What if I told you that your selfies could reach new heights—literally?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been on a mission, testing out the best selfie drones of 2023. From the most affordable to the most high-tech, I’ve flown them all. And now, I’m here to share my top picks.
So, buckle up and prepare for lift-off—it’s time to elevate your selfie game!
Obstacle Avoidance and Follow-Me Mode (FocusTrack)
Weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand
What to Look for in a Selfie Drone
Camera: The Eye of the Drone
Let’s start with the heart of any selfie drone – the camera. After all, what good is a selfie drone if it can’t capture your best angles in high resolution?
When it comes to camera quality, you want to look for a drone that boasts a high-resolution camera, ideally one that can shoot in 4K.
But resolution isn’t everything. You also want to consider color accuracy and low-light performance. Some selfie drones also have features like image stabilization and automatic beautification to ensure your selfies always look their best. Remember, the camera is the eye of your drone, so it’s worth investing in a good one.
Flight Time: Up, Up and Away
Next up is flight time. The longer your drone can stay in the air, the more selfies you can snap. But how long is long enough? Well, that depends on your needs.
If you’re just taking a quick selfie in your backyard, a flight time of 10 minutes might be enough. But if you’re planning to take your selfie drone on a hiking trip or a beach vacation, you might want a drone that can stay airborne for 20 minutes or more. Keep in mind that factors like wind conditions and the weight of the drone can affect flight time, so it’s always a good idea to have a spare battery on hand.
Portability: Travel Light
If you’re like me and love to take your drone on adventures, portability is key. Look for a drone that’s compact and lightweight, ideally one that’s foldable for easy packing.
But don’t sacrifice durability for it. Your selfie drone should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel. After all, you don’t want your drone to break before you’ve even taken your first selfie!
Ease of Use: Easy Does It
Now, let’s talk about ease of use. A good selfie drone should be as easy to control as your smartphone. Look for a drone with an intuitive control system, automatic flight modes, and a reliable GPS system.
Some drones also come with a smartphone app that lets you control the drone with a few taps of your finger. Trust me, the last thing you want is to lose control of your drone mid-selfie!
Selfie Features: The Perfect Selfie
Of course, a selfie drone wouldn’t be a selfie drone without some cool selfie features. Look for drones that offer features like follow me, orbit, and gesture control. These features can make taking selfies a breeze and add a touch of creativity to your photos.
Price: The Bottom Line
Finally, let’s talk about price. Drones can range from affordable to very expensive. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. But remember, you often get what you pay for.
More expensive selfie drones typically offer better features and performance. However, there are also many affordable drones that offer great value for money. It’s all about finding the right balance between price and features.
Choosing the right selfie drone can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you’ll be snapping aerial selfies in no time. Happy flying!
The 9Best Selfie Drones 2023
DJI Mini 3 Pro: A Featherweight with a Heavyweight Punch
Best Selfie Drone 2023
Specs
Camera: 4K Video 48 MP photo
Flight Time: 34 min
Portability: Foldable, weighs less than 249 grams.
Ease of Use: Easy to use
Selfie Features: Time Lapse, Follow-Me Mode (FocusTrack), MasterShots, Land in Palm, Obstacle Avoidance
Price: $$$$
Today, we’re diving into the DJI Mini 3 Pro. This little dynamo has been making waves in the drone community, and I’m here to give you the lowdown.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of this drone.
Pros:
Light as a Feather: This drone is under the 250g weight threshold, which means no registration headaches in most jurisdictions.
Safety First: With built-in geo-restrictions, you won’t accidentally wander into restricted airspace.
Say Cheese: The camera quality is top-notch, capturing stunning photos and videos.
Energizer Bunny: The battery life is impressive, averaging around 30 minutes per flight.
Customizable Controls: The controller setup can be personalized to your liking.
Cons:
Fly-away Refresh Coverage: Some users have reported issues with the binding of the fly-away refresh coverage.
Noisy Neighbor: The controller can be a bit loud, which can be distracting.
Fragile Wings: The propellers aren’t the most durable, so handle with care.
Homeward Bound?: The Return to Home (RTH) feature can be inconsistent.
Watch Out: Obstacle avoidance is limited to forward, backward, and downward directions.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
Now, let’s delve deeper into what makes the DJI Mini 3 Pro tick.
Lightweight and Compact
One of the first things I noticed when I opened the box is that the Mini 3 feels pretty robust to the touch, it does not have a cheap build.
One of the standout features of the Mini 3 Pro selfie drone is its lightweight design. This drone is so light that it avoids the need for registration in most places. That’s a big plus for beginners who just want to get up and flying without jumping through regulatory hoops.
Safety Features
The built-in geo-restrictions are a boon for new pilots. These restrictions prevent you from accidentally flying into restricted areas, which is a great safety feature for those still learning the ropes.
Camera Quality
The camera on this selfie drone is a real showstopper. It shoots breathtaking images and videos, even in low-light conditions. So whether you’re capturing a sunset or a cityscape at night, the Mini 3 Pro has got you covered.
Battery Life
The battery life on this drone is nothing short of impressive. On average, you can expect around 30 minutes of flight time per charge. That’s plenty of time to shoot some stunning aerial footage.
Personalizable Controller Setup
The controller setup can be personalized to your liking, which is a nice touch. This feature allows you to tailor the controls to your preferences, making the selfie drone even more enjoyable to fly.
The Not-So-Great
Some users have reported issues with the binding of the fly-away refresh coverage, and the controller can be a bit loud. The propellers aren’t the most durable, so you’ll want to handle them with care. The Return to Home (RTH) feature can be inconsistent, and the obstacle avoidance is limited to forward, backward, and downward directions.
DJI Mini 3 Pro: The People’s Verdict
We will also be diving into the world of user opinions on the DJI Mini 3 Pro. After all, who better to give you the real scoop than the people who’ve been hands-on with this little selfie drone?
The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected
Over on Reddit, a treasure trove of user experiences awaits. Let’s start with the good stuff. Users have been raving about the DJI Mini 3 Pro’s ease of use, especially for beginners. The camera quality and battery life have also received high praise. Check out the full discussion here.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have reported that the propellers can become brittle and break off after about six months of use. They also mentioned that the drone can be a bit challenging to control in windy or rainy conditions. You can read more about these issues here.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, it seems that the DJI Mini 3 Pro has won over many users with its impressive features and performance. However, like any product, it has its quirks. The key is to be aware of these potential issues and handle your selfie drone with care.
This mirrors what I have found when I fly the Mini 3 Pro. I prefer to go out on days with little or no wind. My propellers are still holding up well, but I got extras just in case.
The Final Verdict
When I first had the chace to test fly the Mini 3 I was very impressed with theperformance. And now 6 month later I am still very happy with it, and it is my go-to drone for taking small hikes and trips as it folds up nicely and is easy to bring.
I do have the DJI Mini SE as well, and the improvements over this predecessor are huge. The camera and flight time is improved, and we now have Follow Me mode and obstacle sensors in 3 directiors.
In conclusion, the DJI Mini 3 Pro is a compact, lightweight selfie drone that offers a lot in terms of performance and features. It’s an excellent choice for beginners, thanks to its built-in safety features and easy-to-use controls. However, it does have a few flaws, including issues with the controller and propellers. Despite these issues, it’s still a great selfie drone for its size and price.
Portability: Foldable, weighs less than 249 grams.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use
Selfie Features: One key take-off and landing, helix, boomerang, circle, dronie selfie
Price: $$$
The DJI Mini 2 SE has been making waves in the market for its impressive features packed into a lightweight frame. Let’s dive into what this drone has to offer and what real users are saying about it.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Just like any piece of tech, the DJI Mini 2 SE has its shining moments and a few areas that could use a bit of polish. Here’s the rundown:
Upsides:
User-Friendly: This drone is a breeze to operate, making it a top pick for those just dipping their toes into the world of drones.
Camera Quality: The 2.7K camera on the Mini 2 SE is no slouch. It shoots clear, high-quality images and videos that would impress any aerial photography enthusiast.
Stability: Despite its featherweight design, this drone holds its own against the wind, offering a stable flight experience.
Downsides:
Missing Obstacle Avoidance Sensors: The Mini 2 SE is missing front, back or side obstacle avoidance sensors, a feature that could be a deal-breaker for some.
Connection Hiccups: A few users have reported occasional connection issues during flight.
Battery Life: While the battery life is decent, it’s not going to win any marathons. Some users felt it could be improved.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a bit like a featherweight boxer – small but mighty. It’s easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners, and its lightweight design doesn’t compromise on stability. Even when the wind picks up, this selfie drone holds its own.
The 2.7K camera is good enough for most non-professionals, and it can give you high-quality images and videos. But it’s not all smooth flying. The lack of obstacle avoidance sensors is a notable omission, and some users have reported connection issues during flight.
Despite these issues, the DJI Mini 2 SE has won over many users with its impressive features and performance. One user noted, “This is the first full feature drone that checks all of the boxes for me that I can just go fly worry-free, and this one will fly far. The video looks good enough for me, at 2.7K video resolution my smart TV scales it up to 4K anyways.”
What Users Online Think About the DJI Mini 2 SE
When it comes to the DJI Mini 2 SE, the drone enthusiasts on Reddit have a lot to say.
In a thread a user praises the Mini 2 SE for its stability, ease of use, and robustness. He mentions that the drone is great for capturing good pictures at a decent price, making it an excellent choice for beginners. However, he also notes that the selfie drone lacks front or side obstacle avoidance sensors, which could be a potential downside for some users.
Another user, suggests that the Mini 2 SE is a decent drone, but recommends considering the Mini 3 if budget allows, as it is a much better drone.
Over on the r/dji subreddit, in a thread discussing whether the Mini 2 SE is worth the upgrade over the Mini SE, a user shares his experience with the Mini SE, stating that while he’s satisfied with the drone, he would have waited for the Mini 2 SE if he could go back in time, mainly due to the better transmission system.
Another user in the same thread, recommends the Mini 2 SE over the Mini SE due to the better controller design and improved transmission system. He also mentions that while the camera is the same on both drones, the Mini 2 SE’s controller fits most phones better and doesn’t require removing the phone case.
In conclusion, Reddit users seem to agree that the DJI Mini 2 SE is a solid drone for its price, especially for beginners. However, some users suggest considering the Mini 3 if budget allows, due to its superior features.
I did notice some of these things when I first flew with the Mini 2 SE. The connection is much stronger than on the previous SE model. When I fly the first Mini SE I do have to watch out when I fly in the forest or anywhere there are disturbances to the connection. The Mini 2 SE handles these better, and I dont have to worry as much about where I fly it. The camera is the same though.
The Final Verdict
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a solid performer that offers a lot for its size and price. Its ease of use, quality camera, and stability make it a great selfie drone. However, potential buyers should be aware of its lack of obstacle avoidance sensors and potential connection issues. Despite these drawbacks, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a worthy contender in the drone market, offering high-quality features at a competitive price.
Drawing from my 10 years of drone flyring experience, this is the best value you get right now if you are looking for a moderately priced selfie drone.
Portability: Small, Weighs 149 Grams, Not foldable.
Ease of Use: Easy to use
Selfie Features: Gestures Control, Altitude hold, Voice Control
Price: $
In the vast universe of drones, Holy Stone has carved out a niche for itself, offering quality drones that don’t break the bank. The Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone is a shining example of this ethos.
It’s a drone that’s been thoughtfully designed with the novice pilot in mind, boasting a suite of features that make it a breeze to fly and control.
From its HD camera to its altitude hold, headless mode, and 3D flip capabilities, this drone is brimming with features that make it an attractive proposition for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of drone flying.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
The Good:
1080P FOV 120° HD FPV Camera: High-quality photo and video capture is a breeze.
Altitude Hold: Ensures stable flight and easy control.
Headless Mode: Simplifies control, especially when the drone is out of sight.
The Not-So-Good:
Lacks GPS: Missing advanced features like follow me or return home.
Plastic Construction: Lightweight but potentially less durable than other models.
Camera Quality: Some users have reported that the quality leaves something to be desired.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
The Holy Stone HS110D selfie drone is a standout in the entry-level drone market. Its HD FPV Camera is good enough for beginners, and the wide-angle lens lets you view images on your phone in good detail.
The altitude hold feature is nice to have for beginners. It allows you to take your hands off the joystick while the drone hovers at a locked altitude, giving you the freedom to focus on capturing a great selfie.
The drone comes with 2 modular batteries that support a 20-minute flight, making it easy to swap out the battery and safe to charge it.
However, it is not GPS enabled, which means it lacks some of the advanced features found on pricier models, like follow me or auto return home.
And while the drone does come with a 1080P camera, some users have reported that the quality is not quite up to par.
This is a fun selfie drone for beginners, and I did enjoy testing it out. I noticed that it does not feel very sturdy to the touch, and when I flew it in windy weather it stuggled a bit. I still feel it is a good choice for beginners at its price range.
The Final Verdict
The Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone is a good choice for a beginner looking for a cheap and fun drone for selfies.
Selfie Features: Obstacle sensing in 4 directions, Spotlight, Point of interest, Mastershots, Active Track 4.0
Price: $$$$$
In the world of drones, DJI is a name that needs no introduction.
DJI Air 2S is set to impress. It has 3-Axis Gimbal Camera, 5.4K Video, 1-Inch CMOS Sensor, 4 Directions of Obstacle Sensing, and a flight time of 31 minutes.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s take a closer look.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Pros:
Crisp and Clear: The 5.4K video and 20MP photos are nothing short of impressive.
Compact Convenience: Its portable design makes it a breeze to carry around.
Stay in the Air: With a flight time of up to 31 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to get that perfect shot.
Cons:
Watch Out: The lack of side obstacle avoidance could lead to some unexpected mishaps.
Need for Speed: Some users might find the speed and power for air control a bit limiting.
Fixed Focus: The absence of an adjustable aperture might be a letdown for some.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
This is one of my favorite drones at the moment, and I use it regularly. It strikes a great balance between price and performance, and I found that it is very forgiving with photos and video. Even if my shot is not great, it still comes out good.
I do have experience with its predecessor as well, the Mavic Air 2, and the camera is markedly improved. I also like that the Mavic Air 2S has a pair of objects avoidance sensors on the top, unlike the predecessor wich only has 3 ways sensors.
One of the standout features of this selfie drone is its compact and portable design. Users have noted that it folds down to a small size, making it easy to carry around. This is a big win for those who need to use their drone in different locations.
Despite its compact size, the DJI Air 2S doesn’t skimp on flight time. It boasts a flight time of up to 31 minutes, giving your plenty of time to get extensive footage in a single flight.
However, it’s not all smooth flying. Some users have pointed out that it lacks side obstacle avoidance, which could potentially lead to accidents during flight. Additionally, some users wished for more speed and power for better air control, as well as an adjustable aperture for more flexibility in capturing footage.
The Final Verdict
All in all, the Air 2S is a solid selfie drone that offers impressive video and photo capabilities.
Its compact and portable design, coupled with its long flight time, makes it a handy tool for capturing high-resolution content.
However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations, such as the lack of obstacle sensors on the sides and limited speed and power for air control.
Despite these drawbacks, the drone has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, making it a worthwhile consideration for those in the market for a new drone.
So, is the Air 2S the selfie drone you’ve been waiting for? Only you can answer that. But one thing’s for sure: it’s a drone that’s worth taking for a spin.
I am also going to delve into the realm of mini drones, focusing on the DEERC D20 Mini Drone. This pint-sized powerhouse has been creating quite a buzz in the drone community, and I’m here to dissect whether it’s worth your investment.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Pros
Compact and Portable: The selfie drone comes with its own carrying case and extra parts, making it easy to transport and maintain.
Impressive Speed: Despite its size, this drone can outpace larger models when set to level 3 speed.
Quick Charging: With two batteries and two charging cables, you can get back to flying in no time. The batteries charge fairly quickly using a quick charge adapter.
Cons
App Crashes: The drone’s app, used for viewing pictures and videos, is prone to crashes and requires a specific sequence to work.
Connection Issues: The drone can lose connection when less than 50ft away, leading to crashes.
Calibration Problems: The drone can sometimes lose calibration while using headless mode, which can be a bit tricky to correct.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
The Need for Speed
The DEERC D20 Selfie Drone is a veritable speed demon. It’s so nimble and responsive that it seems to outpace the Holy Stone HS110D at its maximum speed. That’s right, this little drone that fits snugly in the palm of your hand can give larger drones a run for their money when you crank it up to level 3 speed.
Durability: A Silver Lining
Despite the crashes, the drone holds up well, with only minor body scratches to show for its troubles. It’s nearly indestructible, making it perfect for kids and adults learning to fly. This resilience is a testament to the drone’s build quality and design.
I did crash it into a tree once (without breaking) when I lost connection, but if I wanted to hurt this drone I would have to try a lot harder.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, the DEERC D20 Mini Drone is a fun piece of tech. It’s fast, responsive, and packed with features.
It does have some connection issues, and the app could use some improvements.
But if you’re looking for a small selfie drone to fly and possibly outpace your buddies’ larger drones, this could be a great choice.
Flight Time: 8-10 min per battery (2 batteries included)
Portability: Foldable, weighs 80 grams.
Ease of Use: Easy to use
Selfie Features: Gesture Selfie, Waypoint, Altitude Hold
Price: $
This drone is a solid choice for beginners looking for a cheap selfie drone that is fun and easy to fly.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Pros
Easy to use with one-key takeoff/landing and headless mode
1080P HD Wi-Fi camera for quality aerial photos and videos
Two rechargeable batteries for up to 32 minutes of flight time
Cons
Potential difficulty finding the app due to QR codes directing to a defunct website
Inconsistent return function – may not always come back when called
Phone interface may need improvements
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
I recently had the chance to try out the DRONEEYE 4DV13 Drone, and found it to be a fun choice for kids and beginners looking to start their drone piloting journey.
The drone has one-key takeoff/landing and headless mode. This makes it easy for anyone to start flying right away.
It is also equipped with a decent HD Wi-Fi camera.
With FPV transmission, you can see live footage from the sky on your phone.
The drone comes with two rechargeable batteries, which provide up to 32 minutes of flight time, giving you plenty of opportunity to practice and have fun.
However, there are a few drawbacks to the DRONEEYE selfie drone. Some users have experienced difficulty finding the app, as the QR codes provided direct to a shutdown website.
The return function can sometimes be inconsistent. So you need to learn how to control the drone effectively. Lastly, improvements can be made to the phone interface, which may cause some frustration to users.
The Final Verdict
Despite these drawbacks, the DRONEEYE’s user-friendly features and budget-friendly price make it a suitable choice for kids and beginners looking to dip their toes into the exciting world of selfie drones.
This drone has been making waves in the market for beginner selfie drones, and we’re here to dissect why.
With a HD camera and a host of beginner-friendly features, it’s a drone that promises a lot. But does it deliver? Let’s find out.
The Pros and Cons: A Quick Glance
Pros:
1080P HD Camera: The SANROCK U52 Drone has a HD camera that shoots decent quality photos and videos. It also features a 120-degree wide-angle lens, allowing you to see more of your surroundings in each shot.
Ease of Use: This drone is beginner-friendly, with features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff and landing. These features make it easy for beginners to get started with drone flying.
Safety Features: The U52 has a number of features that make it a great choice for kids or beginners. The selfie drone has propeller guards that help protect the propellers from damage, as well as an emergency stop button that allows you to quickly stop the drone in case of an emergency.
Cons:
Camera Orientation Issue: Some users have reported that the camera takes photos and videos upside down. This could be a manufacturing defect or a software issue. This was not an issue when I tested it.
Wind Sensitivity: The selfie drone gets blown around very easily in even mild winds. This could make it difficult to control in outdoor environments.
Limited Battery Life: The battery life is reported to be less than 30 minutes, which could limit the duration of your flying sessions.
The Full Picture: A Detailed Review
The SANROCK U52 selfie drone is a popular choice among both adults and kids, and it’s easy to see why.
It is easy to use and has a pretty good camera for the price point. With features like altitude hold, headless mode, and one-key takeoff and landing, it’s a solid option for beginners.
Some users have reported that the camera takes photos and videos upside down. The drone’s sensitivity to wind and limited battery life are other potential downsides.
The Final Verdict
Despite its issues, the SANROCK U52 selfie drone has received positive reviews for its build quality, ease of use, and safe features. It’s also praised for its value for money, offering impressive features at a reasonable price point.
DJI Mini SE
Specs
Camera: 2.7K camera with 12 MP stills
Flight Time: 30 min
Portability: Foldable, weighs less than 249 grams.
Ease of Use: Very easy to use
Selfie Features: Dronie Mode, Helix, and Circle
Price: $$$
What We Like
It is very light, only 249 grams, so it’s easy to travel with and carry
2.7K video and 12 MP photos are good considering the size and works great for social media
Great selfie features such as Dronie Mode, Helix, and Circle
DJI Mini SE gimbal and camera
The DJI Mini SE is the cheapest of the DJIs Mini series, but it packs a lot of technology.
I own and use the Mini SE often, and love how easy it is to bring and fly anywhere. One of the first things I noticed when unboxing the Mini is how compact it feels when I touch it.
In the box, you get a controller and a small screwdriver for the extra propellers.
I managed to get some really great drone selfies using the Dronie Mode, and the circle mode is also very good for cinematic effects.
The quality of photos and videos is similar to what I capture with my phone, but that works well for social media photos and videos.
How Does a Drone Take a Selfie?
The selfie drone seem to be the next big thing, marketed as “throw away those lame selfie sticks and up your selfie game.” But, how does it take a selfie?
The answer to this depends entirely on the flying machine used and the type of selfie desired. Some wish to simply have an aerial still selfie, while the most popular drone selfies or “dronies” involve it focusing on you or your group and then backing out to reveal your location.
In some instances, you will have to operate the UAV, take it up to a suitable height, aim it at yourself or the group you are with and then take the selfie or fly the drone backward and upwards.
Other drones are more autonomous and have the ability to actively track you once you have selected yourself as the subject. It will then follow and record you or focus on you and then fly upwards and outwards, revealing where you are.
Here is a helpful video from DJI on how the DJI Mini 2 takes dronies:
Advanced Selfie Drone Features
Some UAVs have facial recognition features which afford them the ability to focus on your face or the face of another for a very clear selfie image.
We will use a mid-priced drone as an example. While flying the ZEROTECH Dobby drone, you can point the camera towards yourself and take a standard selfie or you can select “short video” mode.
Then you hold the record button and Dobby will automatically pull up and away while recording a pull away selfie video for 10 seconds before automatically returning to you. With this quadcopter, you can also set timer shots and sequence photos so that it takes shots every so often. The Dobby selfie drone also has facial and target tracking so that you can select a target for the drone to focus on.
More expensive drones, like the Mavic Pro, have more advanced features. With the Mavic Pro, you can select the WiFi mode and put your controller away. Then you can use the ‘Gesture Sense’ feature to instruct your drone to perform certain activities. To instruct the Mavic to take a selfie, simply create a picture frame with your hands, it will recognize this shape and take a photo of you. This is about as autonomous as it gets with selfie drones.
Obstacle Avoidance and Follow-Me Mode (FocusTrack)
Weighs about as much as an apple and fits in the palm of your hand
How to fly a selfie drone
Mastering the Basic Controls
Taking Off and Landing
Before flying your selfie drone, you should familiarize yourself with the basic controls. To take off, ensure your drone is on a level surface, and push the left joystick gently up.
This will increase the throttle and allow the drone to lift off. Carefully release the joystick to maintain a stable hover.
To land the drone, gently lower the left joystick until the drone touches the ground. Remember to practice taking off and landing multiple times to gain confidence.
Flight Modes and Navigation
There are different flight modes available on selfie drones. These can include:
Normal Mode: Allows you to control the drone speed manually and perform basic flight patterns, such as moving forward, backward, left or right by using the right joystick.
Position Hold: The drone will maintain its current position and altitude without any manual input.
Headless Mode: The drone will move in a specific direction without worrying about the orientation.
To improve your navigation skills, practice moving your drone in different directions using the right joystick. Start by flying the drone in a square or circle pattern, gradually increasing speed and precision as you get comfortable with the controls.
Camera Controls
An essential aspect of flying a selfie drone is mastering the camera controls. On your controller, you will find buttons dedicated to taking photos, recording videos, tilting or panning the camera, and accessing menus.
Here’s a brief overview of camera controls you need to know:
Taking photos: Press the dedicated button, and your drone’s camera will snap a picture.
Recording videos: Press the recording button to start and stop video capturing.
Tilting/Panning: Use the additional controls on the controller to manipulate camera angles. This can help you get those perfect selfie shots.
Practice using these camera controls while flying to ensure you get the perfect images with your selfie drone.
Advanced Flying Techniques for Your Selfie Drone
In this section, we will explore some advanced flying techniques for selfie drones to improve the quality of your aerial shots and make your videos stand out.
Follow-Me Mode
One of the most popular features in modern selfie drones is the Follow-Me mode. This allows your drone to automatically follow you as you move, capturing smooth and dynamic footage. To utilize this feature, simply activate Follow-Me mode in your drone’s settings or controller and ensure your drone is hovering at a safe distance from you.
This is an excellent mode to use when you want to shoot a video of yourself performing an action or strolling through a scenic area. Make sure your drone is equipped with obstacle avoidance sensors to prevent any accidents while using this mode.
Orbit and Circle Shots
Orbit and Circle shots are essential skills for capturing stunning aerial views around a point of interest. To execute these shots, first, identify your subject and hover your drone at a safe distance from it.
Then, set your drone to orbit or circle mode, and adjust the radius and altitude as needed. The drone will automatically circle around the subject, creating an impressive and smooth video. Some drones, like those with QuickShots features, offer pre-programmed circle shots, such as Dronie, Helix, and Rocket.
Return-to-Home
An essential safety feature for any selfie drone pilot is the Return-to-Home (RTH) function. This feature automatically brings your drone back to its launching point, which can be helpful if you lose sight of it, encounter technical difficulties, or need to land quickly. Make sure your drone’s GPS and return-to-home settings are correctly configured before taking off to ensure a safe and smooth return when needed.
Tips for Shooting Dronies with your Selfie Drone
When taking a ‘dronie‘ realize that you will only be the focal point for a short period of time as the drone zoom out and away, revealing your surroundings. For this reason, it is important to select an interesting or beautiful location.
Start by raising the selfie drone between 5 and 10 feet off of the ground. Then face the camera towards yourself and ensure the desired background is behind you. If your drone has an advanced gimbal, it is recommended to set this at a level angle so that when it backs out it captures the horizon rather than the ground.
Then start to pitch the drone away from yourself for a few seconds and elevate slowly, keeping the pitch and elevation equal. Some selfie drones have built-in features that will perform this movement for you. This should result in a smooth, professional-looking shot of yourself and your intriguing surroundings. Time to share your first ‘dronie.’
Image stabilization when shooting selfies with a drone
Image stabilization is a crucial element to consider when taking selfies with a drone. A drone’s movements can be unpredictable, and one small jolt can affect the quality of an image.
The technology included in modern drones will help to reduce any shaking and vibrations that are caused by the drone’s movement. A drone that has an integrated camera and image stabilization technology will help make shooting selfies more accessible and produce higher quality images.
When selecting a drone for shooting nice selfies, look for one with a reliable image stabilization system like a gimbal. A gimbal will keep the camera steady and balanced, preventing any movements or vibrations from impacting the photo or video quality.
Post-Flight Editing and Sharing
After you’ve captured your amazing selfies, it’s time to enhance them further through post-flight editing. You can use various in-app or standalone editing tools to:
Crop: Auto-crop your images for the perfect composition.
Enhance: Boost colors, tweak the contrast, or adjust the exposure for stunning image quality.
Apply Filters: Use filters to add a personal touch or match your social media aesthetic.
Once your selfies are edited to perfection, share your memories on popular platforms like Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter. Don’t forget to save them in your phone’s ‘Memories’ section or internal storage for easy access.
Selfie Stick vs Drone
Both the selfie stick and the selfie drone have become popular options for capturing group shots and scenic views. While the selfie stick allows for a bit more control over angle and framing, the drone offers a unique aerial perspective and the ability to shoot footage from higher viewpoints.
Selfie sticks can be convenient and compact, great for taking photos on the go, but they do require holding the stick steady and still.
Drones, on the other hand, can be more complex to operate, and are often more expensive. Ultimately, the decision between a selfie stick and a selfie drone comes down to personal preference and intended use.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy option for taking selfies with friends, a selfie stick may be the way to go. However, if you’re interested in capturing stunning aerial footage or want to upgrade your photography skills, a selfie drone could be the perfect accessory for you.
Summing Up
The best value you are going to get right now, in my opinion, is the DJI Mini 2 SE or the Mini 3 Pro. These selfie drone have tons of features, you can find great instruction on YouTube on how to fly them, and they are really fun to fly around with.
If you want more than “just” a dronie, you might be interested in a drone that follows you as your move, drive, surf or ski.
Also check out our list of the top drones for beginners 2023 if you want an easy to use drone for your first selfie.
Frequently Asked Questions about Selfie Drones
What are some of the best camera drones for taking selfies?
DJI Mini 3 Pro is an outstanding selfie drone with a very capable camera. It’s also equipped with features like FocusTrack (Follow Me Mode), Time Lapse, and MasterShots. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and has optical tracking features. If you’re on a budget, the Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC is a good choice with a decent HD Camera. These drones fall within a reasonable price range and are known for their ability to take great shots.
If you have the budget for it the best selfie drone is the DJI Mavic Air 2S. See our review for more info.
What should I consider when looking for a fun drone for selfies?
When looking for a fun drone for selfies, consider factors like camera quality, flight time, ease of use, selfie features, and price range For instance, the DEERC D20 is one of the smallest selfie drones that is easy to use. This quadcopter is small enough to fit in your pocket or any backpack. A good choice for a beginner, and great for flying indoors.
How does Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) help in taking a selfie with a drone?
EIS helps to stabilize the camera on the drone, reducing blurriness and providing clear, sharp images. This is especially useful when the drone is moving or in windy conditions. It ensures that you get great photos and videos even when the drone is in motion.
8 thoughts on “9 Best Selfie Drones 2023 – Elevate Your Game”
Just got a JXD 523 Tracker which appears to be exactly like the JJRC Pocket Selfie Quadcopter. It is a piece of junk and the manual is worse. They should hire someone who understands English to write their manuals. Save yourself some frustrationa and just throw $30-$80 in the garbage can.
Thank you for featuring our Wingsland S6 drone in your amazing selfie drones article.
It is great to finally see the wingsland brand on the same page as the bigger brands like Yuneec and dji
Hi there, Thanks for the great content!
I’m trying to decide on a first drone to buy for some ‘zoom out away from me’ selfies for videos around water. Do you know if there are any drones around the $200 range where you can mount a gimbal and one of the small GoPro Session cameras?
(As a newcomer to this arena, it is somewhat surprising that all these manufacturers insist on putting their own ‘most likely junk’ cameras into their drones…leave that to the companies that really focus on cameras!) All these drones could likely easily carry the small GoPro Session if that had been considered in the design.
Thanks for any more info!
Non-Fisheye Drones – Do you know of any Selfie or affordable drones that take 780P or 1080P photos without the photo being FISHEYE?
Hi there
We’re looking for a selfie drone for outdoor fashion work. The drone should be able to take high quality stills and video. Most important can automatically follow and circle around the subject as they walk move. Good range will be important. Please can you suggest some devices we can research.
Regards
Jonathan
More crap that I don’t need.
You read the article and then posted that reply?
Slow clap award, buddy.
You totally ignored the Skydio which excells at everything that’s important in a selfie drone.
Just got a JXD 523 Tracker which appears to be exactly like the JJRC Pocket Selfie Quadcopter. It is a piece of junk and the manual is worse. They should hire someone who understands English to write their manuals. Save yourself some frustrationa and just throw $30-$80 in the garbage can.
Thank you for featuring our Wingsland S6 drone in your amazing selfie drones article.
It is great to finally see the wingsland brand on the same page as the bigger brands like Yuneec and dji
Hi there, Thanks for the great content!
I’m trying to decide on a first drone to buy for some ‘zoom out away from me’ selfies for videos around water. Do you know if there are any drones around the $200 range where you can mount a gimbal and one of the small GoPro Session cameras?
(As a newcomer to this arena, it is somewhat surprising that all these manufacturers insist on putting their own ‘most likely junk’ cameras into their drones…leave that to the companies that really focus on cameras!) All these drones could likely easily carry the small GoPro Session if that had been considered in the design.
Thanks for any more info!
Non-Fisheye Drones – Do you know of any Selfie or affordable drones that take 780P or 1080P photos without the photo being FISHEYE?
Hi there
We’re looking for a selfie drone for outdoor fashion work. The drone should be able to take high quality stills and video. Most important can automatically follow and circle around the subject as they walk move. Good range will be important. Please can you suggest some devices we can research.
Regards
Jonathan
More crap that I don’t need.
You read the article and then posted that reply?
Slow clap award, buddy.
You totally ignored the Skydio which excells at everything that’s important in a selfie drone.