You’ve probably seen all the exciting, amazing drone photos and videos on your Instagram feed, in YouTube videos or on your “For You”-Page on TikTok. A lot of travelers share stunning images and you might just feel the urge to be doing the same. Or, just like in HBO MAX’ Conan O’Brien Must Go you just need a flying companion. Say no more, fam. I’ve got you. The best Travel Drones for you in 2024 that are available right now.
Header Image: © Ewelina Sabatini / Pexels.com
Table of Contents:
- What are the best Drones for your Travel Photos and Videos in 2024?
- What am I using?
- 1. TenssenX Q8 – $125.99
- 2. DJI Mini SE – $299
- 3. Loiley – $59
- 4. Potensic ATOM SE – $199.99
- 5. DJI Mini 3 – $469
- 6. DJI Mini 4 Pro – $1,159
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What are the best Drones for your Travel Photos and Videos in 2024?
So, the Drone Market has exploded ever since around 2015. Right now, hundreds of different drone brands roam the skies all over the world, with DJI still leading in the industry. And even though the larger Mavics definitely still have the best specs, we travellers often find those huge machines just too much to carry, especially if you’re backpacking for over a month. So therefore, this is a selection of the lightweight drones that give you the best bang for your buck.
What am I using?
To be clear, I’m still rocking a good ol’ DJI Spark, going for about $260 – the “Fly More Combo” – package deal is around $590. It’s easy to use, can fly up to 1.25 miles in altitude and has a decent 1080 HD-camera. Only downside? It weighs over 249 kg, so an FAA registration is needed. To see for yourself, check out this sample I shot in Breukelen, the Netherlands below.
NOTE: this is unedited raw material footage.
But apart from DJI, there are a lot of new players in town these days, such as TenssenX and Potensic. I’ll list the five best buys in 2024 that would have me seriously doubting about which one I should purchase if I didn’t already own one myself.
1. TenssenX Q8 – $125.99
So, let’s immediately start with one of those relative newcomers to the market. The TenssenX Q8 drone is ideal for both beginners and experienced users, with features that enable users to effortlessly produce cinematic-quality aerial videos. Additional functionalities like “Automatic Take-off”, “Headless Mode” and “Smart Return to Home” enhance safety and ease of use. In short, the drone’s portable design and lightweight build make the Q8 a superb travel companion.
In all fairness however, this drone will not bring you the cutting-edge footage quality that you’re used from the more expensive drones out there. Because even though the 4K camera is promising and the drone flies quite stable (it has a powerful GPS module and Optical Flow Positioning system), the stability of the footage can be a bummer. Speaking of bummers, the drone doesn’t go higher than 3,300 feet. So yeah, in terms of footage, the drone may not get you what you’d expect.
But still, that doesn’t mean it’s not a perfect drone to pick up when you’re just starting out and learning about droning. It’s cheap, it’s got great safety features, it’s portable, you have 30 minutes of flight time per battery, the controls are user-friendly and it weighs less than 249 kg, making it exempt from FAA registration for recreational flights. Besides, you’ll learn a hell of a lot more from this drone than risking a thousand dollars each time you throw your Mavic in the air.
Pros:
- High-Quality Footage: Captures footage in 4K Ultra HD.
- Long Flight Time: Up to 30 minutes of flight time per battery.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features intuitive controls and intelligent flight modes like “Follow Me” and “Point of Interest”.
- Safety Features: Includes “Automatic Take-off”, “Headless Mode”, and “Smart Return to Home”.
- Portability: Foldable design and lightweight build make it easy to transport and ideal for travelers.
- Stability and Precision (in flight): Equipped with a powerful GPS module and Optical Flow Positioning system.
- Weight: The Q8 weighs less than 249 kg, making it portable and exempt from FAA registration for recreational flights.
Cons:
- Limited Altitude: Maximum flying altitude is capped at 3,300 feet, which may be restrictive compared to some other drones on the market.
- Footage Stability: The drone’s footage can be shakey.
- Not a buy for experienced pilots: If you’ve already got some flight hours in the pocket, this drone may not be for you.
2. DJI Mini SE – $299
The DJI Mini 2 SE stands out as an ideal travel drone for adventurers and photography enthusiasts. If you want to get the best bang for your buck with a trusted brand like DJI, this is your drone. It weighs less than 249 grams, so you don’t need to register your drone, and easily fits right into your backpack or travel bag.
Even though the drone offers impressive imaging capabilities, capturing landscapes in 1080p and 2.7K resolutions, it lacks 4K video capability. And even though this drone is a great starter as a beginner, you may outgrow the drone at a certain point in your learning curve. The drone was simply built for starting out pilots, focusing more on basic, user-friendly functions. If you’re more experienced and wish for more advanced features and settings, or if you’re getting a drone that you will be using almost every week for the next 2-3 years or so, you may want to reconsider. Because at a certain point, you will simply want more from your drone than it can offer you.
But then again, I can’t stress enough how good this drone is if you’re starting out or if you’re a novice flyer. And also, if you’re more experienced but you’re simply not interested in all these drones with hundreds of fancy features or add-ons, this is still a perfect drone to purchase. No, correction: this may be one of the best to buy, in that case. It also has some interesting features, such as an intuitive “Return to Home”-function, it’s boasting a 6.2 miles transmission range, can reach up to an altitude of nearly 10,000 feet and has a flight time of up to 31 minutes per battery. If you go for the combo ($449), you’ll get two additional batteries. With a wind resistance of up to 23mph (Level 5), this drone can easily reach the altitude even in challenging conditions. In short: there’s no better starter drone than this one.
Pros:
- Great value for your money: If you’re just starting out or if you’re an experienced flyer who doesn’t need fancy features, this drone gives you the best overall quality for its price.
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighs less than 249 grams, making it portable and exempt from FAA registration for recreational flights.
- High-Quality Imaging: Captures landscapes in 1080p and 2.7K resolutions with a still resolution of 12 MP, producing detailed and vibrant images.
- Extended Flight Time: Offers up to 31 minutes of flight time per battery.
- Long Transmission Range: Features a 6.2 miles transmission range, allowing for extended and flexible operation distances.
- High Altitude Capability: Can reach up to nearly 10,000 feet, suitable for capturing high-altitude photography.
- Wind Resistance: Handles winds up to 23 mph (Level 5), ensuring stable flight even in challenging conditions.
Cons:
- Limited Resolution Options: While it offers 1080p and 2.7K video resolutions, it lacks 4K video capability, which may be a downside for those seeking ultra-high-definition footage.
- Limited Advanced Features: May not have all the advanced features and settings experienced drone enthusiasts look for, focusing more on basic, user-friendly functions.
3. Loiley – $59
Yes. You’ve read that correctly. A drone for *bleep*-ing sixty dollars. It’s not a typo, it’s real. I must add though that its list price is $199. So, yeah, that’s a huge discount.
This lightweight, 1.2-pound (0.5 kg) drone features a foldable, dark grey design. It’s ideal for various adventures, from mountainous terrains to urban cityscapes. The Loiley drone includes several user-friendly features that make it suitable for all skill levels, including beginners and children. It offers unique functionalities such as 360-degree flips, gesture selfies, one-key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and an emergency stop. For some, these are fun gimmicks. For others quite unessential – it really depends on what you’re looking for in a drone.
Psssst: Loiley also has a 4K camera drone for $108.
Pros:
- Affordable: Significantly discounted from its original price of $199 to just $60.
- Portable and Lightweight: Weighs only 1.2 pounds with a foldable design, making it easy to carry and transport.
- Exempt from FAA Registration: Light enough to bypass FAA registration, adding convenience for recreational use.
- Extended Flight Time: Offers a flight time of 25-30 minutes with two rechargeable batteries, allowing for prolonged use.
- User-Friendly Features: Includes one-key takeoff/landing, altitude hold, and emergency stop, enhancing its ease of use.
- Fun Features: Provides entertaining options like 360-degree flips and gesture selfies, making it especially appealing for children and playful adults.
Cons:
- Basic Camera Resolution: While HD 1080p is decent, it may not satisfy those looking for higher resolutions or more professional-quality footage.
- Limited Advanced Features: Lacks the more sophisticated functionalities that might be found in higher-priced drones, possibly limiting its appeal to more experienced drone enthusiasts.
- Durability Concerns: Given its low price, there might be questions about the long-term durability and reliability of the drone.
4. Potensic ATOM SE – $199.99
The Potensic ATOM SE is a funny one in this mix. It’s a drone crafted for adventurers and photography aficionados alike. This lightweight, foldable marvel is your passport to astonishing aerial photography. And again, you don’t need to register your drone because of its light weight. Its compact design easily fits into your travel gear. One big downside? Its max altitude of merely 400 feet. But then again, it was designed for beginners and therefore it’s very user-friendly. So, if you’re really just starting out, this may still be a great choice.
They offer two different kinds of kits. The Expansion Kit, with two additional batteries and a bag ($229.99), and the “Fly More Combo” – Package Deal ($279.99), with three additional batteries, a battery charging kit and a bag.
Pros:
- Compact and Portable: Lightweight and foldable design, making it easy to carry and store, fitting seamlessly into travel gear.
- No FAA Registration Needed: Its light weight exempts it from FAA registration, adding convenience for recreational flyers.
- High-Quality Camera: Features a 4K EIS camera with a 1/3’’ CMOS Sony Sensor, ideal for capturing detailed aerial photos and videos.
- Extended Flight Time: Offers a total of 62 minutes of flight time across two batteries, allowing for prolonged photography sessions.
- Beginner-Friendly: Includes the SurgeFly flight control system with easy-to-use modes that can evolve with the user’s skills.
- Versatile Flight Modes: Provides creative options like Follow Me and Circle Flight, enhancing filming capabilities.
- Good Transmission Range: FPV transmission reaches up to 2.5 miles, suitable for a wide range of scenic captures.
Cons:
- Limited Maximum Altitude: Has a maximum altitude limit of only 400 feet, which might be restrictive for some aerial photography needs.
- Kit Costs: While the drone itself offers good value, purchasing kits for additional batteries and accessories can significantly increase the overall cost.
- Potential Learning Curve: Despite being beginner-friendly, the range of modes and camera features may require some learning for complete novices.
5. DJI Mini 3 – $469
We’re heading into more professional territory now with the DJI Mini 3. This is the quintessential companion for your globetrotting adventures. Weighing under 249 grams, effortlessly fitting into your backpack or hand luggage and stunning 4K HDR video. The DJI Mini 3 captures videos and photos in breathtaking detail. Especially interesting for all influencers out there? The “True Vertical Shooting”-feature, which makes it easier than ever before to share striking vertical videos directly to social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Designed for experienced pilots and professionals, the DJI Mini 3 combines portability with powerful performance.
Pros:
- Lightweight and Compact: Weighs under 249 grams, making it easy to transport and exempt from FAA registration in most places.
- High-Quality Video: Captures stunning 4K HDR video, providing excellent detail for both photos and videos.
- Social Media Ready: Features “True Vertical Shooting”, perfect for influencers who want to upload content directly to platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Creative Features: Includes “QuickShots” for dynamic flight patterns and “Panorama” for sweeping landscape captures.
- Good Wind Resistance: Offers 25 mph wind resistance, ensuring stable flights even in breezy conditions.
- Extended Flight Time: Can fly up to 51 minutes with the optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus.
- High Altitude Capability: Capable of reaching an altitude of nearly 2.5 miles.
Cons:
- Battery Not Included: The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus, required for extended flight time, is sold separately (check package deals below).
- Potential Overkill for Amateurs: The professional features might be more than what casual users need.
- Cost: As with many high-end drones, the price point and additional cost for the extended battery may be a barrier for some users.
The DJI Mini 3 comes in different package deals:
- Drone Only includes only the drone. – $369.99
- With DJI RC includes the drone and a remote controller with screen. Get precision control with an RC featuring a bright screen. – $609
- Fly More Combo includes the drone, a remote controller without a screen, a travel bag, two additional batteries and a charging hub. – $658
- Fly More Combo with DJI RC – includes the drone, a remote controller with a screen, a travel bag, two additional batteries and a charging hub. $798
6. DJI Mini 4 Pro – $1,159
If you can afford it and you’re an experienced drone pilot, this may be the best next step for you in 2024. It’s by far the best choice right now for drone pilots traveling around the globe. The DJI Mini 4 Pro offers superb portability and ease of use. Its compact design does not compromise on capabilities, featuring impressive specifications like 4K/60fps HDR video and a high 48 MP resolution for still images.
The Mini 4 is equipped with “Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing” for safer flights. Its 12.4 miles Full-HD video transmission delivers real-time, lag-free aerial footage, enhancing your ability to capture every moment. The drone also includes “ActiveShots 360°” for smooth, professional-looking video capture. With an altitude capability of nearly 2.5 miles, the DJI Mini 4 is designed for an immersive flight experience, perfect for seasoned travelers and seasoned drone pilots.
Pros:
- Lightweight and No Registration Needed: Weighs under 249 grams, exempting it from registration in many countries and enhancing its portability.
- High-Quality Video and Image Capture: Offers 4K/60fps HDR video and 48 MP still resolution, ensuring high-quality captures of your adventures.
- Advanced Safety Features: Equipped with “Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing”, which increases flight safety by detecting obstacles from all directions.
- Extended Flight Times: Longer battery life allows for extended shooting sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
- Superior Transmission Range: Features 12.4 miles of Full-HD video transmission, providing real-time, lag-free aerial footage.
- Intelligent Tracking: “ActiveShots 360°” simplifies capturing professional-looking videos, making it easier for pilots to focus on creative shots.
- Comprehensive Package: Comes with the DJI Mini Shoulder Bag and three Intelligent Flight Battery Plus units, enhancing travel readiness.
Cons:
- Price: As a high-end model, it is likely to be expensive, potentially putting it out of reach for hobbyists or casual users.
- Complex Features: The advanced features may require a learning curve, particularly for those not experienced with high-tech drones.
- Overkill for Casual Use: The professional capabilities might be more than what is necessary for casual or beginner drone enthusiasts.
DJI Mini 4 Pro comes in four purchasing options:
- DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC-N2) includes the drone and DJI RC-N2 remote controller. – $759
- DJI Mini 4 Pro (DJI RC 2) includes the drone, DJI RC 2 remote controller and one DJI Mini 4 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery. Get precision control with DJI RC 2 featuring a bright screen. – $959
- Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) includes an RC 2, three Batteries, and a Charging Hub. Fast charge multiple batteries simultaneously & fly longer. – $1,099
- Fly More Combo Plus (DJI RC 2) includes RC 2, three Batteries Plus, Charging Hub, and Shoulder Bag for enhanced flight time with fast, efficient charging and convenient transportation & storage. – $1,159
In Brief
So, that’s it. I offered you a list of very different types of drones. I hope it will help you decide on what type of drone you’re looking for and determine what type of pilot you are – or want to become. One thing is certain though, these are all really easy to carry with you.
Fly Responsibly
The Federal Aviation Administration requires registration of many drones flown in the US, for hobby or commercial purposes. To learn more about drone registration requirements, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s drone page.
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