My Ultimate Drone Photography Gear List

As a professional drone photographer, having the right gear makes all the difference. Whether I’m capturing sweeping cinematic landscapes, performing detailed 3D mapping, or creating fun FPV trick shots, each piece of equipment in my kit serves a unique purpose. Below, I’ll walk you through my drone photography gear, the projects I’ve used them for, and how they’ve helped me bring my creative vision to life.

(Affiliate disclosure: The links to the products below are affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you!)

Drones in My Fleet

1. DJI Mavic 3 CINE
   If I had to crown one drone the star of my fleet, it would be the DJI Mavic 3 CINE. Designed with cinematographers in mind, this powerhouse excels in capturing wide shots, nature scenes, and long-range footage. Its advanced object detection and waypoint capabilities make it perfect for complex shots that require precision and automation. The CINE also shoots in 5K resolution (more like 4.7K), delivering exceptional video quality that’s hard to match.

   Projects:

   • Explore the Abandoned Satsop Nuclear Power Plant

   • Discover the Hood Canal: A Drone's Eye View and DRONE: High Steel Bridge, Washington
     (The CINE’s 5K resolution was a game-changer for showcasing the intricate details of the bridge and surrounding landscape.)

   • DRONE: Wild Horses Monument - Washington
     (Its outstanding video quality made the sweeping shots of the monument come alive.)

2. DJI Air 2S
   My go-to workhorse for 3D mapping, orthomosaics, and roof inspections. The DJI Air 2S is versatile and dependable, ideal for day-to-day operations. Whether I’m handling a commercial inspection or creating detailed maps, this drone gets the job done.

3. DJI Avata 2
   This FPV (First-Person View) drone is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. It’s perfect for trick shots, mountain surfing, capturing high-energy sports events, or even navigating tight indoor spaces. The Avata also excels at getting close to the ground and maneuvering through tight spaces, making it ideal for unique and dynamic shots.

   Projects:

   • DRONE: Explore Canyon Falls and South Fork Skykomish River, WA

   • Exploring Ft. Lauderdale Video (Coming Soon!)

4. DJI NEO
   Lightweight, compact, and travel-friendly, the DJI NEO is my top pick for personal use and beginner-friendly flying. Its ability to follow me while I record videos and capture audio simultaneously makes it a great choice for vlogging or travel adventures.

Supporting Gear

In addition to drones, I rely on a few other tools to elevate the quality of my photography and videography:

• GoPro Hero 12
  For general outdoor use, this action camera is incredibly durable and versatile. It’s my go-to for ground shots and capturing unique perspectives that complement my aerial footage.

• DJI Osmo 6 Gimbal
  When I need steady shots on the trail or smooth video recording, the Osmo 6 gimbal is my trusty companion. It’s compact and easy to use, making it ideal for both professional and casual shoots.

• DJI Microphones (2)
  Audio quality can make or break a video, especially if you’re narrating or filming an interview. These microphones integrate seamlessly with my DJI gear, providing crystal-clear audio to pair with my high-quality visuals.

Why I Recommend These Products

Every piece of equipment on this list has been tested extensively in real-world (and many times harsh weather outdoor) conditions. Whether you’re an aspiring drone photographer or a seasoned professional, this gear will give you the tools you need to create stunning content.

If you’re interested in upgrading your drone setup, you can check out the Amazon affiliate links below for each product. Your support helps me continue to share tips, tutorials, and reviews with the photography community.

What are your must-have tools for drone photography? Let me know in the comments!