Drones come in all shapes and sizes and offer a wide range of specifications and unique features and buying a drone that suits your specific needs can require some research. A feature that many of the new drones in 2021 have in common as its popularity has increased over the past few years is 4K video. The video resolution standard is currently in a state of transition as 1080p fades into the past 4K, or 2160p, is proving itself as the new standard as it has become increasingly financially accessible for the average buyer.
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| Resolution size comparison graphic |
So what 4K-capable drones in 2021 are the best and why? Just because the drone’s camera can shoot in 4K does not mean it shoots well in 4K. Based on documented specifications and usage research, discussed here are the five best 4K video-capable drones available to consumers with various budgets as of May 2021.
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| Holy Stone HS720E Drone |
#7 For those on a tight budget the
Holy Stone HS720E certainly packs a punch at its price point. The HS720E is equipped with Electronic Image Stabilization, a 1-axis gimbal, Sony sensor and is capable of recording video at 1080p (1920x1080p, HD) up to 60fps and up to 30fps at 4K (3840x2160, UHD). The drone also features automated flight modes for smooth route-specific shooting.
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| DJI Mini 2 Drone |
#6 The ultra-budget-friendly
DJI Mini 2 ascends into the number three spot. The Mini 2 is a small package perfect for shooting in tight spaces like flying indoors and yet capable of producing some massive results. This unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV includes a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that handles silky smooth 4K video up to 30fps and 4x zoom capabilities.
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| DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone |
#5 If $1,000 is the absolute maximum you’re willing to dish out for a drone, DJI’s
Mavic Air 2 is the go-to. The Mavic Air 2 is a beginner/hobbyist-level drone featuring some impressive specs for its price tag. Included with the Mavic Air 2 is a half-inch CMOS sensor capable of producing 48mp photographs and yes, 4K video up to 60fps with an 84° field of view (FOV). It might also be beneficial to mention at 1080p this mini-drone can capture up to 240fps if 4K at 60fps just isn’t fast enough.
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| DJI Air 2S Drone |
#4 Yet another DJI drone hits the list, the Mavic Air 2’s more handsome and ripped younger sibling, the
Mavic Air 2S. The Air 2S fills in all the places where the Air 2 fell short. It boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor to gather more information, 4K/60fps and 5.4K/30fps video, 10-bit Dlog-M (RAW) color as well as updated sensors that allow for obstacle sensing in four directions. Due to the high dynamic range, high resolution and accurate color reproduction, the results of night shooting are better than ever.
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| Autel Evo II Drone |
#3 Autel’s
EVO II takes the bronze. Designed for professional videography, the EVO II produces mouthwatering 4K video quality. It might also be worth mentioning the 8K video capabilities—yes, 8K video with a foldable drone under $1,500. 8K video certainly isn’t the current resolution standard and because it is the very first foldable 8k-capable drone it probably wouldn’t be too out of line to suggest the technology packed into its little spherical camera has some kinks that need to be worked out, but it’s still pretty damn cool.
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| DJI Mavic 2 Pro |
#2 The
Mavic 2 Pro is currently the all-around best drone available for under $1,600. Its sleek frame holds an f/2.8, 28mm Hasselblad camera with a 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor. 4K video can be captured at up to 30fps and Full HD (1080p FHD) video up to 120fps. The 10-Bit Dlog-M and 10-bit HDR color profiles allow for over a billion colors to be captured and due to its image stabilization technology, all recordings will come out looking buttery smooth. Its 100-12,800 ISO range allows for surprisingly good low-light situations. Achieve the highest quality video available for under $1,600.
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| DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X7 |
#1 The number one spot belongs to a drone that is aimed more toward those whose flight purposes go beyond recreational use. While there are a few drones available that provide cinema-level video quality only one has been tried and tested over and again by professional filmmakers. Putting aside bring your own camera (BYOC) UAVs like the
Freefly Systems ALTA 8 and DJI’s
Matrice 300 RTK which will run you around $14,000 to $18,000, the next best thing is the
DJI Inspire 2 X7. This monster of a drone fly’s up to 58mph and shoots major motion picture-level quality footage. The
Zenmuse X7 interchangeable camera system offers four carbon fiber enclosed prime lenses ranging from 16-50mm and resolutions up to 8K. but performance and beauty come at a price. The Inspire 2 with a Zenmuse X7 camera runs around $8,000.
Photo Credits: i.rtings.com; edrones.review.com; dji.com; guysgab.com; dji.com; dronenerds.com; photoshack.co.nz; mikeshouts.com
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