What times we live in where we can actually choose to buy drones with obstacle avoidance sensors at entry level prices. A feat that wasn’t available just a few years ago.
Nowadays, nearly all professional-grade drones available on the market come equipped with obstacle collision avoidance technology. This feature is crucial as it offers great assistance and significantly improves the drone's real-time navigation.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the best drones with obstacle-avoidance technology available today. Then, we'll rank them based on their features, performance, and overall value for money. We'll also dive into what obstacle avoidance technology is, how it works, and its limitations.
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The DJI Mini 3 Pro is an amazing drone with advanced features, including the tri-directional obstacle avoidance sensor system and APAS 4.0 technology (Advanced Piloting Assistance System by DJI).
APAS 4.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems) technology is a cutting-edge feature that works with the tri-directional obstacle avoidance sensors to automatically detect and avoid obstacles in the drone's flight path. This helps ensure safer flights and gives pilots greater confidence when operating the drone.
The Mini 3 Pro also features a 1/1.3" sensor integrated camera with HDR support, dual native ISO, an f/1.7 aperture, and large 2.4μm pixels, allowing for stunning results in optimal lighting conditions and low-light situations.
In addition, this model comes equipped with a large 5.5" built-in display on the DJI RC remote controller that supports footage up to Full HD 1080p resolution. It is helpful when I go out with it because I can keep my phone charged and usable while flying.
The price makes this under 250g drone the best choice for anyone who wants to fly extra-safe.
Key specifications:
Check out this video to see the obstacle avoidance system in action:
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46 min
15 km
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I recently had the pleasure of trying out the DJI Mavic 3 Classic, and I was thoroughly impressed. The Mavic 3 Classic was launched less than a year after the original Mavic 3 models, but there's a catch: this one is cheaper and features a single camera system.
Still, this drone packs a punch with its 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad Camera, customized for aerial photography, capturing professional-grade shots in an incredibly compact space. In addition, the 5.1K HD video is stunning, providing sharper details.
And let's remember its safety features, of course. With omnidirectional obstacle sensing and APAS 5.0 technology, this drone can easily detect objects in all directions during flight and smoothly avoid obstacles.
The Mavic 3 Classic is the cheapest drone with a high-end collision detection system. Both beginners and pros can use this drone effortlessly because it fits both sides.
If you're looking for a high-quality drone that won't break the bank but still delivers on performance and top safety features, look no further than the DJI Mavic 3 Classic.
Key specifications:
Check out this video to see the obstacle avoidance system in action:
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31 min
12 km
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Don't get fooled by the name - the DJI Mavic Air 2S has more features than the Air 2. And, of course, it has an advanced sensor system that prevents crashing.
As the name says, the Air is light, portable and foldable, just like its predecessors. And in the same manner, it comes ready to fly out of the pack, allowing you to capture vivid and steady aerial shots in up to 5.4K using the 20MP one-inch sensor. Unfortunately, the sensor comes with a fixed f/2.8 aperture, one of the only downsides of the Air 2S.
But how does it do in terms of safety?
The main difference between high-end and medium-priced drones regarding obstacle avoidance is the directions "covered" by the system.
Nowadays, most high-end drones have sensors that can detect front, back, upwards and down obstacles. That's the case for the Air 2S, which features all these plus a single LED light that points downwards to assist when landing.
The sensors use binocular technology to detect objects up to 28 meters away. I haven't been able to "trick" it with very basic "failed" maneuvers as long as I was in good lighting. On the other hand, it's not easy to crash it if you're in the proper flying mode.
Keep in mind that the advanced pilot assistance system is disabled when using intelligent flight modes (Track mode and Parallel mode) and recording at high resolutions above 2.7 K. So, you cannot rely on it at all times.
The Air 2S does its job flawlessly, and even if the camera doesn't fit in the "Pro" range, the camera quality is still outstanding for such a small device, and it performs way better than the Air 2 in all conditions.
Check out this video to see the obstacle avoidance system in action:
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15 km
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The Mavic 3 is the latest and greatest premium drone from DJI, and it features an omnidirectional obstacle avoidance system. Paired with APAS 5.0, it can detect obstacles in any direction to keep the drone safe in most flight conditions.
If you're more interested in the obstacle avoidance system than the camera setup of the Mavic 3, you should look at the Mavic 3 Classic we just mentioned. There's virtually no difference between these drones apart from the extra 1/2 inch tele camera on the Mavic 3.
These two drones feature the same 4/3 inch CMOS Hasselblad Camera, the same battery life and obstacle avoidance system that we tested and we've been more than impressed with.
Only a few people want to use the telephoto camera on the Mavic 3, which means that the Classic version is more than enough for most. But if you want to be even more serious about your filmmaking, you can step up and get yourself a Mavic 3. After all, both drones come with a hefty price tag compared to the other alternatives here.
See it in action here:
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30 min
9.6 km
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The DJI Phantom 4 PRO V2.0 is a high-quality drone that has earned its reputation due to its professional design and exceptional performance. The drone comes equipped with five built-in sensors that monitor every direction the drone flies, ensuring safety during intense filming routes.
Placing this incredible drone on the 5th spot is hard, but the price is not for everyone.
One of the standout features of this drone is its impressive flight time of 30 minutes, allowing for ample time to capture stunning footage. It also offers auto-follow capabilities, which can even track fast-moving objects from in front of them rather than just behind.
This drone is ideal for professionals and those seeking the highest-quality footage available. Its video processing supports H.264 4K @ 60fps or H.265 4K @30fps, both with a 100Mbps bitrate, and includes an integrated Lightbridge HD video transmission for real-time monitoring.
Overall, the DJI Phantom 4 PRO V2.0 is a top-of-the-line drone that delivers exceptional performance and safety features, making it an excellent choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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40 min
10 km
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Hubsan Zino Mini Pro is the most affordable obstacle avoidance-equipped drone that weighs under 250g. While its system is not as advanced as the other entries in this ranking, the price makes up for it.
So, the Zino Mini Pro has a tri-directional collision avoidance sensor system that can detect objects in the front, back and under the drone from up to 15 meters. Let me tell you from experience - this is way, way better than nothing!
This tiny drone weighs 249g, and it's foldable. The camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal will allow you to capture 4K30fps videos. It has a range of around 10km and a handy "Return to home" feature.
Even though it's a relatively cheap drone, the build quality is impressive. Add the extra safety of the obstacle avoidance system, and you got yourself one of the most affordable, best mini drones with obstacle avoidance.
See it in action in this video:
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The Autel Evo 2 Pro drone is a high-end drone with impressive specs. It has a 1-inch sensor Ultra-HD Sony camera that can take photos with up to 5472 x 3648 resolution and record 5.5K video at 60 fps or 4K video at 120 fps. In addition, the camera's aperture is adjustable, perfect for aerial cinematography and mapping.
The drone's obstacle avoidance system is top-of-the-line, with twelve computer vision sensors, two sonar sensors, and two LED landing lights working together to avoid obstacles. It also has a failsafe & one-key return home functions for added safety during flight.
Other features include: an extended flight time of up to forty minutes in forward motion and thirty-five minutes at hover, an extended transmission range of up to five miles, and dynamic tracking abilities that can simultaneously track up to 64 objects.
Overall, if you're looking for an advanced drone with impressive specs and superior obstacle avoidance technology the Autel Evo II Pro Drone is worth considering.
See it in action in this video:
Obstacle avoidance in drones typically works by using a combination of sensors and software to detect and avoid obstacles. Here's a general overview of how it works:
Sensors: Drones use a variety of sensors to detect obstacles, including ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR, cameras, and radar. These sensors provide information about the drone's surroundings, such as distance, location, and speed.
Overall, obstacle avoidance is an essential feature for many drones as it enables them to fly safely in complex environments without human intervention or to assist the pilot in dangerous situations.
DJI offers several drones with full obstacle avoidance capabilities. Here is a list of some of their most popular models:
These drones feature advanced obstacle avoidance systems that use a combination of sensors and software to detect and avoid obstacles in real-time, including forward, backward, downward, and upward-facing sensors.
Some of these drones also have other features, such as ActiveTrack, which allows them to follow and track moving subjects while avoiding obstacles along the way.
It's worth noting that while these drones have advanced obstacle-avoidance capabilities, it's always essential to fly safely and within legal regulations to avoid accidents or incidents.
Obstacle avoidance is definitely worth it on a drone, especially if you plan to fly in complex environments or near obstacles such as buildings or trees. Here are some reasons why:
Overall, while obstacle avoidance technology may add to the cost of a drone, its benefits far outweigh the additional expense. So if you're serious about aerial photography or simply want to have fun flying your drone safely, investing in a model with obstacle avoidance is worth considering.
Obstacle avoidance technology on drones typically relies on visual sensors, such as cameras, to detect obstacles in the drone's path. As a result, most obstacle avoidance systems may work less effectively at night or in low-light conditions.
However, some newer drones have additional sensors that allow them to detect obstacles using infrared or other methods that are not dependent on visible light. These drones may be able to avoid obstacles even in low-light conditions.
Here are a few examples:
It's important to note that even with advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities, flying a drone at night can still be risky and should only be attempted by experienced pilots who are familiar with the limitations of their equipment and the regulations for nighttime flights in their area.
Most drones today have a "Follow me" function for more dynamic and unique shots.
"Follow Me" mode is a feature commonly found on drones that allows the drone to autonomously follow and track a subject, such as a person or a vehicle. The drone uses GPS and other sensors to keep track of the subject's position and movements and can adjust its own flight path in real-time to keep up with them.
This flight mode is often used in action sports, outdoor adventures, or other scenarios where the subject wants to capture footage of themselves without having to operate the drone manually. For example, if someone is skiing down a mountain, they could set the drone to Follow Me mode, and it would automatically fly behind them, capturing video footage from various angles.
While drones with obstacle avoidance capabilities can be great tools for capturing aerial footage and exploring new areas, it's important to remember that these systems are not 100% reliable. Despite their advanced sensors and algorithms, there is always the possibility of an error or malfunction occurring.
Obstacle avoidance sensors can sometimes fail to detect obstacles in certain lighting conditions or at certain angles, which could result in a collision with the drone. Additionally, if the drone is flying too fast or close to an obstacle, the system may need more time to react and avoid a collision.
It's also worth noting that obstacle avoidance systems are designed to supplement pilot control, not replace it entirely. Even if your drone has advanced obstacle avoidance features, it's still important to maintain situational awareness and fly responsibly.
To ensure the safe operation of your drone, always follow local regulations and manufacturer guidelines for safe flying practices.
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