirmed that the Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is now back in production. That's great news for any drone pilot that has truly professional photographic ambitions.

THE VERDICT

The Phantom 2 Pro V2.0 is capable of capturing 4K/60fps video at 100Mbps in the D-Log colour profile, which is ideal for professional aerial videographers. When shooting video, mechanical shutters avoid the problem of rolling shutter. This is a problem associated with digital shutters that scan the scene rather than capturing it as a whole. The 20MP 1-inch sensor capable of shooting Raw files in DNG format provides photographers with higher image quality than smaller sensors and a huge amount of control when processing images.

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12 - Ryze Tello

A fun tech toy and learning tool

SPECIFICATIONS

● Weight: 79g

● Dimensions (unfolded): 40×99×91mm

● Video resolution: 720p

● Camera resolution: 5 MP

● Battery life: 13 minutes

● Remote: Smartphone/Tablet App

● Live Video Feed: Yes

PROS

✔ Inexpensive.

✔ Easy to fly.

✔ Programmable via Scratch.

✔ Bluetooth remote control compatibility.

✔ Automated flight modes.

CONS

❌ Pixelated, low-quality video.

❌ Limited control range.

❌ No GPS or return-to-home capability.

The Ryze Tello isn't for serious video work or long-distance flight, but that's okay. There are plenty of capable, and more expensive, drones out there that scratch that itch, such as the DJI Mavic Air. Instead it addresses an underserved market: folks who want a quadcopter to tool around in the backyard or local park, but don't give a hoot or holler about video or image quality. As a $99 tech toy, it succeeds, and you won't have to cry too much if you end up getting it stuck on a roof.

Parents who dread getting the stepladder out to retrieve errant toys can curb some of that frustration with the knowledge that the Tello is also an incentive to teach kids how to code. It's easier to set up commands and macros in Scratch than it is to get programming software up and running. With any luck, using the Tello will be a gateway to get your kids interested in more advanced code work.