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As the owner of the top drone photography business in the UK, I have spent thousands of hours flying all sorts of 4k drones. This has taught me a lot about what makes a 4k resolution drone really good.
I’ve also had the amazing chance to film for big TV shows on Channel 4, BBC News, and ITV. So, I know firsthand which 4K drone cameras do the best job.
If I had to guide someone in 2023 looking for a good but budget friendly 4K drone, these are the top picks.
These picks not only offer excellent value for money, but they also deliver stunning 4K video quality.
If you’re short on time and just want to know the best budget 4K drone in the UK for 2023, we’ve got a standout selection for you.
(If you’re not in a hurry, please continue reading for a more comprehensive rundown of our top picks!)
DJI Mini 2: Best Budget 4k Drone 2023 UK
Pros
- Stunning 4K video, 12MP photos
- Under 250g Weight – Exempt From Drone Licence
- Compact and lightweight
- 31-minute flight time
- Affordable budget price
Cons
- Lacks obstacle avoidance
Once a high-end choice, the DJI Mini 2 has become a top budget-friendly 4K drone in the UK, thanks to a significant price drop following the DJI Mini 3’s release. Despite being outshone by the newer model, the Mini 2 maintains its reputation for its impressive mix of cost-effectiveness and performance. With its exceptional features and now more accessible price, the DJI Mini 2 earns our recommendation as the best budget 4K drone for 2023.
How To Find The Best Budget 4k Drone With Camera
Choosing the right 4K drone camera can be a game-changer for capturing stunning, high-definition aerial footage.
However, it’s crucial to know what features to look for and what pitfalls to avoid.
Here, we’ve broken down the key aspects to consider, helping you make an informed decision and get the best value 4k camera for your investment.
What to Look For:
- High Resolution: Ensure 4K or higher.
- Fast Frame Rate: Higher equals smoother videos.
- Large Sensor Size: Larger is better for image quality.
- High Bitrate: Captures more detail.
- Good Stabilization: 3-axis gimbal is best.
- Wide Dynamic Range: Captures dark and light details.
- Quality Lens: Ensures clear, sharp footage.
- Good Low Light Performance: Crucial for dawn/dusk flights.
What to Avoid:
- Low Resolution: Anything less than 4K such as 2.7k
- Slow Frame Rate: Results in choppy videos.
- Small Sensor Size: Reduces image quality.
- Low Bitrate: Less detail in footage.
- Poor Stabilisation: Leads to shaky videos.
- Limited Dynamic Range: Struggles with dark and light details.
- Bad Lens Quality: Causes unclear, blurry footage.
- Poor Low Light Performance: Compromises quality in low light.
My Standout Budget 4k Drones | UK 2023
If you’re interested in getting into drone piloting and 4K drone photography on a budget, there are a number of 4K options. These drones pack some impressive features, making them fantastic for beginners and experienced drone users alike.
Here are some UK budget 4K drones to consider:
Best Overall Beginner Drone  | Feature Rich  | Budget Option  |
Model: DJI Mini 3 | Model: DJI Mini 3 Pro | Model: DJI Mini 2 |
Camera: 4K video, 12MP photos | Camera: 48MP camera, 4K/60fps | Camera: 4K video, 12MP photos |
Flight Time: 32 Minutes | Flight Time: 36 Minutes | Flight Time: 28 Minutes |
Ruko F11 GIM2 Drone | 4k Camera Package
Pros
- 4K Camera: High-resolution imagery
- 3-Axis Gimbal: Stable, smooth footage
- Long Flight Time: 56 minutes total
- Strong wind resistance
- Easy to Fly: Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Battery Charging: 4.5 hours to recharge.
- Limited Indoor Flight
The Ruko F11 GIM2 comes well-equipped, boasting a suite of advanced features that include a 4K camera, an extended flight time, and smart flight modes. Enhancing its value, this drone also includes a carry case for easy transportation, two batteries for extended flying sessions, and spare propellers for on-the-go repairs. Users should note the potentially lengthy battery charging time and the limited capabilities for indoor flight as potential drawbacks.
Potensic ATOM SE
Pros
- Under 250g Weight – Exempt From Drone Licence
- 4K camera with electronic image stabilisation
- 31-minute Flight Time
- Beginner-Friendly
- Very budget friendly
Cons
- No 3-Axis Gimbal
- Grainy footage in poor lighting
The Potensic ATOM SE drone is an excellent choice for those in search of a lightweight and portable budget 4K camera drone with good range. However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations, including limited camera controls, the absence of a 3-axis gimbal, and potential quality issues in low-light conditions.
HS720G: Holy Stone Brand
Pros
- Under 250g Weight – Exempt From Drone Licence
- Record 4K video at 30fps
- 2 Axis gimbal
- 130° field of view
- Up to 26 minutes of flight
Cons
- Limited obstacle avoidance
- No 3-Axis Gimbal
- Wide FOV causes strong image distortion
The Holy Stone HS720G is a top choice for those seeking an affordable 4K camera drone in the UK for 2023. It offers a 4K EIS camera with a 120° field of view, capturing detailed images and videos. While some users have reported issues such as image quality and camera distortion, the HS720G’s 2-axis gimbal helps provide stable footage.
2.7K Drone | Low Cost Mini 2 Alternative
Pros
- Affordable alternative to DJI Mini 2
- Compact and lightweight design
- 4K/60fps video recording capability.
- 12MP camera with 2.7K video recording
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- High cost compared to beginner drones.
- Limited obstacle avoidance features.
- Short battery life (20 minutes).
The DJI Mini 2 SE is a budget-friendly alternative to the DJI Mini 2 but does not meet the 4K video recording requirement. It features a 1/2.3-inch CMOS camera that captures 12MP photos and records up to 2.7K videos at 30fps. While both drones are compact and lightweight, the DJI Mini 2 offers superior shooting capabilities with 4K video recording at 30fps, 2.7K video at 60fps, and additional shooting modes like Boomerang. The Mini 2 also provides zoom functionality in both photo and video modes. Consider these differences when choosing between the DJI Mini 2 SE and DJI Mini 2 for your budget 4K drone needs in 2023.
Best Budget 4k Drone UK 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis
Licence Required | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Flight Time | 31 min | 26 Mins | 28 Mins | 31 mins |
Photo | 12MP | 4K(3840 x 2160) | 4K(3840×2160P) | 12MP |
Video | 4K@30fps/1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps/1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps/1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps/1080p@60fps |
Max Transmission Distance | 32,000ft | 1640 Feet | 9842ft | 4000ft |
3 Axis gimbal Stabilsation | Yes | 2 Axis | No | No |
Wind Resistance | Forward/backward/ | Downward | Four-Directional sensing | Level 5 |
DJI Mini 2 – Our Favourite Budget 4k Drone 2023 UK
The DJI Mini 2, despite being released a few years ago, still retains its spot as a top pick for budget-conscious UK drone enthusiasts seeking impressive 4K video capabilities in 2023.
It carries a compact footprint, but its specifications and capabilities belie its small size.
At the heart of its camera system is a 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor, which delivers crisp 12MP still photos and more importantly, stunning 4K videos at 30 frames per second (fps).
Even though the Mini 2 is more budget-friendly, the camera is stabilized by a 3-axis gimbal, offering smooth, cinema-quality footage.
When it comes to performance in daylight conditions, the DJI Mini 2 shines with its 4K capabilities. The footage taken is detailed, colors pop, and the overall video quality is truly commendable for a drone at this price point.
While it still does an admirable job, users might observe increased noise and reduced detail when filming in dim lighting conditions.
The DJI Mini 2 is truly the ultimate starter drone into the thrilling world of drone piloting for beginner drone enthusiasts.
Pros
- 4K Video Resolution: The DJI Mini 2 is capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second, providing a clear, sharp, and highly detailed image quality.
- 3-axis Gimbal: The 3-axis mechanical gimbal ensures a stable video footage, reducing the potential for shaky or blurred videos that can occur from the drone’s movements in the air.
- Various Shooting Modes: The drone provides a range of shooting modes including panorama, wide-angle, and 4x digital zoom (in 1080p), offering more versatility and creative options for videographers.
- Quality in Daylight: The 4K video performance in well-lit conditions is commendable with good color representation, sharpness, and contrast.
- Compact and Lightweight: The DJI Mini 2 is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for capturing 4K video in different locations.
Cons
- Lack of Professional Controls: While it does offer some shooting modes, it does lack professional-grade controls found on higher-end models, such as adjustable aperture or color profiles for more advanced videography.
- Stitched Panorama Quality: While the DJI Mini 2 does have a panorama mode, the resolution of the stitched images can be less than expected due to the processing limitations of the drone’s onboard software.
- No Obstacle Avoidance: The Mini 2 does not have any obstacle avoidance features. This could potentially affect the quality of the 4K video if the drone were to collide with an object during flight.
- No ActiveTrack: This drone lacks the ActiveTrack feature found in many other DJI drones, which can automatically follow and keep the subject in frame while recording in 4K.
Camera Capabilities
The DJI Mini 2’s camera has some cool features that make taking photos and videos fun and easy. The 4K camera lets you capture high-quality videos, while the 12-megapixel sensor helps you take clear and detailed photos. The 3-axis gimbal keeps your shots steady and smooth, even if the drone is moving around a bit.
The DJI Mini 2’s user-friendly QuickShot camera modes perform complex drone manoeuvres automatically, making it easy to capture stunning footage.
Panorama mode helps you capture a wide view, like when you’re taking a photo of a beautiful landscape. The DJI Mini 2 can also record slow-motion videos, which is great for capturing fast-moving objects or showing off cool tricks.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist looking to start in drone photography, the DJI Mini 2’s 4K camera is sure to impress. Overall, the DJI Mini 2’s camera sets it apart from other beginner drones.
Legal Advantages of its 250g Design
The DJI Mini 2 is a superb choice for novices seeking to make the most of UK drone laws thanks to its light build. With a weight under 250g, it falls into the A1 category, providing meaningful advantages over bulkier drones under more stringent rules.
No License Needed: The Perfect Lightweight 4K Drone
The DJI Mini 2, weighing less than 249 grams, allows beginners to enhance their drone flying skills without the necessity of a license, marking it as a superior choice for newcomers.
One of the key perks of the DJI Mini 2’s featherweight design is its legal clearance to fly over people, provided it doesn’t rise above 400ft from the ground.
This leniency offers newcomers the freedom to fly the drone in populated zones without breaching regulations, making it ideal for taking dynamic overhead shots in cityscapes.
In addition, the DJI Mini 2′s light frame exempts it from certain UK regulatory demands such as acquiring an A2 CofC or GVC drone license. This relief serves as an added advantage for beginners eager to get started with drone flying without dealing with complicated licensing procedures.
In a nutshell, the legal perks offered by the DJI Mini 2 make it an attractive option for beginner drone enthusiasts in the UK, offering more flight freedom and less regulatory hassle compared to heftier drones.
Amazon productDJI Mini 2
Best Budget 4k Drone UK 2023
The DJI Mini 2 proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a drone with 4K video capabilities. Despite a few minor shortcomings in low light conditions and stitched panorama resolution, the Mini 2 provides an excellent, compact solution for high-quality aerial video capture. The mix of affordability, portability, and impressive video quality makes the DJI Mini 2 an excellent option for those looking to delve into the world of 4K drone photography in 2023.
Cheapest 4K Drone Guide 2023 UK FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, as of 2023, the UK market for budget-friendly 4K drones offers a diverse range of options catering to different needs and price ranges. The DJI Mini 2 remains an excellent choice for those looking for a balance of cost-effectiveness, performance, and high-quality 4K footage. With its lightweight design, impressive flight time, and affordable price point, it offers significant value for money.
While newer models such as the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 3 Pro offer additional features and enhanced performance, they come at a higher price. If you’re a beginner or have a strict budget, the DJI Mini 2 SE is a reliable option to consider.
The Ruko F11 GIM2 and Potensic ATOM SE are other commendable budget-friendly options, boasting unique features like electronic image stabilisation and extended flight times, but with certain limitations in terms of camera controls and indoor flight capabilities.
The Holy Stone HS720G, meanwhile, stands out for its range of intelligent flight features and brushless motors, reinforcing the idea that budget doesn’t necessarily mean a compromise on quality or functionality.
Ultimately, the best budget 4K drone for you will depend on your specific needs, skill level, and budget. By considering these factors alongside the drones’ features like high resolution, fast frame rate, sensor size, bitrate, stabilization, dynamic range, lens quality, and low light performance, you can ensure that you make the right investment for your aerial photography needs.
