Best Drone for Low Light and Night-Flying

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The popularity of drones has increased drastically over the years. More and more people are buying drones for casual commercial use in order to capture amazing pictures or videos from the bird’s eye view. Furthermore, most of the drones that are on the market for commercial use were meant to be used during the day.

That being said, over the years, drone manufacturers and other companies in the same field started developing cameras that can be used during the night, allowing people to capture breathtaking photos as well as videos.

If you are interested in finding out the best drone for night-time use, we recommend you stick around for the review, so without any more delay, let’s begin.

Best Drones For Night-Time Videography And Photography


There are plenty of drones that are good for night-time usage, even then, the question of which one is the best still remains. Because of that, we created a list of drones that are perfect for night-time use in order to help you inform yourself and ultimately make the best choice for your needs. So without further ado, here is the list.

DJI Mavic 3


Even though the camera technology has hit a wall in development, on the other hand, drone development is reaching new heights as time goes on. With the release of the DJI Mavic 3, DJI reestablished itself as the market’s leading drone maker by entirely redefining what is possible with an extremely portable drone that is also remarkably lightweight.

The addition of a dual camera with two unique sensors and lenses performing various roles, the Mavic 3 is one of the best and most capable Mavic series drones thus far.

What makes it special and so appealing in general is the main camera. Possessing a 20 MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor and a 24mm equivalent lens with an adjustable f/2.8-f/11 aperture provides superb image quality even at night.

For still photography, this camera possesses the same shooting modes as a mirrorless or DSLR camera, with the additional ability to shoot in both JPEG and RAW, making the life of photographers that much easier by giving them options. When it comes to the video, they can be recorded in 4K at up to 120fps, in 5,1K at up to 50fps, and FHD at up to 120fps.

The Mavic 3 has two models that are available for purchase. There is the Standard and the premium, also more expensive, Cine model. Not much is different when it comes to these models, the main difference is that the Cine model comes with an already built-in 1TB SSD compared to the 8GB of internal storage that comes with the Standard model. Additionally, it also comes with a Smart Controller that has a built-in LCD touchscreen.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: Up to 5.1K
  • Frame rates: 5.1K up to 50fps, 4K up to 120fps, FHD up to 120fps
  • Camera: 4/3 20MP sensor and 1/2-inch 12MP sensor
  • Battery: 5000 mAh with up to 46 minutes flight time

Pros

  • Amazing camera
  • Great video quality
  • High resolution
  • Long flight time

Cons

  • Expensive
7 used from $1,799.00
$2,199.00
in stock
March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

DJI Air 2S


The DJI Air 2S that was released back at the start of 2021 is one of the smallest as well as lightweight drones out there that is available with a one-inch sensor, weighing in at an incredible 21oz. This is all truly very fascinating indeed, but it doesn’t end there. With the ability to capture videos at up to 5.4k resolution as well as in 4K at up to 60 frames per second, this drone offers a substantial-quality for its user.

However, there is one downside to the Air 2S where it sadly falls short, it is that it has a fixed f/2.8 aperture. What this means is that it is not possible to alter exposure while the drone is flying except by changing ISO and shutter speed. Because of this, the ND filters are a must-have for users that shoot videos.

However, the Air 2S model is an upgrade over its predecessors in terms of safety measures, additional camera capability, and a few new flight functions. The overall image and video quality are great, delivering everything drone pilots want, whether they are total novices or full-time professionals.

As a result, we consider it to be amongst the best drones you can get on the market for night-time flying.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: 5.4K, 4K, 2.7K, 1080p (FHD)
  • Frame rates: 5.4K up to 30 fps, 4K up to 60 fps, 2.7K up to 60 fps, FHD up to 120 fps 
  • Camera sensor: 1-inch CMOS
  • Battery: 3500 mAh LiPo 3S with up to 31 minutes flight time

Pros

  • Light
  • Amazing video quality
  • Great frame rate
  • Solid flight time
  • Cheap

Cons

  • Fixed camera features
$1,035.00
in stock
March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

DJI Inspire 2


The DJI Inspire drone brand was the pioneer in having a 4K camera, 360-degree spinning gimbal as well as an HD transmission system, all presented to you conveniently through the app for easy control.

What makes DJI Inspire great is that it is compatible with the Zenmuse X5 as well as Zenmuse X5R cameras which is amazing because they have excellent low-light performance making them ideal for night-time usage. Because of these cameras, the DJI Inspire 2 has earned its place amongst the best and has become a staple in the industry of photography and filmmaking.

The DJI Inspire features brand-new image processing capabilities that let it record up to 5.2k in Apple pores and cinema DNG raw. It also has strong acceleration and can, in about 5 seconds, accelerate from zero to 50mph with a top speed of a whopping 58mph. This allows you to effortlessly capture films of fast-moving items.

The DJI Inspire 2 can fly for up to 27 minutes with the X4S thanks to a twin battery arrangement; this gives you extra time to take photos or record videos without the need for constant recharging of the battery.

Cold weather proves no challenge for the DJI Inspire 2 as it has self-heating technology that helps it operate in low temperatures without any issues. Additionally, it has sensor redundancy and two directions to help avoid any obstacles that might stand in the way. Furthermore, it also possesses a revamped flight autonomy exclusively designed for the DJI 2 Inspire.

The DJI Inspire 2 comes with improved intelligence. This means that there are numerous options such as intelligent flight modes for the drone’s camera as well as spotlight pro, giving the freedom to take the most complicated shots even to the solo pilots.

In addition to everything we mentioned so far, the drone also includes an updated video transmission system that is capable of dual signal frequency as well as dual-channel streaming video from the onboard FPV camera. Lastly, the primary camera for night usage that improves the collaboration between camera and pilot operators is also included.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: up to 6K in CinemaDNG, up to 5.2k in Apple ProRes
  • Frame rates: 5.2K 30fps, 4K up to 60fps.
  • Camera: 4/3 24MP
  • Battery: 6000mAh 2S LiPo with up to 27 minutes flight time

Pros

  • Can operate under low temperatures
  • Great camera
  •  Amazing video quality
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginner pilots
1 used from $2,599.00
$3,019.00
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March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

DJI Phantom 4 Pro


If the image quality is the most important to you and you are looking for the drone that has the best one out there, look no further as the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is certainly the drone you might want to consider buying.

With the large 1″ as well as a 20MP CMOS sensor, you are guaranteed great picture and video quality. The 20MP CMOS sensor possesses a 24mm lens that has a variable aperture that ranges from f/2.8 to f/11. What this ultimately does is that it gives you the option to control the amount of light that the camera captures separately from the ISO sensitivity option.

This makes it so that you can take pictures as well as videos at night that have good quality without over-exposing scenes.

DJI Phantom 4 Pro offers 4K resolution while recording, making sure you get the best videography with exceptional fluidity. With this, you are guaranteed the best quality for your photos and videos even in the cases where the drone changes directions frequently, moves quickly, and when there are unwanted sudden light bursts.

Lastly, with the FOV camera that offers a wide-ranging view of 94 degrees, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro really stands out from the rest by letting you take photos in wide-angle while also allowing you to configure the quality and type with many different choices for you to pick from such as classic HD that is 1280×720 all the way to UHD that is 4096×2160 which represents the 4K format.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: up to 4K
  • Frame rates: up to 30fps
  • Camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 6000 mAh LiPo 2S

Pros

  • Superb video and photo quality
  • 94 degree FOV camera
  • Solid flight time
  • High resolution

Cons

  • Expensive
1 used from $1,599.00
$3,448.00
in stock
March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

Yuneec Typhoon H Plus


The Yuneec Typhoon drone’s landing gear may be retracted up, providing the pilot and camera operator with a 360-degree view upon takeoff.

The Typhoon features a 20mp camera with a maximum photo resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels, and the image files are stored in JPEG and DNG format, while the videos are saved in MP4 format. It can capture 4k movies at 60 frames per second. You can shoot high-quality films and photos even in low light or at night, thanks to the strong camera and 360-degree field of vision.

Because of the F2.8 lenses that come with it, the H Plus is primarily intended for wide-angle filming. The corresponding focal length is 23mm, and the field of vision is 91 degrees.

Feature overview ✍️

  •  Video resolution: 5.4K
  • Frame rate: up to 60fps
  • Camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 4S 5250mAh LiPo

Pros

  • Great resolution
  • Solid fps
  • 360 degree view
  • Solid flight time

Cons

  • Pricey
out of stock
March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

DJI Mavic 2 Pro


The DJI Mavic 2 Pro has a 70-degree field of vision and can record in UHD 4k/30fps and HD/120fps. It features a hyper-lapse shooting option among its shooting modes, as well as an upgraded APAs pilot assistance system keeping it from colliding with things at night by identifying objects surrounding the drone.

Being the first drone to come equipped with a Hasselblad camera that has a 20MP 1-inch CMOS sensor that improves color fidelity even in low-light conditions by employing a proprietary Hasselblad natural color solution or HNCS for short.

Lastly, everything is designed to provide you with the best possible user experience, whether it is taking pictures or videos. It supports a 4K 10-bit HDR video as well as a 10-bit color profile Blog-M and employs the OcuSync data transfer mechanism.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: up to 4K
  • Frame rate: up to 120fps
  • Camera: 20MP
  • Battery: 3850 mAh LiPo 4S

Pros

  • Amazing camera
  • Solid flight time
  • High resolution
  • Good fps

Cons

  • On the pricey side
15 used from $819.00
$1,826.99
in stock
March 26, 2024 01:02
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Last update was on: March 26, 2024 01:02

PowerVisionPowerEye


The PowerVision PowerEye offers its user an amazing experience as well as quality service. With its stabilized 3-axis gimbal camera can be paired with various microlenses to achieve photos and videos that are 4K HD.

With additional 3 cameras on the front, one of which is used to directly stream to the pilot helps you to fly the drone safely at night. Additionally, the landing gear retracts upon takeoff, giving the 3 gimbal camera an uninterrupted view in any direction.

The PowerVision PowerEye has a top speed of 43mph and a flight time of 30 minutes, you can rest assured as you have plenty of time to take all the pictures and videos you need, and with how fast the drone is, you can comfortably film even the faster objects.

What separates PowerVision PowerEye from the rest of the drones is that it possesses a thermal camera. This opens up so many different possibilities and scenarios where the drone can be used, such as rescue missions in the middle of the night and many more.

Feature overview ✍️

  • Video resolution: up to 4K
  • Frame rate: up to 60fps
  • Camera: 4/3
  • Battery: 5000 mAh LiPo 1S

Pros

  • Multiple cameras
  • High resolution
  • Good top speed
  • Solid flight time

Cons

  • Expensive

Reasons You Might Want to Fly a Drone at Night


Depending on the situation, there are many reasons you would want to fly a drone at night. For example, in emergency situations, avoid flights over people, urgent delivery of medicine, and so on.

Should you use anti-collision lights?


Yes, it is required that you use anti-collision lights that are visible from 3 miles away for safe flying.

Should I use a spotlight?


It is unnecessary, but it certainly helps keep your drone well lit for obvious safety reasons.

Litratorch 2.0


With three distinct brightness levels of 800, 450, and 100, the LitraTorch 2.0 features 16 LEDs, up from 8 in the 1.0 version. The improved optics of the LitraTorch 2.0 produce clear, bright, flicker-free light with a 70-degree beam angle for ultra-wide coverage.

Lumecube 2.0


This tiny, portable, waterproof, strong LED light is no bigger than a golf ball that you can take with you wherever you go, and it can create 1500 lumens of LED light for more than an hour and a half. Additionally, manual settings allow you to adjust the brightness and photographic lighting in 10% increments.

FAQs


Do any drones have night vision❓

Yes, there are drones that can or are already equipped with night vision cameras.

Is it legal to fly a drone at night❓

The answer is yes, but that being said, flying a drone at night can bring up a lot of different problems that you might not want to deal with, so if you can do what you need during the day, we recommend you do that.

Do I need a light on my drone to fly at night❓

Yes, you are required to have an anti-collision light on your drone.

Can you add more lights on your drone❓

Yes, you can add lights to your drone.

Which DJI drone can fly at night❓

The DJI Mini 2 is a great drone that can be flown at night recreationally because it comes with navigation lights when it comes to DJI drones.

Can you fly a Mavic Mini at night❓

Yes, it can fly at night but the quality might not be up to par compared to other drones.

What is the best drone to fly at night❓

There are a lot of great options to pick from, depending on what you need.

How far can drones see at night❓

Up to 165 feet.

 
Can a DJI drone fly in the dark❓

Yes, the DJI drone can fly in the dark, for example, as we mentioned in the review, the DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a great option.

Can you fly Mavic 2 pro at night❓

Yes, DJI Mavic 2 is a solid option to choose from.

Can I fly Mavic Air 2 at night❓

Yes, you can.

Can the DJI air 2s fly at night❓

Yes, the DJI air 2 is a great drone for night time usage.

Does DJI Mini 2 work at night❓

 
Yes, the DJI Mini 2 works really well at night because it comes with navigation lights and can be used recreationally.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

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