Top 3 Beginner-Friendly Drones for Amazing Aerial Photos in 2024
[Last updated: Sep 16, 2024]
Ready to take your photography to the next level?
Drones have revolutionized the way we capture the world around us, and in 2024, they're more accessible than ever for beginners.
According to a recent study by Drone Industry Insights, the global drone market is expected to reach $43.1 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2019 to 2024.
This rapid growth is fueled by advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various industries.
So here are the three best drones that combine ease of use with impressive image quality, helping you soar into aerial photography with confidence.
Quick Comparison
1. DJI Mini 3: The Compact Powerhouse
Why It's Perfect for Beginners
The DJI Mini 3 is a game-changer for novice pilots.
Its ultra-lightweight design not only makes it incredibly portable but also exempts it from many drone regulations in various countries.
As of 2024, DJI holds a dominant 76% market share in the consumer drone industry, showcasing its expertise in creating user-friendly and reliable drones.
Key Features
4K video at 30fps
12MP photos
3-axis gimbal for smooth footage
Weighs just 249g
31-minute flight time
User Experience
I found the Mini 3's intuitive controls and stable flight performance to be a confidence booster.
The compact size meant I could easily take it on hikes, capturing breathtaking landscapes with ease.
It's perfect for travel vlogs, nature photography, and casual aerial shots.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a leading drone photography expert, notes: "The DJI Mini 3 is an excellent entry point for beginners. Its lightweight design and user-friendly interface allow new pilots to focus on composition and creativity rather than complex flight controls."
Want to learn more about travel photography? Check out my comprehensive guide on travel photography tips.
2. Holy Stone HS720E: Budget-Friendly Excellence
Why It's Great for Beginners on a Budget
The Holy Stone HS720E proves that you don't need to break the bank for quality aerial photography. It offers an impressive feature set at a fraction of the cost of premium models.
A recent survey by DroneLife found that 68% of new drone pilots prefer to start with a mid-range model like the HS720E before investing in more expensive equipment.
Key Features
4K video at 30fps
16MP photos
3-axis gimbal and brushless motors
GPS and intelligent flight modes
Impressive 46-minute flight time
User Experience
Many of my students have started with the HS720E, and they're consistently impressed by its stability and the quality of footage they can achieve.
The extended flight time is particularly useful for learning and perfecting shots.
It's ideal for real estate photography, event coverage, and long-duration shoots.
Interested in more budget-friendly camera options? Explore my guide on the best cameras under $300 for casual photography.
3. DJI Air 2S: Professional Quality for Ambitious Beginners
Why It's Worth the Investment
While it comes with a steeper learning curve, the Air 2S has been a game-changer for my aerial photography.
The image quality rivals that of much larger, professional drones, and the automated modes help capture cinematic shots with ease.
It's perfect for professional videography, high-resolution landscape photography, and complex aerial maneuvers.
A study by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) found that drones with advanced features like the Air 2S are increasingly being adopted in professional settings, with a 32% year-over-year growth in commercial drone use.
Key Features
5.4K video and 20MP photos
1-inch CMOS sensor for superior image quality
Advanced obstacle avoidance sensors
Compact and portable design
Automated shooting modes
User Experience
While it comes with a steeper learning curve, the Air 2S has been a game-changer for my aerial photography.
The image quality rivals that of much larger, professional drones, and the automated modes help capture cinematic shots with ease.
Looking to dive deeper into professional-grade cameras? Check out my comparison of top hybrid cameras for photography and videography.
DJI Buyer Cheat Sheet
Understanding Drone Regulations
Before you take to the skies, it's key to understand the drone regulations in your area.
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all drones weighing over 250g to be registered.
Additionally, you'll need to pass a knowledge test to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate for commercial use.
As of 2024, the FAA has registered over 1.7 million drones in the United States, with 71% for recreational use and 29% for commercial purposes.
This highlights the growing popularity of drones across various sectors.
Key Points to Remember:
Always fly below 400 feet
Keep your drone within visual line of sight
Don't fly over people or moving vehicles
Respect privacy and avoid flying near airports or restricted areas
For more insights on aviation photography, including drone use, explore my aviation photography hub.
Essential Accessories for Drone Photography
To make the most of your new drone, consider investing in these accessories:
Extra batteries: Extend your flight time and capture more footage
ND filters: Control exposure in bright conditions for smoother video
Carrying case: Protect your drone during transport
Memory cards: High-speed, high-capacity cards for 4K video recording
Propeller guards: Protect your drone and others during indoor flights or when learning
Discover more essential photography gadgets to enhance your aerial photography kit.
Post-Processing Your Aerial Footage
Capturing great footage is just the first step. To truly make your aerial photos and videos shine, post-processing is essential.
A survey by the Professional Photographers of America found that 92% of professional photographers use post-processing software to enhance their images.
Here are some popular software options:
Adobe Lightroom: Ideal for photo editing and color grading
DaVinci Resolve: Powerful free option for video editing and color correction
Final Cut Pro X: Professional-grade video editing for Mac users
Luminar AI: AI-powered photo editing for quick enhancements
Want to improve your post-processing skills? Check out my guide on editing tips for Photoshop and Lightroom.
Tips for Getting Great Aerial Photos and Videos
Fly slowly and smoothly for stable video footage.
Let the drone hover for crisp, shake-free photos.
Use a low ISO and fast shutter speed (1/500s or higher) for sharp images.
Take advantage of golden hour lighting for stunning landscapes.
Experiment with intelligent flight modes like orbit and waypoints.
Practice composition techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines.
Explore unique perspectives by varying your altitude and angle.
Use bracketing for high dynamic range (HDR) shots in challenging lighting conditions.
For more advanced techniques, explore my guide on mastering HDR photography.
Drone Photography Inspiration
Looking for creative ideas? Try these popular drone photography styles:
Top-down shots: Capture mesmerizing patterns and textures from above
Drone light painting: Create stunning long-exposure shots with LED-equipped drones
360-degree panoramas: Stitch together multiple shots for immersive aerial views
Hyperlapse videos: Combine time-lapse and drone movement for dynamic cityscapes
Low-altitude nature shots: Capture unique perspectives of wildlife and landscapes
Discover more powerful composition techniques to level up your drone photography.
And That’s It
Whether you're looking for ultra-portability with the DJI Mini 3, budget-friendly features with the Holy Stone HS720E, or professional-grade quality with the DJI Air 2S, there's a perfect drone waiting to level up your photography in 2024.
As drone technology continues to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in the coming years.
According to a report by Goldman Sachs Research, the drone industry is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with significant growth in both consumer and commercial sectors.
Remember to always fly responsibly, respect local regulations, and prioritize safety.
With practice and creativity, you'll be capturing breathtaking aerial imagery in no time.
Happy flying!
Happy flying!
Have you tried any of these drones? Share your experiences in the comments below, or ask any questions you might have about getting started with drone photography.
P.S. Want to see what's possible with these drones? Check out my personal gallery of aerial shots here. You'll be amazed at the perspectives you can capture!
For more in-depth guides and tips on various aspects of photography, explore my ultimate photography guide for beginners.