Best Used Drones for Photography
- Drone Photography Basics: Your Guide to the Camera in the Sky
- Drone Photography Explored: Beautiful Drone Photography
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
If you’re under stay-at-home orders then it could be the perfect time for you to learn how to offer your clients new services, and one of the hottest photography services on the market right now is aerial photography.
Using the best drones for photography is a relatively new endeavour, and as such there’s still plenty of time for you to learn the craft. I strictly believe in buying used drones for photography because you can save so much money without sacrificing any quality.
So, here are my favorite used drones for photography for everyone from a beginner to an expert.
Best Beginner Drone for Photography: DJI Mavic Mini
The best used drone for beginners is the DJI Mavic Mini. There is literally no contest.
The DJI Mavic Mini is essentially a smaller version of the rest of the DJI drone line. While it doesn’t feature 4K video, it does feature incredible still photography with a 12MP camera resolution and a 30-minute flight time on one battery so you have a little bit of time for some mistakes.
You also don’t need to register the DJI Mavic Mini because it weighs 249 grams, which is just under the 250 gram mark (aka the requirements for registration in the United States, Canada and China).
Finally, you can use the DJI Mavic Mini to shoot up to 2.5 miles away.
Best Intermediate Drone for Photography: DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo
If you’re looking for a step up and are looking for intermediate drones for photography, then look no further. The DJI Mavic Air Fly More Combo includes the drone, extra batteries, 6 pairs of propellers, extra remote controls, and a carrying case and travel bag.
This drone also features a 12MP camera resolution, and it can shoot 4K video at 100Mbps. It features a much longer range than the Mavic Mini at over 6 miles and can avoid objects like trees and power lines on its own.
However, because of the technical capabilities of this drone, it only features a flight time of 21 minutes so it really works best for photographers who are accustomed to aerial photography.
Editor’s Note: MPB is currently running an #AskMPBAnything campaign. If you’ve got questions about photo and video kits, technical questions, or pretty much anything else photography related, give them a shout on social media. Make sure you watch their first #AskMPBAnything video now.
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Best Professional Drone for Photography: DJI Inspire 2
There’s no way for us to discuss drones for photography and not mention this feat: the DJI Inspire 2.
The DJI Inspire 2 features a 20.8MP camera resolution, 5.2K video, and live 1080p video.
It operates at up to 4 miles away and can shoot for around 25 minutes.
As you’d expect, the Inspire 2 is chock full of intelligent flight modes. You get a high-end obstacle avoidance system, smart return to home, and has a maximum speed of 58 MPH.
The Inspire 2 has a dual battery system, which gives it a flight time of 27 minutes. It can operate in all kinds of weather conditions, from temperatures as low as -4 Fahrenheit to 104 Fahrenheit.
In other words, this is a go-anywhere, do-anything drone for professionals!
