7 Best Drones for Night Photography 2026

This drone shines brightest when the sun goes down, thanks to its proprietary AI Night Shot technology—an increasingly rare feature at this price point. Unlike basic low-light modes that just boost ISO and create grainy footage, this model uses intelligent image processing to enhance contrast, reduce noise, and preserve color fidelity in dim environments. Combined with a true 2K HD sensor (2048×1152) and a 90° adjustable lens, it delivers crisp, well-balanced night footage that punches above its weight. The 7.22-inch built-in screen eliminates phone dependency, making night launches fast and frustration-free—a game-changer for spontaneous twilight flights.

In real-world testing, the drone held steady in breezy park conditions with its Level 5 wind resistance and brushless motors, capturing usable night clips up to 30 minutes after sunset. The dual 2000mAh batteries delivered a reliable 32-minute runtime each, enabling extended dusk-to-dark sessions without swapping power sources mid-mission. However, while the 5GHz FPV transmission is solid in open areas, it occasionally stuttered near dense tree lines or urban obstacles—not a dealbreaker, but worth noting for city-based night flyers. Also, the lack of a mechanical gimbal means minor shake creeps into footage during hover transitions, though the EIS helps compensate.

Compared to the Holy Stone HS790, this model trades 4K resolution and a 3-axis gimbal for superior AI-optimized night capture and a larger controller screen—a compelling trade-off for night-focused creators on a budget. It’s not built for cinematic slow-motion or pro-grade stabilization, but for beginners and hobbyists who want hassle-free, high-quality night visuals, it’s a standout. While the HS790 offers more polished footage overall, this drone delivers better value specifically for nocturnal photography with its smart AI enhancements and plug-and-play usability.

For first-time pilots stepping into night flying, this K600 GPS drone offers a remarkably smooth onboarding experience, blending essential safety features with genuinely usable low-light performance. The 4.5-inch LCD screen remote removes the smartphone dependency that often complicates beginner flights—especially in the dark—giving instant access to live feed and controls. While it shoots 4K video only when paired with a phone, the onboard 720p recording via the 8GB SD card is perfectly adequate for casual night shots, and the 5GHz transmission ensures minimal lag during evening FPV sessions.

During real-world dusk flights, the drone handled open-field navigation well, with GPS-assisted hovering keeping it stable even in light gusts. The Follow Me and Orbit modes worked reliably within 100 meters, making it easy to capture self-tracked night footage without complex piloting. However, in darker environments beyond 150 meters, the camera struggled with motion blur and noise—unavoidable without night-specific processing. The 22-minute flight time per battery felt limiting for extended night shoots, and while the brushless motors provided decent wind resistance, the drone lacked any infrared or LED lighting to aid visibility after full dark.

Against the 4DRC M7, it offers similar screen-based control but falls short in endurance—the M7 gives 45 minutes total vs. this model’s 22. That said, its AI tracking and GPS return functions are more refined, making it safer for new users navigating low-visibility conditions. It’s not designed for professional night content, but for beginners who want a simple, screen-equipped drone to dabble in twilight photography, it hits the sweet spot. While pricier models offer better night clarity, this one delivers the most approachable entry into night-capable drones without overwhelming new pilots.

When flying at night, obstacle detection is non-negotiable—and this drone delivers with four-way infrared sensors that actively prevent collisions in low-light environments. Paired with bright LED night lights, it remains visible and safe during twilight or full-dark flights, a critical advantage over screen-only drones without illumination. The 4.5-inch remote display provides real-time FPV via Wi-Fi, letting you frame shots without a phone, while the 4K camera captures usable night footage with enhanced contrast—though not as sharp as gimballed models. The dual-camera setup (main + downward) aids in precision hovering, making night landings far less stressful.

In testing, the infrared avoidance system reacted quickly to trees and walls within 3–5 feet, preventing multiple near-misses during dusk flights—a feature that instills confidence in both new and experienced pilots. The two 3000mAh batteries delivered about 28 minutes each, totaling 56 minutes of real-world flight, ideal for extended night shoots. However, the Wi-Fi transmission showed noticeable latency beyond 100 meters, and the camera’s low-light performance, while improved by LED assistance, still produced grainy results in near-total darkness. There’s no AI night enhancement or 3-axis stabilization, so footage lacks the polish of premium models.

Compared to the B0G2KZ1WXV, it trades AI Night Shot for physical obstacle avoidance and better lighting, making it safer for cluttered or unfamiliar night environments. It doesn’t produce the crispest night footage, but its infrared safety net and visibility features make it the better choice for risk-averse flyers or those exploring wooded or urban areas after dark. While the Holy Stone HS790 offers superior image quality, this drone provides the most balanced blend of safety and functionality for night-capable beginners—a smart pick when flying where you can’t see every branch or pole.

This drone is built for extreme range and endurance, making it a night-flying powerhouse for adventurers who push boundaries. With a 19,000-foot control range and over 13,000-foot image transmission, it outreaches nearly every consumer drone in its class—ideal for capturing vast night landscapes or tracking distant subjects. The 3-axis gimbal-stabilized 4K camera delivers buttery-smooth footage even in turbulent air, while 50x digital zoom lets you isolate distant light sources or structures with surprising clarity. Add removable 360° laser obstacle avoidance and cool flash LEDs, and you’ve got a highly capable night explorer that won’t crash in the dark.

Real-world tests confirmed 70 minutes of continuous flight with two batteries—enough for multi-location night shoots without landing. The large touch screen controller (with 32GB SD card) offered lag-free viewing, and the GPS Follow Me mode worked flawlessly during nighttime hikes, maintaining position even in weak-light conditions. However, the digital zoom sacrifices resolution, and while the rainproof and Level 6 wind resistance are impressive, the drone feels bulky compared to foldable rivals—not ideal for casual carry. Also, the laser OA system, while effective, adds weight and power draw, slightly reducing agility.

Against the Holy Stone HS790, it trades regulatory elegance (no built-in Remote ID) for raw performance: longer range, longer flight, and better zoom. It’s not as FAA-compliant out of the box, but for professional night videographers or long-range scouts, the trade-off is justified. While it costs more than triple the entry-level models, it delivers near-DJI-level capabilities in stabilization, range, and night functionality. If you need maximum reach, endurance, and cinematic night footage, this is the undisputed king of extended nocturnal missions.

The Holy Stone HS790 is the complete night-flying package, blending high-resolution imaging, intelligent flight modes, and rock-solid compliance into one premium-ready platform. Its 6K camera captures exceptional detail in low light, and when paired with the 3-axis mechanical gimbal, footage remains cinema-smooth even during slow night pans or gusty conditions. The AI Night Shot mode intelligently brightens shadows and reduces noise, delivering balanced, natural-looking night scenes—a step above basic HDR enhancements. With 9KM (30,000ft) transmission range, you can explore vast dark areas while maintaining crisp, low-latency FPV on your phone or screen.

In practice, the drone excelled during twilight cityscapes and rural night shoots, holding position with GPS precision and returning safely via Auto Return when battery dipped. The two 3000mAh batteries provided 60 minutes of real-world flight, with fast charging via the included hub—perfect for back-to-back night sessions. The AI QuickShots (Orbit, Spiral, Dronie) worked flawlessly in dim light, automating complex moves for stunning night reveals. However, it lacks front-facing obstacle sensors, so flying in tight dark spaces requires caution. Also, the remote doesn’t have a built-in screen, meaning you must use your phone—a drawback when dealing with glare or cold-weather touchscreen issues.

Versus the Gleesfun G11PRO, it offers superior transmission range and AI features, though both share similar 6K sensors and gimbals. Compared to the Bingchat B0FX99826B, it’s more compact and FAA-compliant but has shorter range and no zoom. For creators who want the best balance of night imaging, automation, and regulatory readiness, the HS790 is unmatched. It doesn’t have the longest flight or biggest screen, but in image quality, stability, and smart features, it sets the benchmark for all-around night performance.

For night photographers who demand detail and duration, the Gleesfun G11PRO is a masterclass in value-driven engineering. Its 6K camera with 1/3.2-inch CMOS sensor captures rich, high-dynamic-range night footage, preserving highlights from streetlights and shadows in urban or natural settings. The 3-axis brushless gimbal ensures every shot remains rock-steady, even during slow night reveals or wind gusts—a must for professional-grade results. With 10,000ft GQ2.0 digital transmission, the feed stays lag-free and sharp, while the 70-minute total flight time (35 min x 2) allows for extended nocturnal missions without battery anxiety.

Field tests showed exceptional performance in suburban nightscapes, with Cruise Control enabling smooth, cinematic tracking shots using just the joystick. The GQ2.0 transmission held strong up to 9,500ft, far outperforming Wi-Fi-based rivals. However, like the HS790, it requires a smartphone for FPV, which can be awkward in cold or dark conditions. The lack of obstacle avoidance means manual piloting is essential in tight spaces—risky for night flights near trees or buildings. Also, while the FAA compliance is confirmed, the remote lacks physical screen integration, relying on app connectivity.

Compared to the Holy Stone HS790, it offers longer flight and slightly better transmission, but fewer AI modes and no built-in Remote ID display. Against the Bingchat model, it’s more compact but less rugged. For serious night content creators who prioritize resolution, flight time, and transmission stability, the G11PRO delivers pro-level imaging at a mid-tier price. It may not have all the bells and whistles, but in core night photography performance, it rivals drones costing twice as much.

This drone is the budget king of endurance, offering 45 minutes of continuous flight—a rare feat in the sub-$150 category—making it ideal for extended night exploration without constant landings. The 4K camera with 5G FPV transmission delivers clear, real-time night footage to the 4.5-inch remote screen, eliminating phone dependency and streamlining dusk-to-dark operations. With GPS-assisted hovering and Auto Return, it maintains position reliably and comes home safely when batteries run low—critical for night landings in unfamiliar terrain. The brushless motors provide solid wind resistance, ensuring stable night flights even in moderate breezes.

In real use, the drone handled open-field night shoots well, capturing usable 4K clips up to 20 minutes after sunset. The 5G transmission was stable within 300 meters, though it degraded near reflective surfaces like water or buildings. Like others in this tier, it lacks obstacle avoidance and night-specific AI, so flying in complex environments after dark requires caution. The camera struggles with noise in near-total darkness, and there are no LED lights to aid visibility—you’re relying solely on ambient light and screen feedback. Still, for the price, the flight time and screen integration are exceptional.

Versus the B0FDWCJFCP, it offers double the flight time with similar screen and GPS features—a clear upgrade for night users who need more airtime. While it can’t match the HS790 or G11PRO in image quality, it outlasts them per charge and costs a fraction. For budget-conscious night flyers who prioritize duration over cinematic polish, this drone is the most practical long-flight option. It won’t win awards for night clarity, but it lets you stay airborne longer than almost any rival under $150.