April 22 was Earth Day. Though if you ask me, we shouldn’t need an excuse to grab our gear and get outside. I don’t mean just for the sake of posting something green to your feed. No, go outside and actually pause and appreciate the wild, wonderful places that still exist out there. And if you’re anything like me—a travel photographer who lives for golden hour in the middle of nowhere, majestic mountains, and those otherworldly terrains you only stumble across after a long drive—you know there’s nothing quite like a drone to give you a fresh perspective. Adding aerial nature photography to your game requires the right kind of drone for the work you want to create.
However, not all drones are created equal, especially when it comes to still photography. In honor of making Earth Day every day and listening to the call of the outdoors, we’re rounding up the top drones to photograph nature from above. Additionally, we will add practical tips to help you get the most out of your aerial photography, while staying mindful of the environment and practicing responsible shooting.
Let’s get into it.
DJI Mini 4 Pro
If you’re after something lightweight and user-friendly, the DJI Mini 4 Pro delivers. It weighs just under 250g, which keeps it FAA registration-free in the U.S., making it great for those quick weekend hikes or park shoots.
Its 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor delivers 48MP stills and excellent low-light performance. Also, vertical photo mode saves you from having to crop for social media, which is especially useful if you’re creating content for both clients and online platforms.
The obstacle detection system adds an extra layer of safety, especially when flying through forests or more rugged environments.
Best for: Lightweight setups, minimalist travel kits, and photographers looking to shoot on the go without skipping quality.
DJI Air 3 S
This one lands squarely in the middle—not too bulky, not too light. The Air 3 S has dual cameras, letting you switch between wide-angle and 3x telephoto with minimal effort. It’s a solid choice when you want to tell a full visual story, from the broader landscape to smaller focal points like treetops or mountain ridgelines.
It shares the same sensor size as the Mini 4 Pro but steps things up with better dynamic range and longer battery life. That gives you more time in the air to frame your shot without feeling rushed.
Best for: Landscape shooters who want more versatility and time to work without upgrading to a full pro rig.
Autel EVO II V3 Pro 6K
This drone is built for photographers who care about color fidelity, manual control, and sharpness in changing light. The 1-inch CMOS sensor, combined with a variable aperture (f/2.8–f/11), means you can adjust for depth and exposure with precision.
Autel’s sensor design uses RYYB color filtering, which increases light sensitivity by about 40%—ideal when shooting at sunrise, sunset, or in shaded environments like canyons and forests.
Best for: Pro or semi-pro photographers who want maximum control over their stills and the flexibility to shoot in low or unpredictable light.
Autel EVO Lite 6K Premium Kit
Don’t let the “Lite” name fool you—this drone is a powerhouse for still shooters. It features a 1/1.28″ CMOS sensor and captures 50MP images with PDAF + CDAF autofocus. So basically, your subjects stay sharp, even if they’re moving.
That makes this drone particularly useful for wildlife photography or windy conditions where stillness is hard to come by. The premium package comes with three batteries, a smart controller, and a rugged case, which is pretty much everything you need for a long day out in the field.
Best for: Photographers who need reliable autofocus and battery longevity for multi-hour shoots, especially in remote areas.
DJI Mavic 3 Pro Fly More Combo
When image quality is non-negotiable, the Mavic 3 Pro continues to set the bar. This drone comes equipped with a triple-camera setup, including a Hasselblad 24mm wide-angle, a 70mm medium telephoto, and a 166mm super-telephoto lens. The main 4/3 CMOS sensor delivers exceptional dynamic range and color depth, especially when shooting RAW.
It’s a top-tier pick for landscape photographers, editorial shooters, and conservation storytellers working on visual campaigns that demand pro-level results. You’ll also get omnidirectional obstacle sensing and up to 43 minutes of flight time—plenty of time to frame, adjust, and shoot without feeling rushed.
But here’s something especially worth noting: if you’re not ready to invest in the full setup, or if you just need it for a short-term project, you can also rent the DJI Mavic 3 Cine Kit through Adorama Rental Co.. It offers the same top-of-the-line photo performance, with the added benefit of ProRes and SSD storage—ideal for commercial shoots or high-volume production environments.
Adorama Rental Co. is a trusted go-to for creatives who want access to professional gear without the long-term cost or environmental footprint of ownership. They stock a huge range of drones, cameras, and lighting gear for both pickup and delivery, and everything is maintained and tested by professionals. Renting not only saves you money but is also a more sustainable way to create, perfect for Earth Day and beyond.
Best for: Professional photographers, content creators working on high-resolution or commercial shoots, and anyone looking for a flexible, sustainable gear solution without compromising on quality.
8 Essential Tips for Using Drones for Aerial Nature Photography
These tips will help you capture stronger, more intentional aerial stills no matter what kind of drone you’re using.
1. Scout Before You Fly
Before sending your drone up, use a map app or satellite view to get a sense of the area. It’ll help you spot cool angles ahead of time and save battery once you’re in the air. Plus, it’s just a smarter, more respectful way to fly.
2. Check the Weather
Weather can turn quick—wind, fog, and even light rain can throw things off and put your drone at risk. Always check the local forecast before you head out, and make sure you’ve got enough battery to get back safely without cutting it close.
3. Frame It Like You Mean It
Look for leading lines, natural symmetry, and interesting textures. Drones open up entirely new compositions, but the rules of good photography still apply.
4. Use the Light
Golden Hour isn’t just for Instagram. The soft, directional light early or late in the day brings depth and warmth to aerial shots, especially in wide landscapes.
5. Stay High, Stay Respectful
Flying too close to wildlife can stress animals and disrupt their behavior. Stick to higher altitudes and use zoom lenses when needed for your aerial nature photography.
6. Know the Rules
Flying legally doesn’t just protect you—it protects the community. Check for local restrictions, fly away from crowds, and never use drones in no-fly zones like near airports or protected wilderness areas.
7. Shoot in RAW
RAW files give you more flexibility to correct exposure and color without degrading image quality.
8. Leave No Trace
And last, but certainly not least, respect for the environment doesn’t stop once your drone lands. Pack out whatever you pack in. That includes snack wrappers, battery packaging, lens wipes—whatever you brought with you, take it back out. Avoid trampling over fragile ecosystems just to get a shot, and stick to established trails whenever possible.
Earth Day Is a Reminder, Not a Checkbox
Aerial nature photography with drones has the power to connect people with the beauty of the planet, but that power comes with responsibility.
Respect the land, fly with intention, and use your lens to document what’s worth protecting.
Ready to capture stunning shots from above? Explore these drones and more at Adorama, and get set for your next outdoor shoot.
