Drones: Photo & video

The best drones for this job — with an honest verdict and the EU certificate each one needs.

• HoverAir X1

  125 gNo class markNo A1/A3 exam required

  The HoverAir X1 weighs about 125 g and carries no EU class mark — under 250 g no A1/A3 exam is needed, but the camera still means operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict.

• DJI Neo

  135 gC0No A1/A3 exam required

  The DJI Neo weighs just 135 g and carries a C0 class mark — no A1/A3 exam is mandatory, but the camera still means operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict.

• Autel EVO Nano+

  249 gNo class markNo A1/A3 exam required

  The Autel EVO Nano+ weighs 249 g and carries no EU class mark — under the 250 g line no A1/A3 exam is needed, but the camera still means operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict.

• DJI Mini 5 Pro

  249.9 gC0No A1/A3 exam required

  The DJI Mini 5 Pro weighs 249.9 g and carries a C0 class mark — no A1/A3 exam is mandatory, but the camera still means operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict.

• DJI Avata 2

  377 gC1A1/A3 certificate required

  The DJI Avata 2 weighs 377 g and carries a C1 class mark — so the A1/A3 certificate is mandatory, plus operator registration for the camera. FPV cinewhoop specs and an honest verdict.

• DJI Air 3S

  724 gC1A1/A3 certificate required

  The DJI Air 3S weighs 724 g and carries a C1 class mark — you cannot fly it without the A1/A3 certificate, and operator registration is required. Specs and an honest verdict.

• Autel EVO Lite+

  835 gNo class markA1/A3 certificate required

  The Autel EVO Lite+ weighs 835 g and carries no EU C-class mark — so in Latvia it may only fly in subcategory A3, the A1/A3 certificate is required and so is operator registration. Specs and an honest verdict on the DJI alternative.

• DJI Mavic 4 Pro

  1,063 gC2A1/A3 required; A2 certificate to fly closer to people

  The DJI Mavic 4 Pro weighs about 1063 g and carries a C2 class mark — you need the A1/A3 certificate, plus a separate A2 certificate to fly closer to people. Specs and an honest verdict.