Drones have changed photography forever, offering a view from above that only had been available to those with access to a helicopter before. For college students who major in and/or have a passion for photography, owning a drone can add a whole new creative dimension to their toolbox. Here are five drones that do just that and won’t break the bank.
1. DJI Mini 2
Best for students who are looking for a balance of affordability and capability, this drone is small and very lightweight but has a robust feature set. It weighs just under 250g, making it highly portable (handy for students who are constantly on the go), with a 12MP camera and 4K video. It also has a flight time of 31 minutes, which again is pretty good for a drone of this size. That said, a drone so lightweight can sometimes struggle in windy conditions, though, and it’s also missing some of the more advanced sensors that come with the more expensive models. However, it is an option fit for a limited student budget.
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2. DJI Air 2S
If you can afford to splurge, the DJI Air 2S is a big step up from our previous competitor. It has a 1-inch sensor, which makes it safer to fly in tricky places, say, around campus events or on a building. It also provides 20MP photos and 5.4K video. The downside is that it’s more expensive and a bit bigger than the Mini 2.
3. Parrot Anafi
The Parrot Anafi is a fine choice for students who want a camera with lots of flexibility. It has a camera that tilts 180 degrees vertically, so you can get low angles and shots that other drones can’t. The 4K HDR video and 21MP photos are sharp and rich in colour. Flight time is a very good 25 minutes. It is generally reliable, but its build doesn’t feel as rugged as that of some of its DJI competitors.
4. DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 fits right between the Mini 2 and the more expensive professional models. It has a half-inch sensor that makes 48MP pictures and 4K video at 60fps, so you get high-resolution, silky-smooth movies. It has a 34-minute flight time and is more rugged than the Mini 2 with sophisticated obstacle-avoidance technology. But it’s a little larger and more expensive, so students might have an issue with that.
5. Holy Stone HS270
If you’re a student just beginning to dabble in drone photography and are not ready to make a serious financial commitment, the Holy Stone HS270 is a great drone to try out. It boasts a 2.7K camera and a flight time of 18 minutes, which should be sufficient to give you a taste of the basic skills needed to take some good pictures. It’s inexpensive but rather qualitative, which means it’s ideal for the beginner and the occasional recreational user.
For those interested in drone photography without breaking the bank, here are several other affordable options that offer decent features:
Choosing the Right Wingman for Your Aerial Photography
What drone you choose comes down to a combination of weight, cost, imaging capability and ease of use, as well as your budget. A number of options are available to college students, including DJI’s DJI Mini 2 and the Mavic Air 2, which present an excellent starting point for both beginning photographers and those with more experience. Smaller and more affordable drones, such as the Holy Stone HS270, can also help you dip your toes into drone photography without a huge financial outlay. After all, the drone that’s right for you is one that fits how you work and what you want to do with it. Whether you want to shoot sporting events, track the seasons, or just take better pictures of your campus, there’s a drone that’s right for your project. With a little practice and the right piece of tech, the sky’s the limit!
