5 Best Drones for Beginners with Cameras (2024’s BEST Picks)

If you’re on the hunt for the best drones for beginners with cameras, you’re in for a treat in 2024. This year’s market is buzzing with incredible choices designed specifically for beginners.

When I began flying drones six years ago, my tiny drone would struggle to stay airborne and would always crash(usually in the neighbour’s garden followed by an attack from their dog).

In this article, we will discuss the best drones for beginners with cameras in detail in each model and highlight their key features to simplify your decision-making process. We will also cover the accessories, drone photography tips, apps, and licenses you may want for your drone. Let’s dive in!

Quick Look at The Best Drones For Beginners With Camera

If you’re a beginner looking for a drone with a camera, DJI has got you covered in 2023. Let’s quickly look at the top picks for beginner-friendly DJI drones with cameras and GPS.

DJI is the main drone-producing company with the best technology and the widest selection of drones to choose from. Competitors like Skydio and Autel can’t keep up and that’s why we are only mentioning the DJI drones in this article.

1. DJI Mini 4 Pro: The Best Beginners Drone

If you’re looking for the best beginner drone with camera and GPS, look no further than the DJI Mini 4 Pro. This little guy may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to ease of use and stunning aerial footage.

It has a high-quality 48MP camera which is able to shoot in RAW(high-quality format best for editing). When taking videos it can shoot in 4K up to 60fps which is very impressive for a drone of this size and this price($1119 AUD/ $759 USD).

The Mini 4 Pro has 360 omnidirectional sensors that prevent it from crashing, which makes it the safest of the DJI Mini series. It offers a range of intelligent flight modes like QuickShots and ActiveTrack, making it even easier to get that perfect shot. Best of all, it won’t break the bank like some other drones out there. The DJI Mini 4 is truly the top choice for beginners. Scroll down to dive into more detail.

2. DJI Mini 3 Pro

This little guy is easy to transport and fly, making it a great choice for those just starting out in the world of aerial photography. The main reason the Mini 3 Pro and not the Mini 3 is second place is because it has more sensors used for obstacle avoidance, preventing it from crashing which puts it on the best beginner drones list.

With its high-quality camera, you’ll be able to capture stunning footage from the skies. Plus, the DJI Fly app offers a user-friendly interface and cool features like QuickShot modes, allowing you to get creative with your shots. And don’t worry about safety – this drone has advanced features like GPS and obstacle avoidance technology to keep you flying smoothly.

3. DJI Mavic 3

There are several versions of the DJI Mavic 3 drones. These are on the more professional side compared to the other drones with its higher price tag, heavier weight(950g) and bigger size making it one of the best beginner drones for adults.

Trust me, it won’t disappoint. The Mavic 3 comes equipped with a 5.1k camera shooting up to 60 frames per second as well as a 4k camera 120fps that can capture absolutely stunning aerial footage.

The Mavic 3 is a lot heavier and has more power than the Mini series, making it more reliable in strong winds. I’ve flown it in extremely high winds and it still manages to capture smooth video footage.

4. DJI Air 3

The DJI Air 3 is a great beginner-friendly drone that has omnidirectional sensors, long flight time and a great 1.3-inch CMOS camera capable of shooting at 48MP.

With its easy controls and compact design, even first-time fliers can capture stunning aerial footage. Plus, its intelligent flight modes make it even easier to get the perfect shot.

5. DJI Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 is the cheapest of the drones on this list($698 AUD/ $469 USD). You might be thinking, Matt, why is this drone not number 1 on the list for a beginner? And it’s because it only has downward sensors and lacks the 360 omnidirectional sensors making it the riskiest drone on the list for new flyers.

If you never plan on flying near people, buildings, or trees, then you may be okay with getting this as your first drone… eek!

The positives about the drone are up-to-51-minute flight time, 12MPthe ability camera and the ability to shoot 4K 30 frames per second.

Detailed Analysis of The Best Drones For Beginners

Alright, let’s dive into the detailed analysis of each DJI drone for beginners. We’ll take a closer look at the DJI Mini 4 Pro, Mini 3 Pro, Mavic 3 Classic, Air 3 and the Mini 3. These drones have unique features and specifications that cater to different needs.

From camera capabilities to flight performance, we’ll explore it all. By the end of this analysis, you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which drone is best suited for you as a beginner.

1. DJI Mini 4 Pro: Best Drone For Beginners With Camera

The DJI Mini 4 Pro has made its way to the top of the list of the best drones for beginners with cameras. It’s the latest addition to the DJI drone family, which means it has all the latest technology.

With it’s compact size and omnidirectional obstacle sensors, this makes it the easiest drone to fly.

Something I love about the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the Mini 3’s is the new ability to turn the gimbal to vertical mode which means you don’t have to crop your footage and lose all the quality to fill the screen when making Instagram reels or YouTube shorts, this also saves time.

Key Features:

• Lightweight 249 grams
• 4k 60fps
• Omnidirectional obstacle avoidance
• 45 minute flight time
• 10-bit D log
• 20km (12 miles) range

2. The DJI Mini 3 Pro

Let’s take a closer look at the second-best drone for beginners with cameras the DJI Mini 3 Pro. This little guy packs a punch with its high-quality lens and impressive image stabilization. Say goodbye to shaky footage and hello to smooth, professional-looking shots.

With its intelligent flight modes like ActiveTrack and QuickShots, capturing epic aerial footage has never been easier. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the DJI Mini 3 is sure to impress with its powerful features packed into a small size.

Key Features

• Lightweight 249 grams
• Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing (Forward/Backward/Downward)
• Record Up to 4K/60fps Video
• 34-min Max Flight
• TimeTrue Vertical Shooting
• FocusTrack (ActiveTrack, Spotlight, and Point of Interest)MasterShots
• Timelapse

3. DJI Mavic 3: Best Beginner Drones For Adults

The Mavic 3 drone makes a great beginner drone for adults as it has excellent safety features like an omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft.

The Mavic 3 comes in around 7 different models. The original Mavic 3 came out in late 2021 and the most recent one is the Mavic 3 Pro. I will start off by mentioning the key features that are the same with each model and then what’s different to help you decide.

The DJI Mavic 3 is one of the bigger drones on the market weighing in around 900 grams give or take 50 grams depending which model you choose.

Key Features

• 45 minute flight time
• 20 metres per second horizontal speed
• 8GB internal storage (1TB in cine version)
• Hasselblad Camera: 4/3 CMOS, Effective Pixels: 20 MP
• 5.1K 50fps video
• 4K 120fps
• Omnidirectional binocular vision system, supplemented with an infrared sensor at the bottom of the aircraft

Key Differences

4. DJI Air 3: Great Tech

The DJI air 3 is a great choice for beginner drones for adults and kids alike. It has amazing specs, a great battery life, and a fairly cheap price tag. It came out this year in 2023, and has all the latest technology, including omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, which we love.

The DJI Air 3 comes with a dual camera which allows for a better zoom and diverse settings for photos and videos.

Key Features

• 1/1.3″ CMOS Medium Tele & Wide-Angle Dual Primary Cameras
• 45-Min Max Flight Time
• Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing
• DJI O4 20km HD Video Transmission
• Dual-Camera 48MP Photos
• 4K/60fps HDR Videos

5. DJI Mini 3

The DJI Mini 3 is the best beginner drone for those not wanting to break the bank so much but still wanting to have great specs, battery life, and the ability to take some high-quality photos.

Key Features

• Under 249 grams
• 51-minute battery life(intelligent batteries sold seperately)
• 38-minute flight (standard batteries)
• 4K 30fps video
• True Vertical Shooting

Tips For Flying Drones

Here are 8 essential tips for both beginner and experienced DJI drone pilots:

• Set your return to home altitude so the drone doesn’t fly into any obstacles

• Aways check you have space on your SD card

• You can charge your smartphone from the controller

• Add grids to your screen to improve symmetry

• Download your shots when your smartphone is connected to the controller
• Don’t let your batteries get to 0-20% to preserve battery life
• Check your propellers are attached properly
• Always check your batteries and controller are charged

Which Accessories Should I Get For My Drone?

All DJI consumer drones have the option to be bought with a fly more kit which I highly recommend. The fly more kit consists of:

• Extra batteries x2
• Carry case
• Extra propellers
• Charging hub with USB connection
• Some fly more kits may come with some extras like ND filters and landing mats.

So you’ve bought your first DJI drone with a fly more kit, what else do you need? A high-speed SD card is recommended to process the 4K footage. SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO is what I would recommend.

The DJI controller with a screen is also a great accessory to buy for your first drone. It means you don’t have to rely on your smartphone and it is also much easier to see the RC screen in sunlight than the smartphone.

Buying a charger for in the car is a great idea, DJI sells their own brand of car chargers that use the cigarette lighter with a USB and USB-C connector which I highly recommend.

If you have a DJI Mini then you could get propeller guards which are useful when flying indoors or close range to objects. Keep in mind they will reduce the flight time with added weight.

Do I Need ND filters?

An ND filter, short for neutral density filter, is used to decrease the intensity of light that enters a camera’s lens. When shooting in bright sunlight, an ND filter gives photographers greater flexibility in choosing the appropriate gives and shutter speed by preventing overexposure. aperture

There are 4 ND filters that DJI offers officially. ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND34. The number associated with each ND filter represents the fraction of light that enters the lens.

• The ND4 filter reduces light by a quarter, equivalent to a 2-stop reduction in light. This enables you to decrease the shutter speed from 1/100s to 1/25s. Useful during cloudy or overcast days
• The ND8 filter reduces light by an eighth, resulting in a 3-stop reduction in light. This allows you to lower the shutter speed from 1/200s to 1/25s. Useful in partly cloudy conditions
• The ND16 filter decreases light by a sixteenth, providing a 4-stop reduction in light. This permits you to decrease the shutter speed from 1/400s to 1/25s. Useful in partly cloudy but mostly sunny conditions
• Lastly, the ND 32 filter decreases light by one thirty seconds, resulting in a 5-stop reduction in light. This enables you to lower the shutter speed from 1/800s to 1/25s. Useful in bright and sunny conditions.

Overall, ND filters can be beneficial for capturing better footage in various lighting conditions. It’s recommended to have at least one or two ND filters in your drone camera kit. useful in sunny and bright conditions

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Beginner’s Drone

When it comes to selecting the perfect beginner’s drone, there are a few key features you’ll want to keep in mind. When using lithium ion batteries it’s good practice to alternate each battery, don’t let the batteries get below 20% and also not let them get too hot.

All DJI drones and controllers are USB-type C rechargeable. The drone battery must either be inside the drone or on a docking station to be charged.

Does it have omnidirectional avoidance?

Omnidirectional collision sensors allow the drone to detect and avoid obstacles from all directions, ensuring safe and collision-free flights. This feature provides peace of mind for beginners learning to fly their drones.

How long is the flight time?

The flight time of a beginner’s drone is an important factor to consider. Look for a drone that has over 30 minutes of flight time which allows you to explore and capture footage without interruptions.

DJI drones use lithium-ion batteries which you shouldn’t let get below 20% battery life if you want to preserve the battery quality for as long as possible. This means that with a 30-minute battery, you will only use about 24 minutes per flight.

What intelligent flight modes does it have?

Intelligent flight modes enhance your flying experience and allow you to capture professional-looking shots effortlessly. Look for features like active track, orbit mode, and waypoint navigation.

Some of the additional flight modes that offer intelligent functionality are Gesture Mode, Tapfly, Tripod, and Cinematic modes, Hyperlapse, QuickShots, and Point of Interest. It is important to check that the battery level is adequate (ideally more than 50%) and that the aircraft is operating in P-mode when utilizing these intelligent flight modes.

Not all drones have every one of these intelligent flight modes so it’s worth checking when you are in the DJI Fly app whilst in video mode.

What Are FPV Drones?

FPV stands for first person view. These drones provide a real-time video feed to the pilot through goggles or a monitor. This allows the pilot to have a first-person perspective as if they were sitting in the drone’s cockpit.

FPV drones are commonly used in racing and aerial videography. The majority of FPV pilots make their own and produce insane video footage getting closer to things like mountains, trees, and in some cases, people.

You can also get the goggles for non-FPV drones, but just be aware there is a risk of getting motion sickness if you’re not used to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How GPS Works in Drones?

GPS technology plays a crucial role in drones for beginners and experienced pilots alike. By utilizing GPS, drones are equipped with precise positioning and navigation capabilities, allowing them to maintain a specific altitude and stay stable in the air. This ensures a smooth and controlled flight experience.

GPS in drones operates by utilizing a network of satellites to obtain positioning information. GPS-enabled drones are equipped with a GPS receiver that establishes communication with a minimum of four satellites. This communication occurs through radio signals that travel at the speed of light. This system aids in accurately determining the drone’s location, with precision ranging from meters to centimetres. Once the drone successfully locates itself on the global map, flying becomes more safe and secure.

Drones use various satellite signals to calculate their location, altitude, and speed. The received data is interpreted by the GPS receiver in the drone and then used by the flight controller to navigate and control the drone accurately. Continuous updates are made to ensure precise navigation throughout the flight.

How to Fly a Drone for Beginners?

Now for the exciting part… let’s fly the drone and experience what it’s like to be a bird. Flying a drone for beginners is an exhilarating experience. Here are 10 best drone photography tips to get you started:

1. Read the manual to familiarize yourself with your drone’s features, controls, and safety guidelines.
2. Watch YouTube videos on the basics of flying drones for beginners
3. Choose a wide-open area away from people, buildings, and obstacles.
4. Calibrate the drone and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to calibrate the drone before flying.
5. Takeoff: Gently push the left throttle stick upwards to take off. Maintain a low altitude until you gain confidence.
6. Practice basic manoeuvres: Start by hovering in place and getting used to the controls. Then, try moving the drone forward, backwards, left, and right.
7. Master altitude control: Practice raising and lowering the drone’s altitude while maintaining stability.
8. Learn to use the camera: Experiment with capturing photos and videos from different angles and perspectives.
9. Practice landing: Slowly descend the drone and land it gently to avoid any damage.
10. Always fly within your line of sight and follow local regulations and guidelines for drone flying.
11. Enjoy the experience and keep practising to improve your skills!

Which Apps Should I Get For My Drone?

There are quite a few apps for your smartphone to assist you with drone flying.

The main one is the DJI Fly app which is the one that most of the drones use. This is the app that you will use whilst your drone is connected to the controller and it’s also the app you should use to download your shots straight onto your smartphone or iPad.

OK2FLY app allows you to check if you can fly your drone and what the restrictions are as well as key land features are nearby.

It provides the option to change between the pilot type (e.g. recreational, commercial excluded, or REOC holder) and contains information about the airspace as well as that about marine / national parks etc.

UAV forecast provides weather and airspace information. You can change the settings to meet your flying requirements so that UAV forecast will tell you if the conditions are suitable to fly in your specific location.

BOM weather is another great app to check the weather and wind for drones. It’s a great practice to check the weather apps before going out to fly so you don’t arrive at your flying location to see you shouldn’t fly because it’s too windy or it’s raining.

Adobe Lightroom is one of the best apps for editing your drone photos. It offers a wide range of editing tools to enhance your images and create stunning visual effects.

It’s capable of editing RAW photos, as well as using presets which immediately adds a great look to your shots with minimal effort.

Adobe Premiere Pro is a great app for editing your drone videos as it offers advanced editing features and a user-friendly interface.

It allows you to trim, cut, and merge footage, add transitions and effects, adjust colour grading, and even apply audio enhancements.

With Adobe Premiere Pro, you can turn your drone videos into professional-looking creations.

How Can I Make Money With My Drone?

There are many ways you can make money with a drone. I have put together a more in-depth article: 23 Ways To Use A Drone: Practical And Fun Ideas In 2024.

Some of these examples may seem a bit daunting when you are just beginning your drone flying journey but they are things to consider for further down the line when you are more confident and ready for the next step.

Here are a few examples of ways to make money with a drone:

• Uploading your shots to popular stock image platforms like iStock and Getty Images
• Get Paid As a Real Estate Photographer – Help real estate agents market listings more effectively with drone photography
• Become an Amazon affiliate and sell drones
• Offer your drone photography and videography services for weddings, real estate listings, special events, and marketing campaigns. High-quality aerial shots are in demand for various purposes.
• Cover sports events, concerts, and festivals with your drone to provide unique perspectives and footage. Event organizers may pay for your services.

What are the Legal Requirements for Flying a Drone In Australia?

In Australia, there are legal requirements for flying a drone. Here are 9 key points to keep in mind:

9 Legal Requirements for Flying A Drone In Australia

1. All drones weighing 250 grams or more need to be registered with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). You can register your drone online.
2. Drones should not fly higher than 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above the ground level.
3. You must always be able to see your drone with your own eyes while flying it.
4. Maintain a safe distance of at least 30 meters from people, vehicles, and property.
5. Do not fly your drone over private property without permission.
6. Check the OK2FLY app to ensure you are not flying in restricted airspace or prohibited areas.
7. There are specific areas where drones are not allowed to fly, such as near airports and emergency scenes.
8. Be aware of any additional rules that may apply in your state or territory.
9. Some national parks in Australia don’t allow you to fly in them.

Remember to always fly responsibly and follow these legal requirements to ensure a safe and enjoyable drone flying experience in Australia.

Do I Need To Register My Drone?

In America, you must register your drone with the FAA if it’s more than 249 grams, which excludes the DJI Mini series. In Australia, you only need to register your drone with CASA if you use it to make money.

By registering your drone, you contribute to safety and accountability in the skies. Learn about the process, fees, and why it’s essential for identifying and tracking drones.

Do I need a License To Fly a Drone in Australia?

In Australia, you only need a licence if you are going to use your drone for commercial work which means getting paid or using it for a business. The first licence you would need to get is called a remote pilot licence (RePL).

The remote pilot licence (RePL) is available to anyone who wishes to apply for it. However, it is only necessary if you meet any of the following conditions:

• You want to work as a remote pilot for an individual or business that possesses a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate (ReOC).
• You intend to operate a drone or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) weighing between 25 kg and 150 kg over your own land.

If you meet any of the following criteria, then you are not required to obtain a RePL:

• You are eligible to operate a micro RPA (weighing 250 g or less) or an excluded category RPA. The excluded categories consist of RPAs falling under two weight ranges:
• Between 250g and 2kg
• Between 2kg and 25kg (only when flying over your own land)
• You are flying for recreational purposes.

In many countries, including the US, having a license is necessary to operate a drone. Regulations and requirements may differ based on the country and drone size. In the US, passing an aeronautical knowledge test and registering with the FAA are prerequisites. Always research and follow local regulations before taking flight.

What Is the Easiest Drone To Fly With Cameras?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is widely regarded as one of the easiest drones to fly with a camera. Its compact size and lightweight design contribute to its stability in flight, even in windy conditions.

Having omnidirectional obstacle avoidance as well as its compact size weighing just 249 grams makes it one of the easiest drones to fly with a camera.

You can also add propeller guards which are great for flying drones indoors or near obstacles. Just be aware that this will use the battery life quicker as it adds extra weight. You may also need to turn off your obstacle avoidance before flying with these attachments to stop the sensors from triggering the collision alarms.

What is the best drone under $300 In Australia?

If you want a cheap drone under $300 to just play around with and don’t really care about the camera quality then a great option is the DJI Ryze Tello. It’s a tiny 80-gram drone that has a 5-megapixel camera and will get around 13 minutes of battery life. Bear in mind it can’t even record in 1080p.

You might think it’s a good idea to get one of them and at first, you will have fun with it. But you will soon get bored of it and want a drone that can fly long distances and produce great footage to show off to your friends. I’d advise saving up a bit longer and going for the DJI Mini 3 Pro or the DJI Mini 4 Pro. They are both two of the best beginner drones with cameras and GPS.

The cheap drones under $500 are often really hard to fly as they don’t stay still in the air, don’t have GPS and you can’t use automated flight modes. The mini 3 costs $700 and is the cheapest I would recommend for beginner drones for adults or kids.

What is the best drone brand for beginners?

DJI is classed as one of the best drone brands for beginners. They offer a wide range of drones suitable for beginners, with features like easy controls, stability, and good camera quality. DJI also provides user-friendly software and extensive customer support, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

One of the main competitors to DJI are Autel Robotics with one of their most popular drones being the Autel Evo 2 which rivals the likes of the Mavic 3. The specs of the Autel Evo look great on paper but when used in the field the quality just isn’t as good as the DJI drones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best drone for beginners with cameras can be an exciting journey. Whether you’re looking for a compact and portable option like the DJI Mini 4 Pro with it’s long battery life, incredible 4k camera and 360 obstacle avoidance or the advanced features of the DJI Mavic 3 Pro which multiple cameras able to shoot breathtaking videos with life there long 45 minute battery life there is a drone to suit every beginner’s needs.

Don’t forget to consider key features such as drone controller tech, the upgraded RC 2 screen, smartphone compatibility, and sensor quality when making your decision. And most of all have fun and enjoy your flying.

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Matthew Philip

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I'm Matt, a writer and drone photographer with over 6 years in the field. I specialize in all things drones – from buying guides and editing tips to monetization strategies. My goal is to help enthusiasts and professionals alike navigate the exciting world of aerial photography and videography, sharing insights that turn drone passion into expertise and opportunity.

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