4K Drones for All BudgetsBest (60FPS/HDR) 4K Drones for All Budgets
Drones have revolutionized the way we capture stunning aerial footage, allowing us to explore perspectives that were once out of reach. With advancements in 4K technology, the demand for high-quality video recording has led to the emergence of 4K drones with 60FPS (frames per second) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) capabilities. These features enable an immersive visual experience, capturing every detail and color with precision, and bringing more benefits for drone video editing.
By examining factors such as budget constraints, flight performance, camera quality, battery life, and additional features, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of the top drones available on the market. From budget-friendly options under $500 to mid-range drones in the $500-$1000 range, all the way up to high-end models exceeding $1000, we’ll explore the best options at each price point.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each drone, you’ll be empowered to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget. So, whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes, filming action-packed sequences, or simply exploring the skies, join us as we uncover the best 4K drones with 60FPS and HDR capabilities for all budgets.
Best 4K Drones under $2000 ($1500 — $2000)
DJI Mavic 2 Pro was released in August 2018, about three months after the launch of Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. Those two are the most expensive consumer 4K drones of DJI. Are they worth the price? Check the basic information chart below and learn more of the details, so that you can decide to buy or not to buy a 4K drone for nearly $2000.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro — DJI 4K Drone with Long Flight Time
Pros:
• Fastest flight speed. Seemingly, Mavic 2 Pro and Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 provide the same flight speed — 72KPH, but the previous excels in both flight time and distance.
• DJI Mavic Pro 2 series (Pro and Zoom) are the only two 4K drones coming with omnidirectional obstacle avoidance.
• Foldable 4K drone that can work under an environment of -10°C — 40°C.
• Wide range of ISO, from 100 to 6400.
• 3-axis mechanical gimbal
• Support one of the best 4K video codecs — H.265/HEVC.
Cons:
• Weighing in at 907 grams, it is not a good portable 4K drone.
• You can only fly Mavic 2 Pro through a remote controller. There is no mobile or gesture control mode.
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Pros:
• A DJI drone that can film in 4K at 60fps, although saving in H.264 only.
• Allows you to record 4K in H.265/HEVC (smaller size option).
• 3-axis mechanical gimbal.
• Built with mechanical shutter and 1'’ CMOS sensor.
Cons:
• Can’t be folded, so it might be inconvenient for carrying around.
• Remote controller mode available only.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro vs DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0
Best 4K Drones under $1500 ($1000 — $1500)
Both Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic Pro Platinum are priced under $1500, $300 to $600 cheaper than the previous two 4K drones. Mavic 2 Zoom is good for its six-direction obstacle avoidance, while Mavic Pro Platinum allows you to control with not only a remote controller but also a mobile.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom — Fast DJI 4K Drone
Pros:
• Priced at $1439, $290 cheaper than Phantom 4 Pro V2.0, DJI Mavic 2 Zoom flies much faster than Phantom (72 KPH vs. 65 KPH), maybe because of its lighter weight.
• Built with a 2x optical zoom 4K camera, this drone under $1500 provides you with an aperture of f2.8-f3.8 and ISO 100–3200.
• Another DJI 4K drone that can be used in a wider range of temperatures, from -10°C to 40°C.
• Obstacle sensing is possible in forward, backward, sides, upward, and downward directions.
• Compatible with H.265/HEVC codec.
Cons:
• Remote controller available only.
• It would be better if it supports 4K 60fps recording.
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum — Light and Quiet DJI 4K Drone
Pros:
• With a weight of 734g, Mavic Pro Platinum is the lightest 4K drone of DJI.
• Allows you to film in both 4K (3840x2160) and C4K (4096x2160). Note that 24 fps is accessible only for C4K.
• A portable and quiet quadcopter drone.
• 30-min flight time, just 1 minute less than DJI Mavic 2 Pro and Zoom.
• This 4K drone can be controlled through mobile phones.
Cons:
• Obstacle avoidance can be used for forward direction only.
• Compared with Mavic 2 Zoom’s 18 km flight distance at 72 KPH, Mavic Pro Platinum can only fly 13 km.
• The lowest temperature for this 4K drone to operate is 0°C.
• HEVC codec is not supported.
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom vs DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
Best 4K Drones under $1000 ($500 — $1000)
If you want a budget 4K drone under $1000, DJI Mavic Air and Mavic Pro are two of the best options. But be aware that the flight distance and time are comparatively limited. Make sure you take the battery charger along with you.
DJI Mavic Air — 4K HDR Drone with Gesture Controls
Pros:
• Mavic Air is a good option for taking HDR photos.
• Mavic Air is the only DJI drone with an 8K camera that makes it possible to take 32 MP sphere panorama pictures in 8192x4096.
• Mavic Air is the only DJI 4K drone under $1000 with 3 control modes, allowing you to control your drone through a remote controller, mobile, and gesture.
Cons:
• The one with the shortest max. flight time — 21min among all the DJI 4K drones in the post.
• Obstacle avoidance only works when flying forward and backward.
• No 4K HEVC support.
DJI Mavic Pro — Cheap DJI 4K Drone
Pros:
• Mavic Pro is the lowest-cost option of DJI 4K drones.
• Two control modes are available in Mavic Pro: remote controller and mobile phone.
• Two 4K options: 4K 3840x2160 and C4K 4096x2160.
• This is one of the two lightest DJI 4K drones, as a result of which, Mavic Pro can fly 6 minutes more than Mavic Air, despite its slightly faster flight speed.
Cons:
• Same with Mavic Pro Platinum, obstacle avoidance works only in a forward direction in Mavic Pro.
• No 4K HEVC video recording setting.
• No longer available for buying in the official DJI store. You can check on Amazon.com.
DJI Mavic Air vs DJI Mavic Pro
Best 4K Drones under $500
If you’re on a tight budget but want to get into aerial photography and videography, there are two excellent drone options under $500 to consider: the DJI Mavic Mini and the Ryze Tello. While both drones lack the advanced features and image quality of more expensive models, they punch well above their weight class.
DJI Mavic Mini
Pros:
•Ultra-light and compact, very portable.
•Captures smooth 2.7K 30fps video and 12MP photos.
•Decent flight time, lots of smart features for the size.
Cons:
•Basic, no obstacle avoidance or 4K video.
•Struggles in windy conditions due to small size.
Ryze Tello
Pros:
•Highly affordable at under $100.
•Surprisingly stable and easy to fly.
•Programmable — teaches coding skills.
Cons:
•Captures only 720p video and 5MP photos.
•Very short flight time, lacks GPS, and follow me.
•More of a toy drone than a serious camera drone.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 4K Drone
When embarking on the journey of selecting a 4K drone with 60FPS and HDR capabilities, it’s important to consider several key factors that can greatly influence your overall experience. By taking these factors into account, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your requirements and budget. Here are some crucial considerations:
Budget constraints and finding the right balance between features and cost:
- Determine your budget range and be realistic about what you can afford.
- Prioritize essential features based on your specific needs, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Flight performance and stability:
- Look for drones with advanced flight control systems and stability features to ensure smooth and steady flights.
- Consider factors such as wind resistance, altitude hold, and GPS capabilities to enhance the overall flying experience.
Camera quality and resolution:
- Opt for a drone with a high-resolution camera capable of capturing 4K video footage for crisp and detailed visuals.
- Check for features like image stabilization to reduce camera shake and produce smoother videos.
- HDR support enables a wider dynamic range and richer colors, adding depth and vibrancy to your recordings.
Battery life and flight time:
- Longer flight times allow for more extended and uninterrupted aerial sessions.
- Look for drones with efficient battery systems and consider purchasing spare batteries for extended flight capabilities.
Additional features:
- Obstacle avoidance technology enhances flight safety by automatically detecting and avoiding obstacles in the drone’s path.
- Follow-me mode enables the drone to track and capture footage of a moving subject, providing dynamic and engaging shots.
By carefully evaluating these factors and determining your priorities, you can find a 4K drone that strikes the right balance between features, performance, and cost. Remember that each factor carries its own significance, so consider your specific needs and use cases when making a decision. In the following sections, we will explore the best 4K drones with 60FPS and HDR capabilities across various price ranges, taking into account these crucial factors.