In the world of digital videography, there is simply nothing like the majestic sweep from above. Dramatic aerial views of sparkling cities and open expanses have long been a favourite for cinematographers, but to those outside the industry, wanting to capture aerial footage has traditionally been too cost prohibitive, making those shots an unattainable venture. As of recent years however, much has changed and it is not uncommon to hear the whirring buzz of a drone flying overhead, particularly in coastal areas. Additionally, the rise of video-sharing platforms like YouTube and Instagram has driven a competitive desire for content creators to showcase more professional footage, many of whom now use drone footage in their vlogs to enchant their viewers.
It is clear then, that drone photography has soared to new heights and has since become the norm for videographers wanting to capture impressive footage outside the film industry. From smaller creators to bigger, professional companies, drones have allowed both parties to bypass the limitations of traditional video production. In fact, even those who work at heights now often use drones to retrieve further information, while survey companies have used them to show off real estate and listed properties.
What’s New in Drone Tech This Year
Meanwhile, drones themselves have gradually evolved from basic, blocky devices to cutting-edge machines carrying 4K sensors that are equipped with groundbreaking stabilisation technology. Furthermore, drone technology has seen various improvements in regards to AI-driven features and increased operational range, meaning drones can stay airborne for longer and at further distances than previous iterations. Of course, this is also due to recently enhanced battery technology, allowing drones to carry more optimised power on a single charge, as well as general improvements in cellular technology like 5G and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity which can make drone navigation more reliable.
Additionally, AI has brought a sense of autonomy to the machines, allowing them to navigate more challenging flying conditions and wind speeds by correcting course without frequent user input. These are just some of the current and upcoming features to drones today. Of course, it should come as no surprise that the increase in drone videography has naturally driven up consumer demand for such tech, leading to a wide range of drones on the market – but what are the best drones for photography in 2025?
Best Drones for Aerial Photos
The best drones are the ones that are suited best for your intended purpose. For example, if capturing the best aerial photos is the main area of priority, then the DJI Mini 3 Pro is the best overall option for a photography-dominated experience. It is incredibly small and light, making it a pleasure to fly thanks to it’s agile structure. But most enchantingly, is doesn’t need to pass any special flight tests as it weighs below 250 grams, even if it is being used for commercial purposes. Then there’s the price – it is only £439 which alone makes it a compelling choice. On the other hand, those looking to get the best quality drone overall should opt for the DJI Mavic 4 Pro which was released just this year, bringing with it some truly cutting-edge features – including a 100MP sensor, a Gimbal with 360° rotation, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
It can capture up to 60fps in 6K HDR, and contains new sensor capabilities to detect tiny branches even in low-light, while the 6 additional cameras are designed purely for obstacle avoidance and ground detection. The latter of which makes the Mavic 4 Pro the first of it’s kind to use such technology, making the flight much smoother and more reliable. Of course, none of this tech comes cheap and the 4 Pro therefore demands a whopping £1,879. Ultimately however, the Autel EVO Lite+ also offers the best of both worlds in this regard. It is cheaper than DJI’s current flagship Mavic 4 Pro and weighs in at £1,129. It still offers a clean and clear 20 megapixel camera, and can capture 6K video at 30fps and 4K video at 60fps making it an appealing choice for those wanting to have both photography and video capabilities catered to. Keeping this in mind, the EVO Lite+ is the best of the three.
Legal Tips for Flying
Despite the overall benefits that drones have offered us, there are still many rules and regulations that must be adhered to given that drone operators are effectively flying a small unmanned aircraft. There are a wealth of legal tips out there, though they can be summarised in the following statements – know how to fly your drone confidently and safely, and keep your drone in sight at all times whilst staying below 400ft. Make sure it is flight ready, checking fuel and battery levels and check that the firmware is up to date. Avoid flying your drone over congested areas and in restricted airspace, particularly near airports and flight paths. Never fly a drone for the purpose of conducting nefarious or criminal activities and respect peoples’s property, ensuring that any images you capture using the drone do not undermine privacy laws.
Drone Photography Tips for Beginners
There are also many drone photography tips out there. One of these is to simply to experiment with your drone by shooting straight down from above, which can often result in some compelling and eye-catching photographs. By doing this, you will be able to observe the landscape from a new angle and will surely notice some interesting patterns and formations that are imperceptible at ground level. Additionally, it is highly important to take note of the weather conditions when flying. Although it may be tempting to capture a hale storm or thick fog from above, cloudy conditions such as these should be avoided at all costs. If the lens starts to fog up and succumbs to the natural process of condensation, then any images you capture will be rendered useless. Instead, flying the drone on a clear day will not only make for a more rewarding flying experience but will also allow you the time to experiment with different angles and speeds, capturing images in different ways.
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