Best Drones for Filmmaking: From the DJI Mini 4 Pro to the Inspire 3

Drones have become a game-changer for filmmaking. Whether you’re capturing memories, shooting an advert, or working on a professional production, drones have made aerial filming easier and more accessible than ever.

Smaller aircraft like the DJI Mini 4 Pro and Mavic 4 Pro are simple to operate, highly portable, and built to deliver professional-grade content – even with flight modes designed for new pilots.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro

For larger productions, cinema drones such as the DJI Inspire 3 give filmmakers the creative freedom and flexibility once only possible with helicopters. They make capturing aerial footage more cost-effective, efficient, and versatile.

In this blog we rank the best DJI drones for filmmaking – starting with compact options and working up to larger cinematic drones.

DJI Mini 4 Pro

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a compact filming drone that’s perfect for travel and smaller projects.

Weighing under 249g, it avoids many of the restrictions that apply to heavier drones in the UK, making it a regulation-friendly choice for videography on the move.

Despite its size, the Mini 4 Pro is packed with features. It records in 4K/60fps HDR with True Vertical Shooting, offers 4K/100fps slow motion, and supports advanced colour modes including 10-bit D-Log M and HLG.

With omnidirectional obstacle sensing, upgraded ActiveTrack 360°, waypoint flights, and intelligent shooting modes, it makes capturing and editing content straightforward.

It also delivers up to 34 minutes of flight time and uses DJI’s flagship O4 video transmission system, providing a 1080p/60fps live feed for confident control.

For filmmakers who want portability without compromising on quality, it’s one of the best camera drones available.

The Mini 4 Pro can be paired with the standard RC or the RC 2, which has a built-in 5.5-inch FHD screen that stays bright and clear even in direct sunlight.

If you want the Mini 4 Pro with the RC 2, you can choose the RC 2 Combo or the Fly More Combo with RC 2. The Fly More option includes additional accessories, offering better value than buying them individually.

DJI Air 3S

For filmmakers who want more than a compact travel drone, the DJI Air 3S is a strong step up. Its dual-camera system – a 1″ CMOS wide-angle and a 1/1.3″ CMOS medium tele – offers both wide and telephoto perspectives, giving filmmakers greater creative flexibility.

The Air 3S delivers 4K/60fps HDR video, 4K/120fps slow motion, and up to 14 stops of dynamic range. It can also capture 50MP wide-angle photos and 48MP tele shots, while new features like Free Panorama mode expand creative options.

With 45 minutes of flight time, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, Nightscape mode, and next-gen Smart RTH for safer returns, it’s reliable for larger projects.

The Air 3S stands out as a balanced choice between portability and professional-grade output.

Like the Mini 4 Pro, the Air 3S can be paired with either the standard RC or the RC 2, which features a built-in 5.5-inch FHD screen for clear viewing in any light.

DJI Mavic 4 Pro

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is built for professional filmmaking with a triple-camera system covering wide, medium, and telephoto focal lengths, yet it remains beginner-friendly thanks to intelligent flight modes that are ideal for first-time pilots.

It has a 100MP Hasselblad main camera with a 4/3″ CMOS sensor, capable of recording 6K/60fps HDR video with outstanding clarity and dynamic range. Supporting this are two large-format telephoto cameras (1/1.3″ and 1/1.5″ CMOS), giving filmmakers the reach needed for detailed zoom shots.

The Mavic 4 Pro's standout feature is the Infinity Gimbal – a 360° rotating system that enables smooth, uninterrupted movement for unique angles not possible with traditional drones. Combined with up to 51 minutes of flight time, the Mavic 4 Pro is designed for long, uninterrupted shoots.

Safety and reliability are equally strong. Nightscape obstacle sensing detects objects in near-dark conditions as low as 0.1 lux, while O4+ transmission delivers a 10-bit HDR feed up to 30km for real-time, low-latency monitoring. Pilots also benefit from a rotatable 7″ high-bright display controller, ensuring clear visibility in any light.

For sweeping landscapes, dynamic action, or precise cinematic sequences, the Mavic 4 Pro is one of the most capable filming drones available today.

The Mavic 4 Pro works with both the RC 2 and the RC Pro 2.

The RC Pro 2, launched alongside the Mavic 4 Pro, features a collapsible design with integrated sticks, a 7″ high-bright Mini-LED screen, a built-in microphone, and full DJI Mic compatibility. It comes included in the Creator Combo.

DJI Inspire 3

The Inspire 3 is the top choice for high-end productions.

This cinema drone captures aerial shots that once required a helicopter and can even track vehicles with precision, reducing the need for extra equipment and allowing for faster shoots with greater creative control.

It unlocks true cinematic quality with full-frame 8K/75fps ProRes RAW and 8K/25fps CinemaDNG recording, backed by dual native ISO and 14+ stops of dynamic range.

The Inspire 3's unique design supports both an 80° tilt boost and 360° pan configuration, offering flexible shooting setups. A 1/1.8-inch night-vision FPV camera ensures clear first-person control in low light, while centimetre-level RTK positioning and Waypoint Pro enable precise and repeatable flight paths.

The O3 Pro transmission system supports dual control, giving directors and camera operators independent access during complex shoots.

With the DL-Mount lens system, filmmakers can use the new 18mm lens as well as the 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm lenses from the Inspire 2, available separately.

All these features combined make the Inspire 3 a complete tool for professional cinema productions.

The Inspire 3 Combo comes with the RC Plus, X9-8K Air gimbal camera, six TB51 flight batteries, a charging hub, DJI PROSSD (1TB), three pairs of propellers, a trolley case, and a lens carrying box.

To learn more about the Inspire 3, read our blog on how Netflix is using it – praising its performance and adding it to the prestigious Approved Camera List for 4K Originals.

Summary

From the travel-ready DJI Mini 4 Pro to the advanced Mavic 4 Pro and the professional-grade Inspire 3, there’s a DJI model to suit every level of filmmaker.

If you’re unsure which drone is right for you, contact our team. We’ll guide you through the options and help you find the best fit for your filmmaking needs.