Drone camera Market – By Type, By Application, By Resolution, By End-use Industry– Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Report ID: GMI11195
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Published Date: February 2025
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Report Format: PDF

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Drone Camera Market Size

The global drone camera market size was valued at USD 11.8 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at CAGR of 15.2% to reach USD 47.8 billion by 2034. The growth of market is attributed to growing adoption of drone in media and entertainment, and advancement in drone technology.
 

Drone Camera Market

The film and media sectors have rapidly adopted drone for filming as they are relatively affordable compared to helicopters or cranes. Drones can take stationary wide shots, advanced dolly movements, and more. Leading companies are increasingly investing in media and entertainment drones to gain competitive edge. For example, ideaFroge Technology invested in GalaxEye Space Solutions in July 2024, so they could create drone cameras that film through fogged up lenses or leaves, thus expanding the creative doors for filmmakers.
 

The technological advancements in drones accompanied by integration of other technologies such as AI and ML are increasing the use cases of drone cameras across domains. Drone cameras are increasingly used in remote infrastructure inspection. For instance, the provinces of Ourense and Pontevedra in the Spanish autonomous community of Galicia uses drones equipped with GPS, high resolution cameras, and 5G connectivity to inspect railway tracks. These images are later processed with artificial intelligence, which allows automating the inspection of the track.
 

The demand for drone camera in agriculture applications is increasing rapidly as these devices can be used by farmers to monitor problems such as pest invasion or nutrient-poor soils in real-time, creating field maps and soil analysis reports that help in the determination of planting patterns and increased productivity.
 

Drone cameras equipped with HD cameras, thermographic cameras or LiDAR sensors have become instrumental in providing high quality data that other sensors could not provide. Due to such factors the market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period.
 

Drone Camera Market Trends 

  • One of the key trends significantly impacting the market is the rapid improvement in image quality and sensors. There is an increased demand of drones that can capture 8K videos offering clearer images, leading to detailed shots. The increasing adoption of ultra HD content across platforms will ultimately drive the adoption of 8K cameras in drones.
     
  • Moreover, with the adoption of drones in agriculture and environment monitoring, the integration of multispectral and thermal imaging in drone cameras is also on the rise. These sensors can capture images across diverse wavelengths of light, letting drones to monitor crop health, sense changes in the environment, and gather data.
     
  • The integration of advanced AI and ML capabilities are making drones smarter by enabling autonomous flying, dodging obstacles, and tracking subjects. These enables drones to capture images and videos and analyze them instantly to identify any unique patterns in the subject and send alert to customers for corrective interventions.
     

Drone Camera Market Analysis

Drone Camera Market Size, By Type, 2021-2034, (USD Billion)

Based on type, the market is segmented into HD cameras, ultra-HD cameras, thermal cameras and multispectral cameras. The HD cameras is expected to grow significantly owing to the increase in applications such as 4K/8K video streaming, online gaming, and AR/VR.
 

  • The HD cameras market is valued at 4.2 billion in 2024. The HD cameras is the most widely used camera in the recreational drone market, primarily due to its affordable price, small size, and good performance. These units are ubiquitous in recreational photography and learning as well as in basic surveillance, which makes them popular among users and businesses who want low-cost imaging technology.
     
  • For instance, in January 2025 Sierra-Olympia Technologies introduced the concept of a MIPI interface for integration with its Viento HD10 and Viento 10 infrared drone cameras. The MIPI interface improves video data transport capabilities between devices, allowing them to work with a range of different hardware systems.
     
  • The ultra HD cameras market is expected to reach over USD 14.2 billion by 2034. Ultra HD cameras with 4K resolution and higher are capturing the interest of more consumers in the drone camera market due to their image and video quality. For example, in January 2025, DJI will launch the Flip, the company’s latest all-in-one vlog camera drone, which features automatic subject tracking with AI, one-click aerial photos, 4K video recording, and hands-free control from the DJI Fly mobile application.
     
  • The thermal cameras market is valued at 2.5 billion in 2024. The utilization of drones is being redefined by new thermal cameras that allow operations in low light and other imaging unfriendly environments. Advanced infrared technology is used for temperature measurement, making these cameras essential in search and rescue missions, firefighting, and industrial inspections. The ability to view heat signatures allows users to detect faults, hotspots, or a trapped person with unmatched precision. The growing understanding for use of drones in safety and emergency situations is boosting the economic growth of the thermal camera segment.
     
  • The multispectral cameras segment accounted for 15.4% market share in 2024. The use of multispectral cameras, which can capture data from different light spectrums, stand as the latest use of drones in agriculture, environmental study and resource management. For instance, in November 2022, DJI, the world leader of civilian drones and innovative cameras, developed and launched DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral, a drone that aims to improve productivity for both individual and organizational precision farmers around the world.
     
Drone Camera Market Share, By Application, 2024

Based on application, the drone camera market is segmented into aerial photography and videography, surveillance and security, mapping and surveying, crop monitoring and analysis, inspection and monitoring and others.
 

  • The aerial photography and videography market is expected to reach over USD 11.9 billion by 2034. The adoption of drone cameras for aerial photography and videography is one of the most intriguing aspects of drone technology today. Advanced imaging drones with gimbal stabilizers, 4k and 8k resolution sensors, and real-time video capabilities redefine what filmmakers, content creators, and photographers can accomplish. Just imagine how modern technology enables a content creator to capture cinematic footage and ultra-high-definition images from astounding angles and angles.
     
  • The surveillance and security segment are projected to reach USD 7.8 billion by 2034. The use of drone cameras profoundly affects the security industry’s monitoring and surveillance business. The cameras are useful in combination with high zoom levels and night vision thermal imaging for crowd control, border security, and search and rescure missions giving a range of ranging features that greatly enhance situational awareness for all such missions.
     
  • The mapping and surveying market is valued at over USD 2.3 billion in 2024. Drones have radically improved mapping and surveying by lowering the amount of time needed to gather the data. Topographic maps, 3D models, and geospatial information are accurately created using drone cameras fitted with powerful sensors LiDAR, multispectral, and high-resolution RGB drones. This is why these modern industry cameras are becoming essentials in remote areas, such as in construction, mining, and urbanization projects.
     
  • The crop monitoring and analysis segment is projected to reach USD 8.5 billion by 2034. The application of drone cameras for monitoring and analyzing crops has changed agricultural practices at a new pace as field data can be collected and managed instantly. By harnessing the power of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, drone cameras permits farmers to monitor crop growth through the alterations of different vegetation indices like NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index).
     
  • The inspection and monitoring segment accounted for 12.6% market share in 2024. The drone cameras are revolutionizing the visual examination and surveillance of machinery and structures in the energy, construction, and infrastructure industries. Thanks to drones equipped with thermal cameras, HD video cameras, and zoom lenses, turbines, pipelines, and bridges can be viewed and inspected remotely and within a short time period.
     

Based on resolution, the drone camera market is segmented into 12 MP, 12-20 MP, 20-32 MP, and 32 MP.
 

  • The 12 MP segment held a market share of 22.8% in 2024. The 12MP drone cameras are meant for basic image and video recording. These cameras are used mostly in recreational drones and entry level professional drones because of their affordable pricing.
     
  • The 12-20 MP is expected to reach over USD 18.6 billion by 2034. The 12 to 20 MP resolution drone cameras have added versatility for both professional and consumer use. They are used in semi-professional photography, videography, and even mapping due to their improved image detail compared to 12 MP cameras.
     
  • The 20 to 32 MP segment held a market share of 23% in 2024. The 20 to 32 MP resolution drone cameras are preferred for professional grade imaging due to the high detail and precision required in these cases. They are widely used in construction, urban planning, and even aerial cinematography because they provide clear images with 4K and higher video quality.
     
  • The 32 MP is expected to reach over USD 5.4 billion by 2034. The cutting edge of aerial imaging technology comes in the form of 32 MP and higher resolution drone cameras. These high-end professional cameras are meant for film production, advanced surveillance, and scientific research due to their unparalleled clarity and detail.
     

Based on end-use, the drone camera market is segmented into media & entertainment, agriculture, Military and defense, delivery and logistics, construction and retail estate, and others.
 

  • The media and entertainment segment held a market share of over 26% in 2024. The media and entertainment sector are entirely benefiting from drone cameras because they can now capture astonishing aerial footage from previously unreachable angles. Most filmmakers and broadcasters today, whether dealing with live coverage of an event, sports, or even movies, use cameras with high stabilization and gimbal systems which provide high-quality footage.
     
  • The agriculture is expected to reach USD 12.8 billion by 2034. Drone cameras are now used in farming for monitoring the health of crops, soil, and for mapping out fields. With the help of these cameras and their multispectral and thermal imaging capabilities, precision farming is possible by identifying issues with plant health, pest control, and irrigation. With this modern approach, resources are not wasted, and crop yield is increased significantly.
     
  • Military and defense is likely to grow at a CAGR of 14.4% by 2034. In the military and defense domains, drone cameras are used for gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) information. These high zoom, night vision, and thermal imaging cameras are vital for capturing real time data to aid in decision making.
     
  • The delivery and logistics is expected to reach USD 5.6 billion by 2034. The integration of drone cameras into the logistics and delivery sectors has been influenced by the need for sophisticated technologies that make processes more effective and reduce the time spent on deliveries. With the aid of GPS, real-time video streaming, and high-definition cameras, drone cameras can autonomously navigate and accurately target drop-off locations.
     
  • The construction and real estate market is projected to reach USD 8.3 billion by 2034. In construction and real estate, drone cameras are used to perform site surveys, track construction progress, and create marketing materials. Their application is made possible with 3D mapping and photogrammetric land surveying and extensive project documentation.
     
U.S. Drone Camera Market Size, 2021-2034, (USD Billion)

The North America drone camera market is projected to grow significantly, reaching over USD 18.6 billion by 2034. The North America region is experiencing strong growth in the market, particularly because the use of drones in various industries is increasing. In the US and Canada, agriculture, construction, energy, and defense are some of the industries where drones with sophisticated cameras are being used extensively.
 

  • The U.S. drone camera market is projected to grow significantly, reaching over USD 13 billion by 2034. The market for the drone camera industry is significantly growing in the U. S because of the demand for drones equipped with advanced imaging systems for security, cinematography, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
     
  • Canada drone camera industry is expected to witness robust growth, with a CAGR of over 15.9% by 2034. The drone camera industry is also growing in Canada because of the increased utilization of drones for agriculture, remote sensing, and resource management purposes. Due to Canada’s diverse and vast geography, drones equipped with thermal and multispectral cameras are extensively used for wildlife conservation, forestry management, and environmental monitoring.
     

The drone camera market in Europe is expected to experience significant growth with a CAGR of 14.6% by 2034. The rising use of drones in agriculture, monitoring, construction, and even entertainment makes the European region one of the fastest growing markets for drone cameras. The demand in that region is shifting towards camera drones with high resolution imaging, especially for commercial and industrial applications where quality matters.
 

  • Germany drone camera market is set to grow significantly, with projections indicating it will exceed USD 2.1 billion by 2034. Germany is experiencing growth in the drone camera industry because of increased usage in agriculture, infrastructural inspection, and media production. German firms are spending a lot of money in developing sophisticated camera systems for drones, particularly focusing on high-definition imaging and video stream processing.
     
  • The UK drone camera industry is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 13.7% by 2034. The growing use of drone technology for aerial photography, filming, and environmental monitoring has Increased the demand for drone cameras. This has resulted in the expansion of the market in the U.K. The entertainment sector is utilizing drone cameras for filming and it is subsequently improving the quality of multimedia production. Moreover, in the U.K. agriculture is incorporating drones for crop surveillance and precision farming where high definition cameras mounted on drones are used to maximize crop production.
     
  • France drone camera market is expected to experience strong growth, projected to grow at a CAGR of over 14% by 2034. The market for drone cameras in France is changing thanks to growth in commercial and hobbyist drones. The legacy France has is aiding the innovative approaches towards drone cameras systems having a sophisticated aerospace technology background.
     
  • Spain drone camera market is forecast to see substantial growth, with expectations to reach over USD 771.1 million by 2034. With increasing utilization in tourism, agriculture, and security, the market is expanding in Spain. Many Spanish farmers are using drone cameras for precision agriculture for better monitoring of crop health, irrigation management, and reduction in pesticide application.
     
  • Italy market is on track to grow steadily, expected to account reach over USD 1.3 billion by 2034. Growth in drone cameras is noted in agriculture filmmaking, infrastructure, and tourism within Italy.
    The cultural and scenic beauty of Italy increases the need for drone videography and photography, thus boosting the film and tourism sector.
     
  • The rest of europe drone camera market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 15.9% by 2034. Other regions in Europe are witnessing rapid growth in the market owing to the increase in commercial uses in the construction, energy and environmental fields. European countries like Sweden and Netherlands are using drone cameras to inspect infrastructure like wind turbines and power lines, offering detailed images that help identify areas that need repair.
     

The Asia Pacific drone camera market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth and is expected to reach over USD 14.9 billion by 2034. The use of drones equipped with cameras in agriculture, construction, media, and even surveillance serves to highlight the burgeoning technological advancement in the APAC region and is indicative of a rapidly growing market across the region.
 

  • Japan drone camera industry is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 to 2034 with a CAGR of over 15.1%. Increased demand towards high resolution aerial imaging in Japan from agriculture, construction, surveillance, and even media imaging have driven a significant growth within the country’s market alongside its technological progression.
     
  • China drone camera market is expected to dominate the global landscape, accounting for over 48.8% of the market share in 2024. Producers in China are at the forefront of the Asia Pacific region’s market, notably alongside the country's automakers spearheading innovative features such as capping camera drones to electric motors. These endeavours showcase the enhanced manufacturing capabilities, modern technology, and drone specialization of the country turning it into a content creator's delight.
     
  • The drone camera market in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 19.9% by 2034. Smart agriculture, often associated with the use of drones for crop monitoring, pest detection, and yield prediction, is a revolutionary trend towards the market in India which is expected to see a remarkable growth along with the expansion of other industries such as infrastructure and defense in India.
     
  • Australia drone camera market is expected to reach over USD 1 billion by 2034. Growth is relatively steady for both Australia and New Zealand when it comes to drone cameras, especially drones applied in agriculture, surveying, and monitoring the environment. Precision agriculture is practiced in both countries with the use of drones equipped with cameras that monitor crop health, irrigation requirements, and soil parameters, thereby increasing the need for super drones and telemetry cameras.
     
  • South Korea market is poised for significant growth, projected to reach over USD 1.5 billion by 2034. Government support towards innovation in various industries coupled with the already set high standards of drone technology in South Korea serves to explain the rapid advancement of their market.
     
  • The drone camera market in others is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 18% by 2034. Other countries in the Asia Pacific region such as Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia are applying drone technology to different sectors such as agriculture, real estate, and even logistics at a fast pace.
     

The drone camera market in Latin America is expected to reach 12.8% CAGR growth from 2025 to 2034. The Latin American market for drone cameras is expanding significantly because of technology innovations and the widespread adoption of drone cameras by various industries. Agriculture is one of the sectors at the forefront of this growth because drone cameras are increasingly used for precision farming, crop supervision, and efficient resources management.
 

  • Brazil drone camera market is expected to expand rapidly, with a CAGR of over 12.6% by 2034. There is tremendous growth in the market in Brazil. The growth is being propelled by the rising demand for drone cameras in farming, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Drones are actively participating in precision farming by performing tasks such as crop monitoring, irrigation system optimization, and soil analysis. Clearly, Brazil's huge agricultural sector is a massive contributor to the growth of drone cameras.
     
  • Mexico drone camera market is anticipated to grow at a strong rate, projected to account for over 27.4% of the global market share by 2024. The market is expanding rapidly with agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and security leading the charge. Recent drone adoption for surveillance, border control, and public area monitoring has surged with the recent rapid urbanization of the country and the corresponding need for better security.
     
  • Others drone camera market is expected to reach over USD 1 billion by 2034. The utilization of drone cameras has become more common in Argentina, Chile, and Colombia due to higher requirements from the mining, environmental, and media sectors. The increase of mining activities in Peru has created a demand for inspection drones which has resulted in increased usage.
     

The drone camera market in MEA is expected to reach over 1.1 billion by 2034. The drone camera industry is rapidly emerging in the Middle East, led by nations such as Israel, Qatar, and Kuwait that have embraced drone technology across various industries. Drones are now used routinely in construction, logistics, and real estate for aerial photography and mapping, which is crucial for urban planning and development.
 

  • South Africa drone camera market is anticipated to see steady growth, expected to reach over USD 76.4 million by 2034. In South Africa, there is growth in the drone market for agriculture, mining, thermal imaging, and infrastructure inspection. The need for precision farming techniques drives the agriculture industry's demand for high quality imaging solutions such as multi spectral and thermal cameras.
     
  • The UAE market is forecast to grow significantly, with a CAGR of over 14.7% by 2034. The UAE has also become a frontrunner in the adoption of drone cameras due to heavy spending on smart cities, infrastructure, and drone surveillance. With widespread use of drones to aid in construction and real estate logistics, Dubai is rapidly turning into a center of excellence for drone innovation.
     
  • Saudi Arabia drone camera market is expected to see impressive growth, projected to account for 45% of the global market share in 2024. The Saudi Arabian economy is growing at a fast pace because of the investment the government is making towards infrastructure and technology development for the camera drone industry under its Vision 2030 plan. The use of drones mounted with sophisticated camera systems is being adopted by the oil and gas industry, agriculture, and security services.
     

Drone Camera Market Share

The market is highly competitive. Canon Inc., Teledyne FLIR LLC, and Sony Group Corporation are the top 3 companies accounting for a significant share of 27.9% in the market.  players striving for differentiation through technological advancements, price strategies, and global market expansion.
 

The competition continues to increase due to the demand in high-resolution imaging, artificial intelligence analytics, and advanced stabilization systems. Key players are actively sponsoring research and development so that highly automated drone cameras with better battery life, lower lag time, and sophisticated peripheral security systems can be manufactured. In addition, drone camera technology has to constantly evolve due to the automation brought about by 5G networks, cloud technology, and machine learning. Important stakeholders are known to merge, acquire or form alliances because they want to jointly develop solutions that are economically feasible for particular industries. Known companies are using these partnerships to consolidate their positions and respond to the changing requirements in aerial photography, surveillance, agriculture, and industrial inspection drones.
 

Skydio controls a sizeable portion of the drone camera market, specializing in self-flying drone technology. The leadership position is sustained through innovation and strong R&D spending, as well as through merger and acquisition activity and partnerships. For example, in November 2024, Skydio purchased from GoPro 114 patent assets, boosting its self-flying drones capabilities in action and aerial imagery. This stake increases Skydio’s commanding position in AI-powered autonomous drones and further expands its role within the military, public safety, and industrial imaging domains.
 

DJI remains a leader in drone camera innovations through the latest advancements of AI powered drone imaging. For instance, in January 2025, the DJI Flip all-purpose vlog camera drone that features automatic AI subject tracking, aerial photos with a single tap, 4K video recording, and control through the DJI Fly phone app. The DJI Flip comes with built in storytelling features, as well as a protective guard around the propellers to provide ease of use and durability.
 

Drone Camera Market Companies

List of prominent players operating in the drone camera industry include:

  • DJI (SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.)
  • Canon Inc.
  • Teledyne FLIR LLC
  • Sony Group Corporation
  • Skydio Inc.
     

Drone Camera Industry News

  • In July 2024, Zen Technologies in collaboration with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies based in Pune, launched four new products. These IP-owned innovations Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS (Ultralight Remote Control Weapon Station), Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640 cater to a wide range of defence requirements, empowering forces with unmatched tactical superiority and enhanced operational efficiency.
     
  • In September 2022, Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated launched SIRAS™, a professional drone that includes a quick-connect dual radiometric thermal and visible camera payload. Engineered for data security, performance, and affordability, SIRAS is optimized for industrial and utility inspection, public safety, firefighting, and search and rescue missions.
  • In June 2021, Sony Group Corporation released the "Airpeak S1" as the first model in Airpeak line, which has been developed with the intention of contributing to the further development of drones and the utmost in value creation.
     
  • In July 2024, Skydio, announced Skydio Connect Fusion and Skydio Connect Access Points. Learn more about these products and overall connectivity improvements on Skydio’s blog.
     
  • In September 2023, Skydio, announced its latest enterprise drone, the Skydio X10. The Skydio X10 combines new, cutting-edge data capture cameras, unparalleled autonomy, and versatile hardware to serve a range of industries, including defense, energy, public safety, transportation, construction and communications.

The drone camera market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & (Volume Unit) from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

Market, by type

  • HD Cameras
  • Ultra HD Cameras
  • Thermal Cameras
  • Multispectral Cameras

Market, by application

  • Aerial Photography and Videography
  • Surveillance and Security
  • Mapping and Surveying
  • Agriculture
  • Inspection and Monitoring

Market, by resolution

  • 12 MP
  • 12-20 MP
  • 20-32 MP
  • 32 MP

Market, by end-use industry

  • Media and Entertainment
  • Agriculture
  • Military and Defense
  • Commercial
  • Construction and Real Estate 
  • Others (e.g., Mining, Insurance)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America 
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe 
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
    • Netherlands
  • Asia Pacific 
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
  • Latin America 
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East and Africa 
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • UAE

 

Authors: Suraj Gujar, Rutvij Kshirsagar
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
How big is the drone camera market?
The market size of drone camera was valued at USD 11.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 47.8 billion by 2034, growing at 15.2% CAGR through 2034.
What will be the size of aerial photography and videography segment in the drone camera industry?
How much market size is expected from North America drone camera market by 2034?
Who are the key players in drone camera industry?
Drone Camera Market Scope
  • Drone Camera Market Size
  • Drone Camera Market Trends
  • Drone Camera Market Analysis
  • Drone Camera Market Share
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    Base Year: 2024

    Companies covered: 16

    Tables & Figures: 660

    Countries covered: 22

    Pages: 210

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