Here’s a question I get asked a lot when people see my setup: is that a solar panel on your roof? Yes. Yes it is. And no, I’m not about to launch into a lecture about saving the planet — though that’s a solid bonus. This is about something much more practical: keeping batteries charged, kit running, and not getting caught short on a location in the middle of South Yorkshire with a flat drone battery and two hours of shoot left.

Let me break down how I’ve got things set up — both in the office here in Doncaster and out on the road with my mobile Jackery rig.

DJI has dominated the consumer and professional drone market for years — and for good reason. Their cameras are sharp, their flight systems are reliable, and their ecosystem is mature. But they’re not the only option. Whether you’re put off by price, concerned about data security, frustrated by geo-fencing restrictions, or simply want to explore what else is out there, there are some genuinely compelling alternatives worth knowing about.

Here’s a look at the best alternatives to DJI drones in 2026, broken down by what kind of filmmaker or photographer you are.

When I tell people I run a filmmaking and photography business from Doncaster, I usually get one of two reactions: confused silence or "But wouldn't you do better in London?"

The assumption is that if you're serious about creative work, you need to be in the capital. Better clients. Bigger budgets. More opportunities. And sure, there's some truth to that. But after building Wayne Sables Project here in Yorkshire for the past several years, I've learned something important: you don't need to be in London to run a successful creative business. You just need to work differently.