photography

Most recommended drone control apps for aerial photographers

Explore our curated list of top drone control apps specifically designed for aerial photographers. These apps help elevate your photography skills by offering advanced control features, real-time monitoring, and editing capabilities, making them indispensable tools for professionals.

7 Apps
4.5 ★ Avg Rating
Photography Category
Last updated December 2024
DJI GO 4

DJI GO 4

4.8 ★ Free

DJI GO 4 is tailored for DJI’s drone series, providing extensive controls for aerial photography. It offers features like real-time camera view, intuitive editing functions, and comprehensive flight data, ensuring photographers can capture high-quality images efficiently.

Best for: DJI drone users seeking comprehensive control features.

Pros:

  • Extensive drone control
  • Easy to use
  • Real-time camera view

Cons:

  • Limited to DJI drones
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Litchi for DJI Drones

Litchi for DJI Drones

4.7 ★ $24.99

Litchi provides powerful automation and intuitive flight controls, which allow for the creation of cinematic scenes. It's robust in features, supporting waypoint missions and VR mode, making it a favorite among professional aerial photographers using DJI drones.

Best for: DJI drone users who need advanced automated flight modes.

Pros:

  • Waypoint missions
  • VR mode
  • Comprehensive automation

Cons:

  • Paid app
  • Might have a learning curve
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Autopilot for DJI

Autopilot for DJI

4.6 ★ Free

Autopilot offers ultimate control and automation for DJI drones, perfect for high-precision aerial photography. Its streamlined user interface and advanced features like Orbit, Follow, and Zip Line make it an ideal app for capturing dynamic and complicated shots.

Best for: Photographers with DJI drones looking for precision control.

Pros:

  • High precision
  • Advanced features
  • User-friendly UI

Cons:

  • Costly
  • DJI specific
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
Pix4Dcapture

Pix4Dcapture

4.5 ★ Free

Pix4Dcapture is a reliable mapping and modeling software that converts drone images into precise 2D maps and 3D models. Ideal for photographers looking to delve into photogrammetry, it aids in capturing, processing, and visualizing aerial shots seamlessly.

Best for: Photographers interested in 3D modeling and map creation.

Pros:

  • Free mapping tool
  • 2D & 3D model creation
  • Easy integration

Cons:

  • Limited to specific drone models
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
DroneDeploy

DroneDeploy

4.4 ★ Free

DroneDeploy is a leading drone mapping software that elevates aerial photography with its user-friendly interface and advanced mapping capabilities. It is especially useful for photographers focused on landscape imagery or agricultural surveys, offering comprehensive planning and analysis tools.

Best for: Photographers in need of robust mapping and analysis tools.

Pros:

  • User-friendly
  • Advanced mapping
  • Comprehensive tools

Cons:

  • Subscription-based
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
AirMap for Drones

AirMap for Drones

4.3 ★ Free

AirMap provides unparalleled airspace insights with real-time air traffic data, ensuring safety and legal compliance for drone flights. It's a valuable tool for photographers who need to assure that their flight paths are clear and compliant within restricted airspace areas.

Best for: Photographers prioritizing safe and legal drone operation.

Pros:

  • Enhanced airspace intelligence
  • Real-time data
  • Free

Cons:

  • Focuses more on compliance than control
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website
UAV Forecast

UAV Forecast

4.2 ★ Free

UAV Forecast is designed for drone enthusiasts to plan their flights by providing accurate weather data, no-fly zones, and GPS conditions. Photographers benefit from its precise forecasts ensuring that environmental conditions are optimal for aerial shots.

Best for: Aerial photographers who need detailed weather forecasting.

Pros:

  • Accurate weather data
  • No-fly zone alerts
  • GPS info

Cons:

  • Weather dependency
Available on
iOS Android
Visit Website

Comparison Overview

App Rating Price Best For
DJI GO 4 4.8 ★ Free with in-app purchases DJI GO 4 is tailored for DJI’s drone series, providing extensive controls for aerial photography.
Litchi for DJI Drones 4.7 ★ Paid Litchi provides powerful automation and intuitive flight controls, which allow for the creation of cinematic scenes.
Autopilot for DJI 4.6 ★ Paid Autopilot offers ultimate control and automation for DJI drones, perfect for high-precision aerial photography.
Pix4Dcapture 4.5 ★ Free Pix4Dcapture is a reliable mapping and modeling software that converts drone images into precise 2D maps and 3D models.
DroneDeploy 4.4 ★ Subscription DroneDeploy is a leading drone mapping software that elevates aerial photography with its user-friendly interface and advanced mapping capabilities.
AirMap for Drones 4.3 ★ Free AirMap provides unparalleled airspace insights with real-time air traffic data, ensuring safety and legal compliance for drone flights.
UAV Forecast 4.2 ★ Free with in-app purchases UAV Forecast is designed for drone enthusiasts to plan their flights by providing accurate weather data, no-fly zones, and GPS conditions.

Quick Tips

  • Always check weather conditions before planning a shoot.
  • Familiarize yourself with airspace restrictions to ensure compliance.
  • Start with simpler apps if you're new to drone photography.
  • Use automation features to create more dynamic shots.
  • Regularly update your apps to benefit from new features.

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