Top Professional Drones in 2021
Drones have been the staple of high-end features and cutting edge technology. The newest professional drone models provide longer flight times, advanced capabilities such as 4K video recording with up to 30 frames per second in a variety of resolutions, GPS positioning and even 360 degree VR compatible viewing for an immersive experience. They can capture images and videos that researchers might not be able to reach on foot, which is why these UAVs are used extensively today. Advanced unmanned aerial vehicles have also been utilized for surveillance operations but they’re especially embraced by filmmakers due to how easy it is even more so with the advent of drone technology.
Difference between professional drones and commercial drones
Differentiating between professional drones and commercial drones can be difficult, but there are a few important distinctions that you should keep in mind. A drone designed for the purpose of shooting video from high up is most likely considered to be a professional drone while one whose primary function is something like inspection services or carrying things around might count as being commercial. We used to have all these different types on just one list until it became too confusing.
Note that the FAA often refers to “commercial operations,” which is identified by your flight. As long as you meet the hobby pilot requirements, you can fly a professional or commercial drone at home just like using even a toy drone for a commercial operation. Commercial operations require Part 107 certification (FAA).
Types of Professional Drone
- Fixed-wing drones drones use a fixed wing like airplanes to fly rather than vertical lift rotors, making them more efficient and less wasteful with energy usage. They use a fixed airfoil like an airplane instead of helicopter rotor blades. Fixed-wings only need to expend energy moving forward rather than expanding it holding themselves up in the air.
- Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL is an aircraft hover just like other UAVs but also has the ability to take off and land vertically which can be extremely beneficial in mountainous areas or on military installations where landing space is limited. There are various types under development including some existing designs with vertical lift motors bolted onto them as well as tail sitters — planes that look like regular airplanes but rest their tails down on the ground during takeoff and landing due to an extra set of lifting propellers mounted at each wingtip.
- Multi-rotor drones are a type of rotorcraft that uses more than two lift generating rotors to provide flight. These types of aircraft have an advantage because they require less complicated mechanics for control in the air. It is a popular choice for drone enthusiasts, even though they come with their own set of drawbacks. They’re more stable and reliable than quadcopters because the rotors only have to control two axes rather than four like on most quads. However, there’s an obvious drawback: you can’t just swap out damaged blades when one goes bad — all rotors need to be replaced at once!
Professional Drone Camera Features
- Easy mapping The user friendly flight planning software allows for easy mapping. The maps are created based on several features including altitude, overlap, ground sample distance (GSD) needed etc.
- Waypoint flying One of the most common operations performed with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is waypoint flying. In this type of operation, a UAV follows an exact set path by using 3D coordinates for longitude, latitude and altitude points and can be used to map out areas or identify targets from great heights in order to minimize risk on ground level.
- Geotagging images of missions made with automatic triggers can reduce the time it takes to process your photogrammetry software.
- Auto take-off & landing It can perform fully automated flights including takeoff, landings, in-flight maintenance checks and more.
- Back home The UAV can be called back to its starting position using the “back home” feature, if needed.
- Camera stabilization is essential for any camera setup. When it comes to choosing the best type of stabilizer, you should consider your needs and preferences before making a decision. Different types of systems can provide 1-, 2- or 3-axis stabilization depending on what will work best for your situation — from filming in extreme conditions to capturing steady footage on an action cam during high speeds.
- Telemetry info Your camera is being monitored. It monitors that the mission is proceeding according to plan. It also monitors any disruptions or malfunctions using this style of monitoring system so there are no surprises along the way.
- Autotrigger Systems are especially useful for mapping missions. They allow you to drastically reduce the amount of effort needed, since they automatically trigger when an object is within a certain distance from your camera’s location — at which point it takes a picture and records its coordinates on your phone or tablet screen against GPS satellite data.
- POI Navigation system is great for missions that require you to point at targets with a sensor. The mission planning software will automatically fulfill this requirement.
- Dynamic position hold is one of the best features a UAV pilot can have. The system allows for manual updates to its 3D position, so you’re always in control and know exactly where your aerial vehicle will be going next.
- Save a tracking shot A camera move that follows the subject and maintains focus on it. A saving of this technique can be done in-flight for later use during missions requiring special areas to have extra attention.
- Camera control With the camera’s control, it is possible to zoom and switch between taking photographs or videos depending on your chosen model.
- Alerts The drone alerts the pilot with a range of helpful warnings like altitude limits, battery level, and other important information.
- Emergency failsafe recovery In emergency situations, the UAV is programmed to perform an automatic landing or a system reset. These failsafe procedures are always in place and ready for use should anything happen that would jeopardize contact with the drone.
- Flight data logging Flight data logging is vital for post-flight analysis. The system’s data are stored internally, on a microSD card and logged in high frequency to provide relevant information such as position, height, speed, voltage at the time of flight mode change among others. It is now possible to make detailed hypotheses about your drones performance during its last flights.
How professional drone camera is used in different fields and industries
Aerial Photography and Filming
Drones can provide film and photography experts a new angle from which to take overhead shots. Multi rotor drones are fitted with 4K cameras, allowing users to capture all angles possible for filming and aerial photography.
Agriculture
In the agriculture industry, drones are being utilized for soil and field analysis, planting of new crops, crop spraying and monitoring.
Mapping and Surveying
Surveyors are now turning to drones in order to map different sections of land. The images and videos collected can be converted into 3D models, contour maps, or other types of imagery that is helpful for many purposes including agriculture mapping.
Real estate
Drones have become a must-have in the real estate industry. This new technology has several benefits including cutting down on time wasted driving around to see properties and conducting aerial photography of sprawling spaces which makes it easier for buyers to get an overview of what they are looking at before deciding whether or not to buy the property.
Surveillance
It is easy to see why surveillance from the sky can be such an asset.
Aerial surveys by planes or drones are a powerful way of gathering information about people and places without risking any lives, making them especially useful in law enforcement as well as wildlife sanctuaries where they can provide both protection for wild animals and present location of poachers.
Top Professional Drone Camera in 2021
DJI Inspire 2
The DJI Inspire 2 has a magnesium-aluminum body construction which makes it powerful, lightweight and able to yield cinema grade images. The drone features an all new image processing system that records up 5.2 k in CinemaDNG Raw or Apple ProRes with the ability of traveling from 0to 50 MPH within 5 seconds on average for some beautiful shots at high speeds while also being capable of descending 9 m/s when needed. Thanks to its dual battery system, this awesome flying machine can fly continuously 27 minutes long allowing you capture video and photos without interruption.
Key Features
- 4 propellers
- 2-Axis Stabilized FPV camera
- 2 LiPO batteries onboard
- Still Image Resolution: 20–24 megapixels
- Video Resolution: H.264/H.265 100 Mbps bitrate, 4K/60 FPS, 5.2K/30 FPS, 6K/30 FPS
- Flight Time: 23–27 minutes
- Top Speed: 58 mph (94 kph)
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
DJI just unveiled the Mavic 2 Pro, an upgraded version of their popular camera drones. With a 1-inch CMOS sensor from Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad and 20MP photography with enhanced HDR and color sensitivity, this drone is great for professional photographers or videographers who never miss critical moments due to obstacles in front of them. Plus, it’s equipped with updated versions of Active Track (tracking moving objects), Waypoint (recording footage while following waypoints) Point of Interest Mode that allows you to focus on specific areas by using photographs taken earlier as reference points.
The Mavic 2 Pro is a high-end drone that’s perfect for content creators. It has an amazing camera and, with its portable design, it can go anywhere you want to take your projects so long as the FAA approves.The sleek design makes it easy to take with you, so whether you are documenting your adventures or trying out new locations around the world; this drone will be there by your side.
Key Features
- ActiveTrack and TapFly
- 4K 10-bit HDR Video recording
- New OcuSync transmission system
- 24 high performance computing cores
- Still Image Resolution: 20 megapixels
- Flight Time: 31-minutes
- Top Speed: 45 mph (72 kph) in sport mode
DJI Phantom 4 RTK
The DJI Phantom 4 RTK is a remote-control drone with real time aerial mapping capabilities. It can be controlled through intelligent flight planning modes that include 2D and 3D photogrammetry thanks to its 1 inch 20 megapixel CMOS sensor, which also has mechanical shutter technology for high quality image capture. Intelligent Flight Modes are another feature of the DJI Phantom 4 RTK, including Point Of Interest (POI), Waypoint Navigation (WPT) or Manual Free Mode where all functions from takeoff to landing are under manual control.
Key Features
- 4K at 60 fps or H.265 4K at 30 fps, at 100 Mbps bitrate recording capability
- Still Image Resolution: 20 megapixels
- GPS dual positioning module
- 3-axis u-frame camera
- Built in DJI Lightbridge video downlink
- Weighs 8.82 pounds
- Flight Time: 30-minutes
- Top Speed: 31 mph (50 kph) in P-Mode or 36 mph (58 kph) in A-Mode
Freefly Alta 8
The FreeFly Alta 8 drone is an octo-rotor configuration designed for aerial cinematography. It can carry up to a 20 pound payload on either the top or bottom of the drone, making it perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes from all angles without having to move around so much while filming! Foldable carbon fiber propeller arms and props as well as a quick release gimbal system make set-up easy when you’re rushed — but we recommend trying it out in your own backyard before going anywhere important with this sophisticated piece of equipment. The weather resistant plastic enclosure will suit pros who film across different climates; that way they’ll always be able to capture breathtaking footage no matter where their next destination.
Dubbed the industry-leading SYNAPSE Flight Controller, Freefly has created a device that will make flying large drones much less complicated. The controller reads readings from accelerometers and barometer as well as an advanced GPS to hold altitude so you can focus on getting stunning shots with ease! To get even more precise in your shot, velocity clamps allow for real time adjustment of speed which allows for precision every single time.
Key Features
- Dual camera mount
- 2 weather resistant receiver compartments
- Carbon fiber airframe and propellers
- Built-in support for First-Person-View (FPV) and Radio Tx/Rx systems.
- Wireless connectivity via installed WiFi transceiver
- Flight Time: 15 minutes
- Top Speed: 35 mph
- Max Payload: 20 lbs
- Max Camera Payload: 12 lbs
senseFly eBeeX
The senseFly eBeeX is the world’s most advanced autonomous drone. With no piloting skills required, throwing this craft into the air will see it follow a pre-planned flight to capture high quality images for mapping and 3D modeling purposes. Fixed wing aircraft are ideal for large scale aerial map projects due to their efficient aerodynamic properties — but with an operating range of 1200 acres! The eBee has already been commissioned by clients spanning across Europe, Africa and Asia; making us excited about its potential future applications in agriculture or disaster relief efforts.The innovative fixed-wing design allows you to cover vast distances without having to land your vehicle between each mission which makes these drones perfect when undertaking long term data collection missions on sites.
The senseFly eMotion drone is a versatile tool for mapping. It weighs just 1.7 lbs and can be outfitted with seven different cameras to meet your needs, while the included software comes loaded with advanced flight control features that are easy-to-use even if you’re a beginner.
Key Features
- Top Flight Speed: 68 mph (109 kph)
- Flight Time: 90-minutes
- Interchangeable camera sensors
- Also works with Pix4Dmapper and Pix4Dbim
- Multiple file outputs
DJI Agras MG-1
DJI Agras MG-1 is an octocopter that can carry a payload of 10kg and has the capability to fly at high speeds. It allows for faster spraying, which makes it 40 to 60 times more efficient than manual methods when covering 4,000 square meters in ten minutes or less! The foldable design also saves time since you no longer have to worry about where your drone will be stored — you can simply put it up on any flat surface.
With a dedicated remote controller with a display panel and the Lightbridge 2 transmission system; critical information such as spraying speed, altitude, flying speed, battery level, and tank status are easily accessible. The remote controller is not only water-resistant but also dust resistant making it perfect for any job you need to tackle! With retractable control arms on both sides of the aircraft that make transporting easy there’s no worries about damaging your Agras when you’re taking her out in one piece after every mission either because they’ll be able to resume right where they left off if their batteries start running low or run completely dry.
Key Features
- Empty tank alert
- System data protection
- 8 rotor system
- Dedicated remote controller
- Weighs 50 pounds
- 10 kg (2.6 gallons) payload
- Flight Time: Up to 24 min
- Top Speed: 22 m/s (49 mph)
- Sprays 7–10 acres per hour
- Integrated centrifugal cooling system increase reliability and longevity
- Interchangeable spray nozzles
- Terrain Follow
DJI Matrice 300 RTK
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is a groundbreaking new enterprise drone that can be configured for countless applications, and some of its safety features include an anti-collision beacon, object detection up to 98 feet away, and AirSense. This machine’s compatibility with the two newly created Zenmuse H20 cameras as well as various other sensors which have optical and thermal abilities.
The DJI M300 RTK includes many different safety measures such as Anti-Collision Beacons which warn pilots if they are approaching illegally or have breached any boundaries; Object Detection System length at 98 ft., where drones will detect anything in their path from humans to vehicles after being alerted by air traffic control through an ADSB receiver.
Key Features
- 6 Directional Sensing & Positioning
- High powered battery
- Dual battery compartments
- Four rotator system
- IP45 weather rating
- Anti-Collision Beacon
- DJI guidance system
- Compatible with Zenmuse sensors and third-party sensors
- Top Speed: 51 mph (82 kph)
- Flight Time: Up to 55-minutes
Flyabilty Elios 2
Flyability has changed the way drones can be used with their original Elios that was designed for indoor inspections. With Flyabilty’s latest release, they have built upon this success and created what is surely one of the company’s most advanced drones to date. Its unique configuration includes a spherical cage that encases its entire payload while still maintaining an overall length just under 40cm (15.7inches). The robust transmission system works beyond line of sight which means concrete walls, steel structures or other obstacles will not interfere during inspection time.
The Elios 2 is the safest and most effective way to perform inspections in tight, dangerous spaces. It can be used for a variety of purposes such as boiler rooms or nuclear reactors where human presence would otherwise needlessly put your life at risk. The dual-sensor consists of both thermal and 4K cameras which identify even the smallest cracks with ease while the 10k lumen lighting system provides optimal visibility during inspection making it possible without exposing yourself to risky situations that could lead you into an exposure condition.
Key Features
- Camera: 12 megapixels
- 4K camera and dual thermal system
- Collision tolerant
- 10k Lumen dust proof lighting system
- GPS-Free stabilization
- Full HD live streaming
- Flight Time: Up to 10 minutes
- Top speed: Up to 6.5 m/s (14.5 mph)
DJI P4 Multispectral
The DJI P4 Multispectral packs advanced agricultural sensing technology and a host of sensors into the iconic Phantom series platform. The relatively small footprint makes it one of the most robust agriculture drones for its size currently on the market, with TimeSync ensuring all six cameras provide accurate measurements down to 3 decimal places throughout different times during each day.
Crops can be analyzed efficiently and accurately with the NDVI feed. The ability to view crops through RGB camera feeds in real-time is a new technological advancement that will not only save time, but also improve crop health by targeting problem areas before they get out of hand.
Key Features
- Camera: 2.12 megapixels per sensor
- Multispectral Imaging System
- Integrated RTK Module
- Side-by-Side RGB/NDVI view
- Global shutter with 3-axis gimbal stabilization
- Flight Time: 27-minutes
- Top Speed: 36 mph (58 kph) in (A-mode)
Final Thoughts
Are you shopping for the best professional drone to use in your organization? We highly recommend these reviewed by experts. Various companies offer a wide variety of professional drones with features like retractable landing gear so they can fit into smaller spaces; gimbals which allow them to capture aerial footage smoothly without any shaking; 4K HD cameras in order to make your videos look amazing even if you’re capturing from miles away! And did I mention these impressive machines have 8-powerful rotor systems (multirotor system) allowing them to fly up high where other models might not dare venture?! If you want to know more about these fantastic products we recommend that you read our drone shopping guide on how to find out what’s important when shopping for drone models- it will help!
