Most cost-efficient: XIAOMI Mi Drone, $457.99

One of the newest arrivals to the quadcopter fleet is the XIAOMI Mi Drone and, even though it's a newcomer, it already promises to be the most cost-efficient photography drone on the market.

Let's see what you get for the $457.99.

The XIAOMI Mi Drone comes with an onboard 4K camera capable of 3840 x 2160P at 30fps video recording with a 3-axis gimbal for stability. The drone features real time FPV transmission with the impressive 3km max transmission distance. The 5GHz transmission frequency produces a powerful signal and high anti-interference and the ergonomic controller will give you confidence during the flight. With the Xiaomi Mi Drone, you will have up to 27 uninterrupted minutes of flight time.

The quadcopter also comes with a nice set of features that make aerial photography easier:

   Tap-to- Fly (point to a place on the map to direct your drone);

   Route Planning (plan your flight and preset its time);

   Surrounded Flight (pick an area/object you want to photograph and your quadcopter will circle it);

   One Key Return (get your drone back with one button press);

   Automatic Hover (effortless and easy hover).

Related: 5 insider secrets to fly the Xiaomi Mi Drone like a Pro

Best design: DJI Mavic Pro Mini RC Quadcopter, $1299

If your desire to take cool aerial footage comes with a bigger budget, check out the DJI Mavic Pro, praised by many reviewers as the ultimate "everyday" photography quadcopter. With its small size and light weight (743g) and foldable design, the Mavic Pro is the type of drone you can take anytime anywhere without burdening yourself with a heavy case. With that, the drone did not skimp on any key features need for a stable flight and quality aerial footage.

The Mavic Pro features a 4K UHD camera with a 3-axis gimbal and boasts a staggering 7km transmission. With 27 minutes in the air at the speed of 25m/s (max speed is 18m/s), you will get a long-lasting thrill of flight and plenty of opportunities for great footage. The drone comes with an advanced obstacle avoidance system with its 4 vision cameras and precise positioning.

There are several intelligent flight modes:

   Gesture Mode (wave at the drone to take a selfie);

   Tripod Mode (slow speed for indoor flying);

   Sport Mode (fly twice as fast and maneuver more quickly).

Related: DJI drone comparison: Mavic Pro, Spark & Phantom 4 Pro

Strong built: Hubsan H109S X4 PRO, $912.62

The Hubsan H109S X4 Pro comes with a 1080P HD camera, a 3-axis gimbal for stable shooting and a 6-axis gyro for a higher wind resistance. The 5.8G FPV real-time video transmission lets you quickly see your quadcopter's footage on the LCD screen in great quality. The large battery ensures a stable flight time of 20-25 minutes. The control and transmission distance is a bit shorter than with the Mi Drone and the Mavic - about 1km - but you have the same 5.8GHz transmission frequency with interference.

The Hubsan H109X4 Pro comes with most of the popular flight mode feature: One Key Take Off and Landing, Automatic Return and Course of Waypoints.

Most fun: Walkera VITUS 320 Foldable Quadcopter, $846.99

What sets the Walkera VITUS 320 apart is that it is not only an advanced foldable RC drone, but also a flying AR console designed for more fun in the air. Just like with the Mavic, the quadcopter comes with a foldable design - you can easily pack it up in your backpack and bring along on your travels. The drone weighs 890g. You get the 12MP 4K UHD camera with a 3-axis gimbal and a 1080P FPV transmission range of 1.5km. In the air, the quadcopter can take of itself with the three directional obstacle avoidance system within 8 metres. The flight time is between 22 and 25 minutes depending on the flight mode (Gesture Mode, Visual Tracking, Point of Interest, Waypoints)

Most advanced: DJI Phantom 4 Advanced, $1327.99

We complete the list with classic - the DJI Phantom. The Phantom 4 Advanced is the priciest quadcopter in the list, but, as one would expect, comes with the goods to back it up.

You will be shooting with a 20MP 4K UHD camera with a 1 inch CMOS centre, 14fps Burst Mode and H.264 and H.265 video de-coding. The quadcopter comes with the longest flight time - about 30 minutes. The rigid titanium alloy and magnesium alloy airframe have made the drone even lighter (1368g with battery and propellers) than the original Phantom 4. The image transmission distance is 7km (just like with the Mavic) at 2.4GHz ISM working frequency and you will have 720P at 30fps Live View. As with most DJI drones, you can also benefit from the Advanced Flight Autonomy - with 5 vision sensors, GPS and GLONASS, the drone's obstacle avoidance system is on point.

As for the flight modes and extras, you have the Intelligent Flight (draw a lying course or your quadcopter with waypoints), Tap-to-Fly, Return Home and Gesture Mode.

Related: Flying high | Master the epic DJI phantom 4 like a Pro