Top 3 Drones for Travel Photography!
Drones have been a hot ticket item for several years now, giving us the ability to create those insanely wanderlust-inducing images of exotic places, seen from high above. Imagine your next trip to Hawaii, for example, & being able to capture footage of Kauai’s jutting, green cliffs from the air. Aerial photography, which was once open only to professional photographers, has now become available to everybody ~ due to increasingly easy-to-use & sophisticated drones. Here, I’ve narrowed it down to the “Top 3 Drones for Travel Photography,” with how-to videos for each, to make getting started even easier.
The only way to get shots like this? With a drone that shoots in 4K & can fit in your travel bag!
Top 3 Drones for Travel Photography
Each of these drones has two, very specific features that make them ideal for travel: 1) They have object-avoidance technology (meaning you won’t crash them into things or people!), & 2) They are light-weight (3LBS or less) & portable.
#1 = DJI Mavic Air
Best Overall Drone for Travel Photography = DJI Mavic Air
Perfect For: Someone who’s more than a beginner ~ but not necessarily a pro.
The first of our top 3 drones for travel photography is my choice for the best overall drone for travel: the DJI Mavic Air. It weighs less than a pound, can easily be packed & folded ~ yet still manages to take stunning photos, with 4K video capabilities.
- 4K Video
- 12 MP Photo
- Built-in Camera
- Weight = 15.2 ounnces (.95 pounds)
- Flight Time = Up to 21 minutes (with no wind)
- Flight Range = 2.4 miles (4 km)
- Top Speed =15.5 mph
- How to Fly It = With remote control or your smart phone
- How Long to Charge Battery = 55 minutes
- Is it Waterproof? = No
- Is it Foldable & Portable? = Yes
- 3-Directional Environmental Sensing (i.e. Object-Avoidance Technology)
- Cost = $799.00
Photo shot with DJI Mavic Air.
How to Set Up Your DJI Mavic Air
#2 – DJI Spark
Best Drone for Beginners = DJI Spark
Perfect For: Beginners, or those not 100% committed to becoming a drone expert.
With a price point starting around $300, the DJI Spark is a great place to get your feet wet in the drone market. The Spark is known as the “Selfie Drone,” & it’s so small ~ you can launch it from the palm of your hand, & control it with hand gestures. It’s one of the easiest drones to learn how to fly, making it ideal for beginners who still want a great camera + video capability.
- 720p Video
- 12 MP Photo
- Built-in Camera
- Weight = 1.49 pounds
- Flight Time = Up to 16 minutes (with no wind)
- Top Speed = 31 mph
- Flight Range = 1.2 miles
- How to Fly It = Hand gestures, remote control, or your smart phone
- How Long to Charge Battery = 80 minutes
- Is it Waterproof? = No
- Is it Foldable & Portable? = Yes
- 3-Directional Environmental Sensing (i.e. Object-Avoidance Technology)
- Ultra-Smooth, Shake-free Technology (for a smoother, more detailed shot)
- Cost = $389.00
Panoramic photo shot with the least expensive drone on this list: the DJI Spark.
How-to Video for the DJI Spark
#3 – DJI Phantom 4
Best Drone for Professional Filming = DJI Phantom 4
Perfect For: Professionals or adventurers looking for the highest-quality filming ability.
This isn’t a starter drone: but the DJI Phantom 4 is the perfect drone for pros who make their living by capturing high-quality, aerial images. The Phantom 4 (& it’s sister product, the Phantom 4 Pro) is ideal for people who are looking to take their drone game to the next level.
- 4K Ultra HD Video at 30fps (or 60fps for the Pro version)
- 20 MP Photo
- Built-in Camera
- Weight = 3 pounds (1.3 kg)
- Flight Time = Up to 30 minutes
- Top Speed = 44 mph
- Flight Range = 4.3 miles (7 km)
- How to Fly It = Remote control, or your smart phone
- Is it Waterproof? = No
- Is it Foldable?= No
- 5-Directional Environmental Sensing (i.e. Object-Avoidance Technology)
- Smart Return Home feature
- Cost = $899.00
The DJI Phantom 4 is one of the highest quality drones on the market, ideal for filming & taking crystal-clear still shots from high above.
How-to Video for the DJI Phantom 4
Top 3 Drones for Travel Photography
If you’re looking to purchase a drone for one of your loved ones this Christmas ~ or if you’re simply in the market yourself, I hope this quick guide on the “Top 3 Drones for Travel Photography” has helped you narrow the field, & hone in on the drone that’s just right for you. Tell me about your drone experiences in the comments below!
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: What Cameras Do Your Favorite Instagram Stars Use?
DJI Mavic Air
$799.99
Best for Beginners ~DJI Spark
$389.99
DJI Phantom 4 Pro
$899.99
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The DJI Mavic ir is a great choice for people who want to travel with drones. I have been using one for several years, and I think it gives you the best of both worlds, ease of use plus gorgeous shots. Thanks for the article!
Thanks for your input, Dan! There’s definitely a lot of data & reviews out there to suggest that the DJI Mavic is the best, all-around drone for travel ~ so I think you’re right on. Thanks for your comment!