10 Best Drone With Zoom Camera 2025 in the United States

The DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone is an excellent choice for capturing high-quality aerial photos and videos without the need for FAA registration, due to its lightweight design under 249 grams. It shoots in sharp 4K UHD using a 3-axis gimbal, which ensures smooth and cinematic footage even in windy conditions up to 38kph.

While it does not have a dedicated zoom feature, its 4K camera resolution allows for detailed captures that can be cropped in post-editing. The drone offers an impressive flight time of up to 62 minutes using the two included batteries, which is generous compared to many competitors. With a maximum range of 10 km and solid video transmission, users can explore wide areas while maintaining a clear connection. The included remote controller and beginner-friendly features like one-tap takeoff and auto-return make flying easy and safe.

The absence of explicit obstacle avoidance sensors might be a consideration for those intending to fly in tight or complex environments. Its compact design and carrying bag enhance portability, making it ideal for travel. This drone is well-suited for hobbyists and casual users seeking excellent video quality and extended flight times, without requiring advanced obstacle avoidance or zoom capabilities.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo is a strong choice for adults looking for a versatile drone with excellent zoom camera capabilities. Its standout feature is the 1-inch CMOS sensor that captures sharp 48MP photos and smooth 4K/60fps HDR videos, which is great for detailed, vibrant shots—even in low light like sunsets or night scenes. While the specific optical zoom level is not provided, the medium tele camera and panorama modes help you get closer, detailed views with less distortion.

Flight time is impressive with up to 45 minutes per battery, and the package includes three batteries plus a charging hub, allowing longer continuous flying sessions. The drone also offers a solid control range of up to 20 kilometers and uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity, giving you good freedom to explore. Stability is enhanced by a high-quality gimbal and omnidirectional obstacle avoidance sensors, including a forward-facing LiDAR for safer flights around buildings and in low-light conditions, which benefits both beginners and advanced users alike. The intelligent Return-To-Home feature improves safety by finding the best route back even when GPS signals are weak.

Portability is reasonable at 724 grams with a compact design and included shoulder bag, making it easier to carry for travel. One minor downside is the need to purchase the battery charger separately, which adds to the overall cost. This drone is well suited for photography enthusiasts and travelers who want a reliable, easy-to-use drone with excellent image quality and smart safety features.

The DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced drone enthusiasts looking for high-quality aerial footage and an immersive flying experience. It boasts a 4K camera with a 155° field of view and a 1/1.3-inch image sensor, ensuring sharp and vivid video capture. While it lacks specific zoom capability, the ultra-wide camera can still provide impressive close-up shots. The intuitive motion control and easy flip/roll features make it user-friendly, even for those new to drones.

This drone offers up to 23 minutes of flight time, which is decent but might feel limiting for extended sessions. Stability is a strong point, thanks to RockSteady and HorizonSteady stabilization, and the built-in propeller guard adds safety. In terms of range and connectivity, it supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and proprietary DJI wireless technology, ensuring reliable communication. The drone's design is lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around for various adventures.

However, it's worth noting that the DJI Fly app needs to be downloaded from DJI's official website, which might be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, while it includes FAA Remote ID compliance, users should be aware of the registration requirements. The drone comes with various accessories, such as DJI Goggles 3 and DJI RC Motion 3, providing a comprehensive package for an immersive experience. Despite a few limitations, such as the app's availability and flight time constraints, the DJI Avata 2 remains a strong contender in the drone market.