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Best Drones 2023
1. DJI Mini 2
Specifications
-Flight Time 31 minutes
-Camera 12 MP, 4K/30 fps
-Weight 8.8 oz
The DJI Mini 2 can now record videos in 4K resolution (30 frames per second) and photos with a resolution of 12 megapixels are also stored in RAW format if necessary. This gives you extended possibilities in image editing. What the Mini 2 still lacks, however, is a comprehensive obstacle detection. It is amazingly stable in flight despite compactness. The Mini lives up to its name: almost nothing changes in terms of dimensions and weight. Thus, the drone fits, for example, in a larger jacket pocket.
Pros
+ 4K video resolution
+ Photos can also be saved in RAW format
+ Extremely compact and lightweight
+ Improved radio transmission
Cons
- No comprehensive obstacle detection
2. DJI Mavic Air 2
Specifications
-Flight Time 34 minutes
-Camera 48 MP, 4K/60 fps
-Weight 1.25 lb
With the second edition of the Mavic Air, DJI creates a very good compromise, from compact design and extensive equipment. It manages to address both beginners and professional users. The new 48-megapixel sensor not only enables high-resolution photos, but also delivers 4K video at 60 frames per second. You can save images either with the full 48 megapixels or as 12 megapixel images, resulting in better dynamics and contrast.
Pros
+ Obstacle detection
+ Long flight time
+ Sophisticated operation
+ Good image quality
Cons
- Nothing significant
3. DJI Mavic 2 Pro
Specifications
-Flight Time 31 minutes
-Camera 20 MP, 4K/30 fps
-Weight 6.9 lb
The Mavic 2 Pro from DJI is equipped with a 1-inch camera sensor that resolves at 20 megapixels. The large sensor area, which is also found in high-end compact cameras, promises particularly good photo and video quality. This should be particularly noticeable in low light conditions. The camera was developed in cooperation with Hasselblad and should also be based on the color management of the premium manufacturer.
Pros
+ Camera with large sensor
+ Compact folding
+ Long flight time
+ 360-degree obstacle avoidance
Cons
- Price
- Relatively high weight
4. DJI Air 2S
Specifications
-Flight Time 31 minutes
-Camera 20 MP, 5.4K/30 fps
-Weight 1.3 lb
The DJI Air 2S convinces both with its image quality and its flight characteristics. Thanks to the large 1-inch sensor, the quadcopter succeeds in crisp 20-megapixel photos, and the videos with up to 5.4 K resolution are also top. Clever functions support impressive aerial stunts and automated tracking shots; improved safety sensors warn of accidental crashes.
Pros
+ Up to 5.4 K video resolution
+ Improved obstacle detection
+ Large 1-inch image sensor
+ Stable transmission up to 7.5 miles
Cons
- No optical zoom
5. Yuneec Typhoon H Plus
Specifications
-Flight Time 25 Minutes
-Camera 20 MP, 4K/60 fps
-Weight 4 lb
Yuneec has revised the Typhoon H and now offers the improved model Typhoon H Plus, including the camera module C23. With its 1-inch image sensor, this module promises increased image quality with a resolution of 20 megapixels. In addition, the cooling of the engines was improved and the noise emission of the drone was significantly reduced. It has been optimized in meaningful points and comes with sophisticated technology and a complete scope of delivery.
Pros
+ 4K video at 60 fps
+ 1-Inch CMOS Sensor with 20 megapixels
+ High reliability
+ Many flight modes
+ Can fly even if one motor dies
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
6. Autel Robotics EVO Nano+
Specifications
-Flight Time 28 Minutes
-Camera 48 MP, 4K/30 fps
-Weight 0.54 lb
The Autel EVO Nano+ is an absolute firecracker and without a doubt one of the best camera drone from 2022. Thanks to its low weight, the drone is not only transportable and therefore well suited for traveling and for holidays. Compared to the DJI Mini 2, the Autel EVO Nano+ convince above all with the three-sided obstacle detection, the tracking or tracking function as well as an extremely high-performance camera. However, the mini drone is also more expensive than the DJI Mini 2 and therefore only suitable to a limited extent for a beginner.
Pros
+ GPS and hover sensors
+ Light and very compact
+ Very high photo resolution
+ Obstacle detection
+ Tracking functions
Cons
- More expensive than DJI Mini 2
- No display in the remote control
7. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Specifications
-Flight Time 31 Minutes
-Camera 12 MP, 4K/30 fps
-Weight 2 lb
For the Mavic 2 Zoom, DJI uses a zoom camera in a foldable drone. Although it is only a 2x zoom, this is quite enough to provide appealing dolly zoom effects and more dynamic tracking shots. In addition to the camera, the drone is equipped with everything that is expected from a drone these days. This includes both automated recording and flight functions, as well as an extensive anti-collision system.
Pros
+ Zoom camera combined with travel-ready drone
+ Numerous flight modes and recording functions
+ Extensive anti-collision system
+ Intuitive controls
Cons
- Only 12 MP sensor
- Not cheap
8. Holy Stone HS120D
Specifications
-Flight Time 16 Minutes
-Camera 2 MP, 2K
-Weight 7.8 oz
The Holy Stone HS120D has become popular due to simple operation, programmable flight modes and good video quality. Videos are delivered with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels in HD. However, an image stabilizer is missing, which can cause the images to be blurred in turbulent weather conditions. The running time is then sufficient for around 16 minutes. So the fun of flying is over relatively quickly, unless you get one or more spare batteries.
Pros
+ Good video quality with sufficient light
+ GPS module keeps the drone at the desired location
+ High range
+ Inexpensive
Cons
- Short battery life
- Long battery charging time
9. DJI Inspire 2
Specifications
-Flight Time 27 Minutes
-Camera 30 MP, 4K/60 fps
-Weight 7.58 lbs
The DJI Inspire 2 has numerous features and technologies to offer that you should not do without. The cheaper camera variant (X4S) alone is significantly better positioned thanks to the 1-inch image sensor. The dual battery bay as well as the numerous anti-collision sensors, flight modes or redundant units make the DJI Inspire 2 a significantly safer aircraft.
Pros
+ Great build quality
+ Lots of features
+ Many flight modes
+ Dual battery system
Cons
- Very expensive
- Expensive accessories
10. Ryze Tech Tello
Specifications
-Flight Time 13 Minutes
-Camera 5 MP, 720p
-Weight 3 oz
Of course, the Ryze Tello is not to be compared with large drones, but for a mini drone and low price, the overall package and the fun factor are fine. A big plus is the quite good flight situation. The battery life is OK for the size, the photo quality too. The video resolution, however, is only partially satisfactory.
Pros
+ Lightweight and compact
+ Good price-performance ratio
+ Good flight characteristics
Cons
- Low flight time
- Moderate camera image quality