In this section of our three-part series about traveling with film, we’ll talk about the mode of travel most fraught with peril for film photographers: Flying. Back in the pre-digital days, flying with film was a no-brainer; you could pack your camera gear and buy all the film you needed at your destination (and perhaps get it developed there as well). Today, film is harder to find and airport security is tighter (and potentially more harmful to film), so airborne analog photographers have to do a bit more planning.

(Note that the information in this article is specific to air travel in the United States. Other countries may—and likely will—have different regulations and procedures.)

The primary problem facing film fans who fly

Related: How to travel with film by land and sea

Here’s the big problem for airborne film photographers: The scanners and X-ray machines used for luggage inspection produce light energy to which film is sensitive. These machines can potentially “fog” your film, causing dark spots or waves on the negatives (or light spots on slides) as if the film had been exposed to light. So the challenge when flying is to minimize or avoid situations that could potentially damage your film.

Note that only undeveloped film is subject to damage. Developed negatives, slides, and prints are no longer light sensitive and cannot be damaged by airport security equipment. 

Can you avoid X-rays altogether?

Depending on your destination, it may be possible to avoid bringing film through the airport altogether. If you’re traveling to a big city, you might be able to buy your film locally. If you’re staying at a high-end hotel with a concierge, they may even be able to buy film for you (but beware of hefty prices and fees). You may also be able to mail-order film and have it sent directly to your lodgings; check with the property first to see if they can receive packages (and bring a couple of rolls in case your shipment is lost or delayed). Likewise, if you use mail-order film processing, consider sending the film off for development from your destination before you leave for home.

Never put film in a ‘checked’ bag

Do not put unexposed or undeveloped film in checked baggage, ever. The scanners used for checked baggage are more powerful than those used in carry-on luggage and will very likely fog your film. Film and loaded cameras should always be taken in carry-on luggage.

Related: Going back to film? Here’s what’s changed

A related side note: When booking your airline tickets, beware of “Basic Economy” tickets, which do not always allow carry-on baggage beyond a small personal item. Buyers of these tickets often board last, when carry-on storage is full, and will sometimes be forced to check their baggage (for a hefty fee), where it could be subject to harmful scanning at stopovers. If you are traveling with film, make sure your air ticket allows you to bring carry-on luggage, and pack your film (and cameras) in a bag small enough to join you in the cabin.

Film in carry-on baggage: Ask for a ‘hand inspection’

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says that the X-ray machines it uses for carry-on baggage are safe for photographic film up to ISO 800*. We’ve had slower film scanned with no ill effects, but we also understand that the effects are cumulative and that multiple scans may cause fogging. (We asked TSA if we could run some test scans at our local airport; they politely denied our request, citing security concerns.)

Fortunately, there is one good way to ensure your film will not be damaged: Ask for your film to be “hand inspected,” regardless of its speed.

*Note that at some airports, TSA is introducing more powerful CT scanners for carry-on luggage, which can damage even slower-speed film.

The PopPhoto guide to hand inspections

First: We recommend being patient and polite with TSA agents. Remember that their first responsibility is security, not customer service—and also that they’re subject to a lot of vented frustrations from harried passengers. There’s no need to show fealty; simple politeness and civility will get you a long way.

Film photography is popular enough that most TSA agents should be familiar with hand-scanning requests, but it does slow their workflow. When traveling with film, we always allow an extra ten to fifteen minutes to get through security (a margin we rarely need).

We recommend carrying your film in a clear plastic zip-lock-style bag, with which TSA is familiar. Leave your rolls in their plastic canisters and/or sealed packaging whenever possible. We try to keep our cameras unloaded so they can pass through the X-ray machine, but loaded cameras can also be hand-scanned. Anything you’d like hand-inspected should be kept where it’s easily accessible; a backpack is preferable to a suitcase that must be unzipped.

Before we put our luggage on the belt, we remove our film and loaded cameras, catch the eye of the nearest TSA agent, and say, “I have some film (and cameras) I’d like to have hand-inspected, please.” If asked if the film is under ISO 800 we either say no or (to avoid fibbing) tell them it’s going to be pushed and shot at a higher speed. (They may not know what this means but will generally accept it.) 

After walking through the scanners we try to stand somewhere conspicuous without blocking the flow of passengers. Film is usually checked by the same agents inspecting bags that have been pulled for secondary inspection, so there may be a wait. The inspection usually consists of swabbing the individual rolls, then putting the swab in a machine that checks for explosive residue. We’ve occasionally had requests to open boxes and always say yes (so long as they don’t pull your film out of the canister or unspool your 120 rolls, it’ll be fine). Once the machine gives the agent the green light, you’ll likely be sent on your way. 

Going home: Have all film hand inspected

Once your film has been shot, it’s still sensitive to light and can still be damaged by scanners, so be sure to have all of your film, shot or not, inspected by hand. We must reiterate: Do not put undeveloped film in checked bags. 

If you’ve had your film developed while on vacation, there’s nothing to worry about—as we mentioned earlier, developed film, negatives, prints and slides are not light-sensitive. You can safely put them through the scanners or in your checked baggage.

What about lead-lined film bags?

Several manufacturers offer lead-lined film bags that claim to protect the film from X-rays. (We do not know if these bags protect against CT scanners.) We haven’t tried one in recent years, but if the bags do block X-rays, they will likely show up as a large dark blob on the security scan, which is likely to trigger a secondary inspection. We find it easier to simply request a hand inspection and avoid the inconvenience of having TSA unpack our bags.

Advice for other countries

While we’ve never had a request for hand-scanning denied in the US, we have been refused in Europe, and we don’t know if this was down to security procedures or a language barrier. For this reason, if you do travel with analog cameras overseas, consider bringing a slower-speed film, which is most likely to survive scanning with no ill effects. That said, we understand that some European countries are also introducing CT scanners for hand luggage, which is much more likely to fog film. 

Ultimately, it’s best to check the official website for the security agency of the country to which you are traveling. If they don’t have a clear-cut policy covering film, you might want to consider traveling with a digital camera or making provisions to mail your film home before you leave.

The post How to fly with film appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Potensic P5 FPV		SEE IT
Best for beginners		EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone		SEE IT
Best for children		Best indoor drone for children Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone		SEE IT

Indoor drones might sound like an odd concept. Flying machines make their homes in the open skies where there’s room to roam and no ceiling fans to contend with This outdoor limitation is no longer the case. Not only are drones today more accessible to the average consumer, but some of the best drones are specifically designed for indoor use. The increase in options is great for people looking to capture birds-eye views of intimate gatherings, family photos, or other fun content. Indoor drones aren’t just for casual users either. For example, professionals who need views of hard-to-see crevices to determine problems may get great use out of these devices. Other indoor drones are suitable for use as toys for children over a certain age who have a curious and creative soul. We looked at a variety of these interesting machines to find the best indoor drones thus far.

• Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV
• Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone
• Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone
• Best budget: Tello Quadcopter Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

How we picked the best indoor drones

As fellow photographers and videographers, the writers at Popular Photo took safety, battery life, and camera quality into consideration wherever that was applicable. It was important to include camera-less indoor drones as well since many parents and drone enthusiasts don’t have the same motives for getting an indoor drone. Finally, we tried to look at different price ranges that still provided the best possible quality in their bracket.

The best indoor drones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV

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Why it made the cut: Potensic is known for manufacturing great drones at affordable prices, and the P5 FPV is no exception. Featuring a 2.7K camera and three different speed modes, indoor drone enthusiasts are sure to be pleased. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 40 minutes
• Dimensions: 14.9 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches
• Weight: 6.6 ounces

Pros:

• Lightweight
• 5G Wifi camera 
• Inexpensive
• Useful companion app

Cons: 

• Propeller guards are sold separately

The Potensic P5 FPV is a budget-friendly drone for travelers, enthusiasts, or even indoor drone flyers. Weighing only 6.6 ounces and featuring three speed modes, both beginners and advanced-level users will have plenty of options for what they do with this drone. Another bonus? Its battery can last up to 40 minutes depending on use, and its 2.7K camera takes high-quality pictures and captures great video. 

The Potensic Fly App allows users to guide the drone and access its features, such as trajectory flight, takeoff, and gravity control. It also includes 5G Wifi capabilities and can be controlled at a distance of up to 656 feet—more than any indoor drone enthusiast will need. Note that you will need to buy propeller guards separately for improved safety when flying inside. 

Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone

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Why it made the cut: The EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone is designed for those new to indoor racing and FPV. It’s fast yet safe and comes in a comprehensive kit that includes everything a beginner drone user needs to start flying immediately.

Key features:  

• Flight time: 3-5 minutes
• Dimensions: Not provided
• Weight: 1.2 ounces

Pros:

• Can fly with the remote or FPV goggles
• Built-in propeller guards
• Includes FPV goggles 
• Compact and lightweight

Cons: 

• Short flight time
• Pricey

The EMAX EZ Pilotis a great drone for beginners looking for something they can use around the house. It has a compact and lightweight design so that you can worry less about crashing in smaller spaces. The drone comes with a simple controller design to ensure that users will quickly get the hang of how to best use the drone.  It also comes with FPV goggles which serve as a great introduction to first-person view (FPV) flying.

The EZ Pilot is ideal for beginners because of the flight modes and features. It has three experience level modes, with level one allowing you to fly the drone with a single stick. You won’t need to figure out which stick makes the drone move in which direction. Level two ups the difficulty slightly and lets you fly with two sticks, though it does have a self-leveling feature to keep things simple. Level three introduces the options for flips and tricks for even more fun.

Being a small drone in the whoop category (tiny drones), it will have limited battery life; 3-5 minutes in this case. Batteries are cheap, though, so you can easily buy a few backups to keep fly time going. The drone itself is a bit pricey considering it’s meant for beginners, but it is durable and has built-in propeller guards, so it should survive plenty of crashes. 

Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone

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Why it made the cut: With three speed modes, protection guards for all propellers, and a lightweight design, this drone balances the joy of a flying toy while also keeping children safe. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: 6-7 minutes per battery
• Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.12 x 1.25 inches 
• Weight: 7.8 ounces

Pros:

• For use indoors and outdoors
• Sturdy build 
• Built-in propeller guards
• Easy for children to use
• Very affordable

Cons: 

• Doesn’t come with a camera
• Batteries need to be changed and charged consistently

Both children and adults will enjoy flying the Cheerwing U46S mini drone. With its safety features and intuitive controls, the Cheerwing is a great first drone for anyone who has an interest in using drones as a hobby. It has just enough safety features to keep everyone happy and can be safely used indoors.

It comes with a 2.4GHz control system, altitude hold mode that keeps the drone flying at a predetermined altitude, and a low battery warning that lets users know to bring the drone back to its home position so it won’t get lost. This Cheerwing also includes an emergency stop feature in case things get rough. Don’t let the lack of a camera turn you away from this drone. It’s simply one fewer component you’ll need to take care of—something any parent or beginner will definitely enjoy.

Best budget: ​​Tello Quadcopter Drone

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Why it made the cut: Powered by DJI, the Tello Quadcopter Drone includes a 5MP camera, a lightweight design, and can fly up to 17mph. It’s budget-friendly and perfect for indoor use. 

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 13 minutes
• Dimensions: 7.9 x 7.7 x 2.1 inches
• Weight: 7.94 oz

Pros:

• 5MP camera for great shots
• Lightweight and sleek design
• Can be used with a compatible controllers 
• Can be used with a corresponding app

Cons: 

• Dedicated controller must be purchased separately

The Tello Quadcopter Drone is a great budget indoor drone made for beginners. It features a 5MP camera with electronic image stabilization that will ensure you’ll get great shots every time, and can provide up to 13 minutes of flight time per battery. Users can choose to control the drone fully with a smartphone app and share their footage with friends and family on social media. 

More comfortable with a remote? No problem! This indoor drone can be used with a compatible remote control, though you do need to purchase that separately. It can be controlled manually or using intelligent flight modes as well. Programmers and coders can also experiment with Scratch programming that can be used to fly this drone.

Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

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Why it made the cut: An industry leader, DJI’s Mini 2 is an excellent choice for professionals who need to shoot indoors and crave something more affordable than the Mavic line.

Key features: 

• Flight time: Up to 31 minute
• Dimensions: 9.6 x 11.3 x 2.2 inches (unfolded with propellers)
• Weight: 8.78 pounds

Pros:

• 12MP still photos and 4K video
• Foldable
• Intelligent modes
• Stable flight

Cons: 

• A bit bulky for indoor use

The DJI Mini 2 is a well-rounded drone that will work for indoor and outdoor flight. It has level five wind resistance and a max altitude takeoff of 4,000 meters, making it stable in the air regardless of the conditions or where you are located. The downward sensors and GPS help with indoor flight. However, it does not have obstacle detection, so adding propeller guards would be advisable. Nevertheless, it is a great choice for professionals who shoot indoor and outdoor events. 

With a 12MP camera and 4K capabilities, you won’t ever get dud photos from this device. Professionals can also easily transfer photos from the drone onto their phones or tablets for maximum efficiency, which clients are bound to appreciate. Additionally, the drone takes great panoramic photos, is easy to control, and includes templates for days when your creativity could use the assistance. The best part? It’s a foldable drone that you can easily transport to and from gigs.  

Things to consider before buying the best indoor drones

The best way to decide whether or not to buy a potentially expensive item, such as an indoor drone, is to consider why you’d like to buy one. For example, a professional photographer has completely different needs than someone who wants to buy an interesting and cool toy for their child. Below we help you sift through questions that can help you start on your journey to make the best choice for yourself or a loved one.

Safety features

Flying a drone indoors was once a huge no-no. As a responsible indoor drone operator, you should still pay attention to your surroundings as you use your drone. However, manufacturers have added more safety features that can help you focus on capturing great photos. Every brand is different, but there are some standard features you can expect nowadays. Some indoor drones offer automatic hovering, which allows a drone to stay in place when the battery is about to die. You can also look for drones with a return to home feature. This feature allows you to push a button so the drone can return to the “home” area you designate.

Propeller guards are also essential in indoor drones, especially for novice users. These guards will protect walls and objects in your home and people that may be inside as well.

Range

Depending on your potential use, you may not need a drone that can fly the highest or farthest. Amateurs, children, and teens may simply be happy to have a working drone that takes cool indoor pictures. Likewise, if you strictly use your drone for indoor settings, the range may be irrelevant. On the other hand, professionals or people who intend to use a drone for something more serious or in more varied settings may need to consider a drone with a long range. Some drones have a radius as far as seven miles, which is not necessary for someone strictly flying a drone in a small indoor space.

Camera quality

Decreasing costs and increasing competition mean that you can expect decent camera quality even in inexpensive drones. You can find even children’s drones at a reasonable price with cameras that take 1080p or even 4K, videos and photos. Amateurs may be surprised to find that the inexpensive indoor drone they purchased actually takes decent photos, and professionals can rest assured that better quality no longer necessarily means breaking the bank.

Control features

Drones require a controller that can help you guide them in the right direction. These use radio signals that help you tell the drone where to go. Some models may include a screen that lets you see your footage as you take it live. Drone controllers without a built-in screen may require you to download a separate app that allows you to fly in FPV (first-person view) using your phone. Being able to see your live view is helpful if your drone goes out of sight, as you’ll still be able to see where it is and what the surroundings are to avoid crashing. However,any cheap indoor drone controllers don’t include this feature and paying extra just to see your footage on an external controller may not be necessary, depending on your intentions. 

Drone controllers without a built-in screen may require you to download a separate app that allows you to fly in FPV (first-person view). No matter what type of controller and drone you have, you’ll be able to do the same basic things, such as turning your drone right or left, moving it forward and backward, and deciding how fast your drone should go. Other common extra controls include one-button landing and takeoff, altitude hold, and occasionally flips.

Smart drone—or not?

Many camera drones offer GPS that helps the user control the drone destination, set a home location, or even plan routes that allow a drone to work without supervision. Smart drones may include extra sensors that help them find obstacles and avoid them. Other uses for these sensors include setting up your drone to follow someone so you can focus on different tasks.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best indoor drones

• Best overall: Potensic P5 FPV
• Best for beginners: EMAX EZ Pilot FPV Drone
• Best for children: Cheerwing U46S Mini Drone
• Best budget: Tello Quadcopter Drone
• Best for professionals: DJI Mini 2

Indoor drones allow users to fly, race, and take interesting pictures and videos in the comfort of their homes. They also give an edge to professionals who want to find new points of view to make their clients happy. So if you’re looking for something safe to use in the home, to give to a child or teenager as a gift, or even an option for a professional indoor drone, these options should help you choose.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best indoor drones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best for Beginners		DJI Mini 2		SEE IT
Best Foldable		DJI Mavic 3		SEE IT
Best Cheap		DJI MIni SE		SEE IT

DJI is one of the most well-known and sought-after brands for drones. Amateurs of aerial photography and big-budget commercial projects alike utilize the company’s diverse range of offerings. A drone is a great way to capture beautiful overhead perspectives that would be impossible without access to a hot air balloon or helicopter. They allow you to expand the possibilities of your creative projects. Read on to learn more about the best DJI drones. 

• Best overall: DJI Air 2S
• Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2
• Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3
• Best FPV: DJI FPV drone
• Best budget: DJI MIni SE

How we picked the best DJI drones 

In selecting products for this guide, we focused on price, camera quality, ease of use, and flight time when making our suggestions. In most cases, cost, quality, and usability are connected in DJI drones. An inexpensive model is often for beginner drone pilots who are not producing professional-level content, while pricier models feature better camera specs and are better for more experienced users. 

The best DJI drones: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: DJI Air 2S

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Air 2S has exceptional video quality packed inside a compact, foldable body.

Key features

• Video resolution: 5.4K/30fps
• Image resolution: 20 megapixels
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 595 g

Pros: 

• Four-way obstacle avoidance detection
• 31 minute flight time
• 3-axis gimbal with a 22mm F/2.8 fixed-aperture lens

Cons: 

• Struggles in windy situations

We named the DJI Air 2S the best DJI drone overall because it pairs high-end video specs with a compact, foldable body size—a perfect combo for a high-end consumer drone. Automated flight modes such as cinematic shots and hyperlapse make it easy to create beautiful, shareable video content without pro-level flying skills. In addition, its obstacle avoidance detection system gives the pilot peace of mind while the drone is in action. It can capture video up to 5.4K/30fps, and pro-level video shooters will appreciate 10-bit D-Log and HLG capture for increased color grading functionality. The 20 megapixel 1″-type CMOS sensor and 22mm F/2.8 fixed-aperture lens offer an 88-degree field of view. On the photo side, it can shoot RAW or JPEG and stitch together a variety of panoramic shots. 

Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini 2 is an easy-to-fly, sub-250 gram drone with 4K video capabilities. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 4K/30fps 
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 31 minutes
• Weight: 249 g

Pros: 

• Sub-250 gram weight means no need to register with the FAA
• 4K video capabilities with zoom 
• 31 minute flight time 
• Five quick shot modes

Cons: 

• Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors
• Lacks intelligent flying modes 

A best drone for a beginner, the DJI Mini 2 is a foldable, palm-sized drone that can still shoot 4K video and capture Raw photos. Since the drone is under 250 grams, you don’t need to register it with the FAA before getting started if you are a recreational pilot. The Mini 2 features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor, a 24mm F/2.8 fixed aperture lens, and a camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal for smooth shots. Although it lacks intelligent flying modes, QuickShot modes like rocket and circle allow users to capture pre-programmed motions with the drone with minimal effort. Unfortunately, DJI has omitted obstacle avoidance sensors to keep the weight and price of this drone on the low end, so although it has a decent battery life, you will want to keep a close eye on it while it’s in the air. 

Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mavic 3 has a foldable body, making it great for travel, with dual lenses that will appeal to pro-level users. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 5.1K/50fps 
• Image resolution: 20 megapixels
• Flight time: 46 minutes
• Weight: 895 g

Pros:

• Incorporates Hasselblad’s exceptional color rendering 
• Dual controller support
• 10 obstacle avoidance sensors  

Cons: 

• Disappointing sensor on the zoom camera
• High price point

The DJI Mavic 3 pairs excellent camera specs with a portable, foldable body, making it the best foldable drone and ideal for a high-level user looking for something easy to travel with. This new version of the Mavic has an extended flight time of 46 minutes, longer than many other options. In addition, the newly improved Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing makes this thing nearly crash-proof. 

Photographers and videographers alike will appreciate the high-end specs in the Mavic 3. It has dual cameras, providing a nice range of focal lengths for different shooting situations, though they have very different specs. One is a 4/3 CMOS, 20 MP Hasselblad with a 24mm equivalent lens. It has an aperture range of f/2.8-f/11, can shoot JPG and RAW, and integrates Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution tech, making for beautiful color accuracy when shooting. In addition, it can shoot up to 5.1K/50fps video. The tele camera has a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor and is capable of 12MP photos. The lens is 162mm, and it has an additional 4x zoom. Unfortunately, the tele camera can only take JPG files, and the video resolution is a lower 4K/30fps.

Best FPV: DJI FPV Drone

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Why it made the cut: The DJI FVP drone features intuitive flight modes that make this an acceptable tool for new users and seasoned FVP fliers. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 4K/60fps
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 20 mins
• Weight: 795 g

Pros: 

• Three flying modes for different experience levels
• Excellent stabilization
• Emergency brake and hover feature

Cons: 

• Expensive 
• If you crash, you will need to send it in for repairs

DJI makes the intuitive FVP style of flying slightly more accessible to beginners with the DJI FVP drone. FVP flying is unique in that the drone control is from the pilot’s perspective, meaning you see what the camera on the drone sees for a more immersive flight experience. Previously only available to fliers who had knowledge of radio frequencies and the ability to build their own rig, this drone opened the style of flying up to a wider demographic. In fact, DJI helps users ease into the FVP experience with three different flying modes geared for different comfort levels. 

The DJI FVP drone features intelligent flight modes, DJI’s RockSteady EIDS gimbal, and comes with a pair of DJI Goggles V2. In addition, it has obstacle avoidance sensors on the front and bottom of the drone and an emergency brake feature on the drone’s controller—a much-appreciated feature because if you crash, you will likely be sending this drone back to DJI for repairs. 

The image and video quality of this DJI FVP drone allow you to capture video at 4K/60fps and stills as 3840×2160 JPEGs. It’s not as high as other options, but you can still capture great-looking footage.

Best budget: DJI MIni SE

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Why it made the cut: The DJI Mini SE is an inexpensive model from a trusted brand, making it a great tool for the drone-curious who aren’t looking to break the bank with a purchase. 

Key features 

• Video resolution: 2.7K/30fps 
• Image resolution: 12 megapixels
• Flight time: 30 minutes
• Weight: 249 g

Pros: 

• Sub-250 gram weight means no need to register with the FAA
• 30 minute flight time
• Great for beginners
• Affordable price

Cons: 

• No 4K video capture or RAW photos
• Lacks obstacle avoidance sensors 

This foldable, palm-sized drone is one of the best DJI drones for beginners because of its small size and its low price point. Since it weighs under 250-grams, you can use it without registration with the FAA as long as it is for recreational purposes only. It lacks obstacle avoidance sensors but does have two vision positioning sensors so that it can hover in place. The 12 megapixel 1/2.3″ CMOS sensor supports 2.7K/30fps video capabilities and JPEG photos. The drone has a flight time of 30 minutes and can travel up to 2.5 miles. Although it lacks some of the high-end controls and creative features found in other drones in this guide, you simply can’t beat the price. 

Things to consider before buying the best DJI drones

Rules and regulations

New and seasoned drone operators alike should be aware of the rules and regulations in their region for flying drones. For example, in the United States, all drones over 250 grams must have registration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Because of this, if you are buying your first drone, we’d recommend looking for something under 250 grams.

Regardless of size, all drone pilots need to be aware of no-fly zones before taking off. There are also different limits for how high you can fly your drone based on air space rules, so familiarize yourself with those. And, if you are doing anything other than just flying for fun for yourself, different restrictions apply. Any commercial activity, which the FAA defines broadly, requires you to pass a test to be an FAA-Certified Drone Pilot. 

Features

Even just DJI drones come with quite a range of features. Therefore, deciding on how you plan on using the drone and which features are most important to you is essential. For example, if you want to focus on just photography, you may want to pick something different than someone who is a videographer. 

Battery life and flight time

For almost all drone pilots, battery life and flight time will be one of the most important things to look at. This is especially true if you plan to travel with your drone or have limited access to power for charging batteries.

Tracking and flight modes

Different levels of drones will offer different types of flight modes and tracking. For example, a higher-end drone with tracking will be necessary if you want to take footage with the camera following the action. 

Camera specs

If you plan to use your drone for video or photography, the camera’s specs in the drone will be important. Looking at the resolution, exposure settings, frame rate, zoom options, video quality, and more will help you ensure the drone meets your documenting needs.

Device Range

Another important consideration is how far your drone can fly while still being within range of the transmitter. A lower range will probably be acceptable if you only fly for fun. But, if you are flying in situations where you need the drone to cover greater distances, getting a drone with a far range will be helpful.

Where you will use your drone

If you plan to travel extensively with your drone, a foldable model might be the best option to consider—especially if you plan to bring your drone along for hikes or bike rides. You can easily pack foldable drones in a backpack and still fit other items, which is important for adventures. Obstacle avoidance features may also be more important in some locations, such as cities versus wide-open fields.

Budget

When shopping for a DJI drone, your budget will play a significant role in determining what drone is suitable for you. As with most gear, the price of your drone is dependent on things like features and size. For example, a drone that shoots 4K footage, has a high-quality lens, and long-range operating distances will cost more than a drone under 250 grams without those features.

Experience level

Although drones have become more widely available for novice users, and there are even kid-friendly drones, they do come with a learning curve. Depending on your experience level and how you intend to use your drone, you should also consider the potential for accidents and losing the device. 

Finding a balance between your budget and risk will help you fly more comfortably. Spending money on the highest-end drone only to crash it right away because you are new to flying is far from ideal. However, DJI offers protection plans, which could be a good option, especially for the more expensive versions.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best DJI drones

• Best overall: DJI Air 2S
• Best for beginners: DJI Mini 2
• Best foldable: DJI Mavic 3
• Best FPV: DJI FPV drone
• Best budget: DJI MIni SE

The best DJI drone for you will depend on your skill level, budget, and how and where you intend to fly it. A lower-cost DJI drone will likely include less advanced features and be better for amateur fliers. In contrast, more expensive drones will feature higher-end features like 4K and higher video, advanced stabilization, and longer flight times. Keep these things in mind when shopping for your DJI drone.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best DJI drones in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Motorola Talkabout T800		SEE IT
Best for professionals		Retevis H-777		SEE IT
Best value		Midland GXT1000VP4		SEE IT

Even if you have a cellphone, there are still plenty of opportunities for a good walkie talkie in your life. Maybe you’re someone who likes to go outside hiking and camping and wants to stay in touch with your group outside of cell service, you work in a busy warehouse or restaurant where communication is key, or you just like the ease of one button communication. They can also come in handy on film sets and other production environments where quick comms are key. Whatever the reason, getting the best walkie talkies can quickly and easily improve your communication, and it doesn’t hurt that no matter who you are using them is just fun. 

• Best overall: Motorola Talkabout T800
• Best for professionals: Retevis H-777
• Best for mountains: Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 
• Best value: Midland GXT1000VP4
• Best for beginners: Topsung M880 FRS
• Best for kids: Retevis RT628

How we chose the best walkie talkies

I just went through the process of walkie talkie research and purchase before a cycling trip through Death Valley where I wanted to be able to talk to friends in a support car. 

Our process considered a wide range of products from a number of reputable manufacturers. We scoured the web for professional reviews, reader feedback, and spec comparisons to go along with personal experience and knowledge. We focused on models that offer rugged build quality, high-fidelity sound, and reliable connectivity. We also considered elements like battery life and additional features.

The best walkie talkies: Reviews & Recommendations

With the crucial features and specs out of the way, it’s time to get into our list of the best walkie talkies. While we have split these up into individual awards for specific users, there’s also a lot of overlap when it comes to functionality and usability. So, be sure to check the entire list before committing to any one model.

Best overall: Motorola Talkabout T800

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Why it made the cut: A solid combination of features and price make these a solid all-around choice for a wide variety of users. 

Specs:

• Channels: 22
• Range: Up to 35 Miles
• Waterproof: IPX4 Water resistant
• Battery Style: AA or included rechargeable battery
• Battery Life: Up 14 hours rechargeable
• Weight: 7.5 oz

Pros

• Streamlined, elegant design
• Easy to use buttons, even in the dark
• Data/messaging Transmission
• Battery flexibility 

Cons

• Not waterproof
• Actual range may not meet projections
• Weight

The T800 is a powerful, feature-laden walkie talkie that is often available in a pair for under $100. We love the flexibility to use the included rechargeable batteries or to supplement with just 2 AA batteries. This gives both the environmental advantage, and a lightweight backup plan. 

This model is well-regarded for its streamlined design and easy-to-use buttons. It’s not fully waterproof, which isn’t surprising at this price point, but with the included NOAA emergency weather channel and alerts you’ll be able to know if any big storm is coming through, and keep your electronics out of the elements. 

What truly sets the T800 apart, though, is the Motorola app that you can run on your phone to pair with the T800. With the T800 and a phone with the app pre-downloaded, you can send GPS location between walkie talkies, even when you are not in the range of a cell tower. The app also lets you track the other T800s in your group on a map and send text messages between them and their apps. Of course, you’ll need an accompanying smartphone to get value out of all of these features. 

Its reasonable price and broad feature set make this a winner for a wide variety of users.

Best for professionals: Retevis H-777

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Why it made the cut:  This is a great solution for groups looking to stay in touch on a regular basis of a shorter distance.

Specs:

• Channels: 16
• Range: 2.5 miles
• Waterproof: No
• Battery Style: Rechargeable
• Battery Life: 12 hours
• Weight: 5.5 oz

Pros

• Affordable communication for large groups
• Built in flashlight
• Good sound quality within range

Cons

• Limited range
• Build quality 
• Not water or weatherproof. 

If you’re trying to communicate with many disparate groups or individuals, like across a camp or construction site, these Retevis walkie talkies are an affordable option. This is a no frills radio that saves cost by avoiding a light up screen and instead relies on two simple knobs for channel and volume control. 

The walkie talkies are relatively light and compact but their limited range means you won’t want to use them in challenging outdoor circumstances, but they’re great for more urban environments like restaurants or theaters. The included rechargeable batteries work all day and recharge easily by USB when placed in the included docks. 

Some users complained about long term durability, and depending on the environments you are working in, you may want to find something that is fully waterproof. These come equipped with a small light, which could come in handy in a pinch.

Best for mountains: Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0

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Why it made the cut: These rugged radios can endure serious punishment without failing. 

Specs:

• Channels: 22
• Range: 40 miles
• Waterproof: IP56 Water Resistant
• Battery Style: Rechargeable
• Battery Life: 22 Hours
• Weight: 11 oz

Pros

• Durability in extreme environments
• Impressive range
• Included handset

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavy

If you’re heading outside, not just for a hike, but high adventure activities like climbing, ski touring, or mountaineering, you’ll want a walkie talkie like this. 

This walkie talkie can endure the outdoors. It’s so robust, in fact, that many users found it exceedingly heavy and a bit cumbersome. Thankfully you can store the radio in your bag and use an external handset clipped to a strap to listen and talk to others on your channel.

If the weather gets messy, like a big snow storm, the Backcountry Access has good water resistance and an interface that is simple to use, even in gloved hands, thanks to dial for volume and channel, large, simple, buttons. 

Many users appreciated the strong signal and impressive range that were capable of maintaining a clear signal in bad weather across a big distance, even up and down mountain faces. And if you’re out there for a long day, the extremely impressive battery life will have the radio going with you the whole time. 

Of course, all this comes at a cost, not only the hefty 11 oz, but the price tag as well. Especially when you consider that this radio is sold not in pairs, but individually. But when you need a communication beast for a beast of a day, this is what should be at your side. 

Best value: Midland GXT1000VP4

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Why it made the cut: They offer a long range and solid features for less money than you might expect.

Specs: 

• Channels: 50
• Range: 36 miles
• Waterproof: JIS4 waterproof
• Battery Style: Rechargeable or AA
• Battery Life: 9 hours rechargeable battery
• Weight: 4.8 oz

Pros

• Good range
• NOAA weather alert notifications
• Bright LCD

Cons

• “Waterproof” a loose term
• Can be overwhelmed by features

This midland radio is for the person who wants good performance and range, and access to a whole bunch of features. If you want simple, elegant operation, this is a great choice.

Their impressive range and number of channels, especially for the price, make them a great option for those working in large open outdoor areas, or during outdoor emergencies. If you are coordinating with a large group of many users,  you can even program different call tones so you know who in your group is calling.

These are a handy tool, but not just for communication. They also have NOAA alerts for severe weather, SOS siren alerts, and locator signals. While we love the features, navigating through them can get cumbersome.

The waterproofing rating comes from the Japan industrial Standards scale so it might not be as waterproof as you think. While it will work if it is splashed with water, don’t submerge it in liquid and expect it to keep communicating. 

Best emergency prep: Topsung M880 FRS

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Why it made the cut: Get basic features and a three-mile range with very little fuss. 

• Channels: 22
• Range: 3 miles
• Waterproof: No
• Battery Style: Three AA batteries
• Battery Life:  Battery dependent
• Weight: 2.9 oz

Pros

• Affordable
• LCD Screen for night use
• LIghtweight and small

Cons

• Cheap feeling construction
• Limited Range
• Battery type and number

This walkie talkie is beloved in online stores where customers laud its affordable price and simple operation. 

The range is limited, but for situations just out of earshot, like in different rooms within the same building or in a caravan of cars, they work well.

The operation is simple, though many complain that it is tough to understand the instruction manual. Once you figure it out though, it’s hard to forget. The interface relies on easy to push buttons and an easy to read screen, thanks to a light up LCD.  AA batteries, and three of them, makes it great as a backup communication device that you can use occasionally and store with fresh batteries. 

This is not the radio for pushing the limits or communication over large distances. It’s a cheap solution for communicating with someone just out of earshot. 

Best for kids: Retevis RT628

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Why it made the cut: They’re simple and cheap enough that it won’t hurt when one breaks or gets lost.

• Channels: 22
• Range: 1 mile
• Waterproof: No
• Battery Style: AA
• Battery Life: Battery dependent 
• Weight: 3.25 oz

Pros

• Multiple colors
• Price
• Channel lock to stay on the same channel

Cons

• Battery style 
• Range 
• Durability 

Not only is this walkie talkie set exceedingly affordable, but the buttons and walkie talkie body are small and lightweight to fit well in a child’s hands.
Parents will love the channel lock features, which helps keep the radio on the right frequency and from moving onto the wrong channel after fumbling from children’s hands. They’ll also love the price point, which won’t have you pulling your hair out if one of the walkie talkies disappears in the backyard or under a car seat. 

The range is just over a mile and is really best for recreation or when the stakes are low, like communication from one side of the neighborhood to the other. Because of this, it is really closer to a toy than a major communication device.

What to consider when shopping for the best walkie talkies

Though many of the best walkie talkie models offer similar bodies or shapes, the internal technology be far different. Knowing how you will use your walkie talkies, where you’ll be, and how long you need them to work will help lead you to the system that will fit you best. Here are a few things to consider, and measurables to look for while you’re shopping.

Price

No matter what you’re buying, price is a good marker of how serious the tool is, and how long you hope to use it for. Knowing how you’re going to use your walkie talkies will help you save money in the right ways. Know what you need, and only by as much as is required to comfortably meet that need. 

It’s worth investing in a stronger walkie talkie if you are relying on it to save your life, rather than just trying to avoid running up and down the stairs to tell your spouse which breaker turns off the lights in the kitchen.

Battery and battery life

You’ll have to decide whether you want a model that relies on a rechargeable battery or disposable cells that need replacing once they’re spent. Often rechargeable models will be more expensive, but they do come with the added benefit of creating less waste and not requiring sometimes expensive disposable batteries. 

If you need your walkie talkies to work for many days away from civilization, disposable batteries can give you the option of bringing a lightweight backup charge.

While it is often possible to find accurate battery life estimates for rechargeable batteries, battery life for AA or AAA powered walkie talkies can be much more difficult as these batteries are not all created equally. If you do rely on disposables, opt for the higher-end models from reputable brands if you want them to last.

Range

Range determines how far the walkie talkies can communicate with each other. The power of consumer level, or Family Radio Service, walkie talkies is limited, which means you won’t be talking across scores of miles like you might with more professional radio that requires a license.  While manufacturers can give you a sense of range, all radios will be affected by things like topography and weather. 

The models on this list can communicate with a maximum range of just 1 mile up to nearly 50 miles, so be sure to get something that covers the distance you need.

Channels

Channels are like different rooms along the radio wave that you can pop into for a more private conversation. The more channels you have access to, the more likely you are to find a channel that no one outside of your party is using. This will help you communicate more relatively privately without being interrupted by strangers. 

Similarly, having multiple channels means you can switch channels on your radio to communicate with different members of your party if you are trying to keep communication less cluttered with fewer people on the same line. 

Durability and weatherproofing

Some walkie talkies are better suited to harsh elements like rain, sea water, and big falls than others. Determine whether yours is going to live in the car, at home, or in more robust outdoor environments that will require better protection. 

If you don’t need fully waterproof, don’t spend the money on it. But if you suspect there is a good chance you could drop a walkie talkie in the water, especially in a moment where you might need it most, don’t settle for water resistance.

Features

Are you looking for simple one-button communication? Or do you need a more robust survival tool with other reception and transmission capabilities? Some walkie talkies come with weather alert radios, SOS features, and even data transmission. All of which can be extremely useful, or annoying if they just get in the way.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best walkie talkies

• Best overall: Motorola Talkabout T800
• Best for professionals: Retevis H-777
• Best for mountains: Backcountry Access BC Link 2.0 
• Best value: Midland GXT1000VP4
• Best for beginners: Topsung M880 FRS
• Best for kids: Retevis RT628

Walkie talkies are an incredible tool, and a whole lot of fun. Knowing what you need out of them and how often you’ll use them will help you get the one you need. Be it simple and clear communication, or cutting-edge tech and information. The walkie talkie can be as simple or modern as you like, but whatever you choose, have fun, and be safe.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

Related: Best camera phones

The post The best walkie talkies in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Making the leap from candids to posed portraits of friends and family can be stressful, even for top photographers. When posing people, uncertainties abound: How should you light your model? Which lens is right? How do you draw out great facial expressions? Follow these five tips from photographer Patrick James Miller to help get you started.

1. Full-length shot: Avoid the boxy look

Posed, full-body portraits are among the hardest people pictures to nail. With face, body, and limbs to coordinate, they can present a complex set of visual elements to harmonize.

Begin with the right camera position. “For these full-body shots, I started with my camera at about Amy’s chest level,” says New York–based editorial shooter Patrick James Miller. “I work in a straightforward style, and a level, chest-high camera introduces little or no distortion.”

He adds, “Sometimes, though, I will lower the camera slightly and aim up, to make a proud, powerful statement about the subject. Other times, I lift and tilt the camera down for a more intimate, sometimes flattering look.”

Another tip: Work the planes. To add dynamic tension, experiment with aiming your subject’s face, shoulders, and hips in different directions. Place the left shoulder slightly forward and the hip slightly back, for example.

It’s also important to show space between the arms and body. Bending an elbow can help highlight the subject’s waist, while flexed elbows, wrists, and knees tend to add energy.

Asking your subject to put the weight on the back leg frees up the front leg to become an expressive element. In the larger shot here, Miller had Spector shift her weight onto her left foot, so her right leg could cross her body, giving the legs an active triangular composition. “Shifting weight allows for the subject to look less flat-footed and is a great way to add shape to the pose,” the photographer says.

Tilt and cock the head. This can suggest personality and intimacy, but don’t go too far. And watch the hands. Can’t get them to look right? Hide them as Miller did.

Finally, try adding a prop. “Having something for your subjects to lean against, like a chair, can relax them,” says Miller.

Hot Tip: When directing your subject, request that changes made in the placement of body, limbs, and head be very minor. Slight placement differences can affect a pose in big ways. Instead of simply asking that a subject “look left,” for example, ask for a very small turn to the left.

2. Gear choices: Begin with the lens

Why are wide-angle lenses anathema to portrait shooters? These two pictures tell the story. Miller made the left shot with a classic 85mm portrait lens and the right one with a standard-range zoom at 35mm. The results are like night and day. Here’s why: To fill the frame with a portrait subject using a wide-angle lens, you must move in very close. In the photo taken at 35mm, the camera was about 3 feet from our model, while for the 85mm shot, the camera was about twice as far back. The closer your camera is to the subject, the more exaggerated the parts of the face closest to the lens become. At 35mm, the nose appears much larger than the eyes because it’s significantly closer to the camera. At 85mm, the relative distance between the eyes and the nose is visually insignificant, and we see much less apparent distortion.

The correct lens isn’t the only useful piece of equipment for posed portraits. Miller mounts his camera on a sturdy support, and he brings a laptop along for shooting tethered. The former prevents camera shake, and the latter lets him share images in real-time with his portrait sitters. This collaboration gives subjects a sense of confidence and control.

Hot Tip: If all you have is a wide-angle lens, limit your posed portraits to full-body shots; don’t attempt half-lengths or tight headshots. Also, stick to environmental portraits and step back to include a lot of colorful background in your compositions. The farther back, the better!

3. Outdoor lighting: Seek shade

Taking your posed portraits outdoors can improve the variety, mood, and character of your backgrounds—certainly more easily than what you can achieve indoors. However, shooting outdoors often introduces its own problems, the most serious being unflattering light. As seen in the right-hand picture above, direct sunlight creates dark, contrasty shadows in Spector’s eye sockets and under the nose and chin. The solution is simple, though. Have your subject step into shade to even out the sun’s bright highlights and dark shadows for more flattering portrait lighting.

What if you find the perfect outdoor backdrop, but the setting has no shade? Do as Miller did and create your own. For the left-hand picture, his assistant held a 2×3-foot diffusion panel above Amy Spector. This created an oasis of soft, very effective light for a much more flattering shot.

Another way to improve portraits made in direct sunlight? Place a reflector immediately below your subject’s face and angle it up to bounce sunlight back up into the eye sockets and under the chin and nose. The face will be more evenly lit—and also brighter than what’s possible in shade. This added brightness can afford you faster shutter speeds or smaller apertures, either of which can render the unlit areas of the background darker, causing your subject to stand out more emphatically.

Hot Tip: On a partly cloudy day, your best bet is to wait for a thinly overcast sky. The light under such conditions can be bright enough for handheld exposures, as well as soft, even, and highly flattering.

4. Indoor lighting: Flash vs. softbox

Because of its convenience and low cost, on-camera flash exerts a strong allure for novice portraitists. Resist it! Your results could resemble the right-hand image above. Compared with the picture on the left, which was lit with a studio strobe and softbox, the direct-flash portrait appears flat and harshly lit, with shiny bright highlights and a distracting shadow behind the subject. The portrait lit by softbox is more flattering, with greater dimension and shaping across the face and softer highlights in the complexion. It avoids the contrasty facial sheen of direct-flash portraits.

Note that by placing his main light off-axis, away from the lens, Miller was able to aim the softbox down onto the model’s face. “I like to have my key and backlight kind of high, shooting down, because it’s directional and natural, kind of like the sun,” says Miller. This strategy also created the shadow across her neck that serves to set off and “present” the face in a flattering manner.

Conversely, the on-camera flash illuminates the neck and face equally, giving the former an unwelcome prominence. Raising his light also buried the shadow cast behind Spector. As a result, she seems to exist in her own timeless world, one without the confining walls suggested by the on-camera-flash shadows.

Hot Tip: If you must light with an on-camera flash, try bouncing its output off a nearby white wall or ceiling, turning either into a giant reflector—without aiming the flash directly at your subject.

5. Expressions: Make them count

The closer you zoom in on a portrait subject, the more weight the person’s facial expression carries. At first, it may seem difficult for novice portraitists to coax relaxed and expressive looks from their subjects. But with practice, it gets easier.

Miller says he starts by putting his subjects at ease. “Before a shoot, I do some homework,” he says. “I try to find out if there’s anything the subject and I have in common. Something we could talk about. I may also show a subject an example of the kind of portrait I want to take. If they like the example, it can build trust. Also, subjects who are parents love to talk about their kids. It can really open them up.”

The good news? The difference between a deadpan, lifeless expression (right) and one that suggests a rich, lively intelligence and vibrant inner life can be achieved through very minor tweaks to the face and head. A slightly lifted eyebrow (left) or a tipped or tilted head can be enough.

“I’m always on the lookout for unexpected moments,” says Miller. “The seconds right after a person laughs, for example, often produce unguarded and natural expressions that can be very charming.”

Hot Tip: When he zooms in to focus on a person’s facial expressions, Miller will often place a black flag beside his subject, opposite to the main light. As in this shot, it darkens the shadowed side of the face, which accentuates its shape and adds a sense of depth and dimension to the image.

The post Five tips for more flattering portrait photography appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Sony A1		SEE IT	Sony’s flagship has everything a photographer could need.
Best for beginners		Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV		SEE IT	A bridge camera ready for a variety of wildlife.
Best durable		Olympus OM-D E-M1X		SEE IT	Robust weather-sealing so you can stay out in the elements.

Photography subjects don’t get much more fascinating—or challenging—than wildlife. Wildlife photography can take you to some truly special places to document incredible animals in their natural habitats. It doesn’t always have to involve a full-on safari, though. There’s likely wildlife in your area right now that could make for incredible photos. Even if you’re not traveling far, however, wildlife photography can be a very challenging process. You have to put yourself in the right place and the right time, ready to capture the action at a moment’s notice. Conditions may not be the most comfortable either. But, when you get that shot at just the right time, there aren’t many things that beat it. The best cameras for wildlife photography will be ready when you and your wild subject are.

In previous camera generations, only high-end options had the features and operating speed needed to capture wildlife. These days, there are an overwhelming number of options out there, depending on your skill level, budget, and goals. And while having the most high-tech camera can be fun, the best cameras for wildlife photography for you, in particular, may be something different altogether. 

• Best overall: Sony A1
• Best for beginners: Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
• Best DSLR: Nikon D500
• Best durable: Olympus OM-D E-M1X
• Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500
• Honorable mention: Canon EOS R5
• Honorable mention: Fujifilm X-T4

How we chose the best cameras for wildlife photography

The editors and writers at Pop Photo have decades of photography experience in just about every genre and have reviewed just about every major camera on the market. When selecting the best cameras for wildlife photography, we looked at a handful of key features necessary to document animals successfully. Burst rate, buffer capacity, and autofocus abilities sat at the top of our list as these are crucial for wildlife photography. We also looked at build quality, as wildlife cameras should be able to hold up to the elements. Lastly, we tried to choose options with different sensor sizes suitable for different types of photographers and budgets.

The best cameras for wildlife photography: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Sony A1

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Why it made the cut: With 30fps, an industry-leading autofocus system, and an impressive 50MP sensor, Sony’s A1 is a powerful camera for anything, but especially wildlife photography.

Key features

• Megapixels: 50 megapixels
• Frames per second: Mechanical shutter: 10 fps, Electronic shutter: 30 fps up to 155 frames (Raw)
• Autofocus points: 759 phase-detection, 425 contrast-detection
• Weight: 1.6 pounds (body only)

Pros

• Exceptional autofocus
• 8K and 4K video
• Fast burst mode

Cons

• Expensive
• Rear display could be better

As the best camera for wildlife photography, the Sony A1 is packed full of advanced technology, making it a great all-around powerhouse, but one especially suited for sports and wildlife photography. Sony built this camera around an incredibly fast 50MP stacked CMOS sensor. If you like to use flash, this sensor will be an asset, as it is fast enough to sync with flashes up to 1/400 sec. The autofocus system is also quick and precise and has autofocus points covering 92% of the image area. It can lock onto animals eyes and track them, just like it would a person.

The electronic shutter of the A1 is capable of up to 30fps for up to 155 Raw images. This high buffer capacity means you can fire off loads of shots without your camera getting bogged down. In addition, it has excellent low-light performance with an ISO range of 100 to 32,000 or extended up to 102,400, and autofocus sensitivity down to -6 EV. Finally, the weather-sealing on this camera means it can stand up to some adverse weather, so you don’t have to be as nervous about taking this expensive piece of equipment out and about. This is truly a professional piece of gear. 

Best for beginners: Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV

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Why it made the cut: Sony’s RX10 IV is an impressive bridge camera. It is capable of 4K video, 24 fps, and has an equivalent focal length of 24 to 600mm, making it ideal for capturing wildlife.

Key features

• Megapixels: 20.1 megapixels
• Frames per second: 24 fps up to 249 frames (JPG)
• Autofocus points: 315 phase-detection points
• Weight: 2.41 pounds (body with battery and memory)

Pros

• Dust and splash resistant
• Fast autofocus
• Good zoom range
• 4K video

Cons

• A bit pricey
• Zoom speed could be faster

If you don’t have big bucks to spend on a telephoto lens that costs more than your car, a bridge camera can provide a much more accessible solution. The Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is an excellent bridge camera built around a large, 1-inch sensor, which is larger than some of its cheaper competition. The attached lens is 8.8 to 220mm, which offers the equivalent angle of view to a 24-600mm lens on a full-frame camera. That gives you 25x zoom, which will help capture animals in the distance. And it offers 4.5 stops of stabilization, so even when at the longer focal lengths, you can get sharp images. You should still plan to use a tripod or a monopod when possible, though. 

The RX10 IV is capable of 24 fps with autofocus tracking, and the phase-detect autofocus of this camera is fast and accurate, helping ensure you get the shot right. In addition, the built-in lens has a max aperture of f/2.4-f/4, giving you the ability to blur backgrounds and work in low-light situations. And, if capturing tiny wildlife like bugs is your thing, it can focus as close as 1.2 inches when zoomed out and 2.4 feet when zoomed in.

Best DSLR: Nikon D500

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Why it made the cut: Despite its age, the D500 is still one of the best DSLRs for wildlife due to its 200 Raw file buffer capacity and fast autofocus. 

Key features

• Megapixels: 20.9 megapixels
• Frames per second: 10 fps for up to 200 frames (Raw)
• Autofocus points: 153 phase-detection points
• Weight: 1.89 pounds (body with battery and memory)

Pros

• Fast and accurate autofocus
• High buffer capacity
• Rugged build quality

Cons

• Live view autofocus could be improved
• Video tools are a bit limited

Nikon released the D500 in 2016, but it remains an excellent DSLR choice if you’re looking for the best cameras for wildlife photography. The APS-C sensor has 20.9 megapixels for quality images. The camera has an expanded ISO range of up to 1,640,000, making it very capable in low-light situations. 

The D500 can shoot 10 fps for an impressive 200 Raw frames, meaning you can fire away when your subject is in motion. The autofocus system on this camera is fast and accurate, at least when looking through the viewfinder. Unfortunately, when in Live View, the autofocus switches to contrast-detection, which is not as fast as the phase-detection system. Lastly, your telephoto lenses will have even more reach with the 1.5x crop factor, meaning you can save some money and space in your camera bag.

Best rugged: Olympus OM-D E-M1X

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Why it made the cut: Olympus designed the OM-D E-M1X to thrive outdoors and in the elements. The rugged body can shoot up to 60 fps, making it a great choice for those off-the-beaten-path wildlife adventures.

Key features

• Megapixels: 20.4 megapixels
• Frames per second: 60 fps for up to 49 frames (Raw)
• Autofocus points: 121 cross-type points
• Weight: 2.19 pounds (body with battery and memory)

Pros

• Advanced weather-sealing
• Integrated vertical grip
• In-body image stabilization
• 4K video

Cons

• Noise level at higher ISOs could be better
• No tracking at highest burst rate

OM Digital Solutions corp., formerly Olympus, has long focused on outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. The OM-D E-M1X fits the bill, as it exceeds the IPX1 weatherproofing standard and can function in harsh conditions. These cameras also offer an excellent Dust Reduction System to keep your sensor clear of debris, a plus when changing lenses in less-than-perfect situations. 

The OM-D E-M1X is capable of up to 60 fps for 49 Raw frames or a lower 10 fps for up to 287 Raw frames and unlimited JPGs. Unfortunately, there is no AF tracking when shooting at 60 fps, so one of the lower options may be better if that is important to you. The autofocus system is speedy and responsive, helpful for reacting quickly to moving wildlife. And the five-axis sensor stabilization means that you can get sharp shots with even your largest telephoto lens.

Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500

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Why it made the cut: For those on a budget, the LUMIX FZ2500 is a bridge camera that packs in features like a 20.1MP sensor, 4K 30p video, and impressive autofocus, all at a reasonable price.

Key features

• Megapixels: 20.1 megapixels
• Frames per second: 12 fps 
• Autofocus points: 49 contrast-detection points
• Weight: 2.13 pounds (body with battery and memory)

Pros

• Built-in neutral density filter
• 4K video
• Fast autofocus
• Versatile 20x zoom

Cons

• Lens quality could be better

Panasonic designed the LUMIX FZ2500 for video enthusiasts, so those wanting to make videos of their wildlife adventures are in luck. It is capable of 4K video at up to 30fps and uncompressed 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output, so you are sure to get quality footage. Featuring a 1-inch sensor, the FZ2500 has a native ISO range of up to 12,800 and an expanded range of 25,600, making it good in low-light situations. The built-in lens is a 24-480mm equivalent, useful for both landscape photos and tight wildlife shots.

Though it doesn’t have as many autofocus points as others on this list, it is a fast, accurate autofocus system for its class. It is almost instant when locking on to a subject in bright conditions. The burst rate is also strong, with 12 fps and a buffer of 35 Raw or 100 JPGs. You can lower the resolution to 8MP to take advantage of a fast 30 fps if that is your focus.

Honorable mention: Canon EOS R5

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Why it made the cut: This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the impressive Canon EOS R5. With exceptional 8K video, a 45MP sensor, and an innovative autofocus system with 1053 autofocus points, this camera is built for performance.

Key features

• Megapixels: 45 megapixels
• Frames per second: Mechanical shutter: 12 fps for up to 180 frames (Raw) Electronic shutter: 20 fps for up to 83 frames (Raw)
• Autofocus points: 1053 phase-detection points
• Weight: 1.62 pounds (body with battery and memory)

Pros

• Excellent image quality
• Innovative autofocus
• Weather-sealed
• Quality 8K video

Cons

• Overheating issues when shooting more than 4K 30p video

Canon’s EOS R5 is an impressive camera all-around, and those talents translate to wildlife photography. It has a newly developed 45-megapixel CMOS sensor for exceptional image quality and is capable of up to 8K 30p video or 4K 120 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit with Canon Log. However, it is known to have limitations due to overheating at higher-quality video specs, maxing out at about 20 minutes when shooting 8K. If you’re planning to shoot a ton of 8K footage, you should really buy a cinema camera anyway.

The autofocus is what really makes the R5 exciting. Autofocus points cover nearly 100% of the frame, and it is said to be the best autofocus system available. For wildlife photographers, the quality of the Animal AF cannot be overstated. Canon has introduced a Deep Learning algorithm, which enables you to point the camera at an animal, and it will recognize the animal and lock on to the eyes. It is reliable across many species, even though Canon only specifies dogs, cats, and birds, and tracks even with lots of movement.

Honorable mention: Fujifilm X-T4

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Why it made the cut: With a burst mode of up to 20 fps with the electronic shutter, in-body stabilization, and excellent weatherproofing, the X-T4 is certainly one of the best cameras for wildlife photography.

Key features

• Megapixels: 26.1 megapixels
• Frames per second: Mechanical shutter: 15 fps for up to 38 frames (Raw) Electronic shutter: 20 fps for up to 36 frames (Raw)
• Autofocus points: 425 phase-detection points
• Weight: 1.16 pounds (body only)

Pros

• Compact
• Excellent weather-proofing
• Good in-body stabilization
• Autofocus system works well even in low-light

Cons

• Face/eye detection not as strong as competitors

Fujifilm’s X-T4 is the lightest option on this list–just 1.16 pounds for the camera body– making it an excellent choice for those who travel a lot for their wildlife photography. It features a back-illuminated, 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor that allows excellent low-light performance with a native ISO range of 160-12800. In addition, the autofocus system is quick and can provide accurate focus in low-light conditions down to  -6 EV, ideal for shooting at dusk or dawn or even in thick jungles.

One of the more exciting features of this camera is the in-body stabilization. It has 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization that can reduce camera shake by up to 6.5 stops. This stabilization will be significantly helpful when using the long telephoto lenses necessary for wildlife photography. The APS-C format also means that the telephoto lenses will get you even closer to the action than on a full-frame. 

Things to consider before buying the best cameras for wildlife photography

Wildlife photography can look vastly different depending on the photographer and the subject involved. That variance can make choosing the best cameras for wildlife photography tricky. But, by understanding some of these critical features, you can decide which are essential and worth paying for and which you can skip out on.

Sensor size

There are three main choices for sensor size: Full-frame, APS-C (crop sensor), and Micro Four Thirds. Each of these formats will have different advantages, so it’s a matter of deciding what makes the most sense for you. 

Full-frame sensors are the size of a picture taken on 35mm film and usually offer superior noise handling and high dynamic range. Wildlife photographers often shoot in bright situations, but they also regularly require fast shutter speeds in shaded areas, which means bumping up ISO. The downside to full-frame cameras is that they are usually bigger and heavier than their smaller-sensor counterparts. Wildlife photography frequently involves travel or hiking, and you may not want to lug around a heavy camera if you are going on long expeditions for your wildlife photos.

APS-C sensors, or crop sensor cameras, often offer a similar feature set to their full-frame competition, but do so in smaller bodies. The other benefit to crop sensor cameras is that they have between 1.5-1.6x focal length magnification, meaning your telephoto lens will have even more reach. For example, on a Nikon APS-C camera like the D500, a 100mm lens will give you the angle of view equivalent to what you’d expect out of a 150mm lens. 

Like APS-C cameras, Micro Four Thirds offers a smaller size and weight. They also have even more focal length magnification, coming in at 2x. So that 100mm lens will be 200mm. That crop factor can be a big space–and money–saving benefit.

It’s also worth noting that crop-sensor camera lenses can be smaller than their full-frame alternatives. Compare the Olympus super-telephoto lenses to full-frame models from Canon or Nikon and they’re often less than half the size and weight. 

Autofocus

Autofocus is extremely important in wildlife photography. You may only have a split second to react when an animal makes an appearance, and if your autofocus isn’t fast or accurate enough to respond in that time, chances are you won’t get many usable images. 

You’ll want an autofocus system that is fast and responsive, accurate, and capable of achieving focus in low-light conditions. Good subject tracking is also a plus, as then you can follow an animal across a scene and keep focus locked on it. You want AF points across as much of the sensor as possible, which gives mirrorless cameras an edge over DSLRs. 

Most of the major manufacturers have autofocus modes specifically to track animals. Canon, Nikon, and Sony all have specific animal tracking AF modes that lock onto your wildlife subject and stick with them as they move. Olympus has a bird-specific AF tracking system that achieves a similar effect.

Frames per second and buffer capacity

Besides fast autofocus, fast continuous shooting is crucial for wildlife photos. For example, if you are photographing a bird flying, being able to fire off many frames very quickly will help make sure that you get a shot with the wings in the exact right position. While you still need to know when to start taking photos, it takes some guesswork out of the equation. So look for a camera with high frames per second, something with 8 FPS or higher, to capture those fast-action moments. Many high-end mirrorless models can go to 20 or even 30 fps without issue.

To truly take advantage of your camera’s FPS, you’ll also want to look for something with a good buffer capacity. Buffer capacity refers to how many images your camera can take continuously without stopping. If your camera locks up after taking a few shots, you’ll get stuck watching the moment pass by. Keep in mind that the buffer capacity will differ when shooting RAW versus JPG, and your memory card’s write speed will also play a role. 

Build quality

As mentioned, wildlife photography typically requires travel of some sort. It also means that you are likely to be out photographing in less than ideal conditions. Lying in wet grass, getting caught in rainstorms, or standing on windy beaches, are all common occurrences with wildlife photography. Therefore, having a camera that can stand up to whatever your travels may throw at you is important. Look for a camera that has weatherproofing and a durable build.

Lens options

The last thing to consider isn’t exactly a camera specification, but it is vital to wildlife photography. Telephoto lenses are a necessity when photographing wildlife, as you typically need to remain at a distance. Thus, choosing a camera system with a good selection of compatible telephoto lenses is a must. If you opt for a point-and-shoot or bridge camera, go with something with a large zoom range since you won’t have the option of changing out your lens. 

An additional feature to look for is telephoto lenses with weather-sealing so that they can stand up to the elements just like your camera body can.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best cameras for wildlife photography

• Best overall: Sony A1
• Best for beginners: Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV
• Best DSLR: Nikon D500
• Best durable: Olympus OM-D E-M1X
• Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX FZ2500
• Honorable mention: Canon EOS R5
• Honorable mention: Fujifilm X-T4

While there is no shortage of exceptional cameras available for wildlife photography, Sony’s A1 checks all the boxes and is extremely well-rounded. The massive–and fast– 50MP sensor allows for excellent low-light performance and speed, two things essential to wildlife photographers. The burst rate and buffer capacity help ensure you won’t miss the moment, and the quality of both stills and video is excellent. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best cameras for wildlife photography in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Instagram can provide wonderful opportunities for photographers. It can help us show work to new people, see new perspectives, and gain inspiration. However, it can also open people up to criticism, negativity, and spam content. Luckily, you have the power to at least somewhat control the comments on your posts with help from filters and the ability to delete comments. You also can delete your own comments on the posts of others, should the need arise. Read on to find out how to delete a comment on Instagram and why doing so could make your Instagram account a much better place.

Why you should delete a comment on your post

You likely have heard that engagement on Instagram is valuable, and any interaction is good, but that’s not the whole story. The quality of that interaction matters. While deleting every single comment could impact your engagement and, therefore, who sees your posts, deleting harmful ones now and then will have no real impact.

Before diving into the reasons to delete, it is first necessary to clarify the purpose of your account. If you use your Instagram only for casual life updates for friends and family, then you don’t have to worry about potential clients stumbling into a toxic comment section. Likewise, if you like to drive conversation and debate on your page, you will want to weed out different types of comments than if you are selling products. Don’t be afraid to curate your posts according to the goals and purpose of your account to foster the best community for your audience.

Spammy comments

If you have an Instagram account, you have almost certainly experienced your fair share of spam comments. They seem to be an unavoidable, though constantly fluctuating, aspect of the app. It could be trying to get you to pay for promotion through some page or telling you that you won a free iPhone. You should delete these comments whenever you see them. For business or creative accounts, spam comments can take away from the professionalism and authority you may have, which is not something you likely want. It can make it look like no one is monitoring the account, which undercuts its authority.

Inappropriate, offensive, or hateful content

Comments with sexist, racist, homophobic, or any other hateful or offensive language should get deleted as soon as possible. Not only could it reflect poorly on you or your business, but more importantly, it fosters an unsafe environment. Don’t be afraid to report accounts that make these kinds of posts, either, so they can’t spew bile in other comment sections.

Trolling comments

Trolling comments may overlap with the other two types of comments mentioned above but are worth mentioning as a stand-alone category. Trolls are out to rabble-rouse, so leaving their comments up could drive a rash of follow-up comments that dissolves into nothing more than arguing and hurtful words. Delete or hide these comments.

Negative comments

Deleting negative comments falls into a gray area that comes down to the type of account you’re running. For business accounts, you may want to use negative comments (within reason) as a chance to respond professionally and publically address any issues. Your response could win over people on the fence about your brand and even help you gain new loyalists. And it shows that you stand by your brand and are willing to take feedback and improve.

However, if you have a creative account or only use Instagram casually for sharing bits of your life, there is no sense or need to put up with negativity. So go ahead and hit delete in those cases.

How to delete a comment on Instagram

Once you’ve decided what types of comments go against your policies, it’s time to learn how to delete them. You can now delete comments on both the mobile and desktop versions of Instagram. But no matter which version you are using to delete comments, you will first need to be logged in to your account.

Deleting a comment on the desktop version:

Step 1: After logging in on the desktop version, go to the post with the offending comment. 

Step 2: Find the problematic comment and click the three dots underneath next to “Reply.” 

Step 3: A window will pop up in the middle of your image with the option to delete. Tap delete to remove the comment.

On an Android phone:

Step 1: Tap on a comment or the comment word bubble to go to the comment summary page. 

Step 2: Long press on the comment until it is highlighted, and a bar pops up at the top of the app screen with a thumbtack, exclamation point, and trash can. 

Step 3: Tap on the trash can to delete. 

On iPhones:

Step 1: Tap on a comment to go to the comment summary page, 

Step 2: Swipe left on a comment.

Step 3: Tap the trash can to delete it.

How to delete an Instagram comment on someone else’s post

You can only delete a comment that you wrote on someone else’s post, not one by another person. You can report comments by others, but that is all. Luckily it is easy to walk through how to delete your comment on Instagram. To delete your comment on someone else’s post, you follow the same process as outlined above, depending on your device.

How to hide a comment on Instagram

If deleting a comment is too final for you, you also have a few options for hiding comments. Hiding comments can be a good option for trolls, as they won’t know that their comment is hidden (it is still visible to them) and thus it won’t add fuel to the fire.

If you have a problematic Instagrammer on your page, you can hide their comment and all future comments from them. To do so, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Long-press the offensive comment 

Step 2: Tap the exclamation in the top right corner.

Step 3: Tap “Restrict.” 

Restricted users will still be able to comment and see their comments, but it will be grayed out on your end until you click to see and then approve the comment. Others won’t be able to see their comments at all until you approve them. You can also restrict users through their profile page. 

Another option for hiding comments is more preemptive. Instagram allows you to filter comments that its algorithm deems offensive. You can also set up custom filters with words or phrases that you don’t want on your page. For example, if you are sick of the spam comments about winning something, you can create a filter to hide comments automatically that say, “Congratulations! You’ve won!” To filter content, do the following:

Step 1: Go to your profile.

Step 2: Tap the three lines in the top right corner and click Settings.

Step 3: Tap Privacy.

Step 4: Tap hidden words.

Step 5: Choose the appropriate options for your needs. You can toggle on “Hide comments” and “Advanced comment filtering.” Scroll down slightly to create a custom words and phrases list for filters. 

How to edit a comment on Instagram

Unfortunately, Instagram does not support the ability to edit comments at this time. You have two options if you make a typo or want to change your comment for other reasons. You can delete your original comment and post a new one or reply to your own comment with whatever updates you want to make.

The post How to delete a comment on Instagram appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Instagram has had its fair share of controversy lately, so deleting your account may seem more appealing than ever. Maybe you’ve decided that your privacy isn’t protected or respected enough by the social media company. Or perhaps you’re worn down by the constant barrage of information or how easy it is to compare your life to others. Any number of variables could have you wondering how to delete your Instagram account.

No matter the reason, if you’ve decided you’ve had it with Instagram, you have a few options. You can simply delete the app and do nothing more, temporarily deactivate or disable your account, or delete your account, which is permanent.

How to delete the Instagram app

If you want just a casual, brief breakup from Instagram, deleting the app is the easiest way to do so. Deleting the app will remove any temptation to open it up and start scrolling again, so this is a great option if you need a social media detox but want to come back eventually.

1. Find the Instagram icon.
2. Tap and hold on the icon.
3. Tap Uninstall (for Android) or Remove App (on iPhone).

However, this will still leave you the option to visit Instagram from your browser (if the lackluster user interface isn’t enough to discourage you from doing so).

How to deactivate Instagram on your phone or computer

Deleting the Instagram app does not change how others see or interact with your account. So, if you want something that will hide your account, but you aren’t quite ready to fully end things forever, deactivating or disabling your Instagram account may be the way to go. When your account is disabled, everything associated with it, including your profile, likes, comments, and photos, will be hidden from others. Disabling your account is a temporary measure, and you can reactivate it whenever you want by logging back in.

Unfortunately, Instagram does not allow you to disable your account from the app. The only way to do so is from a computer or in a web browser on your phone. Here’s how to disable your Instagram account:

From your phone’s mobile browser:

1. Log in to your Instagram account on the web browser on your phone. 
2. Tap on your profile photo in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap Edit Profile.
4. Scroll down to the bottom right and tap Temporarily disable my account.
5. Choose an option from the “Why are you disabling your account?” drop-down menu and re-enter your password.
6. Select Temporarily disable my account again.

From a computer:

1. Log in to your Instagram account on your computer’s web browser.
2. Tap on your profile photo in the top right corner and select Profile.
3. Tap Edit Profile.
4. Scroll down to the bottom right and tap Temporarily disable my account.
5. Choose an option from the “Why are you disabling your account?” drop-down menu and re-enter your password.
6. Select Temporarily disable my account again.

How to permanently delete your Instagram account

If you want to get rid of your account for security or privacy reasons, disabling it won’t be enough, as all of your information will still be there. Or maybe you have other reasons for wanting a more permanent solution. Either way, you’ll want to delete your account, not just disable it. 

While you will have 30 days to change your mind, deleting your account is permanent. All of your photos, followers, likes, and comments will be gone. It is a way to remove your Instagram account from the world of social media entirely. Because of this, you may want to download a copy of your data. Instagram provides instructions on how to do so. Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t make it all that easy to find where to go to delete an account. But, once you are ready, follow the steps (and link) below.

1. Log in to your account at instagram.com via your computer’s web browser.
2. Go to the Delete Your Account page. Note: There is no way to navigate to this page from your account. You can get to it via the link above or by searching Instagram’s help articles.
3. Select a reason for deleting your account. 
4. Re-enter your password.
5. Click to delete your account.

How to delete an Instagram account on your phone

For those who don’t have access to a computer, being able to delete an account on a phone would be ideal. Unfortunately, despite being almost exclusively an app-based platform, Instagram does not allow you to close an Instagram account via the app. Instead, just like deactivating your account, you’ll have to use your mobile web browser.

1. Log in to your account at instagram.com via your phone’s mobile web browser.
2. Go to the Delete Your Account page. Note: There is no way to navigate to this page from your account. You can get to it via the link above or by searching Instagram’s help articles.
3. Select a reason for deleting your account. 
4. Re-enter your password.
5. Click to delete your account.

Once you have deleted your Instagram account, you have 30 days to change your mind and reinstate your account. Your account will be invisible to others during that time, but you can log in and reactivate your account within that 30 days if you wish. 

The post How to delete your Instagram account appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera		SEE IT	A good camera drone with plenty of features.
Best for beginners		Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners		SEE IT	Fully programmable while still being straightforward to fly.
Best for video		CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone		SEE IT	Two camera angles for unique perspectives and quality video recording.

Drones aren’t just for the military or incredible wildlife documentarians anymore. In the past decade, drones have become widely accessible and have mostly taken the place of toy airplanes or toy helicopters. Today, drones have become a favorite among photographers, videographers, kids, and anyone who just wants to fly a cool toy. They’re fun, sleek, and stimulating. Drones can be pretty expensive. While there are extreme cases of $300,000 drones (good lord), most higher-end drones fall around $1K-$2K. For novice flyers or those watching their budget, this can be off-putting. Luckily, there are lots of great budget options available. While they might not be as fancy and advanced as their more expensive counterparts, there are several options that are stable, easy to use, and offer a great user experience. Here are some of the best drones under $100 so you can take flight.

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

How we chose the best drones under $100

The writers and editors at Pop Photo have decades of experience in just about every genre of photography and photography-adjacent topics. When selecting the best drones for under $100, we wanted to make sure to find quality options that still had decent features and were easy to fly, despite the low price point. Stability in the air and battery life were important factors as well. Lastly, we tried to select drones that fit various use types and user preferences.

The best drones under $100: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera

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Why it made the cut: With a variety of features, this budget drone has a bit of everything in a perfect mid-size model with a 1080p FPV camera and lots of easy-to-use in-app controls.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 12.6 x 12.6 x 4.70 inches
• Weight: 5.3 oz
• Recording Modes: 120° FOV 1080P

Pros:

• Excellent value
• Easy to use remote
• Great for beginners
• 1080p video capabilities

Cons:

• Not wind-proof
• Phone app asks multiple permissions; may be too intrusive for some users

The Holy Stone is the holy grail when it comes to the best drones under $100. It features a pre-set button that allows for flips in any direction and a landing feature that assists novice flyers, so you don’t crash your new toy.

It also has a 1080P FOV 120° HD FPV camera with altitude hold for great images, tons of mobile control features in the app like voice control and gravity sensor control, and multiple speeds. And it comes with two batteries for a total of 20 minutes of flight time.

The app is easy to use, and the mid-size body makes for a perfect user experience. However, some customers didn’t like how seemingly invasive the app can be; it may be too intrusive for some.

Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners

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Why it made the cut: This lightweight and easy-to-use drone is ideal for beginners because it’s simple, stable, lightweight, and controlled via an app. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 3.86 x 3.66 x 1.61 inches
• Weight: 2.82 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver
• Stable
• Takes good 5 MP photos and videos

Cons:

• Not great for dark/nighttime use
• Not suitable for windy conditions
• Limited to 99 ft altitude

With intuitive controls and an easy-to-use app, this drone for beginners is super simple to use while learning how to fly properly.

The high-capacity battery offers 13 minutes of flight time, which is excellent at this ultra-low price point. In addition, you can record 5 MP pictures and videos with EZ Shots and easily share them on social media from your smartphone. This drone is also fully programmable with Scratch, an MIT-developed coding system that teaches kids how to program.

At under 3 oz, it’s super lightweight, which is a double-edged sword. It won’t be suitable for windy conditions, and we don’t recommend using the drone in low light conditions or at nighttime. All in all, it’s a great starter drone that doesn’t offer a ton of frills but will help take good bird’s eye photos and videos and get you started with drone flight control. 

Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids

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Why it made the cut: Get your kids in on the drone fun with this remote-controlled quadcopter with several LED light-up features, quick and easy pairing with the included remote, and 3D flips that make flying cool.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 5 x 6.22 x 1.65 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Flight time: 16-18 min

Pros:

• Automatic pairing
• Easy to control
• One key controls
• Colorful LED lights for fun night flying
• Safety guards

Cons:

• No camera

This simple drone for kids is all about the coolness factor while still teaching your kids how to fly. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a camera, so it’s more suitable as a gift for little ones looking to dip their tiny toes into the world of drones.

Since accidents happen, it’s helpful that outside safety guards protect the propellers. In short: this thing is hard to break. The remote is kid-sized for small hands, and you won’t have to rely on an app for use. It’s stable, easy to control, and comes with four LED lights with seven color effects on the motors, making for cool lighting effects. These lights are also great for night use. 

The “push to flip” feature creates fun drone flips in the air, an exciting thing for kids and adults alike. The drones can last for up to 18 minutes of flight time with 360° rotation and feature one-key landing/taking-off with three different speed adjustments to make learning to fly super accessible for any age. 

Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone

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Why it made the cut: This WiFi-enabled, foldable, palm-sized FPV drone features a 720P HD Camera, Altitude Hold, up to 12 minutes of use, and live video that stays steady without needing any assistance. 

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 6.39 x 4.59 x 3.76 inches
• Weight: 12 oz
• Video Output Resolution: 1280 x 720 Pixels

Pros:

• 720P HD Camera
• Compact and foldable
• 3D flips
• Variety of pre-programmable options
• App is clear and syncs well

Cons:

• Phone holder may not be suitable for all phones
• Could have longer battery life

A great starter drone or toy for more seasoned flyers, this mini drone fits in the palm of your hand and weighs next to nothing. The controls are extremely easy to use, no matter your experience. In addition, it has several pre-set controls, such as one-button landing, that make flying a breeze.

It can be controlled via mobile phone or remote control and includes a Headless Mode, so you never get disoriented. This mini drone also features a built-in 720P high definition FPV Wifi Camera, which takes quality aerial photos. The foldable design means it is compact and space-saving while stored, yet sizable enough for stability while in flight. The battery lasts up to 12 minutes, which isn’t long but is impressive for its size.

Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

SEE IT

Why it made the cut: Take incredible aerial videos with this 1080p HD video drone that’s tiny, easy to take on the go, and offers a whopping 40 minutes of flight time.

Key Features:

• Dimensions: 9.29 x 8.31 x 2.83 inches
• Weight: 1.48 pounds
• Video Output Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Pros:

• Up to 40 minutes of flight time
• Foldable and compact
• Protective guards
• Dual cameras / Optical flow positioning
• App supports Apple & Android

Cons:

• Included instructions are confusing
• “Follow me” function is sometimes wonky 

This HD FPV video drone with altitude hold has a little bit of everything for a budget model. It features a switchable front camera and bottom optical flow camera so you can have live images looking straightforward and simultaneously a good shot of what’s happening below. The two camera angles help capture a whole scene from different angles.

You get tons of features, including auto-hover, one-key take-off and landing, one-key flip and roll, “follow me,” and more. It’s super simple and easy to use, making it a good option for beginners and kids.

The best part? You get up to 40 minutes of flight time, which is one of the longest we’ve seen at this price point. It’s also so compact that you can easily take it in a backpack for hikes.

Things to consider before buying the best drones under $100

We’ll give it to you straight: for under $100, you can get a quality, easy-to-use drone, but don’t expect frilly features and tons of bells and whistles. Before you buy a drone, just be sure to look out for a few key features, such as the ones below. 

Video capability

Do you intend to use the drone for photography or video? Since several options under $100 include video, you might as well look for drones with that feature and practice taking photos and videos on a model you won’t be as worried about damaging.

RFT

RTF stands for Ready to Fly. That means the model comes ready to go and doesn’t require any more tools, hardware, or setup. There are lots of RTF drones under $100.

Battery charge time to flight time ratio

Look for drones that offer longer flight times with reasonable battery charge times, so you can fly often and for more extended periods without having to wait hours for just 5 minutes of flying. Many cheaper drones have shorter flight times, so one way to combat this issue is to purchase a few extra batteries.

Stability

Look for features that keep your drone stable. Since most cheap drones are made with lightweight plastic, they might not be as good at remaining stable in windier conditions. Look for language like “Altitude Hold” in the description, which means it analyzes and works with the air pressure to hold its position in flight.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best drones under $100

• Best overall: Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone with 1080P HD Camera
• Best for beginners: Ryze Tech Tello Drone for Beginners
• Best for kids: Tomzon A31 Drone for Kids
• Best mini: SIMREX X500 mini Drone
• Best for video: CHUBORY WiFI FPV 1080P HD Drone

Budget drones make quadcopter flying more accessible to novice flyers, kids, or anyone who just wants to dip their toes into the world of drones. If you’re looking for fun aerial picture taking and want to learn how to use drones without shelling out hundreds of dollars, these drones under $100 will give you a high-quality experience at a great price point.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

The post The best drones under $100 in 2023 appeared first on Popular Photography.

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This article was originally featured on Popular Science.

These days there’s just no way around it: you need to back up your videos and images from your iPhone onto another device in case your phone gets lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair. 

The default system on iOS uploads your files to iCloud (or another cloud storage platform), which is incredibly convenient since it automatically syncs your content to your tablet, computer, and the web. But if you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection at hand or just don’t want to pay extra for storage, you can also move your photos and videos over to macOS and Windows manually.

Moving files from an iPhone to a Mac computer is easy, but iOS to Windows transfers are relatively straightforward, too. All you need is a cable to connect your iPhone to your computer—so Lightning to USB-C or USB-A, depending on the ports on your device.

How to manually move images from your iPhone to macOS

As you would expect, moving files between your iPhone and your Mac is simple as Apple products get along perfectly fine. Use a cable to connect the Lightning port on your iPhone to a spare USB port on your Mac, and the two pieces of hardware will recognize each other. On your iPhone, tap Trust and unlock your device (via a passcode or biometrics) to confirm that you’re connecting your phone to a trusted computer.

Continue by opening the Photos app on your Mac computer to do some transferring. You’ll see that your iPhone appears in the navigation pane on the left-hand side of the screen: Select it to see the photos and videos on your mobile device, and click on the images and clips you want to move to your machine.

Up at the top of the screen, there’s an Album drop-down menu that you can use to choose where to import the photos and videos. Make your choice and click Import Selected to copy the files over, or click Import All to copy everything. Your files will move safely from your phone to your Mac, which you can then send to other devices and drives as needed.

You also got a couple of other options. If you’re not using iCloud Photos at all on your iPhone, open Finder and select your connected iPhone on the sidebar to the left. Switch to the Photos tab and drag and drop your images and videos to other locations on your Mac just as you would any other file. You can also run the macOS Image Capture utility to see all your iPhone photos and videos and transfer them to a specific folder on your Mac computer.

How to manually move images from iPhone to Windows

When you connect your iPhone to a new Windows computer, you’ll see a message on your phone asking if you want to allow the machine to access photos and videos on iOS—tap Allow to let file transfers happen. This should do it, but Windows might also ask you to restart your computer to finish setting up iPhone access. If that’s the case, follow the instructions on the screen and reboot.

The import process is slightly different depending on whether or not you’ve enabled iCloud Photos on your phone. If you have, install iCloud for Windows, and sign in using your Apple ID. Next, launch the native Photos app inside Windows, click the cog icon (top right), and choose Show iCloud Photos. They’ll appear in their own section inside the Photos app, and you’ll then be able to copy them to other areas of your Windows system as needed.

If you’re not using iCloud Photos, you can still use the native Photos app for Windows once your iPhone is connected. Inside Photos, click Import (top right) then select your iPhone—you’ll be able to select some or all of the images and videos on there, and you can then click Add to transfer them over to your hard drive. All you have to do first is choose a destination folder to start the import.

There is also another option, whether or not you’re using iCloud Photos. Your iPhone will show up in the navigation pane in Windows File Explorer, too, and you can browse (and copy over) the pictures and videos on it from there just as you would do from any other flash drive—just look inside the DCIM folder. Keep in mind that the folder organization structure on iOS is somewhat confusing, so you might not be able to find your files all that easily.

The post How to back up your iPhone photos without using iCloud appeared first on Popular Photography.

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