Taking Your Aerial Photography on the Go with Folding Camera Drones

As both a travel blogger and amateur photographer, I’m always seeking out tools that allow me to capture eye-catching photos from unique angles. And I hate hauling bulky gear around. So when folding camera drones burst onto the scene a few years ago, I was immediately hooked! 

These compact quadcopters totally reinvented aerial photography with their incredible portability. Now I can throw my folded drone in my backpack and have access to stunning overhead shots no matter where my adventures take me. Let’s explore the awesomeness of foldable drones with cameras!

Foldability Changes Everything

The brilliant innovation that sets folding drones apart is...well, their ability to fold! Engineers cleverly designed them around arms that rotate to tuck the propellers and rotors in towards the central body. This shrinks their footprint down by nearly two-thirds into a super compact block that fits in small bags and cases with ease.

I cannot express how huge this is for traveling photographers and videographers. I no longer have to choose between high quality aerial equipment or portability when packing my bags. These drones deliver both!

DJI Mavic Series

The current gold standard comes from drone giant DJI and their groundbreaking Mavic series. They turned the industry on its head when they unveiled the very first mainstream folding drone, the tiny yet mighty Mavic Pro, back in 2016. With sleek styling and never before seen portability, it delivered stunning 4K footage from the skies.

I got my hands on that inaugural Mavic Pro model and was blown away at how such an advanced flying camera system collapsed down into a package not much bigger than a tall water bottle. DJI has since expanded the series to include the Mavic Air models focused on travel-friendly size and weight above all.

Autel EVO Drones

DJI also faces stiff competition now from the Autel Robotics EVO line with their own take on folding drones. Packed with a best-in-class controller, long flight times, and novel portability, the EVO II remains a favorite among aerial photographers. Autel tucks the folding arms alongside rather than below the drone.

Both brands offer folding controller remotes to complement their drones as well! You can essentially have a comprehensive aerial photography studio that packs down into a single compact carry-on bag.

Imaging Capabilities

But folding drones offer so much more than travel perks! Let’s dive into some of the imaging capabilities that make them such artistic tools:

Stable Shooting

It’s nearly impossible to shoot clear, non-shaky footage with an unstabilized camera aloft in the wind. Folding drones integrate mechanical gimbal systems to keep cameras perfectly still in midair using stabilization motors. This allows for smooth cinematic movements and clarity.

Maneuverability  
Unlike traditional RC helicopters, quadcopter drones are far simpler to deftly maneuver into the perfect shot position. You can pilot folding drones in any direction with precision thanks to intuitive controls. Capture unique perspectives!  

Auto-Flight Modes
Intelligent flight modes like orbit, follow-me tracking, waypoints, panoramas, and more allow you to focus on getting the shot while drones autonomously move into preset positions. It makes snagging pro-quality shots simple!

4K Video Capture
Top folding drone models record breathtaking 4K ultra high definition footage at high frame rates. Some even capture 240fps video for mesmerizing slow motion when edited. Most have gimbal stabilized camera modules with 1-inch CMOS sensors for glorious images. 

12 MP Photos
Most folding drones shoot crisp 12-megapixel still photos as well for aerial photography needs. Having quick access to an elevated perspective never fails to make photos pop. Way more interesting than eye level shots!

Accessories 

One benefit of mainstream folding drones from major brands is the huge range of compatible accessories:

ND & Polarizer Filters
Enhance footage clarity and color with snap-on ND and polarizing lens filters that reduce glare and exposure. Must-have accessories!

Extra Batteries  
Don’t cut aerial shoots short! Carry backup batteries to hot swap when primary ones run low. Multiple batteries extend fly times.

Charging Hubs
Multi-battery charging hubs conveniently charge several spare batteries simultaneously so they’re ready to go for long days of shooting flights.

Propeller Guards 
Protect those propeller blades from scrapes in your gear bag with snap-on prop guards. Wise insurance for lens longevity!

Challenges To Consider

While I’m absolutely obsessed with my folding drones, they aren’t without some drawbacks to consider:

Flight Times
Expect only 20-30 minutes of flight per charge due to smaller batteries required for compactness. Have multiple charged backup batteries on hand! 

Durability
The folding mechanisms introduce more potential failure points. Joints and hinges must be handled gently. Rapid unfolding/folding also speeds wear and tear over time.

Wind Performance  
With smaller profiles and lower weights than bulkier drones, folding models struggle flying steadily in higher winds. Know your limits!

Pricing
All that portability, technology, and performance comes at a cost! Folding drones run $500 to $2000+. But they deliver amazing value for the investment into aerial imaging.

Soaring To New Heights!

Aerial photography will never be the same, thanks to the unprecedented convenience of folding drones with cameras. No longer held back by the constraints of traditional equipment, we can capture artistic aerial footage anywhere our travels take us with these portable powerhouses!

I know my folding drone has completely changed how I document my journeys and engage my blog followers with mesmerizing perspectives. So if you’re a travel shooter or photography enthusiast like me, I couldn’t recommend the capability boost of these compact flyers more.

Time to take your camera to the skies! Let me know if you have any other folding drone questions below!

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FAQs about folding drones with cameras

What are the benefits of a folding drone with a camera?

The main benefits are extreme portability for traveling photographers, smooth video and imaging from stabilized gimbal cameras, and advanced flight modes for easy filming.

How portable are folding drones?

When folded up, most are about the size of a tall water bottle, allowing them to easily fit into small bags and backpacks. This makes them very convenient for travel.

What brands make quality folding drones?

The most well-known brands are DJI with their popular Mavic series and Autel Robotics with their EVO line. Both make high-performing folding drones.

What camera features do folding drones have?

They shoot very stable 4K video and 12MP photos thanks to integrated 3-axis gimbal stabilization systems. Some models have 1-inch CMOS sensors for excellent image quality.

What accessories are available for folding drones?

Popular accessories include extra batteries, battery charging hubs, propeller guards, ND filters, polarizing filters, propeller replacements, tablet mounts, and more.

How long can a folding drone fly per charge?

Typical flight time is 20-30 minutes due to the smaller batteries needed to reduce weight and size. Having spare charged batteries helps extend shooting time.

Can folding drones withstand windy conditions?

Their portability does mean they struggle more in high winds than heavier drones. Know your model's wind resistance specs and don't fly in unsafe gusts.

What intelligent flight modes do they offer?

Modes like ActiveTrack follow subjects automatically. Other modes include orbit circular flight, waypoints for preset navigation, panoramas, quickshots for epic moves.

How durable are folding drone frames and arms?

Their moving parts make them less durable than fixed-arm drones, but they handle regular use well. Avoid excessive force when folding/unfolding arms.

Can folding drones be flown indoors?

No - even the smallest models are too large and powerful to safely fly indoors. They could damage property or hurt pets or people.

Do you need FAA registration to fly a folding drone?

If the takeoff weight exceeds 0.55 lbs, FAA registration is required before outdoor flight under Part 107 rules.

How far can you fly folding camera drones?

Maximum distances reach a few miles, but signal transmission reliability starts degrading after about 1 mile distances.

Can folding drones fly autonomously without a pilot?

No - autonomous drones still require active monitoring by a pilot able to take control as needed for safety, per FAA laws.

What carrying cases work well for folded drones?

Backpacks, small shoulder bags, messenger bags with padding all work nicely to transport folded drones without damage.

Do folding drones have obstacle avoidance features?

High-end models will have front, rear, bottom, and sometimes side sensors that automatically detect and avoid nearby objects while flying.

Can folding drones follow moving subjects?

Yes, ActiveTrack and other subject tracking modes allow them to autonomously follow selected moving people, vehicles, animals, etc..

What mobile apps are used to control folding drones?

DJI models use the DJI Go app while Autel's EVO drones use the Autel Explorer app. Apps provide live view, settings, modes.

How are folding drones controlled manually?

They use dedicated remote controllers that connect wirelessly with joysticks for manual flight and buttons to toggle camera modes or auto features.

What payloads can folding drones carry?

Most folding drones can carry very minimal additional payloads beyond their onboard cameras, in the range of just a few additional ounces.

Can folding drones be flown legally over people?

No - Current laws only allow certified drones with enclosed rotors to be flown directly over people in most countries.