Drones have revolutionized aerial photography and videography, making it easier than ever to capture breathtaking aerial shots. Whether you’re a real estate agent showcasing properties, a filmmaker crafting cinematic sequences, or a beginner looking to break into the industry, choosing the right drone is important and exciting.
This guide will cover today’s best drones, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications.
What to Look for in a Professional Photography and Videography Drone
Before we dive into the top drones for video, let’s cover some key features to consider:
- Camera Quality: Look for high-resolution sensors (at least 4K video and 12MP photos), adjustable aperture, and high frame rates for smooth footage.
- Stability and Flight Time: A longer battery life (20+ minutes) and strong stabilization (gimbals and sensors) create smoother shots.
- Obstacle Avoidance: Helps prevent crashes, which is especially useful for real estate and tight shots in wooded or busy areas.
- Portability: If you’re traveling or working in different locations, a lightweight, foldable drone is ideal.
- Ease of Use: Intelligent flight modes and automation features simplify capturing professional-grade footage.
The 10 Best Drones for Video and Photography in 2025
Each drone on this list is best for a certain application. From beginners to professional videographers, you’ll find the best drone for you in this list.
1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro: Best Video Drone Overall
Why We Love It: The DJI Mavic 3 Pro is the ultimate professional drone. It has a triple-camera system (including a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad sensor) for stunning image quality. It records 5.1K video at 50fps and boasts a 46-minute flight time.
Pros:
- Incredible Hasselblad camera with 10-bit color depth
- Triple-camera versatility (wide, medium tele, and zoom)
- Advanced omnidirectional obstacle sensing
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavier than other Mavic models
Best For: Professional videographers, filmmakers, and high-end real estate photography.
2. DJI Air 3: Best Drone for Advanced Enthusiasts
Why We Love It: The DJI Air 3 is perfect for those who want professional features in a more affordable and portable package. It has a dual-camera system and shoots 4K at 100fps.
Pros:
- Compact and foldable
- Dual-camera system with wide and telephoto lenses
- 46-minute flight time
- Smart flight modes for automated cinematic shots
Cons:
- No Hasselblad sensor
- Lacks full manual controls of the Mavic 3 Pro
Best For: Intermediate and advanced content creators who need high-end features without the bulk of the Mavic 3.
3. DJI Mini 4 Pro: Best Compact Drone
Why We Love It: If you need something lightweight and travel-friendly, the Mini 4 Pro is unbeatable. Weighing just 249 grams, it bypasses FAA registration requirements and still packs 4K/60fps video with omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Pros:
- Ultra-portable
- Excellent image quality for its size
- Beginner-friendly with intuitive controls
Cons:
- Smaller sensor than premium models
- Shorter flight time (~34 minutes)
Best For: Travel photographers, vloggers, and hobbyists who need a lightweight yet powerful drone.
4. Autel EVO Lite+: Best for Low-Light Photography
Why We Love It: The EVO Lite+ drone features a 1-inch CMOS sensor, adjustable aperture (f/2.8 – f/11), and 6K video recording, making it perfect for low-light and night photography.
Pros:
- Great low-light performance
- 40-minute flight time
- No forced geofencing like some DJI drones
Cons:
- App experience isn’t as polished as DJI
- Slightly larger and heavier than competitors
Best For: Night photographers, wedding videographers, and those who dislike DJI’s strict no-fly zones.
5. DJI Inspire 3: Best for High-End Cinematography
Why We Love It: This Hollywood-grade Inspire 3 drone supports 8K ProRes RAW video, a full-frame sensor, and an interchangeable lens system. Be sure to buy a lot of storage!
Pros:
- Best image quality available
- Interchangeable lens support
- Professional-grade obstacle avoidance
Cons:
- Extremely expensive ($15,000+)
- Requires a learning curve
Best For: Cinematographers and production companies looking for the ultimate drone footage.
6. DJI Avata: Best FPV Drone for Cinematic Video Shots
Why We Love It: The DJI Avata is a first-person view (FPV) drone, meaning it’s fast, agile, and perfect for dynamic, immersive shots.
Pros:
- Incredible agility
- FPV goggles provide an immersive experience
- Compact and crash-resistant
Cons:
- Short battery life (~18 minutes)
- Steeper learning curve
Best For: Action sports videographers, travel filmmakers, and creative FPV shots.
7. Skydio 2+: Best Drone for Automated Tracking
Why We Love It: The Skydio 2+ uses AI-powered tracking and 360° obstacle avoidance, making it the best choice for hands-free filmmaking.
Pros:
- Unmatched autonomous flying capabilities
- Great 4K video quality
- Excellent subject tracking
Cons:
- Limited manual flying control
- Not as portable as DJI Mini/Air series
Best For: Athletes, influencers, and travel bloggers who want effortless tracking shots.
8. Parrot Anafi USA: Best for Industrial and Mapping Use
Why We Love It: The Anafi USA has a 32x zoom camera and thermal imaging, making it ideal for search and rescue, industrial inspections, and mapping.
Pros:
- Thermal imaging
- Excellent zoom capabilities
- Weather-resistant
Cons:
- Not ideal for cinematic photography
- Expensive
Best For: Construction, emergency response teams, and industrial applications.
9. Holy Stone HS720G: Best Budget Drone for Beginners
Why We Love It: If you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend thousands, the HS720G offers a 4K camera and a gimbal at under $300.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Decent stabilization for the price
- GPS-assisted flight
Cons:
- Shorter flight time (26 min)
- No advanced obstacle avoidance
Best For: New pilots learning drone photography.
10. Ryze Tello: Best Drone for Learning to Fly
Why We Love It: The Ryze Tello is a fun, lightweight drone that’s great for learning the basics of flight before upgrading to a professional model.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable (~$100)
- Lightweight and safe for indoor use
- Programmable via Python/Scratch
Cons:
- Limited camera quality (720p video)
- Short flight time (13 min)
Best For: Beginners and kids interested in drone flying and coding.
Which Drone is Right for You? We Can Help!
If you need the best all-around drone, go for the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.
For budget-conscious beginners, the Holy Stone HS720G is a great start.
Real estate photographers should consider the DJI Air 3, while filmmakers should invest in the DJI Inspire 3.
No matter your needs, 2025 offers a drone for every type of photographer and videographer. Choose wisely, and happy flying!
Questions, comments, or requests for professional aerial photography? Contact us today!