Drones or UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) have become a huge trend for videographers and photographers in recent years. Ever since the first commercial drones hit the market, they have not stopped evolving and improving with incredibly advanced features that we once thought would be impossible for small, remote-controlled quadcopters. And yet, here we are: the best 4K drones on the market are also some of the best imaging solutions.
Aside from allowing you to take your photography to greater heights, both literally and figuratively, drone cameras allow videographers to level up their videography with drones. And with the emergence of top-of-the-line UAVs with ultra-high definition 4K cameras, there are definitely more creative possibilities for every drone user.
Table of Contents:
Key Benefits of 4K Camera Drones
Better Video Resolution
Drones with 4K cameras offer pretty much cinema-quality footage with an average of 8 million pixels to produce at least 3840 x 2160 to up to 4000 pixels wide in video resolution—that’s four times bigger than full HD 1080p. This offers countless possibilities for professional videography. Whether you’re filming 4K videos high up in the air for personal videos, marketing and tourism, cinematic films, or even live TV reporting, you get higher quality material that looks much better as is, and even when scaled down to 1080p and lower.
Higher Quality Images
With any 4K camera, you not only get to capture high-resolution videos, but images as well. The enlarged sensor allows users to take 12-megapixel images that are 4000 pixels wide and 3000 pixels tall. This gives you much bigger pictures with a lot more image surface to work with, especially if you’re going to edit and crop the images later on in post-production.
More Zooming and Cropping Options
Zooming in when recording video is usually a no-no, especially with lower resolution cameras or when there is no optical zoom feature. This is because cameras essentially crop the video when you zoom in digitally, leaving you with pixelated, lower quality videos.
With 4K video resolution, you get four times the amount of pixels, which means you get more freedom to zoom, crop, and reframe your shots without worrying about drastically lowering the quality of your final output.
Smoother, More Stable Aerial Videos
Some video creators use the artificial image stabilization feature in professional video editing programs, which scales, rotates, and crops your video to eliminate visible camera shake. The only compromise is that this decreases the quality of your footage. But when you’re working with 4K video resolution, you have more than enough pixels to serve as a buffer for the loss in resolution during the editing process so you can have smoother, more professional-quality aerial videos every time.
4K Drones Buying Guide
Drone videos are becoming more prevalent in creative portfolios than ever before. Drones and drone types have evolved from being bulky, expensive, and complicated, to being affordable, reliable, and nearly autonomous. In addition to major advancements in design and ease-of-use, today’s best drones feature significantly improved cameras, with sensor sizes, and resolutions that were previously out of reach for most beginners and enthusiasts.
Creators have access to a large number of affordable, reliable, and easy to use drones, with many of them being drones with 4K cameras. Ultra-HD 4K resolutions are no longer a barrier to entry for drone pilots who are looking to upgrade, or for beginners who are looking to purchase their first drone.
Additionally, drones with 4K cameras are available in a large variety of sizes, designs, and price points. Being able to capture drone footage in 4K offers several benefits, including sharper and more detailed images, more room to crop and zoom in post production, and additional creative freedom for stylized editing and stabilization.
To help you narrow down the best drones with 4K cameras, we’ve put together a list of the best 4K camera drones below:
The Best 4K Drones
DJI Avata 2
Discover the DJI Avata 2, where clarity meets agility. Its 1/1.3″ image sensor delivers crisp, super-wide 4K footage, while the expansive 155° field of vision captures the wide range of your adventures. Safety is a given with the smart, integrated guard and quick-access Turtle Mode. The drone promises 23 minutes of flight time, backed by rapid recharging. Seamlessly connected, the DJI Goggles 3 and intuitive RC Motion 3 controller in the Avata 2’s Fly More Combo immerses you in flight with precision and flair.
DJI Avata 2 Key Features:
- Immersive Flight Experience
- Intuitive Motion Control
- Easy ACRO
- Tight Shots in Super-Wide 4K
- Built-In Propeller Guard
- Hassle-Free POV Content
Why did we choose this drone?
The DJI Avata 2 showcases cutting-edge tech that pushes boundaries. Its super-wide 4K visuals and a 155° FOV capture scenes in breathtaking detail. Additionally, the drone’s 23-minute flight span with fast charging which means less downtime for any drone user on the go.
Innovative safety features like Turtle Mode and the propeller guard offer peace of mind. With the DJI Goggles 3 and Motion 3 controller, it delivers an unparalleled, intuitive flight experience.
DJI Mini 2 Drone
The DJI Mini 2 is a small but mighty 4K drone that punches way above its weight class. At only 249 grams, it can be worn around your wrist with a wristband, or carried around in your pocket like a smartphone. In fact, the DJI Mini 2 is smaller than an iPhone 13 Pro Max. It features a 3-axis stabilized gimbal that shoots sharp 4K drone videos at up to 30fps. This tiny little drone has an amazing 6.2 miles of video transmission range, and an a solid 31 minutes of max flight time with a single tiny battery. Finally, it’s no wonder the DJI Mini 2 is a perfect travel drone.
DJI Mini 2 Key Features:
- Ultralight & foldable at only 249 grams
- 31-min max flight time on a single battery
- Razor Sharp 4K video at up to 30fps
- 6.2 miles of video transmission with Ocusync 2.0
- Level 5 wind resistance in winds from 29-38kph
- Automated cinematic Quickshots for easy social media sharing
- User-friendly DJI Fly app, with intelligent flight modes
Why did we choose this drone?
The DJI Mini 2 is consistently rated as one of the best 4K camera drones in its class. Whether you’re a beginner just learning to pilot a drone, or you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable option for capturing beautiful 4K video, this is the perfect drone for you.
For its size, the DJI Mini 2 performs remarkably well in wind, plus it’s compact enough at 249 grams to pack in your suitcase for any vacation or adventure.
DJI Air 2S 4K Drone
The DJI Air 2S takes drone cinematography to new heights, featuring a large 1” CMOS imaging sensor, and video resolutions all the way up to 5.4K. The Air 2S is small and compact, yet packed full of pro-level features. Filmmakers can take advantage of powerful autonomous modes within the DJI Fly app, including Mastershots, FocusTrack, Hyperlapse, and Panorama. The DJI Air 2S can capture stunning 4K video up to 60FPS, retaining a wide dynamic range of highlights and shadows, using its Intelligent HDR mode. Drone pilots can fly safely and avoid nearby aircrafts, by using the ADS-B AirSense safety system of the Air 2S.
See the drone in action in this DJI Air 2S hands-on review by Women Who Drone.
DJI Air 2S Key Features:
- ADS-B AirSense safety system for avoiding nearby Aircraft
- Large 1” CMOS sensor with Intelligent HDR
- 10-Bit D-LOG M color profile, with up to 1 billion colors
- 4K up to 60 FPS, and 5.4K up to 30 FPS
- 34 min of max flight time with a single battery
- Forward, backward, upward, and downward obstacle avoidance sensors
- Autonomous flight modes like Mastershots, FocusTrack, and ActiveTrack 4.0
Why did we choose this drone?
The DJI Air 2S is hard to beat when it comes to photography and videography features.
Between the powerful CMOS sensor, impressive dynamic range for low-light shooting, RAW shooting capabilities, and special features like hyperlapse and panoramic mode, this drone can easily keep up with your creative vision.
The autonomous functions also help eliminate some of the complexities of navigating while you make artistic decisions, so you can focus on building high-quality content.
DJI Avata FPV Drone
DJI’s Avata FPV Drone is the perfect drone for content creators and filmmakers who need to capture fluid takes at low altitudes, in tight environments, and indoors. Whether you’re working on a feature film or capturing footage at a live indoor event, you’ll appreciate DJI’s safety features and attention to detail in this compact drone.
Equipped with an emergency braking system, the Avata can stop with little to no notice and hover in place while awaiting further instruction. If you do accidentally collide with an object, the built-in propeller guards help prevent damage to the drone or the surrounding environment.
Last but certainly not least, the 48 MP sensor captures 4K video at up to 60fps with an ultra-wide angle f/2.8 internal lens.
DJI Avata FPV Drone Key Features:
- Ultralight weighing 162 grams
- 18-min max flight time on a single battery
- Sharp 4K video at up to 60fps
- 1080p / 100fps live feed up to 10km
- Emergency braking and hover-in-place capabilities
- Downward obstacle sensing system
- Compatible with DJI Goggles 2, DJI FPV Remote Controller 2, and DJI FPV Goggles V2
Why did we choose this drone?
Even the best drone pilots can have a hard time navigating indoor environments safely. If you need to film overhead or at eye level in a cramped location, the DJI Avata FPV Drone is the safest and wisest choice.
While the Avata doesn’t have the RAW photo functionality of other DJI models, it excels for video. Between the reliability of DJI drones and the helpful safety features for tighter locations, this drone is a winner.
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+
Capturing drone footage after dark can be a tricky proposition. Fortunately, the EVO Lite+ by Autel Robotics features an intelligent moonlight algorithm for capturing vibrant details at night. Boost the ISO to maintain your ideal exposure and feel confident that you won’t lose image quality.
Use your EVO Lite+ drone as an airborne cameraman with Dynamic Track 2.1. The internal focusing system not only tracks subjects seamlessly as they move, but it ensures they remain in focus throughout the shot.
SonarSound is one unique feature that makes it possible to record sound locally on your phone while capturing video from above. Also, when you consider the 6K at 30fps filming capabilities and an internal three-way obstacle-avoidance system for added safety, this drone has plenty to offer videographers.
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Key Features:
- Compact folding drone weighing 820 grams
- 40-min max flight time on a single battery
- 6K video at up to 30fps and 4K video at up to 60fps
- 1080p live feed up to 7.4 miles
- Three-direction obstacle avoidance
- Adjustable aperture of f/2.8 to f/11
- Gamepad-style controller
Why did we choose this drone?
Flight time can be one of the biggest limitations when it comes to using a drone to capture footage. The Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ offers an impressive 40-minute maximum flight time. Add to that a robust Level 7 wind resistance and transmission distance of 7.4 miles and the creative possibilities are endless.
You’ll also love the expansive camera controls that help you dictate aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and even shoot timelapses and panoramas.
PowerVision PowerEgg X Explorer AI Camera & Drone
The PowerVision PowerEgg X is one of the most unique 4K camera drones currently available on the market. It can be used in a number of different configurations, including as a handheld AI powered camcorder, a 4K 60 obstacle avoiding drone, and fully waterproof drone that can take off in heavy rain, while landing in water.
The PowerEgg X packs a ton of versatility into its tiny pocket sized form factor, with AI software features that are just as useful as its shape-shifting hardware configurations. The 3-axis stabilized gimbal of the PowerEgg X can track moving subjects using AI face recognition, with over 3.5 hours of battery life in AI-Camera mode. Additionally, drone mode is just as impressive on the PowerEgg X, with 3.7 miles of signal transmission, level 5 wind resistance, and 30 minutes of flight time.
PowerVision PowerEgg X Key Features:
- Small and compact hybrid device that can operate as a camcorder or 4K camera drone
- 3.5 hours of battery life in AI Camera mode, and 30 min of flight time in drone mode
- AI face recognition with gesture control
- Level 5 wind resistance,
- SyncVoice technology synchronizes smartphone audio to drone videos
- Able to takeoff and land on water
- Able to fly in heavy rain with optional waterproof accessory
Why did we choose this drone?
Not every aerial shot takes place in environments with sunny skies. When you need a drone that can handle wet, not-so-bright locations with ease, the PowerEgg X by PowerVision is the best choice. Not only is it safe to fly in rain, you can even take off and land from water with the landing float accessory.
When you want an easy flight, try turning on the Autonomous Personal AI mode. The drone tracks you via facial recognition and frames each shot perfectly.
Drones with 4K Cameras: Final Thoughts
Advancements in drone technology and image sensor designs have yielded amazing new products that can shoot stunning 4K, 6K, and even 8K drone videos. Now, 4K drone videos are more accessible to creators than ever before, with nearly every new drone release offering 4K video recording capabilities. Regardless of your skill level or budget, you’ll find a nicely equipped 4K camera drone in our roundup of options above. Learn to fly, create epic drone videos, and continue to elevate your creativity with these drone from 42West:
