Drone technology has improved rapidly in recent years. High-end drones in particular are more feature-rich than ever, so if you are considering taking the plunge, now is a good time. You may want to invest in a quality drone case and drone tracker to protect your investment as well. To help make the buying process a little easier, this list breaks down the best high end drones of 2020:
High End Drones Reviewed In This Guide
- DJI Phanton Pro 4
- Swellpro Splash 3 Waterproof Drone
- Yuneec H920 Plus with CGO Camera
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad Camera
Best High End Drone List
1. DJI Phanton Pro 4
The DJI Phanton Pro 4 bundle is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. For just over $1,700, this package comes with everything you need to go above and beyond the basics of drone operation. In addition to the drone and remote controller, you’ll get an intelligent flight battery charger, and power cable; four pairs of propellers; virtual reality viewer; 2 batteries and hard case.
The advanced features of the DJI Phantom Pro 4 include:
- FlightAutonomy system adds dual rear vision sensors and infrared sensing systems for a total of 5-direction of obstacle sensing and 4-direction of obstacle avoidance
- mechanical shutter
- Camera with a 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 4K/60fps video and Burst Mode stills at 14 fps
- Camera with 1-inch 20-megapixel sensor
- Onboard camera uses a 1-inch 20-megapixel CMOS sensor
- Custom engineered lens made up of eight elements is arranged in seven group
- mechanical shutter to eliminate distortion which can occur when taking images of fast moving subjects or when flying at high speeds
- powerful video processing supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps or H.265 4K at 30fps
Memory accessories provided are a 32GB Class 10 U1 MicroSD Memory Card with SD Adapter. Other accessories include lens filter, tablet computer holder, signal booster for remote control, landing pad, and a cleaning kit.
More Features
It also comes with a DJI Care Refresh membership, which will provide replacement services if you damage your drone within the parameters of normal use. It’s valid for up to twelve months after purchase and covers up to two full replacements at an additional charge in addition to the product warranty against defective manufacturing
That’s all in addition to the feature-rich drone itself, which comes standard with smart controls. It can:
- avoid obstacles automatically
- has a return home feature
- ActiveTrack technology
- 30 minutes of flight time
With this great product and excellent care program, you can fly free with all the tools you need and the support you hope you don’t need in case of damage.
2. Swellpro Splash 3 Waterproof Drone
Billed as the world’s first waterproof quadcopter drone, the Swellpro Splash 3 is a pioneer in the world of weatherproof devices. A perfect waterproof seal is ensured by rigorous testing. All components inside and out are designed to stay corrosion free in any rainy, snowy, humid, or saltwater-filled environment. With a 4K resolution video camera and 16MP regular camera, this drone is ideal for photographers. The built-in stability controls help you hone in on that perfect shot without worrying about blurriness.
The S3 flight controller features innovative sensors and a powerful propulsion system for optimal speed. While a dual-mode GPS promises the utmost accuracy. Quick-fit carbon fiber propellers get you up into the air lighter and faster. Powerful motors allow you to fly in winds up to 18 miles per hour with gusts as high as 31 miles per hour. The fully integrated remote controller displays live video and overlaid data. It also includes flight control, payload release, and camera controls.
There are also many layers of protection against crashes, including a “return home” function where the drone will return to its starting point with a soft landing if the battery gets too low. If the drone crashes out of sight, its location will still be visible on your controller despite the low battery, and if it lands in water, the drone with flip itself right-side up on command so it can launch again.
Swellpro Splash 3 Waterproof Drone Photography Features
For all your photography needs, the Swellpro Splash 3 has a number of special functions to help you get the perfect shot. Acquiring this type drone is a vital step to becoming a professional Drone pilot. In cruise mode, you can maneuver in every direction with a single joystick, allowing for the smoothest of aerial video shots. Through the Swellpro FLY app, you can enable “smart fly” modes which can follow you with minimal user input.
You can select waypoints to plot a course for your drone to follow, or set a circular range in which to take continuous video with one object at the center. You can even hover the drone in one place by tapping the location on the map you’d like to see. This makes the drone ideal for industries utilizing drones pilots.
It can be adapted for a wide variety of uses, so whether you’re a photographer capturing a scene above the ocean or you’re a fisherman looking to utilize the fishing line release mechanism and precise bait dropping options, this drone is the best in the business for any work in wet environments.
3. Yuneec H920 Plus with CGO Camera
The Yuneec H520 E90 bundle is a commercial-grade six-rotor drone featuring an industry-first commercial grade camera. This model draws on Yuneec’s established success in the drone industry to provide:
- extended flight time
- larger payload
- modular design
- improved components
The average cost for this model is about $2,500. Featuring the 3X Optical zoom, a high resolution 4K camera & 16MP stills. It captures wide-angle shots and utilizes a one inch sensor that captures detailed images. This drone also features:
- Long-lasting battery
- Built-in stabilizers
- Mission planning software
- Foldable Arms: Transportation is easy with the included case!
- Retractable Landing Gear: For unobstructed video and pictures.
- Hexacopter: Rock steady in the wind
Designed for commercial applications such as inspections, surveillance and security, mapping and surveying, construction, and broadcasting. This drone can also be useful for the average photographer or hobbyist. With Vertigo Drones expertise in this market, they have definitely created a quality option worth considering.
DJI Mavic 2 Pro with Hasselblad Camera
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro bundle is the ultimate drone for the photographer or drone racer. For an average cost of $1,850 this drone package is a bargain for users who want to capture great photos and video. Here is a list of the specs:
- Gimbal-Stabilized 12MP / 4K Camera; OcuSync Transmission Technology
- Up to 4.3 Mile Control Range; Up to 27 Minutes Flight Time
- GPS- & Vision Position-Based Navigation; FlightAutonomy with Obstacle Detection
- DJI GO App-Based Control and Monitoring; Top Speed of 40 mph in Sport Mode
- ActiveTrack Subject Tracking Modes; Tap- and Gesture-Based Commands
So what comes with the bundle:
- DJI Mavic Pro Folding Drone Unit
- Landing Gear
- 6 and 8 count filters
- 3 Batteries
- 64 MicroSD Memory Card
- Car and USB chargers
- Signal Booster & Remote
- Hardcase and Softcase
Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.
Enjoy Your New High End Drone
No matter what industry or hobby you focus on when flying drones, the high-end quadcopters listed in this article are excellent options. With one of these drones and drone training a career many have started new careers. Overall, the right drone for you depends on the features you value. As well as how much room you have in your budget. It’s also worth noting that high-end drones are best for those who already have some experience with flying. This is because replacement parts can be quite pricey. With a bit of training, a good care plan, and a sense of adventure, you too can enjoy flying. Happy flying!
Hal Simmons
When I first started flying drones I was always afraid of damaging my drone. I would always be thinking what if. I questioned myself often and as a result it made me question various aspects of flying drones. In the process I learned a lot. This is why I feel I have a lot of information that will be helpful to beginners and intermediate drone enthusiasts. Of course I still have a lot to learn so join me on this journey and I am sure you will enjoy the adventure ahead of us.Get daily lessons that start with how to choose a drone.