The 7 Best Drones of 2025 for Aerial Cinematography

All things considered, drone videography is still very much a new thing. Sure, cinematographers were taking their camera rigs into helicopters for decades. However, the concept of any hobbyist or DIY filmmaker being able to get sweeping aerial shots for their commercial or indie projects is still relatively new.Still, even in a short time, the industry has changed quite a bit, just as technology has advanced quite a bit more. These days, there are plenty of great options for those looking to get into aerial drone videography. Let’s look at some of the top options for the best drones of 2025 for aerial cinematography and drone videography.1. DJI Mavic 3 ProOur first pick is the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. As an upgrade on previous versions, this flagship drone adds a third lens to the system, with a 70mm f/2.8 medium telephoto, enhancing aerial cinematographers’ creative possibilities with more control of how much they capture of a subject and their surroundings. The Mavic 3 Pro also features an impressive 24mm Hasselblad wide-angle lens with 5.1K resolution and a 166mm telephoto, which has been upgraded to f/3.4 and 60 fps for more light sensitivity and smoother video. This tri-camera system joins other Mavic 3 technologies, such as O3+ long-range transmission, up to 43 minutes of flight, and omnidirectional sensing with APAS 5.0 to make the Mavic 3 Pro safe for even beginner pilots. 3-Axis Gimbal with Tri-Camera System20MP 5.1K Wide-Angle 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad166mm 12MP 7x Zoom Telephoto70mm 48MP 3x Zoom Medium Telephoto Lens7 Intelligent Flight ModesUp to 43 Minutes of Flight TimeO3+ Transmission with 9.3-Mile RangeOmnidirectional Avoidance with APAS 5.0D-LOG, D-LOG M & HLG Post-ProcessingDJI RC Remote IncludedDJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with DJI RCFilmmakers get more control over what they capture with Mavic 3 Pro Drone with DJI RC from DJI.2. DJI Mini 4 ProOur second option is another DJI camera drone (there will be many on this list, FYI). The DJI Mini 4 Pro features many upgrades from previous models, specifically in its vision sensing and transmission range compared to the last generation. Instead of tridirectional obstacle avoidance, the Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for complete protection. The DJI Mini 4 Pro's flight range is up to 12.4 miles (compared to the 7.5 miles of the Mini 3 Pro). It also features slow motion in 4K at 100 fps and complex route planning using ActiveTrack. At roughly 8.8 oz, it is beginner-friendly. It has many automatic flight modes and true vertical shooting for social media-ready footage without post-processing. Up to 4K100 Video & 48MP Raw StillsOmnidirectional Obstacle AvoidanceRegulation-Friendly 8.8 oz WeightRC 2 Controller IncludedUp to 34 Minutes of Flight TimeRotating Gimbal for Vertical ShootingUp to 12.4-Mile Range with OcuSync 4FocusTrack Subject Tracking SystemAutomatic Shooting ModesFoldable Design for Easy Travel/StorageDJI Mini 4 Pro Drone with RC 2 ControllerFly safer and farther than ever before with the Mini 4 Pro Drone with RC 2 Controller from DJI.3. DJI FlipDJI has dubbed the Flip a “pint-sized powerhouse.” Although it is small, it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation. Physically, the Flip is a folding quadcopter that transforms like no other. Each arm, motor, propeller, and propeller guard is one piece, twisting and folding underneath the Flip for ultimate portability. When unfolded, the Flip can take off from your palm without requiring a remote, although an RC 2 controller is included. Once aloft, the high-end camera system can capture 4K60 horizontal video, 2.7K vertical video, and 48MP stills, taking advantage of a wide range of intelligent flight modes for professional-quality results. Built-In Full-Coverage Propeller GuardsPortable Design with Folding PropellersUp to 4K60 Horizontal VideoUp to 2.7K Vertical Video48MP Still ImagesAI Subject Tracking & Auto Flight ModesUp to 31 Minutes of Flight TimeO4 Transmission with up to 8-mile Range10-Bit D-Log M Color ModeRC 2 Remote Controller IncludedDJI Flip Drone (RC 2)Don't confuse the DJI Flip Drone for a toy. This pint-sized powerhouse might be small, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation. 4. DJI Air 3The DJI Air 3 is a sophisticated camera drone that incorporates a dual-camera system, with a wide-angle lens and 3x medium telephoto lenses to focus on subjects and capture sweeping landscapes. Both have larger 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors than previous models, which can capture 48MP images, video up to 4K100, and even 2.7K social media-ready vertical video. The Fly More Combo includes an assortment of essential accessories, along with the RC 2 remote with a built-in 5.5" 1080p screen. This remote can utilize the improved O4 12.4-mile video transmission system. The Air 3's foldable design allows for the easy transportation of all this and more. Dual Wide-Angle & 3x Telephoto Cameras4K100, 4K60 HDR, or 2.7K Vertical VideoAnti-Collision STROBE & Land

Feb 7, 2025 - 01:15

The 7 Best Drones of 2025 for Aerial Cinematography

All things considered, drone videography is still very much a new thing. Sure, cinematographers were taking their camera rigs into helicopters for decades. However, the concept of any hobbyist or DIY filmmaker being able to get sweeping aerial shots for their commercial or indie projects is still relatively new.

Still, even in a short time, the industry has changed quite a bit, just as technology has advanced quite a bit more. These days, there are plenty of great options for those looking to get into aerial drone videography. Let’s look at some of the top options for the best drones of 2025 for aerial cinematography and drone videography.

1. DJI Mavic 3 Pro

Our first pick is the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. As an upgrade on previous versions, this flagship drone adds a third lens to the system, with a 70mm f/2.8 medium telephoto, enhancing aerial cinematographers’ creative possibilities with more control of how much they capture of a subject and their surroundings.

The Mavic 3 Pro also features an impressive 24mm Hasselblad wide-angle lens with 5.1K resolution and a 166mm telephoto, which has been upgraded to f/3.4 and 60 fps for more light sensitivity and smoother video. This tri-camera system joins other Mavic 3 technologies, such as O3+ long-range transmission, up to 43 minutes of flight, and omnidirectional sensing with APAS 5.0 to make the Mavic 3 Pro safe for even beginner pilots.

3-Axis Gimbal with Tri-Camera System
20MP 5.1K Wide-Angle 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad
166mm 12MP 7x Zoom Telephoto
70mm 48MP 3x Zoom Medium Telephoto Lens
7 Intelligent Flight Modes
Up to 43 Minutes of Flight Time
O3+ Transmission with 9.3-Mile Range
Omnidirectional Avoidance with APAS 5.0
D-LOG, D-LOG M & HLG Post-Processing
DJI RC Remote Included

DJI Mavic 3 Pro Drone with DJI RC

Filmmakers get more control over what they capture with Mavic 3 Pro Drone with DJI RC from DJI.

2. DJI Mini 4 Pro

Our second option is another DJI camera drone (there will be many on this list, FYI). The DJI Mini 4 Pro features many upgrades from previous models, specifically in its vision sensing and transmission range compared to the last generation. Instead of tridirectional obstacle avoidance, the Mini 4 Pro has omnidirectional obstacle avoidance for complete protection.

The DJI Mini 4 Pro's flight range is up to 12.4 miles (compared to the 7.5 miles of the Mini 3 Pro). It also features slow motion in 4K at 100 fps and complex route planning using ActiveTrack. At roughly 8.8 oz, it is beginner-friendly. It has many automatic flight modes and true vertical shooting for social media-ready footage without post-processing.

Up to 4K100 Video & 48MP Raw Stills
Omnidirectional Obstacle Avoidance
Regulation-Friendly 8.8 oz Weight
RC 2 Controller Included
Up to 34 Minutes of Flight Time
Rotating Gimbal for Vertical Shooting
Up to 12.4-Mile Range with OcuSync 4
FocusTrack Subject Tracking System
Automatic Shooting Modes
Foldable Design for Easy Travel/Storage

DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone with RC 2 Controller

Fly safer and farther than ever before with the Mini 4 Pro Drone with RC 2 Controller from DJI.

3. DJI Flip

DJI has dubbed the Flip a “pint-sized powerhouse.” Although it is small, it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation. Physically, the Flip is a folding quadcopter that transforms like no other. Each arm, motor, propeller, and propeller guard is one piece, twisting and folding underneath the Flip for ultimate portability.

When unfolded, the Flip can take off from your palm without requiring a remote, although an RC 2 controller is included. Once aloft, the high-end camera system can capture 4K60 horizontal video, 2.7K vertical video, and 48MP stills, taking advantage of a wide range of intelligent flight modes for professional-quality results.

Built-In Full-Coverage Propeller Guards
Portable Design with Folding Propellers
Up to 4K60 Horizontal Video
Up to 2.7K Vertical Video
48MP Still Images
AI Subject Tracking & Auto Flight Modes
Up to 31 Minutes of Flight Time
O4 Transmission with up to 8-mile Range
10-Bit D-Log M Color Mode
RC 2 Remote Controller Included

DJI Flip Drone (RC 2)

Don't confuse the DJI Flip Drone for a toy. This pint-sized powerhouse might be small, but it packs a powerful punch when it comes to aerial content creation.

4. DJI Air 3

The DJI Air 3 is a sophisticated camera drone that incorporates a dual-camera system, with a wide-angle lens and 3x medium telephoto lenses to focus on subjects and capture sweeping landscapes.

Both have larger 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors than previous models, which can capture 48MP images, video up to 4K100, and even 2.7K social media-ready vertical video. The Fly More Combo includes an assortment of essential accessories, along with the RC 2 remote with a built-in 5.5" 1080p screen. This remote can utilize the improved O4 12.4-mile video transmission system. The Air 3's foldable design allows for the easy transportation of all this and more.

Dual Wide-Angle & 3x Telephoto Cameras
4K100, 4K60 HDR, or 2.7K Vertical Video
Anti-Collision STROBE & Landing Pad
256GB microSD Card & Optics Cleaning Kit
1/1.3" CMOS Sensors & up to 48MP Stills
DJI RC 2 Remote & Fly More Accessories
10-Bit D-Log M & 10-Bit HLG Color Modes
Up to 46 Minutes of Flight Time
Omnidirectional APAS 5.0 Avoidance
O4 1080p60 12.4-Mile Transmission

DJI Air 3 Drone Fly More Combo with RC2 & Essential Accessory Kit

The DJI Air 3 Drone Fly More Combo with RC-N2 & Essential Accessory Kit from B&H is designed to give new pilots the essential accessories they need to have a productive and safe flight, time after time.

5. Autel Robotics Evo Lite+

Our first non-DJI selection is the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ model, which asks aerial videographers to go beyond UHD 4K and open up a new moonlight world. The Lite+'s 3-axis gimbal houses a 1" CMOS sensor that uses Autel's intelligent moonlight algorithm. This opens up the ability for nighttime aerial filming, where you can record crisp, detailed footage with low noise, even at a high ISO.

The Evo Lite+ can record video at up to 6K30, has 20MP still image capabilities, and has an adjustable f/2.8 to f/11 aperture, allowing it to alter exposure and depth of field for truly professional-quality results.

3-Axis Gimbal with 1" CMOS Sensor
Intelligent Moonlight Algorithm
6K/30p Videos & 20MP Stills
Adjustable f/2.8 to f/11 Aperture
Up to 40 Minutes of Flight
Transmit 2.7K Video up to 7.4 Miles Away
Four Automatic Shooting Modes
Dynamic Tracking of Fast-Moving Objects
Ultrawide-Angle Obstacle Avoidance
Defog & SkyPortrait Modes

Autel Robotics EVO Lite+ Drone (Premium, Autel Orange)

Go beyond UHD 4K and open up a new moonlit world with the orange, standard EVO Lite+ Drone from Autel Robotics.

6. DJI Neo

Perhaps one of the best mixes of beginner-friendly operation with pro-style quality, the DJI Neo Drone offers a creative and fun alternative to a selfie stick or tripod. Incredibly lightweight at only 4.8 oz, the palm-sized Neo can take off from and land onto your outstretched hand. In the air, the Neo's 1-axis camera can capture selfies and sweeping vistas at 4K30 resolution with its 1/2" sensor.

Users can control the DJI Neo with the DJI Fly app on their phone or with their voice. DJI equipped the Neo with AI-based subject tracking, RockSteady and Horizon Balancing stabilization, and six different QuickShots automatic shooting modes to ensure solid, pro-style performance. The Neo now makes achieving a new perspective on your personal and professional content easier.

Compact, Lightweight & Beginner Friendly
Palm-Based Takeoff & Landing
Control with the DJI Fly App or Your Voice
1-Axis Camera for up to 4K30 Video
Ultra-Stabilized Video
AI Subject Tracking
Six QuickShots Shooting Modes
Full-Coverage Propeller Guards
Level 4 Wind Resistance

DJI Neo Drone

Mixing beginner-friendly operation with pro-style quality, the DJI Neo Drone offers a creative and fun alternative to a selfie stick or tripod. Incredibly lightweight at only 4.8 oz, the palm-sized Neo can take off from and land onto your outstretched hand.

7. HOVERAir X1 PRO

Finally, to wrap things up, we have the HoverAir X1 Pro, which is easy to operate and fun to fly yet also offers the ability to capture complex pro-quality shots. The X1 PRO from HOVERAir can film in seconds in the sky. Users must simply take it out, unfold it, and select one of the pre-programmed automated flight modes. There's no need for a controller or phone.

The PRO can follow you or perform a complex maneuver, with top follow speeds of up to 26 mph, making it great for action sports. All the durable and flexible noise-reducing propellers are safely contained in an aerodynamic foldable cage. As it flies, the 2-axis gimbal with electronic image stabilization and horizon leveling can capture rock-solid footage at up to 4K60 resolution or 1080p120 in slo-mo. There's even a vertical mode for recording social media-ready clips.