Projection Perfection 2025: Epson Home Cinema 5050UB vs. BenQ TK700 vs. Optoma UHD38x – Top Home Theater Projector Under $3,000

Shaky footage and short flight times ruin your aerial shots.

In 2025, we tested three top camera drones under $1,000—DJI Air 2S, Autel EVO Lite+, and Potensic Atom 2—over 25 days, evaluating camera quality, flight performance, and smart features. One drone soared above the rest.

Let’s find your perfect aerial companion.

1. DJI Air 2S – Best Overall Camera Drone Under $1,000

The DJI Air 2S retails at $999, weighs 595g, with a 1-inch sensor and 5.4K video.

We flew it for 10 days—its 5.4K video and 20MP photos delivered crisp details, even in low light. “It’s like a flying cinema,” says Alex, our drone pilot. The 31-minute flight time and 12km range were reliable, and features like MasterShots and ActiveTrack made cinematic shots effortless. At 7.1”x3.8” folded, it’s compact, but lacks adjustable aperture. A versatile choice for creators.

✅ Pros

• 5.4K video, 20MP photos
• 1-inch CMOS sensor
• 31-minute flight time
• MasterShots and ActiveTrack
• Compact and foldable

⚠️ Cons

• Fixed f/2.8 aperture
• No side obstacle sensors

⭐ Rating: 4.8 / 5

2. Autel EVO Lite+ – Best for Low-Light Photography

The Autel EVO Lite+ costs $949, weighs 835g, with a 1-inch sensor and 6K video.

We tested it for 8 days—its adjustable aperture (f/2.8-f/11) and 6K video excelled in dim conditions. “Night shots look unreal,” says Mia, our videographer. The 40-minute flight time and 12km range impressed, but it’s bulkier at 8.3”x4.8” folded. Subject tracking lagged behind DJI, and there’s no third-party app support. Ideal for photographers prioritizing image quality.

✅ Pros

• 6K video, 20MP photos
• Adjustable aperture
• 40-minute flight time
• Three-way obstacle avoidance
• Low-light performance

⚠️ Cons

• Bulkier design
• Weaker subject tracking

⭐ Rating: 4.6 / 5

3. Potensic Atom 2 – Best Budget Drone Under $1,000

The Potensic Atom 2 is $330, weighs 249g, with a 1/2.5-inch sensor and 4K video.

We flew it for 7 days—its 4K30 video and 12MP photos were solid for beginners. “It’s a steal for the price,” says Sam, our tester. The 32-minute flight time and vertical shooting mode are great, but the smaller sensor struggled in low light. At 5.6”x3.5” folded, it’s ultralight, but lacks obstacle avoidance. Perfect for budget-conscious hobbyists.

✅ Pros

• 4K30 video, 12MP photos
• 32-minute flight time
• Sub-250g, no registration
• Vertical shooting mode
• Affordable price

⚠️ Cons

• No obstacle avoidance
• Smaller sensor, weak low-light

⭐ Rating: 4.3 / 5

Why These Drones?

We tested 25+ days in varied conditions, focusing on camera clarity, flight stability, and ease of use. All under $1,000, they deliver stunning aerial footage for creators.