The Best 4K Camera Drones For Adults
Drone footage has completely changed the way videographers get clips of nature, city skylines, and widespread events, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who can use them. Drones are accessible to everyone now, and they span a wide price range for all kinds of buyers. Whether you’re a hobbyist or you’re looking to learn more about drones, it can be a bit of a learning curve. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best 4k drones to help save you time shopping and capture better footage than ever.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best 4k drones, we considered build quality, durability, size, and price. For example, if you want a small, lightweight drone with an additional 3-axis gimbal and digital zoom, the DJI Mini 2 Fly More combo is your best bet. If you want something with maximum flight time so you don’t have to switch out batteries, the Ruko F11PRO Drone has a one-hour max flight time and plenty of accessories to help you get the shot. Read on to see all our top picks and find the 4k drone that’s right for you.
DJI Mini 2 Fly More Combo
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned flyer, this powerful drone has a lot to offer. It’s not a beginner drone by any means, but it still serves as a great starting point for anyone looking to start off on the right foot. This drone combo features a three-axis gimbal, allowing you to get smooth and steady shots even in rough winds or risky flying patterns. It’s extremely lightweight, it can fit in the palm of your hand, and it has strong performance power. It also comes with plenty of spare parts, charging cables, and backup accessories to make flying a breeze. If you’re unsure of where to start, you can’t go wrong with this well-rounded drone from DJI.
Pros:
- It comes with a very nice shoulder bag
- Includes three batteries
- Has 4x digital zoom
- Includes plenty of spare parts
- The DJI Fly app has creative templates for shooting and editing
Cons:
- Sub-par quality control
SYMA X500 4K Drone
Less is more
If you’re looking for an affordable drone that feels more like a high-end one, this drone from SYMA is one for the books. It has a built-in GPS, which isn’t very common at its price point. It also has intelligent flight options like follow functions, tap fly, and point of interest. The follow function makes it easy to capture action shots on the go when you set the drone to follow you on your adventures. It also features a return home function that sends the drone back to its starting point with the touch of a button. Most of these features would feel at home in a more expensive drone, but SYMA makes it possible in their baseline model.
Pros:
- The transmitter reaches over 10,000 feet high
- USB-rechargeable controller and drone
- The camera has a motion command function
- Offers intelligent flight options for more intricate shots
Cons:
- No image stabilization
DJI Mini 3 Pro
If you’re looking to keep an extra low profile while in the air, you may want to consider a mini drone. These may be small, but their specs prove them to be mighty. The DJI Mini Pro is especially feature-filled, offering perks like vertical shooting for social media-ready photos and an f/1.7 aperture for better image quality. As well as being smaller than most drones, it’s also safer. It features built-in tri-directional obstacle-sensing power to help protect it from flying into anything, keeping it out of harm’s way. It may be pricey, but this tiny drone is worth the money if you value these high-end features.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require FAA registration
- Offers vertical shooting for portrait shots
- Features tri-directional obstacle sensing for safer flying
- The box includes spare propellers
Cons:
- Pricier than other options
Holy Stone GPS Drone
Don't break the bank
If you’re new to flying but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line drone, this budget-friendly model from Holy Stone provides an affordable way to get into this hobby. This beginner pack comes with two batteries, a GPS auto-return feature, a foldable design, and more. It also has simple control options like altitude hold, optical flow, headless mode, speed adjustment, and more. As for the cherry on top, it weighs under 250g, meaning that you don’t have to register with the FAA as long as it’s used for pleasure. That means you get the added convenience of avoiding a lot of legal red tape along with this bargain buy.
Pros:
- Brushless motor for quiet flying
- Great price
- Convenient carrying case
- 5GHz FPV transmission for smith and clear video
Cons:
- May be prone to input lag
Ruko F11PRO Drone
Clock is ticking
If you’re looking to have the most uninterrupted flight time, this drone from Ruko may be just what you need. With two 11.1V 2500mAh batteries, you get a combined total of up to 60 minutes of flight time, almost twice what many other drones are offering. That means you can fly for longer without stopping to recharge. On top of its battery power, this drone also offers simplistic flying for beginners. You can enable a beginner mode to make the controls easier while you’re still learning the ropes. It may not have the most technologically advanced features, but it has plenty of practical perks for new flyers.
Pros:
- 60 minutes of flight time
- Flies reliably up to level 6 wind resistance
- Has a GPS auto-return home feature
- Has a beginner mode for new flyers
Cons:
- May have issues with WiFi connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 4k mean?
Saying that something shoots in 4k is a way of describing the video resolution of a device. This refers to the number of pixels it can capture, not the overall quality of the shot. 4k devices like cameras and TVs can capture and display video with a resolution of around 4000 pixels horizontally. That’s roughly 2000 more horizontal pixels than standard HD footage.
Do I need a permit or license to fly a drone?
This depends on where you live. In order to fly a drone commercially in the US, you need a remote pilot certificate from the FAA. In some cities, flying a drone is illegal without proper clearance. However, it is legal in most places to fly drones as a hobby, especially in nature or remote areas.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.