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The days of shooting with a helmet cam and watching long, drawn-out videos are long gone. Today’s expectations are higher than ever, and many adventure riders are using drones to capture those dreamy panoramic shots that magically follow you from up in the sky. For those looking to acquire a drone, here are some tips on what to look for and the best (current) drone recommendations.
1. Check the Tracking Options
An increasing number of drones have tracking capabilities, like DJI’s Follow You and ActiveTrack. With this feature, the drone will follow you as you ride, which makes filmmaking a lot easier. But this feature comes at a cost. The cheapest drone with tracking at the time of this writing is the DJI Mini Pro 3 for $750—and the most expensive is the DJI Mavic 3 for $2,199, without any extras.
Our first drone, a DJI Air 2S, in action.
2. Decide Your Budget
Are you looking to do drone videography professionally and maybe earn money with it? Or are your goals less lofty? You can have a decent drone without tracking capability for about $450, such as the Mini 2, a very light and small model with great stabilization and 4K video. It just lacks the tracking options and the anti-collision sensors of more expensive versions.
3. Inspect the Size and Weight (Including Accessories)
DJI’s Mini 2 or Mini 3 Pro with just one battery and a charger are lightweight and very compact. Carrying a bigger, more professional model, such as the DJI Air 2s with extra batteries and a bigger charger, will take up much more space. How much room do you have on your bike? Make your choice accordingly.
Nadia unpacking the drone from the tank bag, where we store our mirrorless camera and drone for quick access.
4. Make Sure You are Allowed to Fly
Drones are becoming increasingly regulated. The number of no-fly zones might surprise you. They include airports and locations like the White House, sports arenas, designated wildlife areas, military locations, prisons, DOD facilities, national parks, and some state and local parks. Besides no-fly zones, there may also be requirements for you as a drone pilot depending on where you are based and what type of drone you fly.
Riding into the French town of Granville in the summer. The DJI Air 2S following us with Active Track 4.0.
5. Batteries, Batteries, and More Batteries
Although 30 minutes of flight time may seem sufficient for your needs, consider the following:
- Batteries need to be 100% charged, which starts dropping the second it’s unplugged.
- Getting a drone in the air usually takes a minute or two.
- You cannot fly until the battery level reaches zero. Most drones will return home or start landing at about 30% of battery power remaining.
- Cold and wind significantly reduce flight time.
The obvious solution is to own an extra battery (or more).
6. Coverage, Just in Case
Most drone manufacturers, like DJI and Skydio, know how vulnerable their drones are when it comes to collisions and possible water damage. That’s why they offer care plans at an additional cost, which allows you to get a replacement at a heavily reduced cost in case something unfortunate happens.
When flying a drone it is always smart to keep a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). Flying together makes it easier to keep a good track of the drone.
7. Every Camera is Different
Almost all recent drones offer 4K video, most even at 60 frames per second (for smoother video). However, this does not mean that all drone cameras are the same. More expensive models, like the Air 2s, Mavic 2 Pro, and Mavic 3, have significantly better cameras, offering superior color quality, dynamic range, and other possibilities in editing. The price is also significantly higher, though.
TOP Choice Drones:
Given the above, here’s my top choice drones for all requirements and budgets.
• Budget traveler: DJI Mini 2 ($449)
This is the best drone you’ll find for under $500. It offers stabilized 4K video, automatic Quickshots (awesome short videos where you don’t have to control the drone), long flight time, and FAA registration isn’t required. However, it doesn’t have obstacle avoidance, which means that it’s easier to crash. It also lacks ActiveTrack, so it can’t autonomously track you while riding.
Where to Buy: Official Site | Amazon
• Light-traveling vlogger: DJI Mini 3 Pro ($759)
The Mini 3 Pro is the new version of the Mini 2, but with big improvements—the best being the introduction of ActiveTrack. This drone can track you while you ride those beautiful mountain roads. This model also has three-way obstacle sensors and optional larger batteries.
Where to Buy: Official Site | Amazon
• Next-Level off-roader who rides all terrain: Skydio 2+ Sports Kit ($1,549)
This drone is known for one thing: it is almost impossible to crash! The Sports Kit comes with a beacon, which means that the Skydio 2+ can track you visually, and if visuals are too difficult, the beacon will solve it. Want proof? There are plenty of reviews showing the Skydio 2+ flying through forests, avoiding trees, and everything else in its path. The downside is that the camera of the Skydio 2+ isn’t that great.
Where to Buy: Official Site
• Creative Professional: DJI Mavic 3 (starting at $2,199)
The Mavic 3 is the highest-quality consumer drone available at this moment. Its video and photo capabilities are amazing. It has sensors in every direction, so crashing should be pretty difficult, but it’s still not as crash-proof as with the Skydio 2+. This drone makes videographers’ dreams come true. The price tag is significant, starting at $2,049 for just the drone and $2,849 for the drone and the “Fly More” combo (which includes the necessary accessories like extra batteries).
Where to Buy: Official Site | Amazon
As an adventure-destined couple Mitchel and Nadia de Jager are out to explore the world. Creating a life as adventurers, digital nomads, content creators, and brand ambassadors, they share their journey into the world of ADV. Join Mitchel and Nadia’s adventures with their “The Great Ride Along” on Instagram and YouTube as they explore a new world. @thegreatridealong
