Photography has entered a new age where aerial shots are not just the domain of Hollywood films or professional photographers with hefty budgets. Thanks to advances in drone technology, it’s now possible to capture stunning, high-quality images from the sky without breaking the bank. If you’re a photographer or an enthusiast looking for the best drone for photography under $1000, this article is your ultimate guide to the top-performing drones available in 2024. Whether you want professional features or easy-to-use options, we’ll cover it all.
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Why Choose a Drone Under $1000?
The drone market has evolved rapidly over the last few years. Drones that used to cost thousands of dollars are now available at a fraction of the price, while still offering high-end features. A budget of $1000 is more than sufficient to purchase a drone that delivers professional-level photos and videos, equipped with features like:
- 4K Ultra HD cameras
- Gimbals for stable shooting
- Long battery life and flight time
- Intelligent flight modes (such as Follow Me, Waypoint, and Orbit)
- GPS-enabled precision
- Obstacle avoidance systems
These features ensure you get a drone that meets most of the needs of an aspiring aerial photographer or videographer. The challenge is narrowing down the options to find the best drone for photography 2024 has to offer under $1000. Let’s dive into the top picks!
1. DJI Air 2S – The Best All-Rounder
Key Features:
- Camera: 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor
- Video Quality: 5.4K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps
- Battery Life: 31 minutes
- Max Range: 7.5 miles (12km)
- Price: Around $999
The DJI Air 2S stands out as one of the top choices for photographers looking for professional-quality aerial shots without exceeding the $1000 mark. Its 1-inch sensor delivers vibrant and detailed 20MP stills and incredible 5.4K video, making it ideal for both amateur and professional photographers.
The intelligent HDR technology helps to combine multiple exposures into one shot, providing a dynamic range of colors and brightness. Plus, with DJI’s impressive O3 transmission technology, you’ll experience a stable video feed even when the drone is flying over 7 miles away.
If you’re looking for intelligent flight features, the Air 2S has you covered with FocusTrack, Spotlight 2.0, and MasterShots, which allow the drone to automate complex shots with ease. It’s perfect for users who want creative freedom without the complexity of manual piloting.
Pros:
- Exceptional image and video quality
- Compact and portable
- Advanced intelligent flight modes
Cons:
- Slightly above budget for some users
- Lacks side and rear obstacle sensors
2. Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ – Best Low-Light Performance
Key Features:
- Camera: 50MP with 1-inch CMOS sensor
- Video Quality: 6K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps
- Battery Life: 40 minutes
- Max Range: 7.4 miles (12km)
- Price: Around $949
Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ is a fantastic option for photographers who often shoot in low-light conditions. The 1-inch CMOS sensor and 50MP resolution make sure you capture every detail, while its f/2.8-f/11 adjustable aperture ensures clear shots even when light is scarce.
The EVO Lite+ also offers a staggering 6K video resolution, providing the utmost clarity and cinematic quality. Its extended flight time of up to 40 minutes ensures you have ample opportunity to capture the perfect shot without needing to land and recharge.
For those interested in shooting dramatic scenes at dusk or in challenging lighting, this drone’s Ultra Wide-Angle Obstacle Avoidance system is an added bonus, ensuring safe flights even in unpredictable environments.
Pros:
- Excellent low-light camera performance
- Adjustable aperture for creative control
- Superior flight time and obstacle avoidance
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than other options
3. DJI Mini 3 Pro – Best Portable Option
Key Features:
- Camera: 48MP, 1/1.3-inch sensor
- Video Quality: 4K at 60fps
- Battery Life: 34 minutes
- Max Range: 7.5 miles (12km)
- Price: Around $759
If portability is a priority, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is an excellent choice. Weighing less than 249 grams, it’s light enough to carry in your backpack but packed with impressive features. Despite its small size, the Mini 3 Pro’s 48MP camera and 4K video resolution are more than sufficient for high-quality photography and videography.
The Mini 3 Pro also includes advanced features like a 3-axis gimbal for stability, HDR support, and intelligent flight modes such as Follow Me and Hyperlapse. Plus, its sub-250g weight makes it more convenient, as it avoids the need for FAA registration.
This is the best drone for photography 2024 if you’re seeking a balance between portability and performance. It’s ideal for travel bloggers, hikers, and anyone who wants to capture great aerial shots on the go.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- Great camera for its size
- No FAA registration required
Cons:
- Smaller sensor compared to competitors
- Lacks obstacle avoidance on the sides
4. Skydio 2+ – Best for Automated Flying
Key Features:
- Camera: 12MP with Sony IMX577 sensor
- Video Quality: 4K at 60fps
- Battery Life: 27 minutes
- Max Range: 3.7 miles (6km)
- Price: Around $999
If you’re new to drones and want something that practically flies itself, the Skydio 2+ is the best choice. Skydio drones are known for their unparalleled obstacle avoidance, thanks to six 4K navigation cameras that let the drone “see” in every direction, making it nearly impossible to crash.
The camera performance is solid, offering 4K footage at 60fps, though its 12MP resolution for still images is on the lower side compared to other models on this list. However, if you prioritize ease of use and reliability over ultra-high resolution stills, the Skydio 2+ won’t disappoint.
Its best feature is the Skydio 2+ KeyFrame, an AI-driven flight path feature that lets you plan complex shots with ease, perfect for those wanting to create dynamic and professional video content without complex piloting skills.
Pros:
- Unmatched obstacle avoidance
- Easy to use for beginners
- Excellent AI flight modes
Cons:
- Lower still image resolution
- Limited range compared to other drones
5. FIMI X8 SE 2022 – Best Budget-Friendly Option
Key Features:
- Camera: 48MP with 1/2-inch sensor
- Video Quality: 4K at 30fps
- Battery Life: 35 minutes
- Max Range: 5 miles (8km)
- Price: Around $449
For those looking for an even more affordable option under $500, the FIMI X8 SE 2022 delivers fantastic performance at a fraction of the cost. It’s equipped with a 48MP camera capable of recording 4K video and a reliable 3-axis gimbal for stable shots.
The 35-minute flight time and a range of intelligent flight modes (such as Smart Tracking and Waypoints) make it a solid option for photography enthusiasts on a tight budget. Although it doesn’t come with the same high-end features as its pricier counterparts, the FIMI X8 SE 2022 offers incredible value for the price.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good camera for its price range
- Decent battery life and features
Cons:
- Lacks advanced obstacle avoidance
- Not as feature-rich as more expensive models
Conclusion: Finding the Right Drone for You
Choosing the best drone for photography under $1000 depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize image quality, portability, intelligent flight modes, or ease of use. The DJI Air 2S is the top pick for overall performance, but each drone on this list brings something unique to the table.
For those who need exceptional low-light performance, the Autel EVO Lite+ is unbeatable, while the DJI Mini 3 Pro is perfect for photographers always on the move. The Skydio 2+ excels in autonomous flying, and the FIMI X8 SE 2022 is the best budget-friendly choice for beginners.
As 2024 approaches, the drones on this list represent some of the best options for aerial photography at an affordable price. With these drones, you’re guaranteed to capture stunning aerial shots without breaking the bank.