Quadcopters

With quadcopter drones, you can take your photography and videography to the skies! With drones getting more and more sophisticated, boasting longer flight times and more advanced high-quality cameras, the possibilities of aerial shooting are only increasing. While DJI is the market leader, there are plenty of tempting alternatives from the likes of Autel and Parrot, giving any prospective drone shooter lots to consider.

Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line professional drone or one of the many excellent small drones that are affordable and portable, there should be something here for you. Don’t forget to kit it out with the latest drone accessories – most importantly, a memory card!

Quadcopters

Trying to pick the right quadcopter drone? The first thing to do is narrow down which of the main brands is right for you – here’s a quick run down.

Quadcopter brands

DJI

Probably the most well-known name in aerial photography, DJI has thoroughly earned its reputation for making fantastic drones. Its range is broad, spanning small drones for beginners to large drones for professionals and everything in between. Let’s take a closer look at some of the quadcopters DJI offers.

DJI Mini 2:
One of the most popular starter drones, the DJI Mini 2 is a perfect gateway into the world of aerial photography. Simply charge up the DJI Intelligent Flight Battery and you’re ready to fly for up to 31 uninterrupted minutes. The little drone can support a 10km HD video transmission range, can shoot 4K 30p video, stabilises its shots with a 3-axis motorised gimbal – and all this in a drone that weighs just 249g! The DJI Mini 2 Fly More combo is a great way to start off your quadcopter adventures.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom:
Get closer to your subjects – even from the sky. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom breaks new ground in drone photography by featuring a 2x optical zoom, expanding your reach and flexibility when it comes to image-making. It’s effectively able to simulate a 96mm telephoto lens, and with 48MP super-resolution mode, lets you capture from the sky in unprecedented quality.  

DJI Phantom 4 Pro:
The latest incarnation of one of the most beloved DJI drones, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 gets the job done in style. It has 60% reduction of noise from its motors and propellers, making flying a smoother experience, and remote controlled flight is easier than ever thanks to the Full HD 5.5-inch screen built into the controller. The 1-inch CMOS sensor ensures that images and videos look exceptional.

DJI Inspire 2 X7:
The serious drone for advanced video pros, the DJI Inspire 2 X7 can shoot 6K resolution, DCI 4K, 24MP stills and much more, and it supports CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes codecs. When this is paired with a top speed of 58mph and the ability to accelerate from 0-50mph in four seconds, you’ve got a seriously powerful aerial photography tool on your hands.

Autel

Autel creates amazing, pro-level drones with loads of handy features that mark it out as a competitor to watch. Take the Autel EVO II Pro, a drone with a massive 7100mAh battery that allows it to fly for up to 40 minutes, and a 360° Omni-Directional Obstacle Avoidance system with a 30m range. The image quality is excellent too, thanks to the 1-inch sensor, and the drone is capable of capturing up to 6K video. The Autel EVO II is also worth considering, using a smaller imaging sensor but still packing in the same impressive flight features. Both drones come with sophisticated remote controls, allowing you to take real-time control of your flying.

Parrot

The Parrot Anafi Drone is an affordable and well-equipped 4K drone. With a 2.8x lossless zoom, a unique 180° tilt gimbal, and an ultra-compact foldable construction, it’s a great choice of drone for all sorts of shooting. It’s also equipped with some impressive weather-resistance. For pros who need something more high-end, the Parrot Anafi Work Drone is also available, with a 3-axis hybrid stabilisation system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for flying drones in the UK?

If you’re going to fly drones, it’s important to be up to date on the latest legislation so you know exactly what you’re allowed to do and what you aren’t. Head to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority for all the latest rules and regulations regarding drone flight – be aware that the rules differ depending on the weight of your drone.

Why are quadcopters so loud?

Boring answer – it’s just the sound the propellers make as they’re slicing through the air. When they move at many rotations per minute, the propellers displace a lot of air, creating spikes and drops of air pressure. This is the root cause of the distinctive buzzing that people mostly associate with drones – though the sound of the motors that turn the propellers also contributes to it.

Can you use drones for real estate photography?

Absolutely – drones are a fantastic way to show off a property from a different, creative angle. Just make sure you read up on the rules and regulations so you can be sure you’re sticking within the law.

Is drone photography difficult?

Not necessarily, as many modern drones come with helpful modes and features like obstacle avoidance that make life easier. But don’t be fooled – piloting a drone is a skill like any other, and practice is key to mastery.

Why do people use drones for photography?

Not only is it fun, but drone photography also allows you to get completely unique and striking perspectives, even of landscapes that have been shot a million times before. It adds a new dimension to your shooting, and opens up whole new avenues of creativity.