Introduction
In this ranking, we have compiled the best 4K machines, each equipped with at least 12MP 4K cameras suspended on a 3-axis mechanical gimbal. Despite the fact that the manufacturability of the camera plays a key role in the cinematic arsenal of any drone, in order to realize its full potential, an equally technologically advanced high-precision multi-axis gimbal is required. Accordingly, when selecting models for this top, we relied primarily on the manufacturability of the 4K camera Suspension tandem, which predictably predetermined the high cost of the presented products.
Choose your budget and go through the key features of the applicants to make your final selection, and as the best of the best are gathered here, rest assured that each of these solutions will at least serve you well in standard aerial photography. Let's start with the last - 12th place.
 DJI Mini 2 | ||||||
 PowerVision PowerEgg X | ||||||
 DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum) | ||||||
 Skydio 2 | ||||||
 DJI Mavic Air 2 | ||||||
 Yuneec Typhoon H Plus | ||||||
 DJI AIR 2S | ||||||
 DJI Mavic 2 | ||||||
 Autel Evo 2 Pro | ||||||
 DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 | ||||||
 Yuneec Typhoon H3 | ||||||
 DJI Inspire 2 |
12. DJI Mini 2
Today's best lightweight solution with full-size UAV potential. It replaced the equally interesting and popular predecessor Mavic Mini. Thanks to, without exaggeration, an unexpected and powerful package of improvements, the novelty from the moment of release has received increased attention not only from a beginner, but also to an advanced audience who is professionally engaged in photo / video shooting. The list of key features of the drone: flight weight of 238 grams, foldable design, satellite and touch positioning, top-end DJI OcuSync video transmission system with a flight range of up to 10 km, powerful wind-resistant propulsion system, 12MP 4K camera with 4x optical zoom and video recording at speed 100 Mbps, automatic flight and QuickShot modes, max. flight time 31 minutes. Release date: November 2020. Price: from $ 449. The most detailed information about Mini 2 can be found in our review.
Pros
- Flight weight 249 g
- Workmanship and performance
- More durable than its predecessor
- Foldable design
- More powerful yet quieter propulsion system
- Indicative wind resistance
- 4K camera with zoom / JPG / RAW / AEB / Panoramas
- New more convenient remote control / OcuSync technology / Max. flight range 10 km / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- Direct upload and instant photo / video editing functions
Cons
- Does not fly around obstacles
- The charging hub cannot charge the batteries and the remote control at the same time
- Propeller guards not included in the Combo package
11 PowerVision PowerEgg X
The developers of PowerVisionDolphinPowerEgg, which in fact had a cool design and nothing more. PowerVision PowerEgg X is a versatile 3-in-1 video system that includes a wide range of advanced AI features. In addition to a special shell that allows the drone to fly in the rain, and float landing pads that allow it to land and take off from the water, the PowerEgg X has a compact convertible form factor and can also act as a handheld handheld and webcam.
With a simple movement, detach the drone's beams from the body, attach the wrist strap and perform ground photography with your once-in-a-bar PowerEgg X drone. Includes a 3-axis mechanical gimbal, 4K camera at up to 60 frames per second with object tracking functions to automate your cinematic work and more. Release date: January 2020 Price: from $ 899. Read more about PowerEgg X in our review.
Pros
- Performance
- Video Portability
- Transformation (drone / camera / webcam)
- 4K camera 3-axis gimbal
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intelligent functions
- Software (just filmed, processed, filled in)
- Online streaming
- All weather operation
Cons
- Overall case size
- Waterproof housing reduces quality shooting
- Flight range is far from declared (max. FCC: 2.5 km)
10. DJI Mavic Pro (Platinum)
The DJI Mavic Pro is a compact foldable drone that pioneered portability and has the potential to compete with more modern models today. It folds down to fit easily in a backpack or even a large pocket, while still capturing 4K footage at horizontal speeds of up to 65 km / h. The 3-axis mechanical gimbal delivers impressively smooth footage, while OcuSync technology streams HD video up to 7 kilometers. The Phantom line of drones may have made DJI the leader in the consumer drone market, but the Mavic Pro has made high-quality aerial photography fun and very affordable. Release date: November 2016. Price: from $ 999. For more details on the Mavic Pro, see our review, as well as what's new in the revised version of the Mavic Pro Platinum
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Pros
- Compact folded
- Handheld remote control console
- OcuSync
- Flight range
- Camera / Gimbal (image quality)
- Autonomous qualities
- Gesture control
- Object tracking mode
- Compatible with DJI Goggles
- Ready to fly out of the box
Cons
- When flying with a protective hood on recorded video / photo glare appears
- Narrow camera angle
- No mechanism or warning system about not removed gimbal lock
- Obstacle detection system is not perfect. Caution is required when piloting.
9. Skydio 2
Skydio 2 is a continuation of the unique Skydio R1, a powerful drone with unheard-of autonomy for that time. The power of both Skydios lies in the Nvidia Jetson on-board computer and a set of sensors for visualization of the surrounding world, which together form an intelligent system for detecting and flying around obstacles. Skydio 2 uses six cameras with a total resolution of 48MP to detect obstacles, making it one of the safest drones in the world in terms of collision avoidance. The developer is so confident in their technology that they offer free repairs or replacements if your drone breaks down.
Skydio is not the only company to have drones powered by an Nvidia Jetson computer system, but at launch, we did not know of any other Jetson-powered unmanned aerial vehicle used for consumer use. with a price tag of less than a thousand dollars. Skydio 2, of course, integrates with DroneDeploy for those with inspection or mapping activities.
For the general consumer, Skydio 2 offers a fairly standard 4K HDR camera that shoots at up to 60 frames per second. The model is a class leader in “Follow me” modes, but additional accessories for manual control are also available. You can control Skydio 2 with your smartphone just like the previous model, or you can choose a remote controlSkydio Beaconreview.
Pros
- Portable Design / Quality
- Developer Warranty
- Unique obstacle detection and flying system based on AI algorithms
- Dynamic (up to 58 km / h in auto mode)
- Powerful 4K photo / video system
- 3-axis mech. gimbal
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Controls: Smartphone / Beacon / Remote Smartphone / Apple Whatch
- Max. distance 3.5 km
- Compatible with DroneDeploy
Cons
- Non-folding design
- No landing feet
- Not officially supplied to the Russian Federation
8. DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 is more than just a successor to the original Mavic Air, it's more of a transition from a proprietary form factor to a true Mavic series drone. The Mavic Air 2 still maintains its place among the mid-range drones in the DJI lineup. In terms of size, price and features, the Mavic Air 2 is almost ideally between the Mavic Mini and the premium Mavic 2 drones.
small drones, the Mavic Air 2 has also provided an exciting upgrade in this area. Here's a brand new 1/2-inch sensor that captures images at 12MP, but does so with a 48MP sensor! You can also shoot 48-megapixel photos, however 12-megapixel shots will look better when using pixel binning controlled by Quad Bayer technology. The photos are great, but the new 4K video capture at 60fps at 120Mbps data rate has become very interesting for many users. Release date: May 2020 Price: from $ 799. The most detailed information about the new Mavic Air 2 can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable Design / Foldable Design
- Front / Back and Bottom Imaging System
- Digital OcuSync 2.0 video transmission technology (Max. FPV distance 10 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 34 min
- 48MP 4K camera (the best shooting quality among competitors) / 4K @ 60 fps
- The best potential in photo / video shooting (thanks to various modes and functions that improve the quality of the filmed material)
- D-Cinelike Color Profile (more freedom in post-processing)
- FocusTrack Intelligent Follow Mode Set
- APAS 3.0 (Safe Control)
- Price
Cons
- Not detected
7. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus RS
The six-engine configuration of the Yuneec Typhoon is, if not the most successful, then very popular. The design has become an icon in the industry and the safety of additional propellers has gained acceptance in the commercial market. The Yuneec Typhoon H Plus is a second generation model aimed at the average consumer. In terms of performance and price, Typhoon H Plus occupies an intermediate position between the DJI Inspire and DJI Phantom drone lines.
Featuring a 20-megapixel 4K camera built on a 1-inch Sony sensor, housed in a proven ultra-precise 3-axis 360-degree gimbal, foldable design and mid-market flight times and speeds, Intel RealSense 3D collision avoidance system, may be the main reason for choosing this drone over others. Release date: July 2018 Price in RF: from $ 2192. The most detailed information about the Yuneec Typhoon H Plus hexacopter can be found in our review.
Pros
- Workmanship / Design
- 6-motors / Folding structure
- Flight quality
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense / IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size even at night
- Assortment of versions with cameras / Quality of each image / Ability to shoot 360º
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Handheld Wizard remote / Possibility to connect FPV SkyView goggles
- Does not require UAV control skills
- Price
Cons
- Baggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the personal station
6. DJI AIR 2S
Revolutionary, unrivaled in the mid-budget niche is a decision that prompted many Mavic 2 Pro givers are thinking about selling it. With the arrival of the novelty, the technological bar for all models without exception was raised, which in general predetermines great changes for the entire hobby.
The key arsenal of the best all-round drone includes: 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 microns, 8x digital zoom, HDR photos / videos / panoramas, 10-bit color profile Dlog- M, RAW format with dynamic range up to 12.6 stops, H.265 / H.264 video codecs, groundbreaking MasterShots smart function, top-end and more advanced set of intelligent FocusTrack object-following modes, automatic QuickShots modes, powerful 4-sided imaging system of the surrounding world, advanced pilot assistance system of the latest generation APAS 4.0, DJI AirSense safety system, top-end digital video transmission technology OcuSync 3.0, and support for DJI Smart Controller. Release date: April 2021 Price: from $ 999. The most detailed information about the newest AIR 2S can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable Design / Foldable
- 4-Way Surround Imaging
- OcuSync Digital Video Transmission Technology 3.0 (Max. FPV distance 12 km) / Support DJI Smart Controller
- Max. flight time 31 min
- 20MP 5K camera built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor with a pixel size of 2.4 μm
- 10-bit Dlog-M / RAW color profile with a dynamic range of up to 12.6 stops
- ActiveTrack 4.0
- DJI AirSense / APAS 4.0 Security Systems
- MasterShots Pioneering Intelligent Flight and Capture Function
- Price
Cons
- 8GB onboard memory
- No scroller for EV control on remote control
- Editing with app limited to 1080p
- Working HDR HLG process for professionals only
- Raw images are not automatically transferred to smartphones and tablets
5. DJI Mavic 2
Announced in August 2018, the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom instantly became the best consumer-grade foldable drone DJI has to offer. A striking upgrade from its predecessor, the Mavic Pro. If you check out the specs, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro are one and the same device, with one major exception - the camera. The Pro camera is the collaborative result of two years of painstaking work by the DJI and Hasselblad development team. Built with 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor Hasselblad L1D-20C, capable of recording 4K video at 100 Mbps.
At the heart of the camera Zoom version is a 12-megapixel 1 / 2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a lens with 4x zoom (including 2x optical), 4K video recording with a bit rate of 100 Mbps. Otherwise, both drones are foldable for hobbyist portability, omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for safe flight, and new OcuSync 2.0 features make long-range control even more reliable. Price: Pro version - from $ 1599; Zoom version - from $ 1349. See our review for more details on the benefits of the Mavic 2 Pro / Zoom.
Pros
- Portable
- Sturdy
- Zoom / Pro Cameras (Capabilities and Quality)
- Dynamic
- Guided / Flight Modes
- Standalone Modes and Functions
- ActiveTrack 2.0
- OcuSync 2.0 / FHD FPV
- FPV distance up to 10 km
- APAS
Cons
- Does not shoot in 4K at 60 fps
- No protection against water and dust
- The ability to change cameras only through the service center
- Unlike its predecessor, it does not have a Wi-Fi connection (it is impossible to launch a drone from a smartphone, which, for example, very important during a bike ride, when the drone is working in the mode of automatically following the ActiveTrack object). As a result, you have to constantly bother with fixing the tandem (smartphone remote control) on the steering wheel.
4. Autel EVO 2 Pro
The second generation of the popular EVO drone from Autel Robotics
The hallmark of the Autel EVO 2 Pro is the ability to record 6K video at 120 Mbps, as well as 10-bit 4K HDR video mode and 10-bit A-LOG Color mode. All three versions have a foldable design, portable dimensions, one of the best all-round obstacle avoidance systems (12 optical sensors for computer vision, 2 ultrasonic sensors, LED landing lights), the patented Dynamic Track 2.0 ™ system (allows AI to autonomously track obstacles even at high speeds and in advance create flight paths in real time). Release date: January 2020 Pro version price: from $ 1,796. More details about Autel EVO 2 PRO / 8K / Dual can be found in our review.
Pros
- Portable (Folded size)
- 3 camera options with quick replacement
- Shooting quality 6K camera
- 10-bit A-LOG Color mode (more freedom in post-processing)
- 10-bit 4K HDR video mode
- Dynamic (up to 72 km / h)
- Controlled
- Comprehensive Obstacle Avoidance and Avoidance Operation / Dynamic Track 2.0 Operation
- Max. flight time 40 min
- Max. FPV removal distance
Cons
- Not supplied officially in RF / No service support in RF
- No protection against water and dust
- Doubtful shooting quality 8K camera (possibly corrected with the next firmware updates)
3. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
The DJI Phantom series of drones are some of the best on the market, each iteration makes significant improvements over the last, and in the case of the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, we talking about improved motors, more efficient propellers, and this is the first Phantom drone to feature the unique OcuSync video streaming technology. At release, the Phantom 4 Pro was the best DJI drone in the field of obstacle detection and avoidance technology, a trend that continued and improved until the top-end V2.0. The new drone features the same 20MP 4K mechanical shutter camera suspended in an ultra-precise 3-axis mechanical gimbal as its predecessor. It remains one of the best camera drones on the market to this day.
The difference between the $ 1,599 Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and the $ 2,049 Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 is the super-bright 5.5-inch built-in display on the Pro remote with pre-installed Android operating system for better visual perception even in excessive sunlight and relieves the owner of the constant procedure of pairing the remote control with a mobile device before each launch. Release date: May 2018 The most detailed information about the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 and its differences with its predecessor can be found in our review.
Pros
- Quality
- Design
- Modified low-noise power setting
- Flight characteristics
- Standalone qualities
- Video transmission system OcuSync
- Camera / Mech. shutter / Gimbal (the best shooting quality in a niche)
- Distance up to 7 km
- Price
Cons
- Side obstacle sensors are not active for all flight modes
- Bulky baggage during transportation
2. Yuneec Typhoon H3
The developer decided that the achieved result from Typhoon H Plus was not enough and went further. As a result of a key strategic technological partnership with the guru in the field of digital and analog cameras for home and professional use - Leica Camera AG, for the best hexacopter, a new 20MP 4K Leica ION L1 Pro camera was specially developed from the ground up, built on a 1-inch CMOS sensor and mounted in 3-axis mechanical 360-degree high-precision gimbal.
Max. video quality 4K at 60 fps with bitrate up to 100Mbps, digital zoom, optimized and calibrated Leica image modes (AWB, color rendition, sharpening, noise reduction, etc.), Leica DNG format calibration with the corresponding ADOBE profile, 10- bit video mode YLog based on Leica specifications and much more. Thanks to this tandem, the "six-engine king" has become a professional tool for high-quality aerial photography, which once again indicates the high level of technology of the Typhoon H platform from Yuneec Internationalreview.
Pros
- Workmanship / Design
- 6-engine configuration / Folding design
- Flight performance
- 360- degree gimbal
- Cinematic potential with the arrival of the new Leica ION L1 Pro camera
- Automatic flight and shooting modes
- Intel RealSense / IPS (Optical Flow Sensor) flies around obstacles of any size, even at night
- Emergency landing mode for 5 motors
- Handheld Wizard remote / The ability to connect FPV SkyView goggles
Cons
- Baggage dimensions
- Noisy
- The current battery charge of the drone can only be found on the display of the Personal Station
1. DJI Inspire 2
The first version of the DJI Inspire may have set the tone for what a professional drone should look like, but the new DJI Inspire 2 sets the tone for what it should do. At the time of the announcement, the Inspire 2 was equipped with a top-end camera Zenmuse X5Zenmuse X7 camera to the drone's arsenal, a 6K cinematic shooter that is even more capable of professional filming tasks. Release date: November 2016 Price: from $ 3299. Learn more about the best aerial cinematic tool, the Inspire 2, in our review.
Pluses
- Quality
- Design
- Reliable (complex of redundant sensors 2 batteries)
- Flight performance (Controllability / Dynamic)
- Professional Cinematic Potential
- Supported Cameras
- Separate Control Capability (Drone / Shooting)
- Automatic Flight and Shooting Modes
- Flight time
- Price
Cons
- Dimensions
- Noisy
