The Best Drones in 2022

16 February 2022

Drones have opened up a whole new world for photographers. Forget about having to hire a helicopter or plane to take breathtaking aerial photos and videos - but not anymore.

Now, anyone can send a drone soaring into the sky and end up with epic shots. But how do you know what drone to buy, and where you can fly it? We answer these questions and more in our drone shopping guide.

What is a drone?

Drones are the perfect addition to your photography kit. Once you get the hang of how to fly a drone, you can use them to record videos of your weekend fun with the family, pick a travel drone to capture your overseas sightseeing, and of course to photograph more professional endeavours.

Since drones have become so popular, we’ve seen an increase in models flooding the market. You may find yourself asking, what drone should I buy?

Below you will find a top 5 list of what we think the best drones are to take into the sky in 2021.

1. DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone

DJI are the undisputed leaders of the drone camera and quadcopter world, and this Mavic 2 Pro Drone is the company’s flagship model. The DJI Mavic 2 Pro could be seen as the culmination of DJI’s technological advancements up to this point. Incredibly powerful, the Mavic 2 Pro uses a Hasselblad-branded camera with 1-inch sensor to produce stunningly detailed images, which it can transmit at a range of 8km. For this reason, the Mavic 2 Pro is the best aerial photography drone.

Despite being a lightweight drone, the Mavic 2 Pro is not one to be pushed around, using its aerodynamic frame to reach top speeds of up to 72 km/h and the latest omnidirectional obstacle sensing technology to keep it out of trouble.

It also has a maximum flight time of 31-minutes, making it a firm contender for the drone with the longest flight time. With its folding design, the Mavic 2 Pro is portable enough to assure you have it with you more often than not, and makes our list of the best travel drones.

2. DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Drone

Released alongside the high-achieving Mavic 2 Pro, the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom is an impressive drone in its own right. The Mavic 2 Zoom does not feature the same Hasselblad camera with larger than average sensor that its sibling possesses, relying on a ½.3-inch 12MP variant, but this sensor allowed DJI to add an all-important feature to this model that separates it from its competition - zoom!

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom features a 24-48mm equivalent zoom lens, permitting you to choose between a wide field of view that captures the full scope of an area, or zoom in to capture a cropped portion, thus providing you with more cinematic options for your aerial filming and photography. In the air, this drone is just as capable as the Mavic 2 Pro, so if you want to take advantage of all the tools at your disposal, take a look at our tips on using drones to capture beautiful aerial photography.

3. DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone

The Mavic Air range of drones is notable for the fact that they manage to include a 3-axis gimbal stabilised camera despite their compact size. The DJI Mavic Air 2 features a 12MP camera which can be used to produce mammoth 48MP stills, as well as 4K60fps videos. A true master of the skies, the Mavic Air 2 features an impressive 34 minute flight time and you’ll be impressed by its obstacle avoidance technology and the latest and greatest tracking modes.

The DJI Mavic Air 2 uses a ½-inch image sensor and 24mm equivalent f2 lens to capture the views before it in vivid detail. As you stand at ground level watching your drone soar freely you are not missing out on all of the fun - the Mavic Air 2 can stream Full HD footage up to 10KM away as well as being compatible with the DJI Fly and Mimo apps for the best flying and editing experiences available.

4. DJI Mavic Mini 2 Drone

When it comes to selecting the best travel drone, you want something that is portable and lightweight - the folding DJI Mavic Mini 2 ticks those boxes without you having to sacrifice on the quality or performance of the drone. This lightweight drone captures 4K videos and 12MP stills, and it’s a great drone for beginners: even a novice can harness their inner cinematographer, thanks to the impressive and easy to access quickshot modes of the Mavic Mini 2.

Despite weighing in at just 250-grams, the DJI Mavic Mini 2 remains steady when it takes to the sky thanks to its level 5 wind resistance. 10KM of video transmission is available, so you will not miss a moment of the action as you wait patiently for your drone to return to you. Plus, its compatibility with the DJI Fy App makes it quick and simple to plan your flight path before takeoff. After your flight, connect to the app to download your files, and edit them on the go into a meaningful piece for all your friends and followers to enjoy right away!

5. DJI Tello Drone

The DJI Tello is one of the best drones for beginners taking their first steps into the world of drone photography. With its easy to use controls and budget price, the DJI Tello is the perfect first drone for you and the family.

Unlike more advanced drones, the DJI Tello can be completely controlled using a smartphone with the free Tello app. This lightweight drone will be soaring above you in a matter of moments, thanks to its auto takeoff and landing abilities, while you’re sure to get a thrill when you first inspect the 5MP stills and 720p video that the built-in camera lands with.

Start 2021 with the best drones on the market

Now that you’re up to speed on the best drones in 2021, explore our range of aerial photography drones. Take a look at our guide to the best drone accessories to capture even better drone videos and photos, wherever you go!

For more information about any of the above, head into your nearest Ted’s Cameras store. Our friendly team will be more than happy to help you pick a drone and give you tips on cleaning and caring for your drone to ensure it serves you well for as long as possible.

Drones have opened up a whole new world for photographers and videographers. Forget about having to hire a helicopter or plane to take breathtaking aerial photos and videos. Drones have opened up a whole new world for content creators.