Image Source: Pixabay
The usage of drones is on the rise not only in the US but all over the world. They are now used in almost every industry, including real estate. As a professional, you need a drone that can take clear and detailed aerial photographs and videos. Here is a roundup of the top six drones you must know about as a professional.
DJI Phantom 4
DJI Phantom 4 is one of the smartest drones currently in the market and an ideal drone for outdoor use. It features a highly sophisticated stereo vision positioning system that gives it precise hovering. The drone is easy to use, as you simply tap it and you are up in the air. The highly accurate sensing system present in the drone keeps the drone free from obstacles. Once you finish recording, you simply tap the control panel again to bring the drone back to the launching point. It has a 6000mAh LiPo battery capable of maintaining 28 minutes of flight time.
DJI Phantom 4 comes with a powerful camera capable of recording 4k videos, creating high-quality and impressive footage. It has a three-axis camera stabilisation system and a GPS position module. The GPS module makes the drone more stable and easy to control. The top speed is 45 mph, which is considerable.
DJI Inspire 2
The DJI Inspire 2 is an upgraded version of Inspire 1. It features a new image processing system capable of recording 5.2k videos in both CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes formats. The drone can attain a maximum speed of 50 mph in just five minutes. It also has a maximum descending speed of 9m/s. The structure of the drone consists of aluminium covers and carbon fiber arms. The dual battery system helps the drone to maintain a flight duration of up to 27 minutes, giving you enough time to record videos and capture images.
Another good thing about DJI Inspire 2 is that it is light. It is nicely packaged in a small suitcase that is easy to carry around. A small fiber cloth and a five-piece cleaning kit accompany the unit. It also comes with a 6 GB MicroSD card to help you store the items recorded. The forward and downward vision systems allow the drone to detect obstacles 30m ahead. This enables it to maintain a protected flight at a controllable angle of 25 degrees.
GoPro Karma
GoPro Karma is designed to help you capture images and videos in the air or on the ground. The drone can capture when perfectly handheld, mounted on the body or flown. It is very portable and has excellent navigation and editing applications. Many photographers prefer it for sporting activities, especially in rough terrains, due to its firm grip and portable nature. Its LiPo batteries can last for 20 minutes during flight.
GoPro Karma is very light when compared to other high-end drones. It only weighs 1006 grams, meaning you can comfortably carry it while on the go. It can be easily folded and transported in a carrying unit. Other items in the unit include grip handle, camera, extension cable, stabilizer and mounting ring. The drone is compatible with Hero5 and Hero4 cameras. The maximum speed it can attain is 35 mph.
DJI Matrice 600
DJI Matrice 600 is exclusively designed for professional aerial photographers who want to obtain detailed pictures and videos of buildings or landscapes. It is easy to set up and configure. The dust proof coating and propulsion system present in the drone protects it from external electrical components and internal motor. This greatly prolongs its life and reduces occasional repairs and maintenance. The frequently cooled motor also provides reliable performance it terms of flight duration.
The drone has a maximum loading capacity of 2.7 pounds that enables it to carry the Ronin-MX and Hero4 cameras. It uses six batteries and weighs about 8.8 pounds. The ultra-light weight makes the drone more portable and easy to transport. The six propellers ensure stability during flight. The drone can attain a maximum speed of 40 mph and can fly for 18 minutes.
Walkera QR X800
Walkera QR X800 makes to the list of the drones you must know as a professional because of its durability and rigidity. The drone is made from 3K weave carbon fiber and glass. It has a 6S 22.2vLiPO battery capable of providing up to 40 minutes flight time. The high level of performance of the drone’s power system enables it to handle different action cameras. It can comfortably operate with the Walkera iLook, Hero 5 and GoPro cameras.
The retractable landing skids make it easier to transport the drone in its aluminum carrying case. Aluminum is very strong and can provide proper storage for the drone. You can also connect the drone to MavLink software. This provides access to a number of programming options. The drone is also easy to set up, allowing you to capture stable images and videos. The GPS feature makes it easy to handle and operate.
Yuneec Drone Tornado
The Yuneec Drone Tornado is designed to fly the Panasonic GH4 camera. For it to work with this camera, the drone must be compatible with the GB603 Gimbal. This helps stabilize the camera, enabling it to move independently. This means that if one of the propellers was to fail, the drone will still land safely. The drone has a landing gear that provides a 360-degree view of the area as the camera pans. It is made of carbon fiber to ensure durability.
The ST24 transmitter allow you to conduct live monitoring using a 7-inch Android device and telemetry display. The unit comes with two batteries capable of maintaining up to 30 minutes flight time. The drone weighs 44.6 pounds. It is slightly heavier than other high-end drones. However, its performance and sophisticated features earn it a stop in this list.
A good drone must have enough flight time, be stable and move at a greater speed. It must also produce quality images and be easy to operate. The list discussed above features some of the best drones you must know about as a professional.
Comments
Hi, we have LM Indago and MD4 for sale - we need to clear our lab for new birds ). Price will be excellent...
Hmm, not sure about X800 but Walkera QR X900 might be a goer? Ripping off the DJI S900. If it can give reliable support to 3rd party cameras (including Canon 5Ds) then it might fill a gap DJI are leaving? Also if it can support our ground stations via Mavlink, then wow! Add that methanol generator and double wow :-)
These are mostly toys. The DJI Inspire and Matrice are perhaps "pro-sumer". The new 200 series might be approaching "Professional" status. Copters that ARE professional grade.
Ascending Technology Falcon 8
Lockheed Martin Indago
FreeFly Systems Alta 8
Microdrones MD4 series
Etc...
fake news - nothing worse than a single MrBigBully being "touted" by it's shills - some competition is needed to bring it all back to reality and that means CN vs CN economies; forget USA, enter a bigger CN player - so The drone Dà-Jiāng Frank does not want anybody to "speak" about or mention is the Xiaomi Mi 4K vII and what Xiaomi is up to next
and - Calling your own products "intelligent" or "Pro" - stop that - A magpie has intelligence, not a CPU - The word "Pro" has no place in the same sentence as a robotic Drone, unless you only learnt to speak English recently ; or endlessly copy Apple; so it's supposedly a professional robot with the name xx Pro? what, so the robot got pimped and that makes the buyer a Pro now? Phantom 4 Pimp. No - its just robotic with "robotic" outcomes ; no skill required or ever acquired.
rename that movie Space Oddessy HAL "Pro"
Not one mention of a platform capable of actually lifting a professional class camera....sorry bub..those are all toys
"A good drone must have enough flight time, be stable and move at a greater speed. It must also produce quality images and be easy to operate. The list discussed above features some of the best drones you must know about as a professional."
As a professional, my good drone will need to be robust, expandable, customisable, waypoint-capable, ...
A $6000 M600 would probably be considered as 'entry level' in the pro market.
Aeronavics! Been around longer than DJI and really know their stuff.
Of course, it's your personal opinion, feel free to write an article regarding your knowledge about professional drones and share your know-how; I'll gladly read it. Thank you!