Drone with camera

2025 Comparison of the Best Drones with Cameras

From affordable recreational drones to high-end professional models

Camera drones have become indispensable tools, whether for capturing breathtaking landscapes, creating video content, or simply learning to fly. By 2025, the market offers a wide range, from models accessible to amateurs to high-end drones for demanding creators .

Some points to know before choosing:

• Weight : Many consumer drones, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro or the Xiaomi Mijia V198, weigh less than 249g. This threshold is important because it allows access to simplified flight rules in Europe and other countries (open category A1/A3), without the need for complex registration or extensive training.

• Legislation : all drones must comply with local regulations (maximum altitude, prohibited areas, safety distances, etc.). Even lightweight models require online registration and adherence to certain limitations.

• Camera types and sensors : depending on the model, drones carry sensors ranging from 1/6 inch on recreational drones to 1 inch or more on professional drones, with resolutions from 12 MP to 50 MP and videos from 4K to 8K.

• Intelligent functions : altitude hold, automatic tracking, waypoint flight, return to home, optical or electronic stabilization, creative modes… These features influence both image quality and ease of piloting.

• Autonomy and range : it varies from 20 to 35 minutes and from a few hundred meters to several kilometers, depending on the category and power of the drone.

In this comparison, we guide you step by step:

• For serious enthusiasts , we present models like the Potensic ATOM SE , offering a good compromise between price and performance.

• For demanding creators and travelers , drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and the Autel EVO Nano+ stand out for their image quality and advanced features.

• Finally, for enthusiasts and professionals , models like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro offer a near-cinematic experience, with a high-resolution camera and comprehensive features.

• For beginners and those on a tight budget , discover high-performance and affordable recreational drones, such as the Xiaomi Mijia V198 , which combines simplicity with amazing features.
  

Whether you're looking for a drone for fun, to film your travels, or to produce professional-quality content , this guide will help you choose the model that best suits your needs.

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📸 DJI Mini 4 Pro

The compact and versatile drone, perfect for travelers and content creators

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a high-end consumer drone, ultra-compact and lightweight (< 249 g), combining near-professional level performance.

🔹 Main features

• Camera : 1/1.3 inch sensor, 4K HDR video up to 60 fps, 48 ​​MP RAW photos. 3-axis mechanical stabilization.

• Battery life : approximately 34 minutes per battery.

• Range : up to 10 km via OcuSync 4.0.

• Obstacle avoidance : omnidirectional 360°.

• Intelligent functions : FocusTrack, ActiveTrack 360°, Waypoints, QuickShots.

🔹 Strengths

✅ Near-professional image quality
✅ Exceptional stability
✅ Very comprehensive creative functions
✅ Compact and lightweight

🔹 Limits

❌ High price
❌ Reserved for those who utilize its full capabilities

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🎥 Autel EVO Nano+

The compact, high-end alternative, excellent in low light

The Autel EVO Nano+ is the main competitor of the DJI Mini 4 Pro. Its RYYB sensor allows it to capture impressive images even in low-light environments.

🔹 Main features

• Camera : 1/1.28 inch RYYB sensor, 4K HDR video, 50 MP photos.

• Battery life : approximately 28 minutes.

• Range : up to 6 km.

• Obstacle avoidance : front, rear and under-body sensors.

• Intelligent features : Dynamic Track, creative and cinematic modes.

🔹 Strengths

✅ Excellent image quality in low light
✅ High-end finishes
✅ Effective stabilization
✅ Solid alternative to DJI

🔹 Limits

❌ Slightly shorter battery life
❌ Less developed software ecosystem

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🏅 Potensic ATOM SE

The smart compromise for beginners: a serious first drone at a reasonable price.

The Potensic ATOM SE is designed for users who want their first real camera drone without breaking the bank.

🔹 Main features

• Camera : 4K UHD, 12 MP photos, electronic stabilization (EIS).

• Battery life : approximately 30 minutes.

• Range : up to 4 km.

• Obstacle avoidance : none.

• Smart features : GPS with automatic return, altitude hold, basic tracking mode.

🔹 Strengths

✅ Affordable price
✅ Generous battery life
✅ Compact and foldable design

🔹 Limits

❌ No mechanical stabilization
❌ Limited range
❌ No obstacle sensors

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🎮 Holy Stone HS440

Affordable, simple, and accessible introduction to flying for beginners

The Holy Stone HS440 is the perfect drone for learning to fly and discovering aerial video without breaking the bank.

🔹 Main features

• Camera : Full HD 1080p, live streaming to smartphone.

• Battery life : approximately 20 minutes.

• Range : approximately 100 m.

• Obstacle avoidance : none.

• Intelligent functions : altitude hold, headless mode, one-key takeoff/landing.

🔹 Strengths

✅ Unbeatable price
✅ Easy to use, ideal for beginners
✅ Foldable and compact design

🔹 Limits

❌ Basic camera
❌ Very limited range
❌ Poor stability outdoors

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🚀 Xiaomi Mijia V198

The affordable recreational drone, ideal for discovering 8K aerial photography

The Xiaomi Mijia V198 is positioned as a versatile recreational drone , designed to offer maximum functionality at a very competitive price. Compact, foldable, and lightweight (236g), it impresses with its technical features: a camera capable of up to 8K video, full GPS, brushless motors, and a laser obstacle avoidance system.

🔹 Main features

• Camera : 4K / 6K / 8K options, 120° wide angle, triple stabilization (optical + gimbal + electronic).

• Battery life : 22 to 30 minutes depending on conditions.

• Range : up to 3 km via 5G WiFi FPV.

• Obstacle avoidance : omnidirectional laser.

• Intelligent features : orbital flight, waypoints, automatic tracking, return to home, automatic takeoff/landing.

🔹 Strengths

✅ Unbeatable price/features ratio
✅ Rare laser avoidance in this range
✅ Good balance between leisure and performance
✅ Easy to transport and pilot

🔹 Limits

❌ Less efficient in low light than professional drones
❌ Limited wind resistance
❌ Smaller sensor than DJI or Autel

Drone	Weight (g)	Camera	Video	Autonomy	Scope	Obstacle Avoidance	Key functions	Range
DJI Mini 4 Pro	249	1/1.3" RAW	4K HDR 60 fps	34 min	10 km	360°	FocusTrack, Waypoints, QuickShots, RTH	High
Autel EVO Nano+	249	1/1.28" RYYB 50MP	4K HDR	28 min	6 km	Front/Back/Underneath	Dynamic Track, cinema modes	High
Potensic ATOM SE	245	4K UHD	4K	30 min	4 km	No	GPS RTH, altitude hold	Medium
Holy Stone HS440	240	Full HD 1080p	1080p	20 min	100 m	No	Altitude hold, headless mode, takeoff/landing	Entrance
Xiaomi Mijia V198	236	4K/6K/8K	8K max	22-30 min	3 km	Laser	Orbital flight, Waypoints, RTH, Auto takeoff/landing	Entrance

✅ How to read this table:

• Weight : important for legislation (<250 g = simplified rules).

• Camera & Resolution : influences the quality of images and videos.

• Autonomy & Range : flight duration and maximum distance.

• Obstacle avoidance : safety and ease of driving.

• Key features : smart modes and creativity.

• Indicative price : to situate the drone in the entry, mid-range or high-end category.

✅ Conclusion: Which drone to choose in 2025?

Choosing a camera drone depends primarily on your needs, budget, and experience .

• If you are looking for simplicity and affordability , drones like the Xiaomi Mijia V198 or the Holy Stone HS440 are perfect for starting out and having fun while respecting the law.

• For those who want a good compromise between price and performance , the Potensic ATOM SE offers generous battery life and smart features suitable for serious amateurs.

• Demanding creators and travelers will find what they're looking for with the DJI Mini 4 Pro or the Autel EVO Nano+ , thanks to their image quality, advanced stabilization and intelligent flight modes.

• Finally, enthusiasts and professionals looking for the ultimate in aerial video will turn to models like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro , for almost cinematic shots.

💡 Tip : Before buying, always check the weight of the drone to understand legal requirements, the battery life for your flight plans, and the smart features that will make piloting easier.

Whatever your choice, investing in a drone suited to your needs will allow you to capture exceptional images and videos , while enjoying a safe and pleasant piloting experience.

❓ FAQ – Everything you need to know before buying a camera drone in 2025

1. Which drone should I choose to start with?
To start, opt for affordable and easy-to-operate models such as the Xiaomi Mijia V198 , the Potensic ATOM SE or the Holy Stone HS440 .

2. 4K or 8K drone: what's the difference?
8K offers more detail and cropping possibilities, but a good 4K is still more than sufficient for most uses (travel, social networks).

3. What is the average battery life?
Between 20 and 34 minutes depending on the model. Professional drones (DJI Mini 4 Pro) often exceed 30 minutes, while recreational drones (HS440, V198) last around 22-30 minutes.

4. Is it mandatory to have a license?
Yes, all camera drones must be registered and their pilots trained online (open category A1/A3). Drones weighing less than 250g benefit from less stringent regulations.

5. What budget should be planned?

• <150 €: initiation (HS440), (MIJIA V198)

• €150–400: leisure or first real drone (Potensic, V198)

• €600–900: semi-pro (DJI Mini 4 Pro, Autel EVO Nano+)

• €1000: Professional (DJI Mavic 3 Pro)

6. How do I choose the right drone for me?
Ask yourself 3 questions: budget, use (leisure, travel, professional), priority criteria (video quality, battery life, features).