A commercial UAV pilot is only as good as the equipment they use.
No amount of skill can overcome poor camera quality or an unstable drone.
So today, I’m going to show you 10 professional drones that serious commercial pilots should consider.
There are many options out there, so it can be easy to get bogged down. The multirotors I’ve chosen were manufactured by some of the best brands, they have excellent online support (forums, blogs), and they provide the quality you need to do your best work.
Let’s get started!
Note: Trying to get your Part 107 certificate? Sign up for our ground school course here.
1. DJI Phantom 4
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The DJI Phantom 4 is one of the top drones on the market right now.
It’s the fastest Phantom so far, capable of reaching top speeds of 45 miles per hour. It also gets an excellent flight time of 28 minutes — great for pro pilots to get the shots they need and minimize downtime.
The Phantom 4 also has a built-in camera that can record video at 4K, 2.7K, 1080p and 720p. But one of it’s most notable features is the obstacle avoidance system. The drone can intelligently position and maneuver itself around obstacles mid-flight.
Couple all of this with a Tap to Fly system, DJI’s reliability, and robust software, and you’ve got a tough drone to beat.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Phantom 4:
→ DJI Phantom 4 Carrying Case
→ PolarPro DJI Phantom 4 Camera Filters
→ DJI Phantom 4 Accessory Bundle
→ Extra DJI Phantom 4 Battery
→ DJI Phantom 4 Propeller Package
Features
3-Axis Gimbal
GPS positioning
Obstacle avoidance
4k video
Live FPV streaming to your controller
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Size: 15 x 8.7 x 12.8 inches
Weight: 8.8 pounds
Flight time: about 28 minutes
2. DJI Inspire 1 Pro
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The DJI Inspire 1 PRO is a top-of-the-line drone for aerial videography, photography, and cinematography.
Its carbon fiber arms move up and out of the camera’s view when flying, giving you a 360-degree view of the world surrounding your drone.
Its Zenmuse X5 camera shoots 4K video, captures 16 megapixel stills, and lets the videographer change lenses. It also shoots raw video footage — perfect for professional filmmaking
You can get a real-time feed of the Inspire 1 PRO’s camera sent to your mobile device. And the app gives you manual camera control, flight telemetry data, and auto takeoff and landing.
The Inspire 1 PRO is also capable of dual-operator control, allowing you to control the quadcopter with two transmitters and two people. You can have one person focused on flight control and the other controlling the camera.
Finally, the DJI Inspire 1 PRO offers 5 intelligent flight modes — Follow Me, Point of Interest, Waypoints, Course Lock, and Home Lock.
The DJI Inspire 1 PRO is a powerful drone for doing professional aerial work.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Inspire 1 PRO:
→ Extra Propellers
→ Extra Inspire 1 Battery
→ Extra DJI Inspire 1 Remote Controller (for dual-operator control)
→ DJI Inspire Carrying Case
→ DJI Inspire Protective Camera Lens
→ DJI Transmitter Sunshade
→ DJI Inspire 1 Lipo Battery Carrying Bag
Features
Intelligent flight modes: Follow Me, Point of Interest, Waypoints, Course Lock, Home Lock
One-button landing and takeoff
Built in 4K HD Zenume X5 video capability
16-megapixel camera
FPV camera capability using your mobile device
94-degree wide angle lense
Flight time of up to 25 minutes
Arms move up and out of the camera’s view in flight
Gimbal rotates 360 degrees to view the world around your drone
Specs
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Gimbal: 3-axis 360-degree rotating gimbal
Size: 20 x 15 x 15 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Flight time: 18 minutes
Control distance: 2000m
3. YUNEEC Q500 4K Typhoon
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
Yuneec has been flushing the market with a variety of high quality drones with cameras. They’re one of the only companies able to effectively compete with DJI’s standards.
The Q500 4K Typhoon comes with a built-in 3-axis gimbal camera that can shoot 4K video and take 12 megapixel still photos.
The 4K Typhoon also offers Watch Me and Follow Me flight modes to get footage of your actions on the go.
If you’re looking for a great all-around camera drone, check out the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Yuneec Q500 4K Typhoon:
→ Extra Battery
→ Extra Propellers
→ Yuneec Landing Gear Skid Set
→ Yuneec Typhoon Propeller Guards
Features
3-Axis Gimbal
GPS positioning
No Fly Zone feature to stay FAA compliant
4k video
12MP still photos
Autonomous flight modes
Live FPV streaming to your controller
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Weight: 3.7 pounds
Charging time: Approx. 1-1.5 hrs
Flight time: up to 25 minutes
4. Walkera GPS QR X800
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Walkera GPS QR X800 is a professional quadcopter that’s great for carrying action cameras, DSLRs, and heavier payloads in general.
The frame is foldable for portability, and it’s made out of carbon and glass fiber for durability.
You can connect the QR X800 to Mission Planner, which gives you access to flight modes, GPS waypoints, and other advanced flight options.
The quad also gets a whopping 40+ minutes of flight time.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Walkera GPS QR X800:
→ Walkera LiPo Battery Charger
→ Walkera QR X800 Controller
Features
Great for carrying action cams and DLSR cameras
Portable frame
Compatible with Mission Planner
Specs
Weight: 8.6 pounds
Size: 24 x 24 x 18 inches
Flight time: 40+ minutes
5. DJI Phantom 3 Professional
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
DJI‘s Phantom 3 line is a popular choice for professional pilots. There are now four models in this line: Standard, Advanced, 4K, and Professional.
The DJI Phantom 3 Professional is the second most-advanced model in the range, and it is designed specifically for professional pilots.
The quadcopter features 4K video, 23 minutes of flight time, and a 5km control distance.
The Phantom 3 Professional also comes with five advanced flight modes:
Follow Me
Course Lock
Waypoints
Home Lock
Point of Interest
If you’re looking for a drone that will get you quality shots but isn’t too expensive (compared to other commercial drones), check out the Phantom 3 Professional.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Phantom 3 Professional:
→ Extra Battery
→ Extra Propellers (2 Pairs)
→ 64 GB MicroSD Memory Card
→ DJI Phantom 3 Propeller Guard
→ DJI Phantom 3 Camera Lens Protector + Cover
→ Remote Controller Strap
→ DJI Phantom 3 Carrying Backpack
Features
3-Axis Gimbal
GPS positioning
Vision Positioning technology for GPS-free areas
4k video
Live FPV streaming to your controller
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Size: 18 x 13 x 8 inches
Weight: 9.2 pounds
Charging time: Approx. 1-1.5 hrs
Flight time: about 23 minutes
Control distance: 5 km
6. DJI Spreading Wings S900
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The DJI Spreading Wings S900 is one of two hexacopters on this list.
This multirotor is capable of carrying a much heavier payload than most drones, so if you’re working with some serious equipment (like dual RED‘s) this is one of the best options for handling it.
The frame is lightweight and the arms are foldable, making it easy to transport. But it also packs enough power to get your equipment in the air safely and effortlessly.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the DJI Spreading Wings S900:
→ Radio Telemetry Kit
→ Spreading Wings S900 Propellers
Features
Heavy payload capacity
Lightweight
Foldable arms
Specs
Size: 18.1 x 14.2 x 17.7 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Flight time: about 18 minutes
7. Yuneec Typhoon H
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Yuneec Typhoon H is one of the most advanced drones on the market.
This hexacopter offers obstacle avoidance and a 4K UHD camera that gives you a full 360-degree view.
You can also bind one controller to the Typhoon H and one to the camera for dual operator control (using Team Mode).
To fly in FPV, use the 7-inch screen built into the controller or simply connect your goggle’s HDMI cord to the controller’s HDMI port.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Yuneec Typhoon H:
→ Yuneec Typhoon H Battery
→ Yuneec Typhoon H Portable Bag
→ Yuneec Typhoon H Propellers
Features
CGO3+ 4K UHD camera (360-degree view)
Team mode
Easy FPV capability
Capture 4K ultra HD video at 30 fps and 12MP stills
Specifications
Frequency: 2.4G
Gyro: 6 axis
Size: 520 x 457 x 294 mm
Weight: 4.1 pounds
Flying time: about 25 minutes
8. Blade Chroma (with 4K Camera)
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Blade Chroma offers 30 minutes of flight time (ten to twelve minutes longer than most drones in its price range).
Its built-in camera shoots 4K video at 1080p and takes 12 megapixel stills.
What I love most about this quadcopter is the built-in touchscreen display on the controller. For most drones, you need an extra device to display telemetry data, adjust flight/camera settings, etc.
With the Chroma, it’s built into the transmitter.
With 30 minutes of flight time and a powerful camera, the Blade Chroma is a worthy option for commercial pilots.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Blade Chroma:
→ Extra Blade Chroma LiPo Battery
→ Blade Propeller Guards
→ Blade Chroma Carrying Case
→ Extra Blade Propellers
Features
Smart mode for newer pilots. AP mode for advanced
Autonomous Follow Me and Tracking modes
Return Home function
Live video and telemetry info on the controller
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6-Axis
Size: 13.1 x 13.1 x 9.5 inches
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Flight time: 30 minutes
Control distance: 600m
9. Parrot BeBop 2.0
→ Check current price on Amazon.com
The Parrot BeBop 2.0 is an upgraded version of the popular original Bebop drone.
This 2.0 version is one of the top all around camera drones for sale. It offers 14 megapixel HD 1080p image and video capture, and the camera gives you a 186-degree field of view.
The camera’s lens is splash and dust proof, and full-digital image stabilization technology lets you take stable and clear aerial footage regardless of the drone’s movements.
You can also control the quadcopter, adjust settings, and take pictures and videos straight from your mobile device using Parrot’s Freeflight 3 mobile app.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the Parrot BeBop 2.0:
→ Extra Battery Pack
→ Extra Propellers
→ Bebop 2.0 Carrying Case
Features
Can fly at up to 38 mph
14 megapixel full HD 1080p camera
Rear flash LED for better visibility
Equipped with powerful motors for flight in greater altitudes
Compatible with the Freeflight 3 mobile app
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 3-Axis
Size: 15 x 12.9 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Charging time:
Flight time: 25 minutes
Control distance
10. 3D Robotics Solo
→ check current price on Amazon.com
Solo is an excellent quadcopter for action sport photographers and videographers. It is the only drone that can stream wireless HD video from your GoPro direct to iOS and Android devices.
The Solo is equipped with Smart Shot technology, making it easy to capture fantastic footage without expert pilot skills.
It’s also the first drone that allows in-flight access to your GoPro, allowing you to start recording, stop recording, and adjust camera settings from the ground.
The 3DR Solo is a robust drone for capturing many types of aerial imagery.
EXTRAS
These extra parts are available for the 3DR Solo:
→ Extra Propellers
→ 3DR Solo Gimbal
→ Extra 3DR Solo Smart Battery
→ 3DR Solo Carrying Backpack
→ 64GB MicroSD memory Card (SanDisk)
→ GoPro Hero4
Features
Stream live HD video from GoPro® direct to iOS/Android devices
Pushbutton flight
Smart Shot technology
Unique safety features like pause and “safety net”
Full-featured app for iOS and Android
Specs
Frequency: 2.4Ghz
Gyro: 6-Axis
Size: 16.4 x 16.5 x 9.2 inches
Weight: 11.7 pounds
Control distance
As a commercial pilot, it’s important to take your equipment seriously.
Not only will it help you do better work, but having better equipment could mean the difference between a client choosing you over someone else.
Hopefully you found the right drone for you in this list. If not, feel free to comment below and I’ll help you out.
And to advance your skills further, check out some of our premium online courses:
Mapping and Modeling 101
Aerial Cinematography
Thermal Imaging
(P.S. Don’t forget to check out Drone Pilot Ground School and this guide if you want to prepare for your Part 107 exam.)
The post The Top Professional Drones for Serious Commercial UAV Pilots appeared first on UAV Coach.