Revealing My Top Picks: The 5 Cameras and Drones I'd Opt for From Scratch, Explained
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Engaging with the latest technology is my jam! With Tom's Guide, I'm the lucky gal who tests the crème de la crème of gadgets - and that includes the top-notch mirrorless cameras and drones. While shipping those bad boys back is never fun, this morning, I dreamt of a world where CC (credit card) didn't exist, and I could ditch the limits and grab some of my all-time favorites.
So without further ado, let's dive into my wish list, a little peek into my go-to setup if cash was no object!
Sony Alpha 1 II
You might know me as a wildlife photography enthusiast, so it's no surprise that the Sony Alpha 1 II would be on my list. This beast features mind-blowing autofocus and a whopping 50.1MP sensor that captures stunning, sharp images. Its face and eye-detection autofocus is mind-blowing, making it perfect for nailing those split-second shots of birds in fast-paced flight.
Sony Alpha 1 II: $6,499 at SonyThis powerhouse offers unparalleled autofocus and sharp, detailed images thanks to a massive 50.1MP sensor, plus 8.5 stops of image stabilization for perfect handheld shots. It's a dream if you love outdoor photography, with a robust build quality and a bright, clear viewfinder that ensures you never miss a moment of sports or nature's action.
Rave On With a lightning-fast burst shooting speed (up to 30 fps for a whopping 153 raw images!), this camera excels at turning fast-moving subjects into breathtaking images. I'd take it with me everywhere if I could!
Fujifilm X-T50
I simply adore this baby! I snagged it for myself just recently, and it's been an absolute game-changer. The X-T50 is super reliable, with a blazing fast autofocus, impressive 5-axis IBIS (up to 7 stops), and a beautiful 40.2MP sensor.
Fujifilm X-T50: $1,399 at AmazonSucceeding and improving on the X-T30 II, this camera punches above its weight with a massive 40.2MP sensor, excellent in-body stabilization, and a dead-reliable autofocus. Its biggest selling point? The new film simulation dial! It lets me swap between various color profiles on the fly, making my photos truly stand out.
Fall for It Boy, do I love the film simulation dial! It lets me effortlessly change between a variety of custom color profiles, ensuring every shot is unique and tailored to the situation at hand. The X-T50 has plenty of other goodies too, like a super-bright 1.84M-dot touchscreen, built-in flash, and the ability to shoot RAW photos.
For portraits, landscapes, casual wildlife, street photography, and everything in between, the X-T50 is my go-to.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro
Do I even have to explain this one? After testing it, I've yet to think of another drone! The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is the pièce de résistance – a powerful machine for capturing stunning 6K videos and 100MP photos with ease. It's as reliable as it is powerful, featuring a brand-new RC Pro 2 controller that makes flying a breeze.
DJI Mavic 4 Pro: £1,879 at AmazonThis killer drone ups the ante with 6K/60fps video, a 100MP Hasselblad camera for incredibly detailed photos, and a brand new RC Pro 2 controller that makes flying smooth as butter. The long flight time, stellar performance, and versatility make it ideal for commercial and personal use.
Grab the Remote The RC Pro 2 controller is my absolute fave, with a stunning 2000-nits touchscreen that ensures easy control in any conditions and makes flying a breeze. Too bad it's not available in the U.S. yet. If you're living in the fair land of the U.K., consider yourself lucky!
DJI Neo
On the flip side, I'd always keep the super convenient DJI Neo at my disposal. It's perfect for shooting quick, spur-of-the-moment videos and easy-breezy photos wherever I might wander.
DJI Neo: $199 at AmazonThis no-frills drone is a fantastic, compact option that can shoot 4K footage at 30fps and capture detailed stills, with excellent stability in challenging conditions. It's a cinch to control, with either the new RC-N3 controller or the DJI Fly app on a smartphone.
Take Flight The best part? You don't even need a controller to fly this beauty! Just press a button,лет it do its thing, and enjoy the footage it captures. Perfect for a spontaneous adventure!
Fujifilm Instax mini 12
No professional setup would be complete without an instant camera to bring the fun! The Fujifilm Instax mini 12 is my go-to. It's a snap to use and takes great photos with wonderful detail. Plus, I love waiting for the photos to develop!
Fujifilm Instax mini 12: $79 at AmazonThis easy-to-use instant camera takes bright, detailed photos, even in low light. It comes with a helpful app to scan and share prints, as well as a selfie mirror and a close-up mode for added versatility.
Instant Gratification There's plenty to love about this little camera! Its long battery life, cute aesthetic, and fun app for scanning prints make it ideal for those spontaneous photo moments. Plus, the close-up mode lets you zoom in and capture the highlights – just the ticket for a day at the beach!
And there you have it! If money were no object, these five wonders would be part of my kit. Are there any gadgets you'd include in your pro photography/videography setup? Let me know in the comments!
More from Tom's Guide
- Take a look at this new DJI drone that combines aerial and mirrorless camera power – I can't get enough of it
- Considering the new Fujifilm X-E5? I do, but I'm glad I bought this camera instead
- Flying the DJI Neo for 10 months – my verdict (spoiler alert: it's underrated)
With this wish list, I'd be immersed in technology's finest, embracing the Sony Alpha 1 II's incredible autofocus and Fujifilm X-T50's impressive in-body stabilization. Capturing the world from above, the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and DJI Neo drones would provide stunning 6K videos and 4K footage respectively. To add a dash of instant fun, the Fujifilm Instax mini 12 would complete my setup. Each gadget represents an essential piece in the realm of technology.
